MAN disburses N5.48m funds, empowerment tools to 32 Zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan

The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ibadan branch, has distributed cash grants and empowerment equipment worth N5.48 million to 32 beneficiaries as part of its 2026 Zakat and Sadaqah programme aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society.

The distribution exercise was held on Saturday at the association’s headquarters in the Oke-Ado area of the Oyo State capital city.

Speaking at the event, the branch chairman, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Ganiy, said the association, through its Zakat and Sadaqah management arm, the Muslim Association of Nigeria Zakat Administration Programme (MANZAP), had disbursed more than N28 million to 340 deserving beneficiaries since the initiative began in 2017.

He recalled that during the economic hardships occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the association provided support worth about N1.7 million in the form of zakat funds and food palliatives to struggling households.

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Abdul-Ganiy gave the assurance that the association would continue to expand its humanitarian efforts to uplift more people from poverty and deprivation.

“Our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to strive to support members of the Ummah and other vulnerable groups in society,” he said.

In a lecture delivered at the event, the Deputy Imam of MAN, Ibadan branch, Alhaji Mubashir Adeleke Lawal, underscored the significance of zakat as a vital instrument for wealth redistribution in Islam.

He urged wealthy Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation of paying zakat, warning against neglecting the divine injunction. 

He also advised beneficiaries to make productive use of the funds and equipment received.

Earlier, Chairman of the MANZAP Management Committee, Alhaji Wahab Adisa Lateef (Olokuta), explained that the body was established to collect and administer zakat and sadaqah contributions, process applications from eligible individuals, and ensure transparent distribution of the funds.

According to him, this year’s programme marks the 10th edition of the initiative and the fifth distribution exercise conducted by the current management committee since June 2021.

Lateef disclosed that 54 applications were received for the 2026 exercise, out of which 32 beneficiaries were selected after a rigorous screening and interview process. 

He said that a total of N5,483,629.52, in the form of money and empowerment materials, was approved for disbursement this year.

He commended members of the advisory council, led by Prof. Dawud Noibi, for their support and guidance, noting that 308 beneficiaries had received assistance before the current exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Moshood Saheed Muhammed expressed gratitude to the association and donors for the support, praying for God’s blessings upon them.

A former beneficiary, Mrs Glory Onabade, a widow, shared a testimony of overcoming life-threatening illnesses, including cervical cancer, which she attributed to divine intervention.