Muslim charities advised on documentation, accountability

MUSLIM organisations providing help to people in need have been urged to place premium on proper financial documentation and accountability in their day-to-day activities.

The acting Head of Department of Accounting, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Mr Ahmad Uthman, gave the advice in Ilorin at the second annual retreat of Oasis Muslim Care Foundation.

He explained that Muslim charities are accountable to many entities such as the stakeholders, donors, beneficiaries and even the government.

According to Uthman, proper documentation of the inflow and outflow of donations must be done and such funds must be used for the intended purposes.

The don explained that the organisations are bound to enjoy a number of benefits once this is done.

He listed some of the benefits as increased public trust and confidence, avoidance of financial scandal and building of confidence in the government about the nature of the organisations’ activities.

At the retreat, the Branch Manager, Jaiz Bank, Ilorin, Mr Taofik Mustapha, spoke on effective strategies for funds generation for Muslim organisations helping the underprivileged.

The third speaker, Dr Oba Abdulkadri Laaro of the Mass Communication Department, University of Ilorin, delivered a speech on “Generating Publicity and Increasing Awareness for a Muslim NGO.”

The event was attended by the trustees of Oasis Muslim Care Foundation, Ilorin and representatives of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ilorin Central branch and Oasis Muslim Widow and Orphans Welfare Foundation.