THE Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) has spent N255,500,667 to uplift 3,199 disadvantaged Nigerians across the country this year.
The Executive Director of the faith-based humanitarian organisation, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, made this disclosure at the 17th Lagos zakat distribution ceremony held at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja.
Prince Olagunju said the fund was used to uplift the underprivileged through educational support for orphans, support for people with health challenges, economic support for traders and artisans, care for widows, settling of debts, among other things.
The disbursement, Olagunju said, was carried out in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to him, over 60 per cent of the zakat disbursed in Lagos State was used for the empowerment of the needy and poor members of the various communities.
“Over 19 per cent was used to provide medical care for patients with different kinds of health challenges, while the rest was shared for debt relief and educational support for the underprivileged members in our midst,” he added.
He urged Muslims to continue paying zakat for the development of the society.
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, commended the ZSF for supporting Muslim and non-Muslims alike.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla prayed Allah to continue to strengthen the donors and the management of the foundation.
He, however, sought the harmonisation of zakat payment in the country, noting that efforts had been directed at implementing a harmonised zakat payment system in Lagos State.
“We need to harmonise and make collective efforts. That is how we can get resources to channel to the various sectors of the economy. May Allah make it easy for us,” the cleric said.
One of the Christian beneficiaries at the Lagos event, Madam Veronica Fagbami, expressed happiness for making the list.
“Since the death of my husband, no one has been there except God. When I came for the interview, I was told to pray to be among the beneficiaries. And today, I am grateful I am on the list. Though I requested money and a grinding machine, I was given only the machine. I won’t sell it. I will make judicious use of it.
“I pray Almighty God to continue to strengthen the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation. Their donors will continue to be blessed. Their organisation shall rise in leaps and bounds,” Fagbami said.
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