Zakat, practical tool for promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction —Oyo SSG

Zakat has been described as a practical tool for promoting social inclusion, reducing poverty, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The description was made by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibaudeen Babatunde, while featuring as the keynote speaker during the 2026 Zakat distribution, organised by the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Oyo State, at Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, the state capital.

Professor Babatunde noted that aside the aforementioned, zakat is also capable of fostering peaceful coexistence, calling on Muslims not to relent in their efforts by continuing to give. He applauded the foundation’s remarkable contributions to social welfare and economic development in the state. He assured the foundation of government’s continued support for initiatives that complement its efforts in improving the welfare of citizens.

Also, the guest lecturer, Imam of Virgin Mary Mosque, Australia, Sheikh Ismail Adekunle Busayr, in his lecture titled “Impactful Zakat: Stakeholders on Call”, emphasised that zakat is not merely an act of worship but a strategic instrument for sustainable development and social justice. He called on wealthy Muslims, professionals, business owners, and organisations to discharge their Zakat obligations through credible institutions to maximise its impact on society.

In his welcome address, the coordinator of the Foundation, Dr. Nofiu Abiodun Musa, appreciated the unwavering support of donors, partners, volunteers, and stakeholders who have continued to sustain the Foundation’s humanitarian interventions. He noted that zakat remains one of Islam’s most effective instruments for wealth redistribution, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that zakat reaches deserving beneficiaries in line with the teachings of Islam.

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The items distributed included industrial sewing machines, deep freezers, generators, grinding machines, barbing equipment, business support materials, and other vocational tools aimed at promoting self-reliance and sustainable income generation.

In commemoration of International Widows Day, the Foundation also empowered 30 widows with livelihood support and distributed food packs to improve their welfare. In addition, 50 vulnerable individuals and families benefitted from the Foundation’s Food for the Needy Programme, receiving essential food items to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic challenges.

The event featured the presentation of empowerment materials and food items to beneficiaries amid appreciation and prayers from recipients, many of whom expressed gratitude to the Foundation and its donors for restoring hope and creating sustainable means of livelihood.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the donors, beneficiaries, Oyo State, and Nigeria. Participants described the programme as another milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to promote economic empowerment, support widows and vulnerable groups, and strengthen community development through the effective management and distribution of Zakat.