The Ondo State chapter of the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has disbursed cash and empowerment materials valued at N3 million to 18 widows and other vulnerable residents as part of efforts to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.
The beneficiaries received various items, including sewing machines, grinding machines, refrigerators and deep freezers, alongside financial assistance during a distribution programme held on Monday in Akure.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of the foundation, Abdulwasl Aliu, said the initiative was aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic stability within communities.
The programme, themed “Zakat Social Responsibility: Strengthening Economic Security, Community Cohesion, and National Peace,” also marked the foundation’s annual widows’ support initiative.
Aliu explained that the organisation, which has operated in Nigeria for over 25 years and in Ondo State for a decade, relies on donations from individuals within and outside the country to support people in genuine need.
He noted that the foundation conducts thorough assessments before selecting beneficiaries to ensure assistance reaches deserving recipients.
“We collect zakat and other charitable donations from well-meaning individuals and carefully identify those with genuine needs. This year, 18 people benefited, with widows receiving the larger share of the support as part of the activities marking Widows’ Week,” he said.
Aliu also expressed appreciation to donors whose contributions made the empowerment programme possible.
In his welcome address, the State Grand Patron of the foundation, Prof. Isiaq Amoo, urged Muslims and other well-meaning individuals to embrace charitable giving and support efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged.
He noted that the value of cash and items distributed by the foundation had increased over the years and appealed for more support from philanthropists to enable the organisation to expand its interventions.
According to Amoo, the foundation’s activities extend beyond financial assistance to include educational support, scholarships and community development projects.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the Acting Imam of the Government House Mosque, Akure, Ustadh Abdulwasl Yusuf, encouraged individuals, corporate organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts by empowering vulnerable members of society.
He described charity as a means of promoting peace, security and economic development, stressing that wealth should be used to uplift those in need.
Yusuf said supporting family members, neighbours and other disadvantaged people would strengthen peaceful coexistence and contribute to a more stable society.
Also speaking, the Alafin of Afin-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area, Oba AbdulRaheem Adejoro Mustapha, urged affluent Muslims to cultivate the habit of giving back to society.
The monarch said wealth was a blessing from God and should be used to improve the lives of the less privileged rather than being hoarded.
He also advised beneficiaries to make productive use of the cash and equipment provided to them.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Morufat Adeola, a widow from Ijoka in Akure South Local Government Area, expressed gratitude after receiving a deep freezer.
She said the support would help her cater for her children and pledged to extend similar acts of kindness to others whenever she was in a position to do so.