MAN disburses ₦5.48 million, empowerment tools to 32 zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan

MAN disburses ₦5.48 million, empowerment tools to 32 zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan

The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ibadan Branch, has distributed ₦5.48 million in cash grants and empowerment materials to 32 beneficiaries under its 2026 Zakat and Sadaqah Programme, reaffirming its commitment to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment within the Muslim community.

The distribution ceremony, held at the association’s headquarters in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, donors and beneficiaries to celebrate another milestone in MAN’s humanitarian outreach.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of MAN, Ibadan Branch, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Ganiy, said the initiative, coordinated through the Muslim Association of Nigeria Zakat Administration Programme (MANZAP), has disbursed more than ₦28 million to 340 deserving beneficiaries since its inception in 2017.

He noted that the programme has continued to expand despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that the association remains committed to supporting vulnerable members of society through the Islamic principles of zakat and sadaqah.

Abdul-Ganiy recalled that during the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the association provided relief worth about ₦1.7 million, comprising zakat funds and food palliatives, to struggling households across Ibadan.

He assured members that MAN would continue to strengthen its humanitarian interventions by mobilising more resources to assist widows, orphans, persons living with disabilities, unemployed youths and other vulnerable groups.

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

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Delivering a lecture at the event, the Deputy Imam of MAN, Ibadan Branch, Alhaji Mubashir Adeleke Lawal, described zakat as one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and a powerful tool for promoting social justice and reducing economic inequality.

He urged wealthy Muslims to faithfully fulfil their obligation of paying zakat, warning that neglecting the religious duty deprives the less privileged of much-needed support and weakens communal development.

Lawal also advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial assistance and vocational tools provided to them, urging them to invest the support in productive ventures capable of improving their livelihoods.

Earlier, Chairman of the MANZAP Management Committee, Alhaji Wahab Adisa Lateef (Olokuta), explained that the committee was established to professionally manage the collection, administration and transparent distribution of zakat and sadaqah contributions.

According to him, the 2026 programme represents the 10th edition of the initiative and the fifth distribution exercise conducted by the current management committee since assuming office in June 2021.

Lateef disclosed that the committee received 54 applications for this year’s exercise, out of which 32 beneficiaries were selected after a comprehensive screening and interview process to ensure fairness and transparency.

He said a total of ₦5,483,629.52, comprising cash grants and empowerment materials, was approved for disbursement to support beneficiaries in establishing or expanding businesses and improving their economic conditions.

The beneficiaries received various empowerment items, including equipment for tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, catering, farming and other vocational trades, alongside financial support to strengthen their businesses and promote self-reliance.

Lateef commended members of the association’s Advisory Council, led by Prof. Dawud Noibi, for their continuous guidance and support, revealing that 308 beneficiaries had received assistance before the latest disbursement, bringing the cumulative number of beneficiaries under the programme to 340.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Moshood Saheed Muhammed expressed gratitude to MAN, donors and members of the zakat committee for the intervention, describing it as timely and life-changing.

He pledged that the beneficiaries would utilise the funds and equipment responsibly to improve their businesses, cater for their families and contribute positively to society.

A former beneficiary, Mrs. Glory Onabade, a widow, also shared her testimony during the programme, recounting how previous assistance from the association helped her survive difficult times, including her battle with cervical cancer.

She attributed her recovery and improved living conditions to God’s mercy and the support received through the association’s humanitarian programme, encouraging donors to continue supporting the initiative.

The association reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the annual zakat and sadaqah programme, noting that economic empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening social welfare in Nigeria.

MAN disburses ₦5.48 million, empowerment tools to 32 zakat beneficiaries in Ibadan