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Updated: Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation disburses N2.3bn to indigent, marks 25th anniversary
Updated: Zakat & Sadaqat Foundation disburses N2.3bn to indigent, marks 25th anniversary
The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) says it has distributed over N2.3bn to more than 28,000 beneficiaries across 27 states of the federation in 25 years of its existence
It disclosed this in Lagos at a parley with media executives as part of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the foundation, where a critical role of media in amplifying charitable causes was also examined.
The forum led by members of its board of directors provided an opportunity to foster dialogue, share insights and strengthen collaboration between the group and the media executives.
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ZSF, Prince Sulaimon Olagunju, said the group’s 25 years of existence had been that of service, sacrifice and commitment to the socio-economic development of the society, through its life-changing programmes and projects across 27 states of Nigeria.
He stressed that the impact had been deeply felt through 15 major socio-economic services that had brought hope and empowerment to countless lives across the nation.
These services, according to him, are poverty alleviation programmes, education support, healthcare initiatives, microfinance and economic empowerment, orphan and widows’ support, water and sanitation projects, food security and nutrition programmes, and emergency and disaster relief.
Others are housing and shelter projects, youth and skills development, medical outreach and free clinics, community development projects, dawah and Islamic advocacy, feeding fasting Muslims, and sharing inheritance according to Islam.
Olagunju said the milestone achieved was a testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty and empowering communities.
“Through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our dedicated team, we have been able to implement sustainable programmes that uplift individuals and families from poverty, giving them dignity and the opportunity to build better futures,” he said.
Prince Olagunju also appreciated the role of the media in amplifying the organisation’s mission.
He said, “Your tireless efforts in highlighting our activities, showcasing success stories, and shedding light on societal challenges have helped us reach more people and inspire greater participation in the noble cause of giving.”
He urged the media to continue “being our voice, spreading awareness about the importance of Zakat and Sadaqat, and advocating for a culture of charitable giving that can drive sustainable development.”
ZSF Board of Directors Chairman, Professor Tajudeen Yusuf, in his welcome address, said the vision of the organization is to institutionalise a charity that would bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
He said the successes recorded by the ZSF were made possible through collective faith, determination and unity of purpose.
Pioneer Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Shuaib Abdullahi, challenged media professionals to deepen their understanding of the Zakat work, moving beyond mere reporting to fostering genuine advocacy.
He criticised the practice of story syndication, urging journalists to provide diverse perspectives and develop comprehensive communication plans for organisations such as ZSF.
The interactive session, moderated by Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, addressed the crucial need for Islamic organisations to allocate adequate budgets for media engagement.
Participants also lamented the decline of Muslim-owned media outlets, highlighting the challenges faced by Muslim journalists.
The parley was attended by journalists from various media organisations, print, broadcast and online.
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Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds
Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds
Former Secretary of the Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, Alhaji Kabiru Jarimi, has refuted ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that he never interfered with Area Councils’ funds during his tenure.
Jarimi, who served under El-Rufai’s administration, described the claim as misleading, stating that funds were routinely deducted from councils’ allocations under various guises by the previous government.
The ex-ALGON State Secretary, who is also the former Chairman of Kaduna South local government, disclosed this in an interview over the weekend.
“I was shocked by El Rufai’s comment because local government funds were deducted without our approval. Most of the deductions targeted Southern Kaduna LGAs.
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“We never got our full allocations under El-Rufai. His government kept introducing policies to deduct funds unnecessarily. I even considered resigning. At times, we had no funds for overhead costs after paying salaries,” he recalled.
Jarimi, who said that El-Rufai justified the deductions as necessary to settle workers’ salaries, further noted that the state government also employed various means to withdraw additional funds.
The former Council Chairman cited the creation of the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority, Zaria Metropolitan Authority and Kafanchan Municipal Authority as a means of shortchanging local governments.
“Salaries were shared 60–40 between the capital territories and LGs around them. In Kaduna South, deductions were made in the name of sanitation, forcing us to remit funds to the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority (KCTA) every month,” he stated.
The former Chairman further alleged that the funds of local governments outside the capital territories were also deducted without explanation, citing deductions for security and ‘riot damage.’
Ex-LG chair challenges El-Rufai’s claims on council funds
metro
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona of St. Patrick Church, Ichida, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen in Anambra State.
According to a report by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday when four armed men, operating in a white Lexus 330 SUV with an unknown registration number, intercepted the cleric and whisked him away along with his Toyota Highlander SUV.
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A joint team of security operatives and local vigilantes (AVG) were said to have responded swiftly to the attack, pursuing the assailants and engaging them in a gun duel at a road intersection between Oraeri and Akwaeze villages.
Though the criminals managed to escape, their Lexus SUV sustained significant damage, including a shattered rear windshield.
The Anambra Police Command is yet to release a statement on the abduction of the priest.
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Anambra
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Adeleke University didn’t suspend Muslims for praying – MSSN
Adeleke University didn’t suspend Muslims for praying – MSSN
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Branch, Ede, Osun State, has described as “fake news” a statement credited to MURIC which alleged the suspension of a Muslim student of the university over Friday prayers.
The association, in a statement signed by its Ameer, Imran Adigun AbdulHakeem, on Sunday, said MURIC’s reports circulated on social media were a misrepresentation of happenings within the university, saying “our faith is respected by the management.”
In another letter, the association apologised to the director and facilitator of the university, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni, whom the association credited with providing a conducive atmosphere for Muslim students to practise their faith.
The letter reads: “On behalf of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, [I] write to address the ongoing misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the suspension of Muslim Students for praying on Campus.
“On the 14th of March, 2025, we were temporarily suspended from observing our Night Ramadan Prayers (Taraweeh) and Jummat prayers on campus on the orders of the Director of Security Service (DSS).
“However, on the 18th of March, we met with Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeleke regarding these challenges.
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“She provided us with a place where we could observe Ramadan, Jummat prayers, and the five daily prayers which we accepted. As a result, the suspension has been lifted, and we have resumed prayers at the new location provided by the university on the orders of Dr Modupe Adeleke.
“At no time have Muslim Students been forced to change their beliefs. While challenges may arise in any diverse academic institution, the university management has always been open to dialogue, and we have continued to receive support in practicing our faith.
“Adeleke University has provided a peaceful and respectful environment for all faiths, and we continue to practice our religion freely.
“We urge the public to disregard the misinformation that may have been spread regarding this matter as they do not reflect the reality of our experiences,” the letter to the university management noted.
The letter of apology to Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni reads: “As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you). On behalf of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Adeleke University Chapter, I apologize for any distress caused by the false social media reports.
“We assure you that we had no hand in spreading the misinformation. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support, guidance, and kindness towards us.
“Your commitment to our well-being and academic success is invaluable, and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly for your good deeds. Jazakumullah khairan (may Allah reward you with goodness).
“Thank you for being an exceptional Mother and mentor. We are blessed to have you,” the letter added.
Adeleke University didn’t suspend Muslims for praying – MSSN
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