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.