By Fatima Aliyu
The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Kaduna Main Branch, has called on Muslims and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the less privileged and contribute towards reducing poverty and hardship in society.
The call was made during the presentation of Zakat empowerment tools and equipment to 27 beneficiaries under the branch’s 2026 Zakat programme in Kaduna.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Branch Chairman, Alhaji Sulaemon Alebiosu, described Zakat as one of the five pillars of Islam and a major instrument for promoting social justice, reducing poverty and strengthening economic security.
He said Zakat purifies wealth and protects the giver from the moral ills associated with greed and excessive love of wealth, while providing support for vulnerable people, including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and the destitute.
Alhaji Sulaemon disclosed that the branch raised approximately 3.5 million naira for the 2026 Zakat exercise, adding that 27 members and non-members were selected after a rigorous screening process to receive various empowerment tools and equipment.
He said the items were intended to improve the beneficiaries’ economic wellbeing and enable them to become self-reliant, eventually putting them in a position to support others and pay Zakat.
The chairman appreciated the Kaduna State Government for its efforts to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable citizens, particularly those affected by the current economic situation. He appealed for sustained partnership with NASFAT on palliatives and other social protection programmes.
He also disclosed that the branch had established a post-distribution monitoring committee to ensure that the empowerment items were properly utilised.
The guest lecturer, Professor Yakubu Obadaki Yusuf, said supporting the needy, strengthening welfare programmes and providing means of livelihood were essential to reducing poverty and building a stable society.
Professor Yusuf urged Muslims to make assisting others a responsibility within their means and encouraged beneficiaries to emulate the donors by supporting others when they become financially capable.
Also speaking, representative of the Chairman of the Day, Surveyor Abdulrashid Jamiu, Lola Abdulrashid Muhammad Jamiu, said prevailing economic and security challenges, including poverty, unemployment and hunger, continue to place enormous pressure on families and communities.
He described Zakat as a practical tool for addressing some of these challenges, saying proper collection and responsible distribution could provide immediate relief while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
One of the donors, Dr Tajudeen Bakare, expressed hope that the beneficiaries would also extend similar assistance to others in the future, while beneficiaries appreciated NASFAT and the donors for the gesture and pledged to support others when they are able to do so.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
