By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Over N5 million Naira cash and business equipment worth N1.2 million Naira have been disbursed to 38 vulnerable beneficiaries to reduce poverty to the minimum in Kwara state.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Companion Kwara District Zakat Committee, Dr. AbdulMusawwir Alli-Oluwafuyi, said the total intervention, valued at N6.2 million, was distributed in Ilorin after screening of 99 applicants.
He urged wealthy Muslims to contribute a portion of their wealth to support less privileged members of the society, adding that administrators should carefully screen and select qualified beneficiaries.
According to him, the initiative was not only aimed at fulfilling a religious obligation but also to reducing poverty and empowering people economically.
Alli-Oluwafuyi noted that this year’s intervention surpassed the previous edition based on the confidence donors have in the credibility of the committee.
“What we distributed this year is more than what we distributed last year. It shows that people now trust us more with the administration of their Zakat,” he stated.
The committee chairman, however, identified low awareness and reluctance by some needy individuals to come forward as some of the challenges facing the programme.
He stressed the need for greater publicity and documentation of the programme to enable more people benefit from future editions.
One of the beneficiaries, Yusuf Aweda, who benefited under the educational category, said he requested a projector to support digital learning among secondary school students.
Awada, a digital technology instructor, lamented the poor access to digital learning facilities among students, adding that the equipment would aid practical teaching and reduce digital illiteracy.
For his part, Professor Abdujafaru Olawale Fahm urged wealthy individuals to embrace charitable giving, noting that helping the less privileged attracts blessings and promotes social harmony.
“The giver should never see charity as a loss because it increases blessings, social value and reward,” he said.
The committee disclosed that the beneficiaries comprised of 19 artisans and small business owners, 11 students, six indigent persons and two sick applicants.
Items distributed during the ceremony included sewing machines, weaving machine, gas iron with cylinder, projector and blender, alongside cash grants.