ZSF gives N2.2m lifeline to 40 beneficiaries in Edo
The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has kick-started 2017 state by state annual zakat distribution in Edo State, giving out N2.2 million lifeline to 40 beneficiaries from both Edo state.
The Renaissance reports that the zakat distribution took place in Benin City on Sunday, during which some less-privileged person received lifeline supports in various financial forms.
Addressing the gathering beneficiaries, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, the Executive Director/ CEO of the foundation, remarked that the non-governmental organisation was out to reenact the Zakat, being one of the five key pillars of Islam that had been neglected.
I am very pleased to welcome you to the 3rd edition of Annual Zakat Distribution Ceremony of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation in Edo State. “We have all gathered here today to participate re-erecting the most neglected but most important pillar of our way of life (Islam).
“Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation was established purposely to help the rich enrich the poor so that we can live in peace and harmony. “We are strongly dedicated to relieving the plight of the indigents, using the instrumentality of Zakat and Sadaqat as enjoined by Allah (SWT) in the Holy Qur’an that we should collect from the rich and give to the poor and needy,’’ he said.
According to Olagunju, the foundation is merely helping the rich to assist and enrich the poor, caring and touching the lives of the generality of humanity in the society.
He said that clothing and other materials worth over N1 million were distributed to the needy Delta state. In addition, the CEO said 20 women were given some amount of money as part of the economic empowerments aspect of the package.
“Today, we are disbursing N2.2 million in Benin for the 2017 to 40 beneficiaries.’’ He gave a breakdown of the distribution to include empowerment – N736,000; education support – N560,000 and Debt relief – N176,000. Others are Medical support – N110,000, Welfare support – N318,000 and Others – N300,000. According to Olagunju, a simple analysis of the distribution shows that buck of the zakat disbursed this year is geared towards empowerments that will lead to a good living condition of the beneficiaries. He said it would also promote their entrepreneur activities.
The Renaissance reports that the items distributed included grinding machines, industrial machine, sewing machine, shoe making machine, deep freezer and popcorn machine. He appealed to the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by making efficient and effective use of the items and cash been collected. “Please, do not divert the working equipment to other personal use; they were given to you as a means of generating income for you. Therefore, do not sell them,’’ Olagunju pleaded.
By The Renaissance
