In a remarkable act of community empowerment and faith-inspired charity, the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Oyo North Zone, has disbursed ₦8.7 million to 25 deserving beneficiaries from its 2025 Zakat collections.
The disbursement event took place on Sunday, 6th July 2025, at The Muslim Congress (TMC) Da’wah Centre, located on Bamigbose Street, Owode, Oyo.
The funds—donated by Muslims whose wealth met the Nisab threshold – were distributed across three priority sectors, namely education (53%), economic empowerment (25%) and, healthcare (15%). This breakdown was shared by Ustadh Adegbite Sarafadeen, ZSF Coordinator for Oyo North.
Presiding over the ceremony, Alhaji Abdul Mumin Abdurraheem Olaore, the Aare Musulumi of Isekeland, praised the Foundation’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
“This is a highly commendable initiative. If Zakat is distributed in this structured manner across our society, the burden of poverty would be significantly reduced,” he remarked, while encouraging wealthy Muslims to trust and support the Foundation.
Out of 65 applicants, 25 individuals were carefully selected based on need and potential for impact – reflecting the Foundation’s focus on strategic and sustainable giving.
In his keynote lecture, Sheikh Luqman Abdurrafiu, Chief Imam of Ahlu Sunnah Mosque, Owode, reminded recipients that the assistance given is a trust from Allah, meant to be used with responsibility.
“Zakat uplifts not only the poor but also strengthens social harmony by curbing crime and moral decline,” he stressed, calling on the affluent not to delay in fulfilling their Zakat obligations.
Ustadh Abdullateef Bello Aiyedogbon, Zonal Administrative Officer, highlighted the success of the Foundation’s “Back to School” project, which recently expended over ₦2.5 million to support students in need.
He called for broader collaboration between public and private stakeholders to enhance access to quality education.
Reaffirming the Foundation’s principles, Ustadh Ya’qub Gawatta, Head of Field Operations, spoke on the importance of monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that all distributed items are used meaningfully. He also introduced the Infaqul Afwu initiative – an innovative programme that collects gently used items, refurbishes them, and redistributes them to the needy. “Even without cash, you can still give. Donate your used items and make a difference,” he urged the public.
One of the beneficiaries, Bushroh Jamiu, who received a full catering startup kit, expressed her deep gratitude: “I can’t believe it. They gave me everything – oven, show-glass, gas burner, cooking utensils, ingredients, and even ₦10,000 for transport. It would’ve taken me years to gather all this on my own.”
Other items distributed during the event included deep freezers, sewing machines, ICT equipment, generators, and more – providing beneficiaries with essential tools to start or scale their small businesses.
With this initiative, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation Oyo North continues to demonstrate how faith-driven giving can foster education, economic resilience, and social inclusion across communities.
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