Forty-five small-scale business owners in Ogun State have been empowered with tools and items worth over N10 million through the sixth edition of a programme jointly organised by Dawah Front of Nigeria, Abeokuta Chapter, and the Amir Zakat Foundation.
The ceremony, held on Sunday at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, benefited artisans, traders, computer operators, food vendors, and a Point of Sales (POS) operator.
Each of the 45 beneficiaries received industrial and manual sewing machines, refrigerators, laptops, medium-sized generators, laminating machines, weaving machines, foodstuff, and cash support.
The total cost for empowering the 45 persons exceeded N10 million. Five other applicants were pended and are set to receive their empowerment items at a later date.
Chairman of the Zakat Committee, Alhaj Surajudeen Fashola, disclosed that 73 applications were received, 64 applicants were interviewed, and 45 were recommended, including 38 women and 7 men.
Fashola recommended that future editions allocate 15 per cent of support to Dawah Front members from chapters outside Abeokuta.
“The committee prioritised genuine need, proper documentation, and potential for growth in selecting beneficiaries,” he said.
Deputy National Coordinator of Dawah Front of Nigeria, Prof. Sheriffdeen Adewuyi, who spoke on behalf of the National Coordinator, highlighted the spiritual and economic significance of the initiative.
“Allah mentioned Zakat 82 times in the Quran. We urge beneficiaries to use these tools to grow their businesses and become contributors of Zakat themselves,” he said, stressing the need for sustainability of the programme and increased participation in Zakat payment, given a worrying decline in compliance.
Dr. Samsideen Ayanwale, Abeokuta Chapter Coordinator, commended Amir Zakat Foundation for contributing N7 million to the empowerment drive and urged recipients to properly utilise the items to expand their businesses.
Waheed Qadri, Consultant to the Zakat Committee, assured that monitoring mechanisms would be in place to prevent diversion or misuse of the empowerment items.
The programme also extended support beyond Dawah Front members, with about 25 per cent of beneficiaries drawn from other communities including Ikare-Ekiti and Ayetoro.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Owolabi, expressed gratitude to the organisers, promising to properly utilise the items to expand her business.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to reducing poverty and promoting economic empowerment through consistent Zakat-driven initiatives.
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