Kwara launches Zakat Council to fight extreme poverty among Muslims

Kwara State has launched its maiden Zakat council to cater for the poor and the needy in the state.

The Majlis (Council) for Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf, the nongovernmental initiative has been long conceived to fight extreme poverty and hunger among Muslims in the state.

Speaking during the programme, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who launched the council described it as a great legacy for the House of Sheikh Alimi.

“History is being made today in Kwara State as we gather for this unique project that should concern every Muslim in our state.

“Many centuries ago, Allah has prescribed a surefooted solution to the problem of mass poverty and social integration in our society.

“Many Muslim societies have taken full advantage of the institution of Zakat and Sadaqah to reduce extreme hunger and build a cohesive society where no one is left behind”, he noted.

The Governor stated that the objective of the initiative was in tandem with his administration’s policy to support the poor and vulnerable people in the state.

“The objective of this initiative aligns with our policy to support the poor, underserved and vulnerable people through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme.

“I am therefore glad that His Royal Highness the Emir of Ilorin and Sarkin Musulimi Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has brought together a team of honest, knowledgeable and influential people to birth this great initiative in Kwara State,” he added.

The Turakin of Ilorin, Mallam Salihu Mustapha, who was the Chairman of the occasion, ably represented by Prof. Mashood Jimba of Kwara State University during the launching of the Zakat initiative, said, the idea was well received, saying that it will go a long way to reduce poverty among Muslims in the state.

Mustapha added that the initiative would help reduce social vices and crimes among the teeming youth in Kwara State.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara state Traditional Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), expressed optimism that the launch would make the initiative — which had long been conceived– stronger and exemplary to the World.

He thanked the Governor for championing the social safety net in the state, and appealed to other well meaning individuals to support the project.

For his part, the Chairman of the Majlis, Alhaji Sa’ad Belgore, said the mandate of the Council was to mobilise all Muslim philanthropists in the state to collect, distribute and administer Sadaqat, Zakat and Waqf through the council to impact positively on the society.

He, however, called for support and partnership of the state government, especially its relevant agencies in their efforts to reach out to the poor and make life bearable for them in the state.

The event was well attended by dignitaries from across the state, including the State Chief Judge Durosinlohun Kawu; Ag Grand Kadi, Kwara state Shariah Court of Appeal, Abdullateef Kamaldeen; Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Muazu Omar; Turakin Ilorin and Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Saliu Mustapha who was represented by Prof. Mashood Mahmud Jimba; former Grand Kadi Justice Mutalib Ambali and other former Grand kadis, and Alhaja Muslimat Kamaldeen.