The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend launched the Majlis (Council) for Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf, a nongovernmental initiative long conceived to fight extreme poverty and hunger among Muslims in the state.
The Governor called the launch a great legacy for the House of Sheikh Alimi, and commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for the initiative.
The Governor said the initiative aligns with his administration’s policy to support the poor, underserved and vulnerable people through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP)
According to him, history is being made today in Kwara State as they gather for this unique project stressing that this is a project that should concern every Muslim in our state.
“Many centuries ago, Allah prescribed a sure-footed 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.”
AbdulRazaq, who pledged the state government’s support for the Council, commended the Emir of Ilorin and Sarkin Musulimi, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari for bringing together a team of honest, knowledgeable and influential people as members.
“The objective of this initiative aligns with our policy to support the poor, underserved and vulnerable people through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme. While a component of it teaches skills and offers non-interest loans for startups, another leg of it gives stipends to poor elderly people to protect them from extreme hunger,” he added.
“This is a great legacy for the House of Sheikh Alimi. I assure you of our support. I also urge everyone to support it because it will bridge poverty gaps, improve social cohesion, and ultimately reduce crimes in our communities.”
The Governor made a personal donation of N10m for the initiative.
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.
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.
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 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.
Justice Ambali, who gave a lecture at the event, said both Sadaqat and Zakat have been prescribed by God to instill in the givers a sense of gratitude, saying every righteous giver is eligible to earn abundant reward from God.
Differentiating Sadaqat from Zakat, Justice Ambali said Sadaqat is a rewarding action that is done voluntarily, while Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and mandatory for the rich in line with established procedures.
He said Islam is particular about the size of one’s wealth to give, what time to give and who the target beneficiaries should be, urging the wealthy people to always conform to the procedures to earn the necessary rewards.
