- The Sultan of Sokoto and Awujale of Ijebuland urge wealthy Muslims to fulfill their Zakat obligations to alleviate poverty in Nigeria
- During a Zakat distribution event, the Sultan emphasized the importance of helping the less fortunate to address socioeconomic issues
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, have called on affluent Muslims to fulfil their religious duty of paying Zakat to help alleviate poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria.
The appeal was made on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a Zakat distribution event organized by the Education Social and Health Mission (MESH), a Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) branch.
At the event, 45 beneficiaries from various parts of Ogun State received economic empowerment and educational support through Zakat contributions.
The Sultan, who also serves as the President-General of the NSCIA, highlighted the critical role that wealthier individuals can play in supporting those in need, especially given the country’s current economic challenges.
Represented by Dr. Abdullahi Shuib, the Sultan stressed that helping the less fortunate profoundly impacts addressing broader socioeconomic issues, including insecurity.
“This is a time when those who have more should share with those who have less, ensuring that resources reach every corner of Nigerian society,” the Sultan said. “This approach can help reduce insecurity and restore the secure society we once enjoyed.”
The Awujale, represented by Prof. Habeeb Oladipo Oduye, Vice President-General (Remo Zone) of the Ogun State Muslim Council, praised the various initiatives to address poverty. He emphasized the importance of empowering the needy to become wealth creators and contribute to Zakat.
Hajia Khadijah Oladipupo, the MESH Coordinator and Lead Programme Officer encouraged the beneficiaries to make the most of the empowerment items they received, hoping that they will also be able to contribute to Zakat in the future.