The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has generously donated N100 million to support the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, officially launched in Lagos on Saturday.
This new foundation aims to provide relief to the less privileged within the Lagos Muslim community. The grand launch, themed “Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf,” took place at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos.
The foundation, an independent entity, was established by notable Muslim residents across the five divisions of Lagos State, led by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, alongside the five divisional Chief Imams and their Ratibis.
Lagos Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, encouraged Muslims to support the less privileged through zakat, sadaqat, and waqf.
He emphasized that these fundamental pillars of Islam are essential for alleviating poverty and empowering those in need.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the foundation, describing it as a milestone in the collaborative efforts of the government and religious bodies to transform principles into practical actions.
He stressed that zakat ensures wealth redistribution to alleviate poverty and reduce economic disparity, while sadaqah fosters a spirit of giving and generosity, and waqf invests in sustainable endowments for long-term community benefits.
The governor commended the foundation’s leaders for their foresight and dedication, urging them to maintain transparency and accountability. He encouraged all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.
Prof. AbdulRasaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, a respected scholar of Islamic law, discussed the empowerment potential of zakat in his lecture. He emphasized that properly managed zakat could lift recipients out of poverty and benefit both the giver and receiver, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. He warned that neglecting to empower the poorest members of society could lead to insecurity and chaos.
Prof. Alaro also cited a 2022 UNHCR report that listed Nigeria among 14 countries that benefited from $1.2 billion spent on refugees worldwide. He stressed the importance of transparency in managing zakat funds to ensure continued donor support and the need to monitor and evaluate the impact of distributed zakat.
Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, emphasised the significance of zakat in Islam, noting its obligation to benefit eight categories of people and its role in combating poverty and illness. He highlighted that zakat is a compulsory act for wealthy Muslims to thank Allah and purify their wealth, surpassing other poverty alleviation programs.
In his welcome address, Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, described the foundation as a beacon of hope. He emphasized the essential role of zakat and sadaqah in promoting generosity and social justice, highlighting the foundation’s mission to aid those in need, support vulnerable individuals, and foster community unity.
The event culminated in the announcement of Oba Rilwan Akiolu’s substantial N100 million donation, underscoring his commitment to supporting the foundation’s noble cause.
