The IBILE Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has disbursed N85.5 million to 400 beneficiaries in a concerted effort to alleviate poverty and support economic empowerment, education, and healthcare within the Muslim community.
The disbursement was announced during the 2025 Ramadan Lecture and Zakat Distribution Ceremony in Lagos, where prominent Islamic scholars and leaders emphasized the significance of Zakat and Sadaqat in Islam.
The event also served as a tribute to the late Prof. Murtala Aderemi Bidmos, a revered Islamic scholar and former Chief Imam of the University of Lagos, recognized for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and charity.
Selection Process Ensured Equal Representation
According to Abdul Hameed Ademola Danmole, Secretary of the IBILE Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation Beneficiaries Screening Committee, the selection process was inclusive and transparent.
“A form was distributed through the League of Imams and Alfas, and an online version was made available to ensure a broad reach. After the deadline, we carefully reviewed applications, ensuring equal representation across the five divisions of Lagos,” Danmole explained.
Breakdown of the N85.5 Million Disbursement
The funds were allocated across three key sectors:
Economic Empowerment: Support for 50 traders and artisans to sustain their businesses.
Education: Scholarships for 250 students at the undergraduate, MSc, and PhD levels.
Healthcare: Health insurance coverage for 100 senior Imams, ensuring their medical well-being.
Danmole confirmed that this was only the first phase of the initiative, with additional disbursements expected before the end of the year.
Senator Abiru Emphasizes Zakat’s Role in Poverty Alleviation
Speaking at the event, Senator Mikail Adetokunbo Abiru described Zakat as a transformative pillar of Islam that fosters social and economic balance.
“In a world where inequalities persist, acts of kindness and charity serve as beacons of hope. Zakat is not just a financial obligation but also a purification of wealth, ensuring equitable distribution,” he stated.
He commended the IBILE Foundation for its transparent and accountable approach to Zakat collection and distribution.
“When you collect Zakat privately and distribute it publicly, that is responsibility and accountability,” Abiru remarked, urging more individuals to contribute to the initiative.
Zakat Can Eradicate Extreme Poverty, Says Sheikh Onikijipa
Delivering his keynote lecture, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, Grand Mufti of Ilorin, emphasized that Zakat is a mandatory act of worship and a divine tool for poverty eradication.
“Islam is built on five pillars, and Zakat is one of them. Allah repeatedly commands Muslims to give Zakat alongside performing Salat (prayer). If wealthy Muslims observed their Zakat obligations strictly, extreme poverty would be significantly reduced,” he said, citing Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43).
Onikijipa also commended IBILE’s timely Ramadan disbursement and urged givers to avoid showmanship in charity, emphasizing sincerity in fulfilling religious obligations.
Chief Imam of Lagos Highlights Spiritual Rewards of Zakat
The event’s host, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, Chief Imam of Lagos, stressed the spiritual rewards of charity.
“Allah says in the Qur’an (2:261) that charity multiplies like a seed growing into hundreds of grains. The Prophet (PBUH) also stated that a believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity,” he reminded attendees.
He praised the IBILE Foundation for upholding Islamic values and promoting communal responsibility through Zakat and Sadaqat.
A Tribute to the Late Prof. Murtala Bidmos
A special tribute was paid to Prof. Murtala Aderemi Bidmos, recognizing his wisdom, dedication, and impact on Islamic charity work.
“His legacy of scholarship and commitment to Islamic philanthropy remains an inspiration. We pray Allah grants him eternal peace,” organizers stated.
Appreciation for Key Donors and Supporters
The IBILE Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation extended gratitude to its supporters, including:
Dr. Kadiri Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, for his steadfast support.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, a major donor whose generosity has been instrumental.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Olowo Eko, for his significant contributions.
Professor Rasheed Ojikutu, who led the Beneficiaries Screening Committee with diligence.
The event concluded with prayers for the beneficiaries, donors, and organizers, reinforcing the spirit of giving, community support, and social justice in Islam.
With the first phase of disbursement complete, the IBILE Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation remains committed to sustaining its charitable efforts, alleviating poverty, and empowering communities in Lagos State and beyond.
