One of Nigeria’s foremost charity organizations, the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (Z & SF), has marked 25 years of service, sacrifice, and commitment to social development. To celebrate this milestone, the foundation hosted a media parley in Lagos, bringing together media executives and members of its board to strengthen collaboration and share insights on its humanitarian efforts.
For the past quarter-century, Z & SF has been at the forefront of alleviating poverty and empowering communities across 27 states in Nigeria. Through 15 major socio-economic services—including education support, healthcare initiatives, microfinance empowerment, and disaster relief—the foundation has disbursed over N2.3 billion, directly impacting at least 28,090 beneficiaries.
Media as a Catalyst for Social Change
Speaking at the event, Professor Tajudeen Yusuf, Chairman of the Board of Directors, emphasized that the foundation’s vision is to institutionalize charity as a bridge between the wealthy and the less privileged. He credited the organization’s achievements to collective faith, determination, and unity of purpose.
In his keynote address, Executive Director and CEO, Prince Sulaimon Olagunju, highlighted that the foundation’s 25-year journey was not just about longevity but about impact.
“Through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our dedicated team, we have been able to implement sustainable programs that uplift individuals and families from poverty, restoring their dignity and giving them the opportunity to build better futures,” Olagunju said.
He further acknowledged the critical role of the media in amplifying the foundation’s mission, stressing that journalists have helped broaden public awareness of zakat and sadaqat as powerful tools for fostering social and economic equity.
“Your tireless efforts in highlighting our activities, showcasing success stories, and shedding light on societal challenges have helped us reach more people and inspire greater participation in the noble cause of giving,” he said.
Strengthening Media Partnerships for Greater Impact
During an interactive session on Media Collaboration for Social Impact, moderated by Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo of The Nation Newspaper, participants stressed the need for Islamic organizations to allocate adequate budgets for media visibility. Some journalists also called for the establishment of more media houses owned by wealthy Muslims, lamenting the decline in Muslim-centered media advocacy since the passing of media moguls Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Alao Arisekola.
Pioneer Executive Director of Z & SF, Dr. Shuaib Abdullahi, reflected on the foundation’s early media engagements, noting that while initial coverage was driven by convenience rather than conviction, the media’s understanding of zakat and sadaqat has evolved over time.
However, he cautioned against “story syndication” among journalists, which often limits diverse perspectives in event coverage. He urged media professionals to introduce variety in their reporting and develop a communication strategy for Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation to enhance its outreach efforts.
In response, Prince Olagunju reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with the media.
“Let us continue this journey together. Your voices are powerful, and through your platforms, we can amplify our impact, inspire more generosity, and ultimately create a more just and compassionate society,” he stated.
The event was attended by journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media platforms, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in driving social change.
