Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat of the famous Islamic group, NASFAT (NAZAS), FCT Zone, has put smiles on the faces of 40 people, distributing a total cash of ₦11.916 million to them, even as it paid school fees for 152 pupils all in Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement from the group, the shower of financial blessings on the beneficiaries is part of the Muharram humanitarian intervention programme of the agency. Muharram is the beginning of Muslim New Month/Year.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony held at the NASFAT Mosque, Utako, Abuja, the Chairman of NAZAS FCT Zone, Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, said that the intervention is aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society to empower, educate and provide healthcare assistance to the needy.
Ajibola said that the disbursement formed part of activities marking the Islamic New Year and reflected the agency’s commitment to improving the welfare of the less privileged.
According to him, since its establishment in 2014, NAZAS has collected and distributed about ₦1 billion nationwide through various humanitarian programs targeted at the needy.
He added that the FCT Zone, which was inaugurated in 2019, had recorded significant growth, collecting and distributing nearly ₦200 million in cash and material support over the years.
“Our focus has been on empowering the needy, providing scholarships for indigent students and offering medical support to those facing health challenges.”
Ajibola recalled that NAZAS had in previous years undertaken several impactful projects, including the construction of boreholes in underserved communities, securing the release of inmates from the Keffi Correctional Centre and providing beneficiaries with income-generating items such as tricycles, generators, laptops, deep freezers and grinding machines.
He noted that earlier this year, during the Ramadan period, the agency carried out a special humanitarian intervention at the National Hospital, Abuja, where about ₦2 million was spent to offset medical bills of indigent patients.
“That initiative brought relief to many families facing difficult circumstances and further demonstrated our commitment to supporting those in need.”
He disclosed that as part of the day empowerment programme, beneficiaries received deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, generating set, heat press machine and laptops to help them establish or expand their businesses.
“We believe these items will provide beneficiaries with the tools needed to become self-reliant and improve their economic circumstances.”
On education, he said that NAZAS visited Karmo Primary School in Abuja and paid the school fees of 152 pupils whose parents and guardians could not afford the fees.
According to him, the intervention underscores the agency’s belief that every child deserves access to education irrespective of economic background.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ajibola advised them to regard the support not merely as charity but as an opportunity to improve their lives and contribute positively to society.
“We encourage you to cultivate the culture of giving back. As you become empowered and successful, remember others who may also need assistance. Help others, train others and contribute positively to your communities. We pray that one day you too will become Zakat payers.”
The chairman expressed appreciation to donors who entrusted their Zakat and Sadaqat to the agency, noting that their generosity had enabled NAZAS to touch lives and restore hope to many families.
He also used the occasion to reflect on the achievements of the outgoing FCT Council, whose tenure has ended this year.
Ajibola said that the council was deliberately constituted with credible Muslim professionals drawn from different sectors and not limited to members of NASFAT.
He listed members of the council to include Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Regional Editor of The Nation newspaper; Hajia Maryam Shehu, Deputy Chairperson of the Institute of Directors; Dr. Nasir Raji-Mustapha, former Director-General of the National Productivity Centre; Barrister Shewuden .O.Q. Giwa; Mrs. Suebat Lawal; Dr. Mrs. Lami Salawu; Alh Sharafadeen Alabelewe, a Director at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); Ustaz Shuaib M Kasandubu; Imam Abdulafees Suyuti; Alh Adebayo Kilani and Abdulganiyu Balogun.
He thanked the council members for their commitment, support and dedication to the agency’s humanitarian objectives throughout their tenure.
The event was attended by NAZAS officials, beneficiaries, donors, and community leaders.
