By Haroon-Ishola Balogun

Lagos State Governor. Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has enjoined Muslims to reach out to the less-privileged and create lasting impacts that will be felt by generations to come through the payment of zakat, sadaqat and waqf to care for the less privileged, as it would help to ameliorate poverty and empower the needy in the society.

The governor stated this Saturday at the Launch/Public Presentation of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation with the theme: “Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf” held at the Main auditorium, University of Lagos.

The Governor who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted that Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf are essential pillars in Islam, embodying compassion, solidarity, and social justice. He said, like fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, zakat payment is compulsory for Muslims and that it is a responsibility to give to the less privileged.

“Just like fasting during the month of Ramadan and observing our daily prayers, Zakat payment is also compulsory for Muslims. It is for us as Muslims not to abdicate our responsibility but understand that we need to share with the poor and needy in our midst from what Allah has blessed us with”, Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor added that, through these principles, Muslims are reminded of their duties to support the less fortunate, promote equity, and foster an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu described the establishment of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation as a significant milestone in the collective efforts of the government and the religious bodies to translate the timeless principles into tangible actions.

He stressed that “By harnessing the power of Zakat, we are ensuring that wealth is redistributed in a manner that alleviates poverty and reduces economic disparity. Through Sadaqah, we are encouraging voluntary charity that fosters a spirit of giving and generosity. And with Waqf, we are investing in sustainable endowments that will provide long-term benefits to our communities.”

While commending the leaders of the IBILE Muslims Community for their foresight and commitment in bringing the foundation to life, the governor charged them to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure that the foundation is well managed. He therefore called on all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Sulaiman Abou-Noulla stated that the foundation is not just an organisation but a beacon of hope and symbol of collective responsibility towards one another and the development of the community.

He emphasized that Zakat and Sadaqah are integral to faith, promoting generosity and social justice, stressing that the foundation hope to extend assistance to those in need, support the vulnerable, and foster solidarity within the community.

“By contributing to this new course, you are not only enriching your life in this world but preparing for the year after, but you are also contributing to the development of vital infrastructure such as improved educational institutions, health care facilities such as specialized centers for mother and child care and ensure accessibility and affordable health care, empowering programmes, among other development,” he concluded.

While reflecting on the significance of Zakat and Sadaqah, he stated that the different donations to Zakat and Sadaqah no matter how small is a beckon of hope, adding that donations will be used in transforming lives and communities and stressing that the principles of charity and compassion remains centre of faith.

“Let us seize this opportunity to fulfill our religious obligations and made our commitment to fellow human beings. Together let us make genuine impact to life and live a long-lasting legacy of kindness and generosity for future generations,” he said.

In their presentations, the two guest speakers at the event, Prof. AbdulRasaq Alaro and Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa stressed the significance of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf in eradicating poverty and empowering the needy and less-privilege in the community. They urged Muslims to give generously to the foundation, as it is a divine obligation to support those in need.

The event underscore the importance of collective efforts in empowering communities through religious principles, with a call for continued generousity and commitment to social justice.