Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state Governor has charged the leaders of the IBILE Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure that the foundation is well managed.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat his Deputy, gave the advice at the weekend while speaking 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. Akoka.
He commended the leaders of the foundation for their foresight and commitment in bringing the foundation to life, while calling on all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.
He enjoined Muslims to reach out to the less-privileged and create lasting impacts that will be felt for generations to come through the payment of zakat, sadaqat and waqf.
While highlighting 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.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Sheikh Oluwatoyin Sulaiman Abou-Noulla, the Chief Imam of Lagos, earlier in his welcome address said 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 hopes 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.
“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. AbdilRasaq 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.