In a display of entrepreneurial spirit, women have overwhelmingly dominated the winners’ list of the 10th Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation (ZSF)’s Entrepreneurship Development Project awards ceremony, held in Lagos.
The ceremony underscored ZSF’s enduring mission, to transform charity into empowerment and empowerment into prosperity. Speaking during the award and price giving ceremony, the Executive Director of ZSF, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, underscored the foundation’s aims to use Zakat and Sadaqah not just to alleviate poverty, but to build a generation of confident, innovative and self-reliant youths.
“This year’s competition, celebrated ZSF’s Silver Jubilee and coincided with International Youth Day, saw a record-breaking over 900 young Nigerians participate.”
He revealed that seven Star Winners each received N1 million, while 11 Runner-ups were awarded N200,000 each. “Over the past decade, the programme has disbursed a total of N103,450,000 in seed capital, empowering 90 Star Winners and 118 Runner-Ups,” he said.
Chairman Board of Directors, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, expressed his admiration, stating, “What caught my attention is the fact that women dominated the winners of this edition, and for me, it exposed the potential of our women.”
He further elaborated on the vital role women play in family economics, noting the stark difference in stability between households where both spouses contribute financially versus those solely reliant on the husband.
He emphasized that Islamic teachings, while placing men as protectors, do not preclude women from pursuing their entrepreneurial skills, citing the example of Khadijah, the wealthy entrepreneur wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He encouraged women to be productive and independent while maintaining their roles as wives. “Your business must not make you forget that you are a housewife, nor make you a disobedient wife,” he affirmed.
Former Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, acknowledged that the Business Plan Competition (BPC) witnessed remarkable growth since its inception in 2015. “I’m delighted to have witnessed the BPC, which I designed. It was a mustard seed I sowed in 2015, and today, I am privileged and fortunate to see that it has germinated beyond our imagination,” Imam Shuaib remarked.
He highlighted the fierce competition, with only one percent of the 900 contestants emerging as winners, underscoring the high standards and the immense talent pool. He reminded winners that their achievement is a trust, emphasizing not only growth but also the sustainability of their businesses as crucial for the Muslim community and nation-building.
Chief Executive Officer of Baytuzeenah, Hajia Saidat Otiti, commended ZSF for its quarter-century of dedication to human capital development, showcasing the transformative power of Zakat. She praised their consistent efforts in demonstrating the practical capabilities of the Islamic economy through charity and empowerment.
Executive Director/CEO of Timeline Consult and Chairman of the event, Alhaji Shuaib Idris, congratulated the winners, acknowledging their ingenuity and innovative ideas. He also offered words of encouragement to the runner-ups, reminding them that “in the world of business, every attempt, every iteration, every lesson is a stepping stone to success.”
