Towards fostering communal welfare and empower individuals toward self-reliance amid challenging economic times, Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) has disbursed N162 million in cash and material aid to over 430 beneficiaries through its 2025 Zakat Disbursement programmme.

The yearly empowerment programme supported beneficiaries drawn from various sectors including education, healthcare, SMEs with cash and working tools .

President of LEMU, Alhaji Abdulganiy Labinjo, reiterated the desire of the organization to transform beneficiaries into future contributors to society.

“This Zakat funds is managed here to disburse appropriately, in line with the Sunnah. We screen applicants thoroughly, ensuring funds go to those who truly need them.”
Labinjo also highlighted LEMU’s holistic approach, which goes beyond mere financial aid.
“Beneficiaries receive guidance on responsible fund management to ensure prudent use of the assistance. Money can be tempting, especially when large sums are involved, so we educate beneficiaries on prudent use,” he noted.

The guest speaker/Director of Executive Education at Nungu Business School, Dr. Jibril Salaudeen, urged Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship, stating that 70 percent of wealthy individuals globally are not in salary jobs.  

Chairman of the Zakat Committee, Alhaji Yunus Salisu, stressed the meticulous screening process and LEMU’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He confirmed that beneficiaries are monitored to ensure appropriate use of funds and cautioned against misusing Zakat for purposes like Eid sacrifices rather than genuine needs.

The Chef Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, spoke on financial literacy and education. He lamented the prevalence of debt among Muslims, calling it a spiritual and social problem.

Jamiu underscored leveraging Zakat and government programs like NELFUND to combat poverty through education and responsible financial practices, while cautioning against interest-based loans and seeking help from soothsayers, which contradict Islamic principles.

He emphasized on the societal benefits of Zakat, describing it as the third pillar of Islam, enabling the rich to support the poor. “Without Zakat, societal issues like poverty and crime would be far worse.”

Among the beneficiaries of LEMU 2025 Zakat Disbursement is Isah Ibrahim, a northerner who got into debt when his hire-purchase motorbike was stolen, for which he had paid N600,000 out of N1 million. He was accused of theft and unjustly imprisoned.

Upon hearing of Isah’s plight, LEMU intervened while he was still incarcerated, settling his bills and facilitating his release. After Isah regained his freedom, LEMU provided him with a new motorcycle.

He thanked the ummah and bestowed the blessing of Almighty Allah in them, saying, “I am grateful and pray Allah bless the ummah.”