Payment of Zakat can end poverty in Nigeria, says Cleric

The Secretary-General, League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun state, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, has called for regular payment of Zakat to reduce poverty in Nigeria.

The cleric who is also the Chief Imam of Ilaro, Yewa-North in Ogun State, identified poor welfarism as the major cause of poverty in the land.

He spoke at the 12th annual Zakat Distribution Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Egba/Yewa zone, Crescent, Muslim professionals hall, Leme.

Adewunmi, who spoke on the theme: “Returning to Allah: A panacea to economic challenges in Nigeria, advised executives in charge of Zakat Distribution to be sincere with the assignment given to them.

Adewunmi, represented by one of the Islamic scholars in the state, Sheikh Kolawole Abdul Razaq, enjoined them to ensure that there is equality during the screening exercise.

He said; “If every Muslim in Nigeria pays Zakat as expected, the level of poverty will reduce drastically. Muslims who are eligible to pay Zakat should ensure they pay without delay. This assignment given to you can either take you to heaven or hell, depending on how you handle it.

Adewunmi also urged beneficiaries to judiciously use what is given to them, while appealing to administrators of Zakat distribution to be sincere in their assignment.

Chairman of the occasion, Lateef Owoyemi, called on youths to engage in entrepreneurship to eradicate poverty.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Maruf Afuape, urged Muslims to pay their Zakat as expected to reduce the level of banditry and kidnapping in the country.

Afuape, who is also the patron of the foundation, lamented that most of the atrocities in the land were as a result of poverty.

Speaking on behalf of Zakat and Zadaqat Foundation, Sulaimon Olagunju, explained that the total amount disbursed in Egba/Yewa zone amounted to N7, 643,300, while about 53 persons benefitted.

He said: “One person was given accommodation, 42 got empowerment equipment while another got education support.

Olagunju added that the foundation paid debts owed by four persons, while four others got medical support.