The Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), has celebrated its 25th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of transformative impact across the nation. In a gathering of media executives and board members in Lagos, the foundation showcased its remarkable achievements, revealing over N2.3b distributed to more than 28,000 direct beneficiaries across 27 states.

The event, framed as a media parley, served not only as a celebration, but also as a platform for critical dialogue on the role of media in amplifying charitable causes.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officeer (CEO) of ZSF, Prince Sulaimon Olagunju, stated that the milestone was a testament to the foundation’s unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty and empowering communities. He emphasised the foundation’s dedication to principles of compassion and generosity. He said: “Over the past 25 years, ZSF has implemented 15 major socio-economic services…”

They include poverty alleviation and education support to healthcare initiatives and emergency relief,” he said. Chairman,Board of Directors,Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, reiterated the organisation’s vision to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor through institutionalised charity.

However, the event also served as a moment for introspection, the foundation’s pioneer Executive Director, Dr. Shuaib Abdullahi challenged media professionals to deepen their understanding of zakat work, moving beyond mere reporting to fostering genuine advocacy. He criticised the practice of story syndication, urging journalists to provide diverse perspectives and develop comprehensive communication plans for organisations such as ZSF.

The interactive session, moderated by Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, addressed the crucial need for Islamic organizations to allocate adequate budgets for media engagement. Participants also lamented the decline of Muslim-owned media outlets, highlighting the challenges faced by Muslim journalists.

Despite these challenges, Prince Olagunju reaffirmed ZSF’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media, recognizing their vital role in amplifying the foundation’s message. Your voices are powerful,he stated, encouraging continued collaboration to build a more just and compassionate society.