The Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat (NAZAS), an arm of the NASFAT, a non-governmental organisation established with the aim helping needy in the society, has said that it would expand its operation beyond Lagos State with a view to providing succour to the needy.
This is as the organisation recently empowered 45 less-privileged with various gift items and cash donation.
The disbursement took place at the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners Hall, Ikeja in Lagos State.
Speaking, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the NAZAS, Mr Niyi Yusuf, said that the inspiration to embark on such gesture was generated by the five pillars of Islam.
“We realise that people try to carry along all but neglect the key one which is Zakat and this is one pillar that can help reduce poverty in the land,” he noted.
Throwing more light on what the event entailed, the President of the NASFAT, Alhaji Yomi Bolarinwa, said: “People have given their Zakat and we are gathered here to distribute to those who are considered less privileged. As a Muslim, you are enjoined to pay Zakat to be distributed to those who are sick, whose bills are beyond their reach, people who cannot make ends meet, people who are supposed to work but don’t have the means. Basically, to assist people makes one a better Muslim. If someone is gainfully employed he/she will be a better Muslim.”
Committed to touching lives, the agency had awarded scholarships to students, distributed items to internally displayed persons in Borno, Yobe and Gombe states and collaborated with the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) to provide free medical services in rural areas.
Among beneficiaries of the gesture of NAZAS was Mrs Aisha Ogunbayo, a physically challenged mother of three, who could not hide her joy when she was called to receive a cheque of N200, 000.
Another beneficiary was a 45-year-old Ranti Sodeinde, a petty trader at Ojota Garage, who said: “I do catering rentals but I need money to keep it going.”