Sokoto Spends N3bn on Allowances of Physically-Challenged in 8 Years
Mohammed Aminu The Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Committee, Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, has revealed that the state government had spent over N3 billion in the payment of monthly allowances to 6,866 physically-challenged persons in the state in the last eight years.
Maidoki made the remark while inaugurating the distribution of Zakkat donated by the Muslim Ummah in Durbawa village in Kware local government area of the state recently. He stated that each of the beneficiaries was given N6,500 per month under the programme.
He acknowledged that the state government has been giving N45 million monthly to the State Zakkat and Endowment Committee for onward disbursement to the physically challenged persons.
“The gesture is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the people and curb street begging. The payment of Zakkat is compulsory, while giving out endowments is voluntary, but we are highly encouraged. Thus, the payment of Zakkat and giving out of endowment help in purifying wealth and reduce poverty and unemployment in the society,” he said.
Maidoki commended the state government for solely funding the activities of the committee, as well as the Sultanate Council for its sustained support to the programme.
Also speaking at the event, an Islamic scholar Sheikh Usman Jabbi, stressed the need for wealthy individuals to pay Zakkat and give out endowments for the common good of the average man.
Jabbi emphasised that this was the only way to prevent the wrath of God from befalling such givers, saying, “God gives wealth for the common good of the society.”
In a remark, the District Head of Durbawa, Alhaji Mu’azu Yakubu, commended the state government and the Sultanate Council for their sustained efforts towards alleviating the suffering of the people.
During the event, 60 needy persons were each given five bundles of millet in Durbawa town, while 10 other persons got N10,000 each.
Zakkat is a kind of levy whereby a wealthy Muslim is expected to donate a fraction of his wealth to the needy in line with Islamic tenets.