16TH ANNUAL ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION – ZAKAT AND SADAQAT FOUNDATION, REMO ZONE
16TH ANNUAL ZAKAT DISTRIBUTION – ZAKAT AND SADAQAT FOUNDATION, REMO ZONE
The 16th Annual Zakat Distribution organized by the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Remo Zone, took place on Sunday, 29th June 2025 (corresponding to 4th Muharram, 1447 A.H.). The event, which has become a cornerstone in the Remo Islamic community, was held under the theme “Impacting Society Through Zakat: The Journey of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation in Remo Zone – The Stories They Conceive.” It brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders, beneficiaries, and supporters to uphold the sacred duty of Zakat while reaffirming its role in alleviating poverty and empowering lives.
The event commenced with a soul-touching opening prayer by Alhaji Munirudeen Thaabit, the Noibi Imam of Remoland, who offered profound supplications in the traditional Islamic manner, invoking divine blessings for the Foundation, its leadership, and the beneficiaries. His prayer set a spiritual tone and reminded everyone of the higher purpose of Zakat as an act of worship and social responsibility. This was followed by a melodious recitation from the Qur’an delivered by Ustaz Khalid Hassan, whose rendition captivated the audience and echoed the divine principles guiding acts of charity and compassion.
As the program progressed, a diverse and esteemed list of notable guests was introduced. Among them were Mr. Sulaimon Akintunde, Imam of Alhamdulilah Mosque, Ibafo; Yahya Hassan, Adviser to the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Remo Zone; Dr. Semiu Bello, Chief Adviser of the Foundation and also the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, who brought both religious insight and academic depth to the occasion. Other notable figures included Alhaji Abdjeleel Zakariyah, Chief Imam of Central Mosque, Apake; Alhaji Daud Olalekan Sonubi, Imam of Sabo Muslim Community; Alhaji Hussein Muhammad Awwal Hussein, Chief Imam of Ikenne; Alhaji Jimoh Sharafudeen, Chief Imam of Ilishan; and Alhaji Jimoh Taiwo, the Babalaje Adeeni of Remoland. Also in attendance were respected elders and community influencers such as Alhaji Nurudeen Atoloye, Alhaji Samood Jimoh, Alhaja Moriamo Yusuf, Alhaja Hakeemat Shokunbi, and Hajia Ibrahim Monsurat, all of whom added prestige and support to the event.
The Chairman of the Day, Alhaji Nurein Dotun Sokunbi, CEO of Amber Prime Plastics, delivered a thoughtful address in which he emphasized the practical impact of Zakat in reducing social disparity and empowering the less privileged. He commended the Foundation for its unwavering commitment to this cause, calling it a true reflection of Islamic values in action. The keynote lecture was delivered by Ustaz Ma’aruf Ahmed, Executive Director of Ass Waaf Foundation, who delivered an in-depth and spiritually resonant lecture on the theme. He stressed that Zakat is not merely a financial transaction but a divine obligation designed to circulate wealth, cleanse the soul, and create balanced societies. He highlighted the history of the Remo Zone’s Zakat journey and encouraged all Muslims to fulfill their responsibilities sincerely and consistently.
The Foundation’s coordinator gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the achievements and challenges faced by the zone over the past year. His report showed consistent progress, improved community engagement, and a growing list of beneficiaries. This was followed by the Executive Director’s speech in which Ustaz Ma’aruf Ahmed, speaking in his dual capacity, reemphasized that beyond being a pillar of Islam, Zakat is a structured form of wealth redistribution that can uplift entire families, spark entrepreneurship, and transform communities when done properly.
The most impactful moment of the event came during the presentation of items to beneficiaries. The items distributed included grinding machines, freezers, gas fabricators, vulcanizing equipment, sewing machines, start-up capital, cash gifts, and other livelihood-enhancing tools. These items were not only given as a religious obligation but as part of a broader strategy to empower individuals, promote self-reliance, and combat poverty at the grassroots level. Each item was thoughtfully chosen based on the needs of the recipients, ensuring that they could begin or improve their small-scale businesses.
Two beneficiaries, Mrs. Adebola Sulaimon and Mrs. Muyinat Oresajo, were invited to speak on behalf of the recipients. Their voices, filled with emotion and appreciation, told heartfelt stories of hope and transformation. They thanked the Foundation for not only supporting them financially but also restoring their dignity and giving them a renewed sense of purpose.
Several invited guests delivered goodwill messages, commending the Foundation’s tireless efforts and encouraging more partnerships and public involvement. They collectively stressed that the fight against poverty is not the responsibility of governments alone but one that must be embraced by the community through sustainable charitable efforts.
The Committee Chairman delivered an official vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all donors, organizers, volunteers, and community leaders who contributed to the success of the program. He noted that such events reflect the power of unity and faith-driven philanthropy, and called on more Muslims to fulfill their Zakat obligations with sincerity and diligence.
The event concluded with a serene closing prayer, once again led in the Islamic tradition, asking Allah to accept the good deeds of everyone involved and to grant barakah (blessings) to the Foundation, its supporters, and the entire Remo community.
In conclusion, the 16th Annual Zakat Distribution of the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Remo Zone, was a profound expression of faith in action. It successfully combined the spiritual, social, and economic dimensions of Zakat to uplift lives and build a more compassionate society. The event not only fulfilled religious duties but also demonstrated the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable empowerment and poverty alleviation, reminding all present that Zakat is indeed a divine solution to human challenges.
