From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe-based Zakat & Waqf Foundation has intensified efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic self-reliance, disbursing ₦2.35 million in zakat to 38 beneficiaries during its annual Ramadan empowerment programme.
Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido said the foundation, established in 2017 and formally registered in 2019, uses Islamic charitable instruments zakat, sadaqah, and waqf to provide sustainable support for the less privileged.
“Our goal is not just to give charity but to empower people to become self-reliant and eventually contribute to society,” Lamido said.
The foundation runs various initiatives, including scholarship assistance, youth empowerment, and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, which provides vocational training and start-up support for small businesses.
This year marked the graduation of the ninth batch of women from the programme.
In addition, the foundation organised community iftars for orphans and vulnerable persons, distributed food to needy families, and introduced a new initiative delivering iftar meals to patients and caregivers in hospitals across Gombe.
Madakin Gombe, Alhaji Umar Abubakar, and Engr. Ibrahim Kawuwa, Chairman of the local organising committee, praised the foundation for sustaining its humanitarian work and urged the public to support charitable initiatives that reduce poverty and foster community development.