The Kebbi State Zakkat and Sadaqat Collection and Distribution Board has distributed N20,000 to 1,277 vulnerables across the 21 local government areas in the state.
Flagging-off the distribution on Tuesday at Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, the State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, emphasized the importance of Zakkat, one of the pillars of Islam, cautioning that refusing to pay Zakkat may lead to a reduction in wealth.
In a press statement signed by the press secretary to the deputy governor, Murtala M. Gotomo, the deputy governor called on wealthy individuals in the state to pay their Zakkat to the State Zakkat Board, explaining that Zakkat purifies wealth.
According to Senator Tafida, the Kebbi state governor, Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu has approved N500,000 for local government Zakkat committees to transport patients from localities to hospitals for medical treatment.
While citing a Hadith from Mu’azu Bin Jabal, Tafida highlighted the importance of Zakkat collection.
Meanwhile, the state commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu commended the governor for creating the Ministry for Religious Affairs and reviving the State Zakkat and Preaching Boards.
Furthermore, he praised the governor, deputy governor, and other individuals for their Zakkat contributions, urging others to emulate them.
In a related development, the Deputy President of the World Zakkat Forum and Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Sadaqa Board, Sheikh Lauwali Maidoki, praised Governor Nasir Idris for reviving the State Zakkat Committee.
He emphasized that paying Zakkat is compulsory, being one of the pillars of Islam, and stressed the importance of assisting the needy.
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Also, the State Chairman of the Zakkat and Sadaqa Board, Sheikh Umar Isah Magaji, lauded the governor for reviving the State Zakkat Committee.
He disclosed that Governor Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu donated N30 million, Deputy Governor Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida gave N5 million, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu contributed N10 million, and Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero donated 100 bags of 50kg rice to the Zakkat Committee.
According to Sheikh Magaji, 80 persons in Birnin Kebbi Local Government received N20,000 each, 60 persons from Argungu, Zuru, Yauri, Danko Wasagu, and Bagudo Local Governments received the same amount, while 50 persons from the remaining 15 local governments received N20,000 each.
Additionally, a 7-member committee from each of the 21 local government areas in Kebbi State received N20,000, while 54 individuals from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area received 50kg bag of rice each.
