By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Aug. 29, ’26 (TNZ) A physically challenged man, Usman AbdulRazaq, 51, is among the 1,756 Nigerians who benefited from about N517 million in 2026 Zakat Distributions at the weekend in Lagos State.
TheNewsZenith reports that an indigent Kogi indigene received an industrial sewing machine to aid his shoe and leather business during the 22nd Zakat Distribution ceremony organised by the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation.
A sectoral disbursement of N516,974,947 showed that economic empowerment topped the sectors, with 1,040 beneficiaries receiving cash and equipment totalling N276,326,033.
Medical support ranked first, with 149 beneficiaries receiving N112,281,837; education support ranked third, with 362 beneficiaries receiving N37,765,656; and institutional support received N28,680,500.
Other sectors for which the foundation also distributed zakat are community projects, institutional support, accommodation, debt relief, and welfare support.
TheNewsZenith also reports that with the Lagos event, the Foundation has disbursed a total sum of N735,831,356 to 2,916 beneficiaries across 28 states.
Addressing the gathering comprising beneficiaries, some zakat payers and workers, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Prince Sulayman Olagunju, remarked that the event in Lagos State marked the end of the 2026 Zakat Distribution.
“I am pleased to inform you that ₦516,974,947 was disbursed to 1,756 beneficiaries in Lagos State across a range of critical areas of need.
“This distribution covers accommodation support, community project development, debt relief, economic empowerment, education support, medical assistance, and support for the elderly, as we did in other states.
“Today marks the formal closing of the 2026 Zakat Distribution Ceremony of the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation across Nigeria.
“It is a moment of gratitude to Almighty Allah and an opportunity to reflect on the impact we have collectively made through the fulfilment of the noble obligation of Zakat this year.
“This year’s Zakat Distribution commenced on June 23, with International Widows’ Day, when we distributed ₦37,035,000 to 185 widows for economic empowerment and medical support.
“As we conclude the 2026 distribution cycle, I am pleased to report that the Foundation has disbursed a total sum of ₦735,831,356 to 2,916 beneficiaries across 28 states, including Lagos State.
“When we compare this achievement with last year’s performance, we see meaningful growth. In 2025, the Foundation disbursed ₦653,266,663 to 2,821 beneficiaries across 28 states,” TheNewsZenith quotes Olagunju as saying.
According to the CEO, the foundation’s total disbursement increased by N82,564,693, representing approximately 12.6 per cent growth.
Also, the number of beneficiaries increased by 95, representing approximately 3.4 per cent growth, while it maintained its reach across 28 states.
“More importantly, the average value of support per beneficiary increased by approximately 9 per cent, from about N231,573 in 2025 to about N252,343 in 2026,” Olagunju said.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the board of trustees of the foundation, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that zakat “is not merely an act of charity”, but a fundamental pillar of Islam.
According to Yusuf, zakat is designed to redistribute wealth, narrow the economic divide, and uphold human dignity.
“Over the past two decades, the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to transparently collecting and equitably disbursing these resources to the needy.
“Today’s 22nd edition stands as a testament to the enduring trust of our donors and the resilience of our beneficiaries.
“Through the steadfast support of zakat payers, this foundation continues to transform lives by providing micro-enterprise equipment, medical relief, educational grants, and emergency relief packages,” TheNewsZenith quotes the chairman, saying. (TNZ)
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