By Maryam Zanna Gambo
The First National Zakat and Waqf Week has been inaugurated by the wife of the Borno State Governor professor Falmata Babagana Zulum with a call for strengthened charity, transparency and sustainable social support for vulnerable citizens.
With the theme ‘ Transforming the Ummah via Zakat and Waqaf: A pathway to poverty Aleviation and prosperity organised by Al-Ikhlas Waqf Trust in Maiduguri, the First Lady of Borno State, described zakat and waqf as vital pillars for poverty alleviation, social solidarity and community development.
She noted that zakat helps to meet urgent needs such as feeding the hungry, supporting widows and orphans, while waqf ensures long-term investments in schools, hospitals, water projects and vocational centres.
The First Lady urged individuals, organisations to give their zakat promptly through recognised and transparent channels to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable, especially families affected by conflict and economic hardship.
The Chairman of the Occasion Sheikh Muhammad Mustapha described zakat as a divine instrument for social justice and economic balance, noting that when properly collected and transparently distributed, it can significantly uplift the poor and vulnerable.
Sheikh Mustapha emphasised that waqf remains a lasting charity capable of supporting long-term projects such as schools, hospitals, water supply schemes and empowerment programmes that benefit communities for generations.
Guest speakers, Professor Ibrahim Umara, Professor Umar Alkali and professor Muhammad A Yahuza who explained Zakat as an obligatory annual 2.5% wealth tax for charity among specific beneficiaries, whereas waqf is a voluntary, permanent endowment of assets (land, cash) providing sustainable, long-term community benefits noting that Zakat serves immediate poverty alleviation, while waqf ensures perpetual, ongoing development in education, health, and infrastructure.
High point of the event was the donations to Al-Ikhlas Waqf Trust were Senator kaka shehu gave 5million naira , Members of the Borno State House of Assembly donated 5 million among others.
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