1,600 vulnerable Abuja residents receive empowerment support

No fewer than 1,600 vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received business tools and start-up support under the second edition of the Education, Social and Health Mission (MESH) Zakat Distribution Programme held in Abuja. The beneficiaries, including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and low-income households, received sewing machines, welding machines, grinding machines, […]

No fewer than 1,600 vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received business tools and start-up support under the second edition of the Education, Social and Health Mission (MESH) Zakat Distribution Programme held in Abuja.
The beneficiaries, including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and low-income households, received sewing machines, welding machines, grinding machines, deep freezers and cash support to help them establish or expand small businesses.
Speaking at the event held at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of MESH, Dr Aminu Hayatu, said the organisation deliberately moved beyond cash handouts to interventions capable of creating sustainable livelihoods.
He said over 1,600 beneficiaries were captured in this year’s exercise through a transparent and accountable selection process.

Hayatu added that the organisation had established a monitoring and evaluation framework to track beneficiaries and guide them on the effective use of the support provided.

According to him, while MESH has carried out several distributions over the years, the public presentation was intended to showcase the impact of the initiative and encourage more people to support similar interventions.

Chairman of the MESH Board of Trustees, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, said the initiative was designed to restore hope and preserve the dignity of vulnerable persons.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators of Nigeria (AZAWON) and Sadaukin Sokoto, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, said effective administration of Zakat could significantly contribute to tackling poverty and social instability in the country.

Some beneficiaries expressed optimism that the support would improve their livelihoods.

Usman Muhammed, who received a welding machine, said the equipment would strengthen his business.

Another beneficiary, Sa’adatu Muhammad, said the support would help her meet family needs.