Kwara Zakat Body Establishes Women Wing

The Majlis for Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf has established a women wing to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen the mobilisation and distribution of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf across the state. The announcement was made at the organisation’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture held at its secretariat in Ilọrin. Chairman of the Majlis, Engr Saad Belgore, described […]

The Majlis for Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf has established a women wing to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen the mobilisation and distribution of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf across the state.

The announcement was made at the organisation’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture held at its secretariat in Ilọrin.

Chairman of the Majlis, Engr Saad Belgore, described the creation of the women wing as a significant milestone in the growth of the body.

He noted that it received the blessings of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

He described the formation of the wing as a major milestone in the growth of the organisation, noting that it had evolved from humble beginnings into a structured body with expanding influence in the area of Islamic social finance.

According to him, the women wing has been fully integrated into the activities of the Majlis and has already recorded significant impact in programme execution and community mobilisation.

In her address, the chairperson of the occasion, Hajia Fatimah Abdulkadir, Wakilin Mata Lafiagi, lauded the initiative and pledged the full support of women groups from Kwara North.

She said women in Lafiagi drawn from various Qur’anic organisations had resolved to be part of the cause, stressing that schools in the area were already contributing funds to support the Zakat programme.

“The women of Lafiagi believe this is a laudable cause and we must be part of it. Even our schools are contributing money to support the Zakat programme and they are ready to do more,” she said.

She expressed confidence that greater progress would be achieved if the women wing is properly structured and coordinated across the state.

According to her, Kwara North already operates a coordinated structure with a zonal leader and representatives across all local governments, where funds are collectively reviewed and disbursed.

“In Kwara North, we have a leader and representatives in every local government. When we meet, we disburse what comes from each council area, and it has been very effective,” she added.

She disclosed that forms had been distributed to all local governments to expand participation, expressing optimism that responses would begin to come in soon.

Hajia Abdulkadir assured that the women wing would continue to promote the objectives of the organisation and mobilise more support for poverty alleviation and social welfare interventions.

The Chairperson of the women wing, Hajia Maimunat Oniyangi, appreciated the leadership of the organisation for creating space for women to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf.

She said women have critical roles to play in identifying vulnerable households, supporting widows and orphans, and encouraging compliance with Islamic injunctions on charitable giving.

The annual lecture, themed Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf as Instruments for Unemployment and Poverty Reduction, was delivered by Imam Abdulrafii Olodu-Owo of Hasbunallahu Jumaat Mosque.

The event was chaired by the Dan Iyan of Ilorin, Engr Bolakale Kawu, while the Emir of Ilorin was represented by the Balogun Alanamu, Abubakar Jos.

Stakeholders at the event commended the establishment of the women wing, describing it as a strategic step that would enhance grassroots mobilisation and improve the collection and distribution of charitable funds.

The Majlis reaffirmed its commitment to deepening awareness of Zakat as a compulsory pillar of Islam while expanding voluntary contributions through Sadaqah and Waqf to tackle poverty and unemployment in the state.