Payment of Zakat, endowment key to solving societal challenges, says Sokoto Zakat Board Chairman 
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Chairman, Sokoto State ZAkat and Endowment Agency, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, said that the proper payment of Zakat and Endowment by the Muslim Ummah is key to providing plausible solutions to most of the extant societal challenges.
“This is very key to racing most of the challenges facing the society currently especially the rising poverty, unemployment and insecurity, among others,” he added.
Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the Chairman spoke on Saturday in Sokoto when he delivered a paper at the Congress of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Our Correspondent further reports that the paper was titled, “The Role of ZAkat and Waqf in Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Service: The Responsibility of the Media.”
According to him, in Islam it is compulsory for all the eligible wealthy Muslims to give out ZAkat, while the giving of Waqf (charity), is highly encouraged.
Maidoki, who is also a highly revered Islamic cleric and Sadaukin Sokoto, the distribution of both Zakat and Endowment applies to both needy Muslims and Christians, alike.
He further stated that Zakat plays significant roles in the development of the society, saying that it can be used to alleviate abject poverty.
Meanwhile, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki said that Nigeria was ranked as the “world’s most generous country in the
newer World Giving Report
(WGR) 2025,” which was widely
discussed in Indonesian media and
statistics commentary.
According to the report, Nigerians donated average of 2.83% of per capita
income, the highest globally.
Declaring open the Congress, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Bello Danchadi
commended the leadership of the NUJ for creating a platform that promotes constructive dialogue on issues that directly impact the lives and welfare of our people.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Maigari, he said, “The topic under discussion is particularly significant because poverty alleviation and economic empowerment remain key priorities of the administration of Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, under the Nine-Point Smart Agenda.
“Since assuming office, the Governor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the living conditions of the people through various social and economic intervention programmes.”
According to him, the administration has invested heavily in agriculture by providing farmers with improved inputs, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment to boost food production and enhance rural livelihoods.
He added, “It has also empowered thousands of youths and women through skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and various economic empowerment initiatives aimed at creating jobs and reducing poverty.
“In addition, the government has expanded access to education and healthcare, rehabilitated critical infrastructure, improved water supply, and implemented social welfare programmes targeted at vulnerable groups across the state.
“These interventions are designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to create sustainable pathways for economic growth and self-reliance.
“It is in this regard that institutions such as the Sokoto State Zakat and Waqf Commission play a complementary role by supporting the less privileged and extending humanitarian assistance to those in need.
” Their efforts align perfectly with the vision of the present administration to build an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
“The media, on its part, has a critical responsibility in promoting awareness of these initiatives, educating the public on the importance of Zakat and Waqf, highlighting success stories, and encouraging greater participation in programmes that contribute to social and economic development.
In a welcome address, the Chairman of NUJ, Sokoto State Council, Usman Muhammad Binji, said that the gathering transcends the routine statutory meeting;
Binji added, “It is an intellectual forum for reflection, professional reawakening, and constructive engagement on issues that bear directly upon our society and the indispensable responsibility of the media.
“The Congress remains our foremost platform for critical evaluation of our professional calling, strengthening of unity within our ranks, and engagement with salient socio-economic and governance issues that demand informed, ethical, and responsible journalism.
“In an age defined by the rapid and often unregulated flow of information, the responsibility of journalists as custodians of truth and credibility has become more demanding than ever before.
“The theme of today’s presentation, “The Role of Zakat and Waqf in Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Service:
“The Responsibility of the Media,” speaks directly to one of the most persistent challenges of our time: poverty and social inequality.
” It also draws attention to the enduring relevance of Islamic social finance instruments, zakat and waqf, which have historically served as powerful mechanisms for social welfare, redistribution of wealth, and community upliftment.”
Binji said that as the duty practitioners of the media, extends beyond mere reportage.
He continued, ” We are called upon to provide context, deepen public understanding, and highlight initiatives that promote human dignity and social progress.
“In doing so, we serve as a vital bridge between institutions of welfare and the citizens who stand to benefit from their interventions.
“We are honoured to have with us the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment (Waqf) Agency, Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, who will be delivering a paper on this important subject.
“His wealth of experience and leadership in this sector will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the structures, impact, and societal relevance of zakat and waqf institutions.
I”t is equally the expectation of the Union that today’s lecture will reawaken among our members the spirit and professional commitment to develop reports, features, TV and Radio discussions, and programmes.
“This is aimed at encouraging government, business community and individuals to intensify efforts towards enhancing social welfare and humanitarian services within our communities.”
Muhammad Usman Binji also expressed profound appreciation to the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu for his continued support and commitment to the welfare of journalists in Sokoto State.
He added, “We are particularly grateful for his generous gesture towards the Union, notably the announcement during the special Iftar held at the Government House, Sokoto, on Thursday, 19th March, 2026, on the eve of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, wherein His Excellency graciously approved the donation of vehicles to the NUJ Sokoto State Council.”
