The insecurity in the country can be reduced to the barest minimum through the instrumentality of Zakat institution, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) Dr Nurudeen Oluremi Olaleye, has said.
Dr Olaleye said this during the 18th Zakat Distribution of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) at Alausa on Sunday.
According to him, Zakat reduces crime, brings peace and ensures economic development.
“When you share your wealth, you share love and peace and someone who loves you will not commit a crime against you. Zakat can be used to reduce the crimes bedeviling society when distributed and redistributed as enjoined by Allah,” he said.
The LASUSTECH Acting VC advised wealthy Nigerians to empower the indigents with their money instead of stocking it in the bank, saying “the money you stock in banks can be used to better people’s well-being. What benefit is the wealth you have that doesn’t make others happy? Wealth is God-giving; it is not for you alone but the entire community. Endeavour to share it among the needy.”
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He urged the beneficiaries to use what they are giving judiciously.
ZSF Chairman Board of Directors, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, said the role of the foundation, as a Zakat institution is to collaborate with the government to alleviate poverty.
“We are a partner of the government in creating an enabling peace, security and harmony because we are close to the grassroots. The aim of Zakat is to distribute resources. So far, so many of our Zakat beneficiaries are now Zakat payers,” he said.
He reiterated that sharing wealth with others will reduce crime.
“Share with others, if you share with others, you are sharing peace and harmony. Somebody you have given money or helped to change his economic wellbeing will never wage war against you, kidnap you or adopt you. They will rather come to your aid,” he added.
ZSF Executive Director Prince Sulayman Olagunju said the foundation disbursed over N287 million Zakat proceeds to 3,556 beneficiaries in 25 states, noting that it was the largest public disbursement of zakat in the country.
Olagunju said the foundation has been able to restore hope to many Nigerians by providing economic empowerment tools.
“We also helped many regain their health and are now living happily without ailments, Many out-of-school children have returned to schools and their bills are being paid as at when due. We paid WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees for many students and distributed notebooks and writing materials,” he said.