NAZAS, the NASFAT Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat, distributed ₦11.916 million to about 40 beneficiaries on Saturday in Abuja. The agency also paid school fees for 152 pupils as part of its Muharram humanitarian drive.
The disbursement ceremony took place at NASFAT Mosque in Utako. Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola, who chairs NAZAS FCT Zone, presided over the event.
According to Ajibola, the intervention targets vulnerable citizens. It focuses on empowerment, education, and healthcare support.
He noted the disbursement marks the Islamic New Year. It also demonstrates the agency's dedication to assisting the less privileged.
Since 2014, NAZAS has collected and distributed roughly ₦1 billion nationwide. Various humanitarian programmes have guided this work.
Ajibola said the FCT Zone was inaugurated in 2019. Since then, it has collected and distributed nearly ₦200 million in cash and materials.
"Our focus has been on empowering the needy, providing scholarships for indigent students and offering medical support to those facing health challenges," he noted.
NAZAS has tackled several projects over the years. These include constructing boreholes in underserved communities and securing inmate releases from Keffi Correctional Centre.
Income-generating items have also reached beneficiaries. Tricycles, generators, laptops, deep freezers and grinding machines have been distributed.
During Ramadan this year, NAZAS intervened at the National Hospital. The agency spent about ₦2 million paying medical bills for indigent patients.
That effort provided relief to struggling families. It reinforced the agency's commitment to those in need.
Saturday's empowerment programme gave beneficiaries deep freezers and industrial sewing machines. Generating sets, heat press machines, and laptops were also distributed.
Ajibola said these tools help beneficiaries start businesses. He believes the items will enable self-reliance and economic improvement.
On education, NAZAS visited Karmo Primary School. The agency cleared school fees for 152 pupils whose parents couldn't afford them.
Ajibola stressed that every child deserves education. Economic background shouldn't prevent any pupil from attending school.
He urged beneficiaries to see support as opportunity, not mere charity. "We encourage you to cultivate the culture of giving back," he told them.
As beneficiaries succeed, they should help others too. Ajibola hoped they'd eventually become Zakat payers themselves.
He praised donors who trusted NAZAS with their contributions. Their generosity has restored hope to many families.
Ajibola reflected on the outgoing FCT Council's achievements. Its tenure ended this year.
