By: John Bassey, Gusau.
The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal, while also sponsoring a mass wedding for 200 orphans in the state.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.
According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and this year released Sixty Seven Million Two Hundred and four Thousand, seven hundred Naira (N67,204,700) settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.
He added that the Board also organised a mass wedding for 200 orphans, providing full furniture and ₦200,000 dowry for each groom.
In addition to the marriage support, 200 women small-scale business owners received ₦50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.
The Board also presented starter packs to 100 women who successfully completed a three-week poultry production training to enable them to start their own businesses.
Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.
Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara state, Dr. Dauda Lawa, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.
He maintained that the occasion highlights the collective commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities, especially widows, orphans, needy families, and all those who require assistance to live with dignity.
The Administration of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, continues to prioritize welfare programmes that uplift our people and reduce hardship. I am personally proud of the consistent and meaningful efforts of the Zakat Board in fulfilling this responsibility.
For the 4th Quarter of 2025, the Zakat Board has successfully delivered a series of life-changing programmes strategically aligning with the rescue mission Agenda of His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal’s led administration.
These achievements symbolize the vision we share for a more empowered, self-reliant, and prosperous Zamfara State. To support these noble efforts, the Office of the First Lady has also donated essential household items to further strengthen this intervention.
“I wish to express deep appreciation to the Administration of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, for the continued support given to the Zakat Board. I also recognize our respected Royal Fathers, the Emirs, who serve diligently as Chairmen of the Zakat and Endowment Committees in their Emirates. Your guidance and leadership are invaluable,” she said.
My sincere commendation goes to the Chairman of the Zakat Board, Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, and the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Habib Balarabe Muhammad, alongside the entire Board members and staff. Your dedication, accountability, and hard work are visible in the successes we are celebrating today.
Also speaking, the Grand Khadi of Zamfara State, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Gusau, represented by Khadi Usman Gummi, praised the State Government for its consistent support to the less privileged. He confirmed that under their judicial watch, the Government successfully facilitated the settlement of debts and release of 909 inmates within two years.
Earlier in his words, the Executive Chairman of the Zakat Board, Sheikh Ahmad Ibn Umar Kanoma, congratulated the newly married couples and prayed to the Almighty Allah to bless their marriages with love, unity, and peace.
He urged those who benefited from debt settlement to appreciate the state Government’s intervention and exercise wisdom in making good financial decisions for better opportunities while abstaining totally from debts.
He also encouraged the trainees and business support beneficiaries to use the empowerment responsibly, grow from it, and inspire others around them.
