A Lagos-based charity organisation, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, has provided an interest-free loan of ₦1 million to two petty traders in Zamfara State — Habiba Abdulsalam and Abba Bello.
Presenting the cheques in Gusau on Sunday, the foundation’s Executive Director, Sulaiman Olagunju, represented by Zamfara State Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Tudu, said the initiative was designed to boost small businesses and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens.
According to him, each beneficiary received ₦500,000, to be repaid within one year without interest.
“This intervention is aimed at reducing the socio-economic challenges of the less privileged and empowering them to become self-reliant,” Olagunju explained.
Beyond financial support, the foundation also runs an annual education scholarship scheme for Qur’anic memorisers, orphans, and children from indigent families. Olagunju disclosed that ₦500,000 has been set aside to cover school fees for selected students at the primary, junior, and senior secondary levels in Zamfara.
In addition, 13 orphaned students in the state have been awarded tertiary education scholarships, with arrangements underway to secure their university admissions this year.
He further revealed that the foundation’s education support programme spans 19 states across Nigeria, with seven public and Islamic schools in Zamfara already benefiting.