The Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Agency (SOZEA), in partnership with the Islamic Education Trust (IET), has successfully carried out its 1446AH (2025) Qurbani meat distribution, reaching thousands of vulnerable families across Sokoto State.
The event, supported by the Darul Erkam Foundation, Sulaimaniyah and Diversity Turkey, and the Government of Türkiye, was designed to provide relief to the needy during Eid al-Adha, a time when charity and sacrifice form the cornerstone of Islamic humanitarian service.
“Our aim was to serve our community with dignity and transparency,” said Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of SOZEA and IET, during a press conference held in Sokoto. “Thanks to our partners and volunteers, we were able to distribute meat to countless families despite facing major logistical setbacks.”
While the agency had initially planned to slaughter 4,500 animals, only just over 3,000 were received, creating a significant shortfall and leaving many would-be beneficiaries unreached.
“We acknowledge this shortfall with deep humility,” Maidoki said. “We apologize sincerely to all those who were not able to receive Qurbani meat. We take full responsibility and are already exploring ways to prevent this from happening in future programs.”
Security issues, high demand, and transportation constraints were cited as additional challenges that compounded the situation.
The Chairman expressed special appreciation to Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, for providing essential logistics and support for the program. However, Maidoki was quick to emphasize that the state government did not influence meat distribution, ensuring fairness and public trust.
“We want to clearly exonerate the state government from any role in the selection of beneficiaries. This was entirely managed by SOZEA and its partners in line with our guiding principles,” he said.
As part of its next steps, SOZEA announced plans to review and strengthen its supply chain and distribution frameworks to better meet the needs of the people during future Qurbani seasons.
“This experience has taught us valuable lessons. Going forward, we will enhance our logistics and improve transparency, efficiency, and impact,” Maidoki affirmed.
Beyond its religious significance, the Qurbani project underscores the role of structured charity in local development, especially in addressing food insecurity and promoting social equity. The initiative provides a powerful case study in how faith-based and international partnerships can drive sustainable community support in underserved regions.
As the people of Sokoto look ahead to future Eid celebrations, SOZEA remains committed to serving the public with integrity and compassion.
