The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has called on journalists and media organisations to intensify public enlightenment on Zakat and Waqf, describing the Islamic institutions as critical tools for poverty alleviation, social welfare, and humanitarian development.
The call was the central focus of a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre, Sokoto, following a presentation by the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakat and Waqf Board, Malam Lawal Maidoki.
Speaking on the topic, “The Role of Zakat and Waqf in Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Service: The Responsibility of the Media,” Maidoki urged Muslims to remain committed to the payment of Zakat, noting that it remains one of the most effective mechanisms for reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable members of society.
He explained that Zakat and Waqf are fundamental Islamic principles designed to promote social justice, compassion, wealth redistribution, and humanitarian assistance.
Maidoki further highlighted the significance of Waqf as a sustainable Islamic endowment system through which individuals dedicate assets such as land, buildings, farms, and financial resources for public benefit and the pleasure of Allah.
According to him, Waqf has historically contributed to the provision of education, healthcare, mosques, orphanages, water projects, and support for the less privileged, thereby strengthening community development and economic empowerment.
The Zakat and Waqf Board chairman appealed to the media to play a more active role in educating the public on the spiritual, social, and economic benefits of Waqf and its contribution to national development.
Congress members subsequently resolved that the media should sustain awareness campaigns aimed at promoting the understanding and adoption of Zakat and Waqf as instruments for addressing poverty and humanitarian challenges.
On security, the congress commended the Sokoto State Government for its continued support to security agencies and community-based security outfits in tackling insecurity across parts of the state.
The union particularly lauded the government’s approval for the procurement of 25 units of 2024 Toyota Hilux vehicles, comprising 10 for community-based security outfits and 15 for conventional security agencies, to strengthen operational capacity.
The congress also drew attention to the condition of the Sokoto-Gusau Road and appealed to the Federal Government to accelerate its rehabilitation and completion, citing its strategic importance to transportation, commerce, and regional integration.
On electricity supply, the NUJ acknowledged the ongoing distribution of prepaid meters by Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) but expressed concern over persistent power challenges in many parts of Sokoto State.
The congress urged relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward improving electricity supply to support businesses, economic activities, and the overall wellbeing of residents.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the NUJ Sokoto State Council, Usman Mohammed Binji, and the Secretary, Muhammad Nasir Bello.
