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Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has opened the 5th National Conference of the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON), describing the decision to host the event as historic and timely.
Speaking at the conference opening in Katsina, Governor Radda said the theme, “Harnessing Islamic Social Finance and Policy Innovation for Inclusive Development in Nigeria,” aligns with his administration’s development agenda and social welfare priorities.
“We are hosting this conference with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to its ideals,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed that Zakat and Waqf form central pillars of his administration’s poverty reduction strategy, explaining that the state established its Waqf system to address poverty, injustice, and vulnerability through structured Islamic social finance mechanisms.
“Zakat and Waqf remain powerful tools for social balance, economic justice and inclusive development,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor disclosed that within less than two years, the Katsina State Waqf has become fully operational, commending the Chairman, Board members and staff for their dedication.
He stressed that responsible governance requires clear policies that uplift the downtrodden, highlighting the establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency as a policy innovation to support small businesses.
Governor Radda revealed that Katsina State currently ranks first nationwide in MSME funding, with over ₦10 billion earmarked to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
“We are investing deliberately in small businesses because they are the backbone of inclusive growth,” he said.
The Governor announced that the Goat Rearing Initiative, a women empowerment programme, has benefitted over 40,000 women across the state’s 361 wards, with a total investment of ₦5.7 billion.
He disclosed that the government has also distributed food items to about 90,000 vulnerable households across the state, stressing that beneficiaries were selected based on merit and transparency.
“Our interventions are designed to reach those who truly need support,” Governor Radda noted.
The Governor reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina State’s economy, engaging between 90 and 95 per cent of the population. He revealed that over ₦70 billion was invested in the sector in the last year alone, resulting in a bumper harvest.
“When we invest in agriculture, we invest in livelihoods and stability,” he said.
He acknowledged the positive impact of organised Zakat and Waqf collection on social welfare and security, noting that the state is gradually regaining peace with reduced criminal activities.
“When poverty is addressed through structured Zakat and Waqf systems, social stability is strengthened,” the Governor added.
Governor Radda appreciated delegates from the Niger Republic, commended traditional rulers for their role in Zakat collection, and announced a personal donation of ₦10 million to the AZAWON Foundation before formally declaring the conference open.
The Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) honoured Governor Radda with an Award of Excellence in the Promotion of Zakat and Waqf Development in Nigeria.
The award recognizes his leadership, strong support for Islamic social finance, and deliberate policies that have strengthened Zakat and Waqf as effective tools for poverty reduction and inclusive development in Katsina State.
Earlier, AZAWON National Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Lawal Mai Doki, said the conference aims to strengthen Islamic social finance as a practical tool for inclusive development across Nigeria.
“Nigeria is facing deep poverty challenges, with over 133 million people living in multidimensional poverty. Zakat and Waqf, when properly institutionalised, can support education, healthcare, MSMEs and poverty alleviation,” he said.
Dr. Mai Doki disclosed that in 2024 alone, over ₦10 billion was collected as Zakat, ₦3.7 billion mobilised through Waqf, and ₦465 million raised as Sadaqah.
“With stronger frameworks, transparency and collaboration, Zakat and Waqf can become strategic national development tools,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Commission, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Musa Abdullahi (Filin Samji), described the conference as timely and impactful.
He disclosed that in 2024, the Commission collected 86,819 bags of grain valued at ₦4.78 billion and ₦53.9 million in cash Zakat, which were distributed to over 269,000 beneficiaries in line with Islamic principles.
Speaking virtually, Secretary-General of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF), Dr. Mohd Ghazali bin Md Noor, said Nigeria faces deep poverty not due to lack of generosity but weak institutional systems.
He noted that global Zakat potential exceeds USD 300 billion annually but much of it is given informally, limiting long-term impact. He called for stronger governance, transparency and policy integration.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Emir of Hadejia, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje, urged traditional rulers and Islamic scholars to support awareness creation and community mobilisation for effective Zakat and Waqf administration.
The event attracted representatives of the Governors of Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa States, as well as representatives of several Emirates.
Also present were Deputy Governor Hon. Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, members of the State Executive Council, and other key stakeholders.
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