The Companion Kwara District Zakat Committee has distributed more than N6.2 million in cash and business equipment to 38 vulnerable residents in Kwara State as part of efforts to alleviate poverty and promote economic empowerment.

The intervention, which comprised over N5 million in cash grants and business tools valued at N1.2 million, was distributed in Ilorin following the screening of 99 applicants.

Addressing the distribution ceremony, the chairman of the committee, Dr AbdulMusawwir Alli-Oluwafuyi, stated that the initiative was designed to support less privileged members of society and assist beneficiaries in becoming economically self-reliant.

He urged wealthy Muslims to contribute part of their wealth through Zakat to assist vulnerable people, emphasising the need for proper screening and transparent administration of the programme.

According to him, this year's intervention exceeded the previous edition due to growing public confidence in the credibility of the committee.

"What we distributed this year is more than what we distributed last year. It shows that people now trust us more with the administration of their Zakat," he said.

Dr Alli-Oluwafuyi, however, identified low awareness and the reluctance of some needy individuals to seek support as major challenges affecting the programme.

He called for improved publicity and proper documentation to ensure more vulnerable people benefit from future interventions.

One of the beneficiaries, Yusuf Aweda, who received support under the educational category, said he applied for a projector to improve digital learning among secondary school students.

Aweda, a digital technology instructor, said limited access to digital learning facilities remained a challenge for many students, adding that the equipment would support practical teaching and help reduce digital illiteracy.

Also speaking, Professor Abdujafaru Olawale Fahm encouraged wealthy individuals to embrace charitable giving, noting that supporting the less privileged promotes social harmony and attracts blessings.

"The giver should never see charity as a loss because it increases blessings, social value and reward," he said.

The committee stated that the beneficiaries included 19 artisans and small business owners, 11 students, six indigent persons and two sick applicants.

Items distributed during the exercise included sewing machines, a weaving machine, a gas iron with cylinder, a projector, a blender and cash grants.