Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has donated ₦50 million as Zakkat to support poor and vulnerable residents across the state, while also unveiling a tailoring skills training centre aimed at empowering citizens through vocational training.
The governor made the donation on Tuesday during the 2026 Zakkat and Waqf distribution ceremony held at the headquarters of the Katsina State Zakkat and Waqf Board in Katsina.
Presenting the contribution, Radda said Zakkat remains an important pillar of social responsibility that helps address poverty and strengthen community support systems. He explained that the donation was meant to assist the needy and ensure that vulnerable residents receive support through the established Zakkat distribution structure.
“Zakkat is not just a form of charity; it is a duty that strengthens our society. It ensures that the needy, the vulnerable, and other deserving members of our community are supported,” the governor said.
Radda encouraged wealthy individuals in the state to embrace the obligation of giving Zakkat, stressing that collective support from capable members of society would significantly improve the welfare of disadvantaged communities.
“By giving generously, we obey Allah (SWT) and invest in the well-being of our society. It is my pleasure to contribute to this noble cause, and I encourage all those who are capable to support our people,” he added.
During the event, the governor also unveiled a newly constructed and fully equipped Tailoring Skills Training Centre provided by the National Association of Zakkat and Waqf. The facility is designed to train residents, particularly women and youths, in tailoring and other vocational skills to enable them become self-reliant.
Radda commended the association for initiating the project and emphasized the importance of skill acquisition programmes in reducing unemployment and poverty.
He urged other organisations and stakeholders to invest in similar empowerment initiatives that provide practical opportunities for people to earn a living.
As part of the activities, the governor inspected the Atta’awun Qur’anic Boarding School located in Kadarko Quarters. He revealed that he personally funded a significant portion of the resources used for the development of the school.
“The Qur’anic Boarding School represents our commitment to promoting religious education alongside community development. Supporting such institutions ensures that our children have access to quality education in both academics and faith,” Radda said.
Earlier in his remarks, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal directed the Zakkat and Waqf Board to assess and determine the Zakkat due from his livestock farm, while commending the board for its efforts in the transparent collection and distribution of Zakkat.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Engineer Muhammed Lawal Maidoki, Chairman of the National Zakkat Commission and the Sokoto State Zakkat and Waqf Commission, praised the Katsina State Government for supporting the implementation of Zakkat programmes aimed at helping the less privileged.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Katsina State Zakkat and Waqf Board, Sheikh Ahmed Musa Filin Samji, acknowledged the governor’s consistent support, noting that it has contributed significantly to the board’s activities.
He disclosed that the board collected 120,000 bags of grains this year, including millet, maize and beans, compared to 80,000 bags collected in the previous year.
Other donors at the event included Alhaji Ɗahiru Usman Sarki, who donated ₦25 million, and Senator Abdul’aziz Musa Ƴar’adua, who contributed ₦10 million to support the programme aimed at assisting vulnerable residents across the state.
