Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced a Nigerian national, Adedapo Adegbola, to life imprisonment for the murder of his former partner, Steph Irons, a 23-year-old university student, in Nottingham, England.

The 40-year-old was handed the sentence by Nottingham Crown Court after he admitted responsibility for Irons’ death, which occurred at her residence in Mapperley on October 21, 2025. Reports indicate that the two met at their workplace and had a brief romantic relationship that later ended.

During court proceedings, prosecutors said Adegbola developed an unhealthy fixation on the victim after the breakup. He allegedly purchased two knives online and later hired a taxi to her home. Investigators said he attacked Irons when she stepped outside to dispose of refuse. He then forced his way into the house and stabbed her multiple times.

Concern arose when Irons’ colleagues received disturbing messages sent from her phone. Police officers who responded to the situation later found her lifeless body in the living room. She was confirmed dead at the scene.

Following the attack, Adegbola fled the area. Authorities said he disposed of blood-stained clothing and other items along routes in Mapperley and Carlton. Nottinghamshire Police tracked his movements across several locations, including Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull, before he eventually turned himself in. Although he exercised his right to remain silent during interrogation, detectives pieced together his actions before and after the incident.

The presiding judge ordered life imprisonment and fixed a minimum term of 25 years before parole can be considered.

Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, who led the investigation, described Irons as a “kind and compassionate young woman” whose life ended in “terrifying circumstances.” He noted that the convict made no effort to obtain medical assistance for the victim after the assault, but instead chose to escape and discard evidence.

In a statement presented to the court, Irons’ mother said the loss of her daughter had shattered the family. Relatives portrayed the deceased student as loving and caring, with aspirations to earn a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Republic of Türkiye has denounced the deadly terrorist assault on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, expressing grief over the casualties recorded in the incident.

In a statement released on Thursday through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Turkish government said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives caused by the terrorist attack that took place in Nigeria’s Kwara State.”

“We strongly condemn this heinous attack and extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria. Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja said the attackers struck after residents rejected attempts to subject them to ideological indoctrination.

In a separate statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the incident as a “cowardly terrorist attack.” It also conveyed sympathy to bereaved families and affected communities.

Reports indicated that more than 170 residents lost their lives during the Tuesday onslaught.

According to the DHQ, the assailants had earlier approached Woro village seeking approval to “conduct preaching and indoctrination sessions,” a request the villagers declined.

Troops were deployed to the area after security agencies received intelligence about the threat. Military patrols and surveillance operations continued for about two weeks.

“However, weeks after the troops withdrew, the cowardly terrorists returned to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others,” the statement said.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria commended residents of the affected communities for standing firm despite threats. It praised their refusal to abandon their beliefs and constitutional loyalty.

“The AFN mourns with the families of those who have lost loved ones in these and other similar brutal attacks on defenceless citizens defending community values and freedom across Nigeria,” the military said.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to remain resolute and resist extremist indoctrination. It warned that violent groups aim to impose “twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.”

Citizens were also encouraged to cooperate with security agencies. The military stressed that unity and resilience remain vital in confronting terrorism.

It added that security forces, in collaboration with other agencies, have intensified efforts to identify and prosecute those behind the Kwara attack and related acts nationwide.

Amnesty International also reacted to the wave of violence. The organisation condemned what it called a troubling rise in killings and abductions across the country.

It described Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as a “Bloody Tuesday,” following coordinated assaults in several locations.

“Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties,” Amnesty International had said.

The group cited attacks in Woro and Nuku in Kwara State, Doma Tafoki in Katsina State and Abande in Benue State, where many residents were reportedly killed.

The incident has drawn both local and international concern, with renewed calls for stronger security measures to curb terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Worshippers who were abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community, along the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State, have regained their freedom after spending weeks in captivity.

The incident occurred on January 18, 2026. Gunmen invaded the community during church service and took away many worshippers into a nearby forest.

Reports indicated that no fewer than 177 persons were kidnapped in the attack. The development triggered outrage and anxiety among residents and across the state.

Sources said the victims were released late Wednesday night. Heavy-duty vehicles were sighted moving in and out of a forest close to Maro town between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., raising suspicion that the captives were being transported out of the area.

According to a report, community leaders disclosed that the abducted worshippers were brought out of the forest in the early hours of Friday. However, details surrounding their freedom remain uncertain. It is not clear who secured their release or if any ransom was paid.

The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development. He said the victims, made up of children, women, and men, are now in government custody.

A security source also verified that the abducted persons had been freed.

The victims were subsequently moved to the Government House in Kaduna, where they are expected to undergo debriefing.

As of the time this report was filed, the Kaduna State Government had not released any official statement on the incident.

By Usman Usman Garba

The rapid growth of online media, especially online newspapers, has significantly changed journalism in Nigeria. 

Today, news travels faster than ever before. With just a smartphone, Nigerians can access local, national and international news within seconds. This digital transformation has helped expose corruption, amplify citizens’ voices and bring government closer to the people.

However, these advantages have also created serious challenges. The unchecked rise of numerous online news platforms, many of which lack professional standards, is gradually eroding the quality, credibility, and value of credible news in Nigeria.

Opening an online news platform has become cheap and easy. Unlike traditional print media and broadcast stations, which require licences, physical offices, and trained professionals, many online platforms operate without clear structures or accountability. As a result, individuals with little or no journalism training now run platforms that publish news without proper editorial control.

Without professional gatekeeping, many stories are published without verification, balance or ethical consideration. Headlines are often poorly written, misleading or dotted with grammatical errors. This situation has weakened journalism standards and reduced public confidence in the media.

One of the biggest problems is the unhealthy competition to publish breaking news. Many online platforms rush to be the first to report incidents, especially during political events, security crises or court proceedings. In this race, accuracy is often sacrificed. Rumours, unverified social media posts and hearsays are turned into news.

Additionally, fake news and misinformation have become common online. False reports about elections, insecurity, government policies and public figures spread widely before they can be corrected. 

Unfortunately, corrections rarely receive the same attention as the original false stories. This has made it difficult for many Nigerians to know what to believe and which media organisations to trust.

Plagiarism is another serious challenge. Many online platforms copy stories from credible newspapers, television stations and news agencies without proper attribution. 

Some only change headlines or rearrange paragraphs. This unethical practice discourages investigative journalism and erodes originality.

Media organisations that invest time and resources in quality reporting often lose traffic and revenue to platforms that simply copy and paste content.

Sensationalism has also become widespread. Shocking headlines, exaggerated claims and emotional language are used to attract clicks.

Stories about scandals, rumours, insults and the private lives of public figures often receive more attention than reports on education, healthcare, insecurity, unemployment and the economy. As a result, serious national issues are pushed aside.

Social media has made this situation worse. Many online platforms now rely heavily on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp and TikTok for traffic. 

To satisfy social media algorithms, content is designed to trend rather than to inform the public. News is judged by likes, shares and comments and not by accuracy or public interest. In this environment, truth is often sacrificed for popularity.

The impact on public trust is alarming. Many Nigerians now dismiss online reports as “fake news” or “social media stories.” Sadly, this growing distrust also affects credible media organisations that still uphold professional standards.

When trust in the media declines, accountability, transparency and good governance suffer.

Economic pressure also plays a role. Many online platforms struggle financially due to low advertising revenue. Some resort to paid news, political propaganda or sponsored stories disguised as journalism. This further blurs the line between news reporting and public relations, thereby misleading the public.

Despite these challenges, online journalism remains vital to Nigeria’s democracy. Digital platforms have helped expose corruption, promote citizen journalism and cover neglected communities. 

The problem is not online media itself, but the lack of professionalism, regulation and ethical commitment. To protect quality journalism, media owners must invest in training, robust editorial systems, and ethical standards.

Journalists must return to the core principles of their profession: truth, accuracy, balance and fairness. Regulatory bodies and professional organisations, such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists, must be more active in enforcing standards and disciplining offenders.

The government also has a role to play, as the Kano State government did with online media by allocating offices and registering them, but regulation must be handled carefully to avoid threatening press freedom. 

Efforts to fight fake news should focus on promoting professionalism, not silencing critical voices. The public is not exempt from responsibility. Nigerians must learn to verify information before sharing it, especially on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Supporting credible media organisations through readership and subscriptions will also help sustain quality journalism.

In conclusion, the state of news in Nigeria is at a crossroads. If the current trend of unprofessional online platforms continues unchecked, quality journalism will suffer greatly. But if journalists, media owners, regulators, and the public work together, Nigeria’s online media space can still become a powerful force for truth, development and democracy.

Usman Usman writes from Kano via usmangarba100@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody a 29-year-old woman, Mrs. Edeh Osinachi, over the alleged physical abuse of a 17-year-old domestic worker in Awka, the state capital.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said officials of the Anambra State Ministry of Education handed the suspect over to the police on February 4, 2026.

Ikenga explained that the transfer of Osinachi to the police formed part of measures aimed at protecting the welfare and safety of students and pupils across the state.

Police said the victim worked as a domestic help under the supervision of the suspect.

According to the statement, the case came to light after school authorities observed serious injuries on the girl’s body during a teaching session. The discovery raised concern among staff members, which prompted further inquiries.

Subsequent findings revealed that the injuries were allegedly inflicted at home.

Ikenga said the teenager accused the suspect of attacking her after alleging that she used a mobile phone without permission. She claimed the suspect became angry and subjected her to severe punishment.

“She alleged that Osinachi, enraged by her action, punished her by pressing a heated electric iron against parts of her body, inflicting serious injuries.”

“During interrogation by the Police, the suspect reportedly confessed to the act,” the statement read.

The Police Command praised the alertness and swift response of the school authorities. It noted that their intervention prevented further harm to the victim.

Ikenga assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and that the suspect would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

He also urged parents and guardians to accept only responsibilities they can properly manage.

While investigations continue, the police warned that negligence can expose children to abuse when they are placed in the care of others.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Nigerian man, identified as Abdulrashid Elsa, has returned ₦120,000 that was mistakenly transferred into his OPay account, an act that has drawn praise for honesty at a time when cases of online fraud remain widespread.

He took the story of all that transpired to his Facebook page today Wednesday.

The incident occurred around midnight when the money was sent from a company’s account. Several hours later, at about 3:00 p.m., a woman contacted the recipient, explaining calmly that she had mistakenly transferred the funds to his account and appealed for his understanding.

Initially, the recipient said he could not find any record of the transaction after checking his regular OPay account. Despite receiving a transfer receipt from the caller, the money was still not visible, which raised suspicion.

“I thought she might be a scammer and even warned her to stop contacting me,” he explained.

However, the situation became clearer when the caller mentioned the phone number used for the transfer. It was then discovered that the funds had been sent to another OPay account linked to his MTN line, not the account he regularly checks.

After confirming the error, the recipient requested the sender’s account details and immediately refunded the full ₦120,000.

The woman reportedly called back shortly after to express her gratitude, even before receiving the refund receipt. Moments later, one of her colleagues, identified as a Muslim, also took the phone to thank him repeatedly, expressing visible relief and happiness.

The recipient said the incident reminded him of the importance of integrity and faith, adding that what is destined for a person will never pass them by.

The story has since resonated with many Nigerians, highlighting honesty and empathy in an era marked by financial pressure and increasing digital transactions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Senate has voted down a proposal seeking to amend the Electoral Act to make the electronic transmission of election results compulsory.

The decision was taken on Wednesday when lawmakers rejected an amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill. The proposal aimed to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) discretion over how election results are transmitted.

If approved, the amendment would have legally required INEC presiding officers to electronically upload results from every polling unit directly to the Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time. This process was to occur immediately after Form EC8A had been duly signed and stamped by the presiding officer, with party agents countersigning the document.

However, the Senate chose to maintain the existing and widely debated provision of the Electoral Act.

Under the current law, “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

By retaining this clause, lawmakers have allowed INEC to continue determining whether electronic transmission will be used. Critics insist that this flexibility created gaps that were allegedly exploited during the 2023 general elections.

The Senate’s decision has sparked strong reactions across the country, with many Nigerians and civil society organisations expressing disappointment. These groups had backed the amendment, describing it as a vital safeguard against manual manipulation of results at collation centres.

Analysts described the move as a setback for democratic development in Nigeria.

“We thought the National Assembly would learn from the failures of 2023 where the IREV portal became a source of national embarrassment,” Gerald Ede said. “By rejecting mandatory transmission, the Senate has essentially given a green light for the status quo of ‘manual miracles’ and result manipulation to continue.”

Supporters of the amendment had viewed mandatory real-time transmission as a crucial measure to rebuild public trust in elections.

The rejection comes at a time when calls for comprehensive electoral reforms are growing, particularly reforms designed to reduce human interference in the electoral process.

Opponents of the Senate’s position argue that leaving the “manner” of transmission to INEC’s discretion, especially given its past record of “technical glitches” during key stages of result collation, could fuel further electoral disputes and weaken the legitimacy of elected officials.

By Isah Kamisu Madachi

The furore over whether the tax laws should be implemented has passed. The nationwide discussions about the discrepancy between the gazetted version and the version passed by the National Assembly have also faded. January 1 has come and gone, and many changes, especially around digital transactions, are already beginning to manifest, as provided for under the new tax law. The consolidated tax laws under the tax reform regime are now in force, and as a citizen, I hope they are backed by strong accountability mechanisms and oversight to ensure that collected taxes are used for the right purposes.

However, I observed a major policy gap in the final moments of the law’s implementation, which, if left unaddressed, could not only undermine the law’s effectiveness but also cause greater harm to its objectives. If I were to estimate, I would say that less than 5% of Nigerians understand what the new tax law contains, how it works, and what it does not do. This knowledge gap has created a fertile ground for misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. 

In the past few days, I have personally encountered many people who told me they had withdrawn all the money saved in their bank accounts and converted it to cash. They said they no longer trust cashless transactions. Some were told that every transaction, regardless of the amount, would incur a flat ₦50 fee. 

Others were also told that keeping money in their accounts would result in monthly deductions, or that 5% of their savings would be deducted each month for tax. None of these claims could be traced to any provision of the law, yet they are widely shared with absolute confidence.

Another unfortunate experience was my encounter with a young and vibrant POS agent from whom I regularly withdraw cash. He told me he had shut down his business. According to what he was told, every ₦500,000 transaction would attract ₦15,000 in tax, every ₦5 million would attract ₦250,000, and any transaction above ₦1,000 would automatically be charged ₦50. 

He was also told these deductions would be accumulated and collected at the end of the month, and that’s what frightened him most. He used to make transactions averaging ₦50 million per month. With this information, he now chose to abandon his livelihood. Whether these claims are true or false is not the most important when one considers the damage such misinformation is already causing.

There is also a growing narrative, particularly on social media, that every transaction must now be clearly explained in the narration section. People are being told they must specify whether the money is for savings, shopping, gifts, rewards, profit, or salary. A counter-narrative exists saying this is false. Sadly, the average Nigerian does not know which version to believe. In an environment where official clarity is weak, rumours travel faster than facts.

If I were to document all the misinformation circulating about the new tax law, it would take more than a newspaper opinion. New versions emerge almost every hour. The most alarming outcome of this misinformation is how people are altering their economic behaviour. Businesses are being abandoned. Trust in digital finance is being eroded. People are deserting the cashless system out of fear, believing their money is no longer safe in the banking system.

The only effort I am aware of to address this information gap is the reported engagement of social media influencers to enlighten the public. If this effort has begun, it is not enough. If it has not, then it is urgently needed. But beyond influencers, one must ask: what happened to local radio stations? Radio remains the primary source of information for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural areas. The law should be broken down and discussed in local languages on local radio. 

There are also a proliferation of online television platforms operating across social media spaces. The tax reform committee should collaborate strategically with them to explain the law in simple, creative ways. Influencers alone cannot carry this burden. Public communication must be broader, more structured, and more deliberate.

The Federal Ministry of Information also plays a central role here. There is an urgent need for a simplified version of the tax law, as well as translations into local languages, and for their dissemination in collaboration with state ministries of information. Students, heads of households, community leaders, traders, and small business owners must all be deliberately engaged. Town hall meetings, especially in peri-urban communities, should be organised. They are necessary to counter the scale of misinformation already circulating.

When people are largely unaware of what a law entails, dysfunction is inevitable. The law may exist, but its implementation will be undermined by fear, resistance, and unintended consequences. By the look of things, those who understand the new tax law are currently the fewest in Nigeria, even among the highly educated. If this gap remains wide open, the law may struggle to achieve its intended outcomes.

Now that it’s here, I hope, and I genuinely pray, that if effectively implemented and properly communicated, the new tax laws will become one of the long-awaited channels for fixing many of Nigeria’s challenges. But without deliberate public education, I doubt if the policy can yield the desired result.

Isah Kamisu Madachi is a public policy enthusiast and development practitioner. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via: isahkamisumadachi@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The United States has deployed a small contingent of military personnel to Nigeria in a move officials say is intended to strengthen cooperation against extremist violence in the West African country.

Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed the deployment on Tuesday, saying the team arrived after discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on intensifying efforts to counter threats from Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups.

The deployment is the first acknowledgment of U.S. forces on the ground in Nigeria since America carried out airstrikes there on Christmas Day, targeting fighters linked to the Islamic State. While details about the size, exact mission and location of the U.S. team have not been released, military officials describe their role as focused on intelligence support, coordination and enhancing Nigerian capabilities rather than leading combat operations.

Nigeria faces persistent insecurity across its north and northwest, where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions have intensified attacks on military convoys and civilian communities. These groups have waged an insurgency for nearly two decades, displacing millions and forcing the government to seek varied forms of assistance to suppress the violence.

The move follows growing diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington. In recent months, U.S. officials have reportedly urged Nigeria to take stronger action against extremist violence, even as the Nigerian government rejects accusations that it is failing to protect vulnerable populations. Nigerian authorities emphasize that operations target all armed groups that threaten security, irrespective of the victims’ religious identities.

The U.S. has also conducted surveillance flights over Nigeria from bases in neighboring countries, a precursor to the December airstrikes. Those strikes reportedly killed multiple militants in Sokoto State, conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces.

While the current deployment is limited in scope, it marks a notable shift toward deeper military cooperation between the two countries at a time when Nigeria’s security challenges remain acute.

By Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido

This week marks a historic milestone for Islamic social finance in Nigeria. For the first time, the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) has declared a National Zakat and Waqf Week, running from January 30th to the following weekend. Across the country, more than 70 member organisations are participating through various programmes. The goal is simple but urgent: to educate, enlighten, and reawaken Muslims to the power and relevance of zakat and waqf in today’s world.

In Gombe State, the Zakah and Waqf Foundation is leading a series of activities during the week, including khutbahs, public lectures, zakat disbursement programmes, advocacy visits, and radio and television engagements. One of the key events was an invited guest Friday khutbah I delivered at Fuad Lababidi Mosque, carrying a message many communities desperately need to hear: that zakat and waqf are not just religious rituals but economic systems designed to build strong, self-reliant societies.

A central theme of the sermon was that Islam does not accept poverty as destiny, nor hunger as a permanent condition. Allah says, “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow” (Qur’an 9:103), and He reminds us, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains” (Qur’an 2:261). 

The verses above show that giving in Islam is not a loss but rather a source of growth, purification, and multiplication. Islam built a community where the wealthy bear responsibility for the vulnerable, the strong uplift the weak, and wealth circulates rather than remaining locked in a few hands. Two of the greatest tools for achieving this are zakat and waqf.

Many people today see zakat only as short-term relief — food packs, cash support, or emergency help. While these are important, zakat in its full vision is far greater. It is a poverty-reduction system, a wealth-redistribution mechanism, and a tool for economic empowerment. When properly managed, zakat can fund small businesses for the poor, provide tools and equipment for tradespeople, support education and skill development, and help recipients become earners. In other words, zakat is meant to move people from dependency to productivity. 

Globally, experts estimate that billions of dollars in zakat are paid annually by Muslims, and if organised professionally and invested productively, this wealth could significantly reduce poverty across the Muslim world.

If zakat is the fuel of social protection, waqf is the engine of long-term development. Waqf, or Islamic endowment, is a form of continuous charity where an asset is dedicated for the sake of Allah and its benefits are used for the public good. Historically, waqf funded universities and schools, hospitals and clinics, roads, bridges, and water systems, orphan care and social welfare, as well as libraries and centres of knowledge. 

For centuries, Muslim civilisation ran on waqf. In places like the Ottoman Empire, vast portions of public services, including education and healthcare, were financed through endowments rather than government budgets. In many classical Muslim cities, it was possible for a person to be born in a waqf-supported hospital, educated in a waqf-funded school, work in a waqf-funded market, and even be buried using waqf land — all without costing the state.

The Nigerian reality today presents serious challenges: youth unemployment, underfunded schools, poor healthcare access, and widespread poverty. Yet Islam has already placed in our hands the tools to respond. The khutbah stressed that we must stop seeing development as the government’s responsibility alone. Islamic civilisation flourished not only because of governments but also because of community-driven institutions like zakat and waqf.

The message echoed across the nation. In Abuja, Alhabibiyyah Islamic Society, through its Zakat and Waqf Unit, organised a major programme to mark its 5th Zakat and Waqf Day and the 15th Public Zakat Disbursement on 31st January 2026. The event drew national attention, with the National Chairman of AZAWON, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki (represented by Honourable Balarabe Shehu Kakale), delivering the keynote address. A high-level panel discussion followed on the theme “Zakat, Waqf and the New Tax Regime,” where I served as a panellist alongside Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee (represented), Hajiya Adama of Al-Ikhlas Waqf Trust, Borno, and Barrister Dele Oye, Founder of Dele Oye & Associates. My contribution once again emphasised the strategic developmental and civilisational roles of zakat and waqf, highlighting practical ways these instruments can be used to address our numerous socioeconomic challenges in a structured, sustainable manner.

The implications are clear. Zakat institutions must move toward professional management, proper data systems, and empowerment-based programmes that help beneficiaries start businesses and become self-reliant. Waqf must also evolve beyond its limited perception. Instead of restricting waqf to graveyards and mosques, communities can establish rental properties, shopping complexes, farms and orchards, schools, and clinics with income-generating arms. The profits can then fund education, healthcare, scholarships, and social welfare on a permanent basis. Families can dedicate houses or land as waqf, mosques can initiate community waqf projects, businesspeople can create corporate waqf funds, and professionals can contribute their expertise in management and governance.

The National Zakat and Waqf Week is therefore more than a ceremonial event; it is a wake-up call. If Muslims in Nigeria pay zakat correctly and channel it productively, establish and manage waqf professionally, and build partnerships between scholars, business leaders, and experts, then by Allah’s permission, we can see reduced poverty, more jobs for youth, better schools and hospitals, and stronger, more dignified communities. 

The revival of zakat and waqf is not just about charity; it is a strategy for economic revival and social stability. As emphasised in the khutbah and in the Abuja panel discussion, empowering the Muslim community will not happen through speeches alone, but through planning, management, transparency, and trust. The tools are already in our hands. The question is whether we will use them.

Amir Lamido, PhD, wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.