The Majlis for Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf has established a women wing to deepen grassroots participation and strengthen the mobilisation and distribution of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf across the state.

The announcement was made at the organisation's 2026 annual Ramadan lecture held at its secretariat in Ilorin.

Chairman of the Majlis, Engr Saad Belgore, described the creation of the women wing as a significant milestone in the growth of the body. He noted that it received the blessings of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

According to him, the wing has been fully integrated into the activities of the Majlis and has already recorded impact in programme execution and community mobilisation.

In her address, the chairperson of the occasion, Hajia Fatimah Abdulkadir, Wakilin Mata Lafiagi, lauded the initiative and pledged the support of women groups from Kwara North.

She said women in Lafiagi, drawn from various Qur'anic organisations, had resolved to participate actively, noting that schools in the area were already contributing funds to support the Zakat programme.

"The women of Lafiagi believe this is a laudable cause and we must be part of it. Even our schools are contributing money to support the Zakat programme and they are ready to do more," she said.

She expressed confidence that greater progress would be achieved if the women wing is properly structured and coordinated across the state, explaining that Kwara North already operates a zonal structure with representatives in all local governments.

The Chairperson of the women wing, Hajia Maimunat Oniyangi, appreciated the leadership of the organisation for creating space for women to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf.

She noted that women play critical roles in identifying vulnerable households, supporting widows and orphans and encouraging compliance with charitable obligations.

The annual lecture, themed Sadaqah, Zakat and Waqf as Instruments for Unemployment and Poverty Reduction, was delivered by Imam Abdulrafii Olodu-Owo of Hasbunallahu Jumaat Mosque.

The event was chaired by the Dan Iyan of Ilorin, Engr Bolakale Kawu, while the Emir of Ilorin was represented by the Balogun Alanamu, Abubakar Jos.

Stakeholders at the event commended the establishment of the women wing, describing it as a strategic step to enhance grassroots mobilisation and improve the collection and distribution of charitable funds.

The Majlis reaffirmed its commitment to deepening awareness of Zakat as a compulsory pillar of Islam while expanding voluntary contributions through Sadaqah and Waqf to tackle poverty and unemployment in the state.