Michael Olugbode in Abuja
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, a faith-based organisation in Nigeria, are partnering this Ramadan to collect Zakat and Sadaqah contributions to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah. Imam Fuad Adeyemi, on Thursday said in Abuja that: “We are pleased to partner with UNHCR to support people forced to flee their homes because of violence and conflict. Our fellow displaced brothers and sisters represent some of the most vulnerable among us. Each contribution of Sadaqah or Zakat, no matter how much or how little, will greatly support IDPs in need with the resources and tools to rebuild their lives,”
The conflict and violence with farmer-herder clashes, and violence inflicted by non-state armed groups has caused mass displacement of Nigerians within the country. As a result, the number of people internally displaced has risen to over 3.4 million, according to recent figures. Most of the IDPs are residing across northeast, northwest, and northcentral regions of the country.
Imam Adeyemi said: “While UNHCR has been at the forefront of this IDP crisis, the increasing number of displaced persons in Nigeria has exacerbated resources. This Ramadan Campaign celebrates the spirit of faith-based philanthropy, particularly the strength and commitment of Nigeria’s Muslim community. Charity begins at home, and this Ramadan, we hope that the kindness of Nigerian Muslim community can extend to support their very own.”
He noted that funds raised from the campaign will support IDPs with livelihood kits that include farming equipment, small business resources, and trade skills and learning.
He advised that to learn more about the campaign, Nigerians should visit: Support Nigerian Families: Your Zakat Creates Livelihoods/ LaunchGood.
Al-Habibiyyah is a faith-based organisation in Nigeria whose mandate includes the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond, Islamic & secular education, inter-religious dialogue, provision of social services such as health care, education & welfare assistance to people in need as well as the advancement of Islamic culture in all facets of human activities.
Al-Habibiyyah collaborates with fellow Muslims, Islamic organisations, and other refutable impact-making organizations whose vision & mandate matches theirs to deliver interventions that promote the well-being of the people and human dignity.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.
Since its formation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1951, UNHCR has helped millions of forcibly displaced people restart their lives and has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice.
In line with its global mandate, UNHCR in Nigeria works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers, refugee returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and stateless men, women and children.
