The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Northern States Council has called for urgent economic reforms and community-driven initiatives to tackle escalating poverty levels among Muslims in Nigeria.
The society made the call during the its 19th triennial congress held at Kaduna State University (KASU) in Kaduna.
National president of the society, Aare Dr. AbdulRafiu Ademola Sanni, represented by the national secretary, Alhaji Iskeel Ola Yusuf, emphasised that the congress aimed to address the socio-economic issues facing Nigerian Muslims.
He stressed the need to empower members through skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and educational programs, highlighting the Society’s vision to promote Islamic values while engaging modern strategies for economic upliftment.
The Guest Speaker, Professor Ahmad Bello Dogarawa of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, delivered a stark analysis of the economic realities in the country, revealing that 129 million Nigerians are living in extreme poverty, a situation worsened by the inclusion of 29 million more in the past year alone. He further noted that Northern Muslim-majority states such as Sokoto, Taraba, and Jigawa bear the brunt of poverty, with rates exceeding 87%.
Professor Dogarawa stressed that Islam’s wealth redistribution systems, particularly Zakat, must be more rigorously practiced to alleviate poverty within the community. He added that Islamic financial practices like avoiding usury and promoting fair wealth distribution could significantly contribute to economic stability.
In response, the deputy national president, Alhaji Adebayo Yusuf Ibrahim, called for greater commitment to the founding principles of Ansar-Ud-Deen and urged members to actively contribute toward building a stronger, more resilient Society.
Participants at the congress underscored the need for unity and collaboration between religious organizations, civil society, and government agencies to create sustainable economic opportunities, while continuing to promote the moral and ethical teachings of Islam.