Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria - Azawon

19/04/2026

WZWF, AZAWON to Partner Kaduna State on Institutionalising Zakat and Waqf for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection

Buhari Lawal
Kaduna, Nigeria
April 17, 2026

The World Zakat and Waqf Forum (WZWF) and the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) have reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government to institutionalise Zakat and Waqf as sustainable tools for poverty alleviation and social protection.

The commitment was made by Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, who serves as Deputy Secretary General of WZWF and National Chairman of AZAWON, during his paper presentation titled “Islamic Social Finance: Concept & Global Perspective” at the 2-day Stakeholders Workshop on Zakat and Waqf as innovative financial tools for social protection in Kaduna State.

In his presentation, Maidoki emphasized that Islamic Social Finance (ISF) which includes Zakat, Waqf, Sadaqah, and Qard Hasan offers a non-debt, ethical, and community-driven approach to addressing socio-economic inequalities. He noted that when properly institutionalised, these instruments can significantly complement government-led social protection programmes and reduce poverty sustainably.

The workshop was organised by the Kaduna State Government through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Social Development, led by Barrister Bridget Suleiman, with technical support from the Zakat and Waqf Foundation Kaduna under the leadership of Malam Abdullahi Salisu Halidu and sponsorship from UNICEF.

Maidoki highlighted Nigeria’s significant untapped Zakat potential estimated at over $1.3 billion annually and called for strategic policies, institutional frameworks, and digital systems to enhance transparency, efficiency, and impact. He also proposed the establishment of a Kaduna State Zakat and Waqf Board, integration with existing social protection schemes, and the adoption of technology-driven platforms such as e-Zakat and cash Waqf systems.

He further underscored the importance of shifting from consumption-based interventions to productivity-focused models, including the use of Zakat funds for interest-free loans (Qard Hasan) to empower youth and women entrepreneurs.

The collaboration between WZWF, AZAWON, and the Kaduna State Government is expected to pave the way for a more structured, transparent, and impactful deployment of Islamic social finance instruments in tackling poverty and strengthening social protection systems in the state.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, development partners, religious institutions, and civil society organisations, all committed to exploring innovative and sustainable financing solutions for social welfare in Kaduna State.

29/12/2025

29/12/2025

Update:::..

Muhammad Noor Foundation Pay Courtesy Visit to AZAWON Chairman in Misau

By ... Ismail Ahmad, Buhari Lawal, Mukhtar A... Misau,Bauchi State

The leadership of Muhammad Noor Foundation has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON), Engr. Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki (Sadaukin Sokoto), in Misau.

Engr. Maidoki, who also serves as the Executive Chairman ,of the Sokoto Zakat and Endowment Agency (SOZEA) and Deputy Secretary General of the World Zakat and Waqf Forum, is in Misau on a two-day working visit to deliver a public lecture focused on advocating for the effective institutionalization and utilization of Zakat, Waqf and Sadaqat as tools for sustainable socio-economic development.

The delegation was led by Malam Balarabe Musa, former Amir of MSSN MAC, who briefed the AZAWON Chairman on the vision, operational journey, achievements and future direction of the organization. He also highlighted key challenges confronting Islamic philanthropic initiatives, including limited public awareness, coordination gaps and resource mobilization constraints.

In his response, Engr. Maidoki expressed satisfaction with the progress and impact recorded by the foundation, commending their commitment to advancing Islamic philanthropy and community development. He reaffirmed his readiness to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Zakat and Waqf institutions in Nigeria in line with best practices.

The visit formed part of official engagements of Malam Maidoki in Misau, following a royal invitation by the Emir of Misau, His Highness Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, mni, aimed at promoting public understanding and effective management of Islamic philanthropic instruments.

The Chairman was accompanied by a distinguished entourage comprising Khadi Ahmad Yarima, Esq., Malam Hamza Nayola, the Ameer of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Misau Area Council, SC Saleh Mohammed, and Sunusi Adamu Dunkui.

29/12/2025

07/02/2025

07/02/2025

AZAWON COGRATULATES DR. BALARABE SHEHU KAKALE ON TRADITIONAL TITLE CONFERMENT
The Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators in Nigeria - Azawon AZAWON hereby rejoices with Dr. Honourable Balarabe Shehu Kakale former member House of Representatives on the occasion of his richly merited conferment of the traditional title 'BARDEN TSANGAYU DA MAKARANTUN ALLON HAUSA' by His Royal Highness the Emir of Daurah Emirate, Katsina State Nigeria.
2. This honour has not come as a surprise to us considering your selfless and immense efforts towards reforming the almajiiri system of education in Nigeria.
3. Hope this recognition of your rare contributions to the cause of Tsangaya by Emir of Daurah Emirate Alh Dr Umar Faruk Umar would further translate into more robust commitment to Tsangaya Education in the country and beyond.
4. Accordingly AZAWON assures you of unflinching support as you strive individually and collectively to turnaround the narratives of Tsangaya institution and underprivileged sections of the Nigeria society against all odds.
5. Congratulations once more as you were turbaned BARDEN TSANGAYAR HAUSA , the first of its kind in the annals of our dear nation.
Signed:
National Secretary, Prof Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad
For: National Chairman Muhammad Lawal Maidoki (Sadaukin Sakkwato)
National Chairman, AZAWON

07/02/2025

23/01/2025

AZAWON PAID CONDOLENCE VISIT TO JIGAWA STATE GOVERNOR
Yesterday being 22nd January 2025, the Association of Zakat & Waqf Operators in Nigeria (AZAWON) under the leadership of its National Chairman, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki (Sadaukin Sokoto) paid condolence visit to Jigawa State Executive Governor, His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi FCA, over the demise of his mother and son recently.
On behalf of AZAWON, Sadaukin Sokoto however extended condolence to the Governor, and humbly asked Almighty Allah to have His Mercy and grant Jannatul Firdaus to the deceased. He also appeased the Governor to continue exercising patience for the loss as it was a destiny from omnipotent Allah.
Furthermore, Sadaukin Sokoto thanked the governor while submitting an appreciation letter to the Governor for sponsoring and hosting the 4th AZAWON conference that was recently held at Hadejia, School of Nursing Jigawa State. He also thanked the Governor for his tireless effort in renovating the School of Nursing, Hadejia holistically and impact he makes in improving the welfare of people in Jigawa State.
On the other hand, the Governor of Jigawa warmly welcomed the AZAWON delegation team and showed his appreciation for the condolence the Association paid to him. He also prayed Almighty Allah to safely return the delegation team to their respective homes.
Finally, the AZAWON National Chairman was accompanied by Alh. Mukhtar Abubakar Dangogo BOT member, Alh. Bala Muhammad Kazaure BOT member, Dr. Mahmud Yunus (Sa'in Dutse), Malam Mujittaba Muhammad Yakubu (S. A to the Jigawa Governor on Religious Affairs), Mal. Falalu Dutse, Abba Usman Dankoli, Buhari Lawal, Mukhtar Halliru Tambuwal, Yahaya Shehu, Musa and Haruna Yunusa.
@ AZAWON Secretariat, Kano.