In a generous gesture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the first lady’s office, has donated 900 bags of 50kg rice and 10 cows to the Abuja National Mosque for distribution to those in need within local Muslim communities.
The initiative, outlined by Professor Luqman Zakariyah, the acting chairman of the mosque’s distribution committee, is intended to support individuals during the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration.
Speaking to reporters during the distribution exercise at the Abuja National Mosque yesterday, Professor Zakariyah, who also serves as one of the Imams of the Mosque, explained that the committee adhered to previous distribution protocols to ensure that the items reached deserving recipients. This includes individuals who regularly seek assistance at the Mosque and staff members such as cleaners, security personnel, healthcare providers and other organisations from outside.
Professor Zakariyah thanked President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their continued support, affirming that the president has exemplified leadership for all segments of society.
“A few weeks ago, Mr President, through the office of the first lady, sent 900 bags of 5kg rice and 10 cows to the Mosque for distribution to the needy. Today, June 2, 2025, we are distributing the rice to the beneficiaries. We have identified various organisations in Abuja that are to benefit from this donation. The items were provided for the Sallah celebration, Eid-el-Adha. Although we received them two weeks ago, we delayed the distribution to ensure the beneficiaries could use them during the celebration. As you are aware, Eid-el-Adha, which we will celebrate on Friday, June 6, is a time of feasting and sharing,” he stated.
“As the chairman of the distribution, we assessed previous distributions to select the beneficiaries.
We considered those who come to the Mosque regularly seeking assistance, as well as staff members, and we invited the Imams from each area council in Abuja to represent their communities. Each area council will receive 10 bags of 5kg rice to distribute among those in need in their locality. The 10 cows will be slaughtered on Thursday, a day before Sallah, and shared among those listed,” Professor Zakariyah added.
One of the beneficiaries, Ustaz Yunus Salawudeen, public relations officer of the Abuja Muslims Forum, praised the President for his generosity.
“We are here today to receive support from Mr President through the office of the First Lady. We are grateful that Mr President has remembered the Muslim community in Abuja this Sallah celebration by donating rice and cows to us. While we understand it may not reach everyone, no one should go hungry during Eid-el-Kabir,” he remarked.
“We pray for our nation and hope for a change in attitude towards the needy within the community. Given the economic hardships faced globally, we urge those who can to extend their charity beyond the usual zakat,” he added.
Another beneficiary, Cletus Muhammed Nwaneri, commended the leadership of the Abuja Mosque for ensuring that the donated items reach those in need. “We thank the Muslims for their donation and the efforts they are making; it is truly commendable. This rice will significantly aid many people, fostering development and peace in our country. For those who are hungry, this rice and meat will enable us to celebrate Sallah peacefully. May Allah bless the donor and guide us all.”
