Engr. Kabiru el-Hussain Rumah
The Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Board has recorded a major milestone in its administration of Zakat and Waqf, collecting and disbursing about ₦7 billion in the 2025 fiscal year, even as it honoured four district heads for exceptional performance across the state.
The recognitions were announced during the 5th Annual National Conference of the Association of Zakat and Waqf Operators of Nigeria (AZWON), hosted in Katsina in 2025. The conference brought together Zakat and Waqf administrators, scholars and policymakers from across the country to deliberate on strengthening Islamic social finance institutions in Nigeria.
At the event, the Board, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Musa Filin Samji, presented special awards to selected district heads who distinguished themselves in Zakat mobilisation, distribution and Waqf development within their emirates. Galadiman Katsina, District Head of Malumfashi in Malumfashi Local Government Area, was recognised as the highest Zakat collector in the state for 2025. Sarkin Maskan Katsina, District Head of Funtua in Funtua Local Government Area, was honoured for establishing what was adjudged the most efficient and well-structured system for Zakat collection and distribution during the year.
Similarly, Dan Madamin Katsina, District Head of Daddara in Jibia Local Government Area, received commendation for initiating the first Waqf project in the state in 2025, while Marusan Daura, District Head of Yandi in Mai’adua Local Government Area, was recognised for the most timely remittance of Zakat.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda personally presented special commendation awards to the traditional leaders at the conference, applauding their commitment to strengthening institutional Zakat administration through the emirate structure.
Although the Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Board was established following the enactment of its enabling law in 2017 by former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, the Board did not fully commence operations before the end of his tenure in 2023. It was under Governor Radda’s administration that the Board formally took off, with the appointment of Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Musa Filin Samji as Executive Chairman.
Since becoming operational, the Board has strategically leveraged the traditional emirate system in the state to coordinate Zakat collection and distribution. Officials say this approach has significantly enhanced compliance, transparency and grassroots participation, culminating in the ₦7 billion collected and disbursed in 2025.
Stakeholders at the conference observed that despite the scale of the achievement, awareness of the Board’s performance remains limited among sections of the public and political class. They emphasised the need for sustained engagement to consolidate gains and deepen public understanding of Zakat and Waqf as structured instruments of social protection and poverty alleviation.
Among participants at the conference was Engr. Kabiru el-Hussain Rumah, Jakadan Rumah and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Jakadan Rumah Foundation, who presented a technical paper on global best practices in Zakat and Waqf administration, drawing lessons from Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan for Nigeria in general and Katsina State in particular.
Observers described the conference and the Board’s 2025 performance as a significant step in institutionalising Islamic social finance in Katsina State, widely known as the Home of Hospitality.
Engr. Kabiru el-Hussain Rumah, Jakadan Rumah, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Jakadan Rumah Foundation
