Ibb: The General Zakat Authority launched on Wednesday economic empowerment projects for 667 beneficiary families in Ibb Province. The projects include 409 families benefiting from the Productive Families Program, 154 families from the Commercial Program, 59 families from the Vocational Program, and 45 families from the Livestock Program.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the launch, Ibb Governor Abdulwahid Salah emphasized that the initiation of these economic empowerment projects reflects the revolutionary and political leadership's commitment to directing Zakat funds to their proper channels, contributing to alleviating the suffering of the poor, needy and transforming them from dependent families into productive families capable of self-reliance.
He noted that these projects are a practical manifestation of the concept of social solidarity advocated by Islam and strengthen community resilience in the face of aggression and blockade. He highlighted that Ibb Governorate places great importance on implementing developmental Zakat programs that achieve sustainable economic and social impact.
The governor also praised the efforts of the General Zakat Authority in implementing these projects and called on beneficiaries to make optimal use of the support provided and to develop their projects to ensure their sustainability. He affirmed the local authority's support for various programs and initiatives aimed at serving the poor and needy.
For his part, Mohamed Al-Ayani, Deputy Director of the General Zakat Authority for the Banking Sector, explained that Zakat is a fundamental pillar in building a cohesive society, given its crucial role in promoting social justice and alleviating poverty. He stressed that the Authority works in line with the leadership's vision to implement Zakat in a manner that ensures it reaches those entitled to it.
Al-Ayani noted that the impact of Zakat extends beyond basic livelihoods to fostering values of compassion and solidarity among community members, reinforcing collective responsibility toward the poor and needy, especially under the exceptional circumstances imposed by aggression and blockade. He pointed out that the Authority implements a number of humanitarian and developmental projects in Ibb Governorate, including programs supporting patients in need and those unable to work, benefiting over 5,000 families, in addition to economic empowerment projects targeting families under the commercial, vocational, and livestock programs, helping improve their living standards and achieve family stability.
Meanwhile, Abdulfattah Ghalab, Head of General Mobilization in the governorate, emphasized that economic empowerment projects are a form of societal resilience in facing aggression and contribute to fostering self-reliance. He highlighted that Zakat is one of the most important tools to counter the effects of the economic war targeting the Yemeni people. He added that directing Zakat funds toward productive projects reflects an awareness of the importance of shifting from relief to development, which strengthens community resilience and reinforces values of cooperation and solidarity, praising the General Zakat Authority's efforts in this regard.
In a speech on behalf of the scholars in the governorate, Mujib Marzah stated that Zakat is a great obligation prescribed by Allah to purify wealth and the self and achieve social balance. He affirmed that attention to Zakat and ensuring it reaches the deserving helps address many economic, social problems, fosters a spirit of brotherhood and compassion within the community.
Meanwhile, Abdu Said, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Zakat Authority and the governorate leadership for implementing these projects, which will improve their living conditions and enable them to secure an income for their families. He stressed the beneficiaries' commitment to investing in these projects to achieve stability and alleviate their hardships.