GWADEF

CONCEPTUAL NOTE

Executive Summary

Green Waqf Development Foundation (GWADEF) is a non-profit organization which strives to use Islamic machinery of finances and empowerment to change the gruesome narratives of hunger, poverty, unemployment in Northern Nigeria into a success story of affluence, smiles, hope and happiness in our local communities.

The project is a proactive attempt adopting a participatory approach in addressing our peculiar socioeconomic problems as once instituted in many Islamic cities and still bearing amazing fruits with billion dollars investment and properties.

GWADEF has various Waqf initiatives through which identified areas shall be addressed. The first initiative is "One million tree plantation initiative/project" across the North where stakeholders get rewarded for their endowments and as well help environment grow richer and greener. The second initiative is a Greenhouse Agribusiness within the GWADEF farm house. The third and not the least is animal husbandry. Each project is slated to take off within the interval set. The proceed of GWADEF project finances education, healthcare and empower families.

GWADEF aspires to from onset commission 10 hectare of land farm house which shall house 1000 units of date tree to grow and bear fruits for the foundation in the next 5-10 years. The land shall also house seedling nursery where seedlings are nursed for onward plantation in different localities and communities. Only tree bearing fruits are recommended for this project. First phase of this initiative targets Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Sokoto. Four emirates of Kano State namely Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano and Karaye shall have a GWADEF unit with its comprehensive facility comprising of the 1000 units of date trees, greenhouse facility and animal husbandry. The land shall be acquired and or granted by the emirate/LGA and the community collectively invest and buy products, shares and waqf seedlings to be planted for themselves or for their parents and relatives as sadaqah jariya.

Greenhouse shall serve as a component of GWADEF units. Greenhouse is known for its year round productivity advantage, producing different types of fruits Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers) Fruits (strawberries, melons) Herbs (mint, basil) Flowers and ornamental plant. Agribusiness opportunities in greenhouse facility adds value to the income of GWADEF. Water efficiency: Drip irrigation inside a greenhouse can save up to 70-90% water compared to traditional farming. Urban and export markets: You can supply supermarkets, hotels, and even export markets with consistent, clean produce.

The ultimate goal of GWADEF is to commission the project in each local government across Northern Nigeria particularly Muslim dominated states. It is hoped that in the next five to ten years precisely in 2035 each local government shall have a viable and sustainable income stream financing education and supporting the vulnerable worth billions of naira in sha Allahu Ta'ala. This model could be replicated by Islamic organizations, local communities and individuals.

Management of GWADEF shall be entrusted in the hands of trustees, seasoned managers, ulamas and technocrats whose integrity is impeccably proven. Standard shall be maintained in the services and products offered. GWADEF shall be a brand of international repute obtainable both online and offline. GWADEF byproducts shall strive to cover food and beverages, meat and groceries, milk and packaged dates, chickens and other assorted products. GWADEF products are by default are part of larger Halal global brand always in need in the global market sha Allahu Ta'ala.

Introduction

The apparent manifestation of underdevelopment in Northern Nigeria is now an established reality; poverty, unemployment, insecurity, poor education system, inadequate health service delivery and lack of basic infrastructure. National figures and statistics suggest even worst fate for human basic needs in Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa and Jigawa states. Ironically, the five most advanced states educationally in Nigeria are all from Southern part of Nigeria while the most backward states educationally come from the North. In an article published by This Day 24th August, 2024, North And its Enemy, Okay Ikechukwu asserted that northerners are the enemies of themselves. While AbdulRauf Aliyu's article Beyond the Blueprints opined thus the only hindrance of development in Northern Nigeria is their mindset or the worldview. There exist different and varied opinions on the way out however, but this proposal sees the Northern liberation and development in a comprehensive approach offered by Islam which comprises of viable social and economic reform that addresses both spiritual and material yearnings of human societies. Waqf or endowment which serves as one of the Islamic mechanism for society's wellbeing is regarded as a key steps to address poverty in Northern Nigeria so long as it is robustly implemented. Waqaf has changed societies and offered alternatives to conventional financial alternative that are not Shari'a compliant. Universities are built and sustained with waqf funds, patients taken care of and investments run in prominent Islamic communities; Egypt, Mecca, Syria, Khartoum etc. until today such properties exit and yield fruits for the betterment of families and vulnerable.

Conclusion

The above proposal is just a synopsis of the lager working document that defines the vision, mission, philosophy, modus operand, bye-laws and constitution of the GWADEF. Other vital areas are equally receiving attention of our experts and stakeholders as we progress in sha Allahu SWT.

THE CONCEPT OF WAQF

Waqf (also spelled Waqf) is an Islamic endowment of property or money, donated by a person for religious, educational, or charitable purposes in perpetuity. Once something is declared as waqf, it cannot be sold, inherited, or donated again it belongs to Allah, and its benefits must continuously serve the purpose specified by the donor. The importance of waqf in the 21st century is huge, especially for addressing modern social and economic challenges in a sustainable, faith-based way. Here's how:

IMPORTANCE OF WAQF IN THE 21ST CENTURY

1. 1. Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare

   Waqf plays a significant role in reducing poverty by providing ongoing support to those in need. Through endowments, essential services like food distribution, housing, and financial aid can be sustained over the long term, creating a reliable support system for the underprivileged.

2. 2. Support for Education and Skill Development

   Waqf funds can be used to establish and maintain educational institutions such as schools, universities, libraries, and vocational training centers. This promotes literacy, enhances skill development, and empowers individuals to improve their livelihoods and contribute to society.

3. 3. Healthcare Services

   Waqf properties are often used to build hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer free or subsidized medical care. In regions with limited healthcare access, this is a vital means of supporting public health and saving lives.

4. 4. Economic Development

   Waqf can stimulate local economies by investing in income-generating ventures such as real estate, agriculture, or small businesses. The revenue from these investments can be reinvested into community development, while the original waqf asset remains intact.

5. 5. Preservation of Islamic Heritage and Institutions

   Waqf helps maintain mosques, religious schools (madrasas), and historic sites. This ensures the continuation of Islamic learning, culture, and worship for future generations.

6. 6. Response to Humanitarian Crises

   Waqf institutions are capable of offering structured and long-term aid to refugees, displaced people, and those affected by natural disasters. Because waqf assets are permanent, they provide stable and continuous support during emergencies.

7. 7. Contribution to Sustainable Development

   The principles of waqf align with modern global development goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promotes economic inclusion, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to essential services.

Tree Waqf

Tree Waqf refers to dedicating trees or land with trees planted on it as a waqt (Islamic charitable endowment), so that the benefits of the trees are used for ongoing charity, while the ownership remains for Allah.

Key Features of Tree Waqf:

1. 1. The Trees Are Not to Be Sold or Cut Down:

   The trees themselves become sacred and must be preserved. Only their fruits, shade, or other renewable benefits can be used.

2. 2. The Benefits Serve Charitable Purposes:

   Fruits can be given to the poor or sold to fund education, healthcare, etc. Shade can support public spaces or animals. Timber (only if sustainable) may be harvested under certain waqf rules.

3. 3. Environmental and Spiritual Value:

   Planting and preserving trees is highly encouraged in Islam. A tree waqf combines sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity) with environmental sustainability.

Example:

A farmer dedicates a date palm grove as waqf. The land and trees are no longer his personal property. Every year, the dates are harvested and distributed to local orphanages. The trees remain protected, and the community benefits perpetually.

Integrated Ecosystem

An integrated ecosystem is a system where different living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and non-living components (soil, water, air, sunlight) work together in a balanced, interconnected, and sustainable way.

Key Characteristics:

1. 1. Interconnected Elements:

   Each part of the ecosystem supports and depends on the others for example, plants provide oxygen, animals help in seed dispersal, and microbes decompose waste.

2. 2. Balance and Self-Regulation:

   Natural processes keep the system in balance (like predator-prey relationships or nutrient cycles), so it can sustain itself over time.

3. 3. Diversity and Resilience:

   A healthy integrated ecosystem has many species, which increases its ability to recover from changes like drought, disease, or human activity.

4. 4. Resource Recycling:

   Nothing is wasted organic matter decomposes and becomes nutrients again, water cycles through evaporation and rain, etc.

Simple Example:

A forest is an integrated ecosystem. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, animals eat fruits and spread seeds, fungi break down dead leaves into nutrients for the soil, and everything is connected in a natural loop.

Contact Us

For more information, partnerships, or donations, please reach out to us.

Email: info@gwadef.org (Placeholder)

Phone: +234 123 456 7890 (Placeholder)