Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, on Friday afternoon commissioned the Isa Mai Kware Jumu’at Mosque, remodelled by the Sokoto State government, commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his laudable initiative aimed at transforming the State, particularly in promoting Islamic affairs.
Expressing confidence that the remodelling of the Isa Mai Kware Jumu’at Mosque will provide worshippers in the area with the comfort needed to observe their religious obligations, Goronyo said: “Your Excellency, I was once part of this community where this mosque is situated, so I understand how important it is to the people.”
He called on the benefiting community to take proper care of the remodelled mosque in order to justify the government’s significant investment.
Governor Aliyu said at the event that the present administration has so far commissioned 33 remodelled Jumu’at mosques, adding that more are at various stages of completion.
These include mosques in Kebbe, Illela, Gwadabawa, Hajiya Halima Estate, Abubakar Sadiq (Runjin Sambo), Gada, Minanata, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, the Sultan Maccido Institute, and the historic Sheikh Usman bin Fodio Jumu’ah Mosque at the Hubbare area in Sokoto metropolis.
“In order to ensure that no community is left without a mosque, I have directed the Ministry of Works to prepare detailed cost estimates for the renovation of Jumu’ah mosques in Isa, Sabon Birni, Binji, Bunkari, Tangaza, as well as the Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Mosque at Ali Akilu,” the governor added.
In addition to infrastructure, the governor stated that the administration has introduced monthly standing imprests to 90 Jumu’at mosques, ranging from N500,000 to N300,000 based on their size and needs.
He further noted that this gesture is in addition to the monthly allowances provided to Imams, Na’ibs, and Mu’azzins in recognition of their services to their communities.
Governor Aliyu reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to delivering more developmental initiatives that will uplift Islamic institutions and reinforce the noble values of Islam.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support and prayers.
In his remarks,Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar called on people living around the area to always observe their five daily prayers in the mosque.
Represented by the Wazirin Sokoto prof Sambo Wali Junaid, the Sultan commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for giving Islamic affairs the desired attention, through the construction and remodeling of mosques and Islamiyya schools across the State.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, said the present administration has given Islamic affairs the attention it deserves.
These efforts include the construction and renovation of mosques and Islamiyya schools, the revival of the State Hisbah Board to curb immorality, as well as the organisation of seminars and conferences for Islamic teachers in the state.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Chairman of Sokoto North Local Government, Jamilu Umar Gosta, commended Governor Aliyu for the numerous people-oriented projects executed by the state government in his area.
He noted that under his leadership, the local government has constructed roads, installed solar streetlights in many areas, and renovated mosques and schools, among other projects.
According to a statement by the Director General, Media and Publicity Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the commissioning ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including APC leader in the State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; the State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa; members of the State House of Assembly; State APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff, Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko, mni; Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants, among others.
The Chief Imam of Isa Mai Kware Jumu’at Mosque, Sheikh Umar Mai Littafai, later led the two raka’at Jumu’ah congregational prayer.
