Sokoto State Commissions Remodeled Isa Mai Kware Jumu'at Mosque in Major Islamic Affairs Push
The newly remodeled Isa Mai Kware Jumu'at mosque has been officially commissioned in Sokoto State, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to enhance religious infrastructure. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, who lauded Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his transformative initiatives aimed at promoting Islamic affairs across the region.
Government Commitment to Islamic Development
In a statement issued by the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, Minister Goronyo expressed confidence that the mosque's remodeling would provide worshippers with the necessary comfort to fulfill their religious obligations. "Your Excellency, I was once part of this community where this mosque is situated, so I understand how important it is to the people," Goronyo remarked. He urged the host community to maintain the remodeled mosque properly to justify the government's substantial investment.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu highlighted that his administration has commissioned 33 remodeled Jumu'at mosques so far, with more projects at various stages of completion. These include mosques in locations such as 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 in the Hubbare area of Sokoto metropolis.
Expanding Mosque Renovation and Financial Support
To ensure no community is left without a mosque, Governor Aliyu has directed the Ministry of Works to prepare detailed cost estimates for renovating Jumu'ah mosques in Isa, Sabon Birni, Binji, Bunkari, Tangaza, as well as the Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Mosque at Ali Akilu. Beyond infrastructure, 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.
This financial support is in addition to monthly allowances provided to Imams, Na'ibs, and Mu'azzins in recognition of their services to their communities. Governor Aliyu reassured the people of Sokoto State of his administration's commitment to delivering more developmental initiatives that uplift Islamic institutions and reinforce the noble values of Islam, expressing gratitude for their continued support and prayers.
Dignitaries and Community Leaders Applaud Efforts
In his remarks, Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, commended Governor Aliyu for prioritizing Islamic affairs through mosque construction and remodeling, as well as Islamiyya schools across the state. The Sultan called on residents to observe their five daily prayers in the mosque regularly.
The State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, noted that the administration has given Islamic affairs the attention it deserves, including the revival of the State Hisbah Board to curb immorality and the organization of seminars and conferences for Islamic teachers. Earlier, the Chairman of Sokoto North Local Government, Jamilu Umar Gosta, praised Governor Aliyu for executing numerous people-oriented projects in the area, such as road construction, solar streetlight installations, and renovations of mosques and schools.
Prominent Attendance and Religious Observance
The commissioning ceremony was attended by a host of 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 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.
The event concluded with the Chief Imam of Isa Mai Kware Jumu'at Mosque, Sheikh Umar Mai Littafai, leading the two raka'at Jumu'ah congregational prayer, symbolizing the community's spiritual renewal and the government's ongoing dedication to Islamic development in Sokoto State.
