From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The Sarkin Kiyawan Kaura Namoda, Dr. Sanusi Muhammad Asha, on Tuesday commissioned the newly renovated and remodelled Gada Central Jumu’at Mosque in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, government officials and a large gathering of worshippers, Governor Ahmad Aliyu said the completion of the mosque demonstrates his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects and promoting the development of Islam across Sokoto State.
According to the governor, the remodelling and expansion of the mosque commenced during the administration of former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but was abandoned by the succeeding administration before his government revived and completed the project.
“The upgrading and remodelling of this mosque commenced during the administration of former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. Unfortunately, the administration that succeeded it neglected the project. When we assumed office, we decided not only to complete it but also to expand and upgrade it into a befitting place of worship for the Muslim Ummah,” he said.
Governor Aliyu explained that the project reflects his administration’s determination to complete all inherited projects that will positively impact the lives of the people, particularly those that promote religious development.
He described the promotion of Islamic affairs as the second pillar of his administration’s Nine-Point Agenda, noting that his government has remained steadfast in strengthening religious institutions across the state.
The governor disclosed that since assuming office, his administration has completed and commissioned 43 model Jumu’at mosques across Sokoto State, while another 12 are currently at various stages of completion.
He further announced that the government would soon commence the construction and remodelling of Jumu’at mosques in Isa, Sabon Birni and the historic Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo Jumu’at Mosque to ensure that more communities have access to conducive places of worship.
Governor Aliyu also revealed that his administration has introduced monthly operational grants for over 90 Jumu’at mosques within the Sokoto metropolis. The grants, ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000, are intended to support the maintenance and smooth operation of the mosques.
He added that the government pays monthly allowances to Imams, Deputy Imams, Mu’azzins and other mosque officials in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Islam and society.
The governor further announced plans to renovate existing Islamic schools and construct new ones across the state to strengthen Islamic education and instil sound moral values in younger generations.
He also disclosed that the Sokoto State Hisbah Board has been revived to promote modesty, uphold moral values and contribute to building a cleaner, safer and more disciplined society in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to implementing programmes and projects that strengthen religious institutions and promote the enduring values of Islam.
He urged the management of the mosque and the people of Gada to safeguard the facility and ensure it continues to serve as a centre for worship, Islamic learning, unity, peaceful coexistence and moral upbringing.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to building a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
In his remarks while formally commissioning the mosque, the Sarkin Kiyawan Kaura Namoda, Dr. Sanusi Muhammad Asha, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmad Aliyu for inviting him to perform the historic ceremony.
He described the Gada Central Jumu’at Mosque as a magnificent edifice and an enduring legacy that will serve generations of Muslims in Gada and neighbouring communities.
Dr. Asha observed that building a mosque is one of the greatest acts of charity in Islam, recalling the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that whoever builds a mosque solely for the sake of Allah will be rewarded with a house in Paradise.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would richly reward Governor Ahmad Aliyu and everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The traditional ruler commended the Sokoto State Government for its sustained commitment to promoting Islam and improving the welfare of the people.
He noted that making the promotion of Islamic affairs the second pillar of the administration’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda, after security, demonstrates a clear understanding that religion and security are closely intertwined.
According to him, peace and security provide the enabling atmosphere for people to worship Allah freely and pursue their legitimate livelihoods without fear.
Dr. Asha further praised the administration’s consistent investment in the construction and renovation of mosques and other Islamic institutions across the state.
He particularly applauded the introduction of monthly operational grants for Jumu’at mosques and the payment of regular allowances to Imams, Deputy Imams, Mu’azzins and other mosque officials, describing the initiatives as practical demonstrations of the government’s commitment to strengthening religious institutions.
Addressing the people of Gada,the Emir reminded them that a mosque is far more than a place of worship, describing it as a centre for Islamic learning, moral guidance, community development, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He therefore urged them to maintain the mosque properly, preserve its sanctity and ensure that it continues to nurture the fear of Allah, good character and brotherhood among Muslims.
Dr. Asha also called on the people to continue praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Gada Local Government Area, Sokoto State and Nigeria, while remembering their leaders in prayers so that Allah grants them wisdom, justice and sincerity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He reminded the gathering that every individual is a leader in one capacity or another and would ultimately account before Allah for his or her responsibilities, urging everyone to discharge their duties with sincerity and the fear of Allah.
The Sarkin Kiyawan Kaura Namoda concluded by praying that Allah (SWT) would accept the mosque as an act of worship, reward everyone who contributed to its construction and make it a source of continuous blessings and Sadaqah Jariyah in this world and the Hereafter.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Professor Jabir Sani Maihula, disclosed that the mosque, built on approximately 1,100 square metres, is the second-largest mosque completed by the Ahmad Aliyu administration.
He said the completion of the project further demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, religious advancement, Islamic education and the overall welfare of the people of Sokoto State.
Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, urged the people of Gada to protect and preserve the mosque, stressing that it should serve not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and moral values within the community.
