Sokoto Govt Remodels Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Mosque, Ubandoma Commissions Facility

The Ubandoman Sokoto, Malam Sa’idu Umar, on Friday commissioned the remodelled Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Juma’at Mosque along Ali Akilu Road in Sokoto metropolis, following its renovation by the Sokoto State Government.

The ceremony highlighted the state government’s renewed commitment to Islamic affairs, religious institutions and the promotion of Islamic education under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu said Islamic affairs remained the second pillar of his administration’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda, immediately after security, stressing that his government was determined to provide befitting places of worship and strengthen religious institutions across the state.

He disclosed that several newly constructed and remodelled model Juma’at mosques had been commissioned, while construction work had commenced on 15 additional mosques across Tangaza, Tureta, Isa and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.

The Governor also revealed that his administration had introduced monthly financial assistance ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 for more than 90 Juma’at mosques in Sokoto metropolis to support their operational and maintenance expenses.

According to him, the initiative complements monthly allowances being paid to Imams, their deputies and Muezzins in recognition of their contributions to religious development and community service.

On Islamic education, Aliyu said the government would prioritise the renovation of existing Islamic schools and the construction of new ones during the current fiscal year, with a view to strengthening religious education and promoting sound moral values among children.

He further highlighted the revitalisation of the State Hisbah Board and the organisation of capacity-building programmes for Imams across the state’s 23 local government areas to improve religious leadership and promote peaceful coexistence.

The Governor said workshops had already been conducted in the 13 local government areas of Sokoto South and Sokoto Central Senatorial Districts, while the remaining eight local government areas in Sokoto East were scheduled to benefit in November.

Aliyu urged the mosque committee and residents of the surrounding community to protect and maintain the facility, ensuring it remained a centre for worship, moral instruction, peace and unity.

Earlier, the Ubandoman Sokoto commended the Governor for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to Islamic propagation and the welfare of religious institutions.

Malam Sa’idu Umar disclosed that the administration had constructed and remodelled more than 70 major Juma’at mosques within and outside Sokoto metropolis, with over 50 completed and commissioned.

He also praised the government for providing 18-seater buses to Islamic organisations to support their Da’awah activities, distributing prayer mats to mosques and introducing monthly financial assistance to Juma’at mosques.

The traditional titleholder described the financial support programme as a remarkable intervention, which he said was unprecedented in northern Nigeria.

He further commended the government’s commitment to supporting Islamic organisations conducting annual Ramadan Tafsir programmes, expressing optimism that the initiative would ease the financial burden on religious groups.

On security, Malam Umar applauded the procurement of operational vehicles, including armoured vehicles, for security agencies, alongside the construction of township and rural roads and completion of major water projects.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Professor Jabir Sani Maihulla, described the remodelling of the mosque as evidence of the government’s determination to improve religious infrastructure.

He assured that the ministry would continue collaborating with Imams, mosque committees and other stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of religious facilities.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, in a goodwill message, also commended Governor Aliyu for his sustained support to Islamic affairs, describing investments in mosques, Imams and Islamic scholars as worthwhile contributions to faith and community development.

The Sultan prayed for lasting peace and unity in Sokoto State and asked Allah to reward the Governor and make the mosque a centre for worship, learning and moral guidance.