Sokoto State Government has pledged to partner with the Madina Islamic Centre, Sokoto, to provide specialised training for Islamic scholars and civil servants as part of efforts to deepen religious knowledge and enhance efficiency in public service delivery.
Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto announced the partnership on Friday during the commissioning of the Madina Islamic Centre Jumu’at Mosque along Abdullahi Fodiyo Road, Sokoto.
The governor said the initiative was aimed at building the capacity of Islamic scholars and civil servants by equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
He commended the founder of the centre, Professor Mansur Ibrahim, for establishing the institution and assured him of the state government’s continued support towards completing its remaining projects.
Aliyu also called on wealthy individuals and other well-meaning members of the public to contribute to the development of the centre, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing Islamic education and religious activities.
The governor highlighted various interventions and achievements recorded by his administration in the promotion of Islamic affairs, reaffirming his commitment to sustaining government support for religious institutions across the state.
In his remarks, the founder of the centre, Professor Mansur Ibrahim, said the institution was established to promote Da’awah, research and community development, as well as provide specialised training for Islamic scholars and judges, particularly in the resolution of religious disputes.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Aliyu for his administration’s commitment to promoting Islamic affairs, particularly through the renovation of mosques, provision of welfare support to Imams and the reintroduction of the Hisbah Board.
Professor Ibrahim explained that the centre comprises a Jumu’at Mosque, lecture hall and classrooms, adding that plans were underway to construct shops within the complex to support its financial sustainability.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the founder for providing what he described as world-class facilities, noting that the centre would complement the state government’s efforts to promote Islamic affairs.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Professor Jabir Sani Maihulla, also commended the founder for establishing the centre, describing the facility as a significant contribution to the promotion of Islamic education, religious scholarship and Da’awah.
He noted that institutions of such importance would complement the state government’s efforts to strengthen Islamic learning, nurture religious scholars and promote moral development across the state.
The highlight of the ceremony was the turbaning of the Chief Imam of the Jumu’at Mosque, Dr Naziru Abubakar Suleiman, alongside his deputies, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Marafa and Alkali Zayyanu Ibrahim.
The two-raka’at Jumu’at prayer was led by renowned Islamic scholar from Kano State, Sheikh Ibrahim Aminu Daurawa, who, in his sermon, commended the state government for its commitment to promoting Islam through various interventions.
He also emphasised the importance of Islamic education and sustained efforts towards strengthening religious activities in society.
The occasion was attended by the Sokoto State APC Leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; Alhaji Umarun Kwabo, AA Jarman Sokoto; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; Islamic scholars and other dignitaries.
