Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting Islam and strengthening religious institutions through the construction, remodelling and renovation of Jumu’at mosques across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor stated this at the commissioning ceremony of the remodelled Shuni Central Jumu’at Mosque in Shuni Town, Dange/Shuni Local Government Area, where the Special Guest of Honour and former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, formally commissioned the mosque.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu said the promotion of Islamic affairs remains a key pillar of his administration’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda, stressing that the government has prioritised the construction, remodelling and renovation of mosques to provide conducive places of worship for Muslims across the state.
He disclosed that more than 44 remodelled and reconstructed Jumu’at mosques have so far been completed and commissioned across Sokoto State, while several others are at various stages of completion.
He added that the mosque renovation programme would soon be extended to Isa, Sabon Birni, Kware, Gada, Gudu and other parts of the state.
Governor Aliyu also revealed that his administration provides monthly operational grants of between ₦300,000 and ₦500,000 to over 90 Jumu’at mosques within the Sokoto metropolis.
He said the support complements the monthly allowances paid to Imams, Na’ibs, Mu’azzins and other mosque officials.
Aliyu further announced that the 2026 budget contains provisions for the renovation of Islamiyyah schools and the construction of new ones to promote Islamic education and strengthen moral values among children.
Governor Aliyu added that the revitalised Sokoto State Hisbah Board has continued to promote peace, modesty, discipline and peaceful coexistence across the state.
The governor urged the management committees of the newly commissioned mosque and the host community to ensure proper maintenance of the facility so it would continue to serve as a centre of worship, Islamic learning, unity and moral guidance for future generations.
Governor Aliyu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to reposition Nigeria and pledged the continued support of the Sokoto State Government for the policies and reforms of the Federal Government.
In his remarks,the Special Guest of Honour,Alhaji Chuso Abdullahi Dattijo, described the mosque project as a clear demonstration of Governor Aliyu’s commitment to both physical development and the spiritual advancement of society.
Dattijo said the administration has recorded remarkable achievements in promoting religious affairs through mosque renovation, operational support for mosques, improved welfare for Islamic scholars, assistance to Islamiyyah and Qur’anic schools, the revitalisation of the Hisbah Board and improvements in Hajj administration.
He also commended the government’s performance in security, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and urban renewal, noting that the projects reflected prudent financial management and the effective implementation of the governor’s Nine-Point SMART Agenda.
The former Deputy Governor paid glowing tribute to Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for laying the foundation for many of the developmental strides currently being witnessed in the state. He urged Governor Aliyu to approve a comprehensive master plan for the Sokoto metropolis and land-use plans for all the 23 local government headquarters, while institutionalising a strong maintenance culture for public infrastructure.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Professor Waziri Wali Junaidu expressed appreciation to the state government for prioritising the development of religious infrastructure.
He urged members of the Shuni community to make effective use of the mosque through regular congregational prayers, Qur’anic recitation, Islamic lectures and other religious activities, while ensuring proper maintenance of the facility.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Sani Mai Hula, said the mosque project reflected the administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting Islam and improving the welfare of the people.
He noted that Dange/Shuni was among several local government areas benefiting from the programme, alongside Kware, Goronyo, Kebbe, Shagari, Yabo, Illela and others.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Dange/Shuni Local Government, Alhaji Aminu Magaji Bodai, commended Governor Aliyu for the numerous development projects executed across Sokoto State.
He prayed for the governor’s continued success and appealed for the Shuni Township Jumu’at Mosque to be included in the state’s operational grant and maintenance support programme.
The ceremony was attended by the APC Leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,the state deputy governor,Idris Muhammad Gobir,senior government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, political leaders and residents of the community.
