The Sokoto State Government has disbursed N95.4 million for the maintenance of Juma’at mosques across the state. The funds were released on Wednesday at the Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bello Goronyo.
A total of 87 Juma’at mosques benefitted from the funds, categorized into three tiers: 20 mosques received N500,000 each, 17 mosques were granted N400,000 each, and 50 mosques were allocated N300,000 each. The payments, which cover the months of August, September, and October, had been delayed due to some mosques lacking bank accounts.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that this initiative aligns with his administration’s 9-point agenda, which includes the promotion of religious activities. In his remarks, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar commended the gesture and called on other states to emulate such efforts. He urged the mosque committees to use the funds responsibly, reminding them of their accountability to God.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula, revealed that the state government is also constructing over 35 mosques across the 23 local government areas of the state, encouraging committees to ensure the mosques remain conducive for worship.