The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has flagged off the disbursement of financial and food assistance to imams and Islamic scholars across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The ceremony, held at the Government House, Sokoto, is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen religious institutions and support clerics across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu explained that “the initiative is designed to enable beneficiaries to prepare for and observe the forthcoming Ramadan fast with ease.”
He emphasised that the support would ease financial burdens during the holy month, allowing clerics to focus on prayers, preaching, and providing spiritual guidance to the Muslim faithful.
According to the Governor, all Jumu’at mosque imams across the 23 Local Government Areas totalling 2,100 will each receive N100,000 as part of the financial support package.
He added that the 98 jumuat mosque Imams in Sokoto metropolis,will receive both financial and food assistance. Each imam will receive N100,000 and five bags of rice; their deputies will receive N50,000 and three bags of rice each, while the mu’azzins will receive N50,000 and two bags of rice each.
Governor Aliyu further revealed that 200 senior Islamic scholars and an additional 200 Islamic scholars across the state will receive N200,000 and N100,000, respectively, in recognition of their contributions to the development of Islam and the promotion of moral and social values within their communities.
He noted that some beneficiaries had already received alerts of their support at the venue, ensuring immediate access to the financial assistance.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and improving the welfare of Islamic scholars, describing them as “vital partners in fostering peace, unity, and moral development in society.”
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Professor Jabir Sani Maihulla, lauded the Governor’s initiative, noting that it would greatly support the Islamic community in Sokoto State.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts in promoting religious harmony and developing Islam and assured the Governor of the community’s continued support in advancing peace and unity.
The representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, praised Governor Aliyu for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of Islamic scholars.
He conveyed the Sultan’s satisfaction with the initiative and prayed for the Governor’s success, urging beneficiaries to use the assistance to support their families and communities while offering prayers for the Governor and the state.
Sheik Hussaini Mabera, speaking on behalf of all beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu for the support, noting that it would enhance the ability of imams and Islamic scholars to carry out their duties effectively.
He prayed for the Governor’s continued success and long life and encouraged the Islamic community to uphold prayers for peace and stability in the state and the nation.
The disbursement of financial and food assistance is expected to provide significant relief to beneficiaries and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities.