The Sokoto State Government has concluded plans to upgrade its annual Ramadan feeding programme in order to cater to the needs of more indigent people.
The State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, disclosed this during the commissioning of the remodelled Ruggar Wauru Jum’at Mosque in Sokoto, the state capital.
The governor also disclosed that preparations were in top gear for the commencement of the 2025 Ramadan feeding programme in the state.
He said the upgraded measures were to ensure that muslims in the state had a rewarding Ramadan fast.
“I want to assure you that we are working ahead of the forthcoming Ramadan fast in order to improve the quality of food being served in our Ramadan feeding centres.
“We are also determined to expand our feeding centres to areas, where they don’t exist for the benefit of the needy, the vulnerable and the less-privileged persons in the society,” he said.
He further said his administration had so far renovated and constructed several Mosques and Islamiyya schools for the benefit of the people of the state.
The completed Jumaat Mosques, according to him, included Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, Tahsinul Quran, Runjin Sambo, Sheikh Gumi, Unguwar Rogo, Sultan Maccido and Emir Yahaya Road, as well as those of Yabo and Gwadabawa, among others.
The Governor said those of Kebbe, Illela, Shagari, Kware, Hassan Dan ‘Mu’azu, Buhari Dan Shehu, Sultan Maccido, Isah Mai Kware and Isa Wasagu, as well as Usman Bin Affan and Gawon Nama Jum’at Mosques are currently undergoing renovation.
“All these are parts of efforts to redeem our campaign promises of promoting Islamic affairs in the state.
“Be rest assured that my administration would continue to prioritise Islamic propagation, Sokoto being a Muslim dominated society, with Islam as its main religion,” he said.
He further said a standing monthly imprest of N300,000 and N500,000 has been set aside for the maintenance of the 90 Jum’at Mosques within the Sokoto metropolis to make them comfortable for the worshippers.
The Governor added that his administration had introduced monthly allowances to Imams, Deputy Imams and Muezzins of Jumaat Mosques and some prominent religious organisations, in recognition of their invaluable contributions towards Islamic propagation in the state.
On the recently reactivated Hisbah Board in the state, Governor Aliyu said a lot of successes were being recorded in the fight against social vices and other reprehensible practices in the state.
He added that Hisbah was operating in the state without any interference from the state government and assured them of the state government’s continued support at all times.
Other speakers at the event included the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid and the Wazirin Sokoto, as well as the Emir of Argungu, Ismaila Muhammad Mera.
They all commended Gov. Aliyu for his laudable transformative agenda for the state and called on the people of the state to support him in that regard.
The climax of the event was offering two Rakaat Jumaat prayers in the remodelled Mosque, with special prayers offered for Allah’s continued protection and guidance to Gov. Aliyu for him to continue with the good works he is doing for the state.