Religious

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Friday commissioned a newly constructed mosque and Islamiyya school in Bachirawa Quarters, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State. The project, executed under the Ganduje Foundation, was built in honour of the late Hajiya Asiya Muhammad, mother of Professor Hafsat Ganduje, and is described as a sadaqatul jariya aimed at promoting Islamic knowledge and community development. Speaking at the commissioning, Dr. Ganduje said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to advance Islamic propagation and strengthen social infrastructure across communities. He noted that similar projects have been undertaken in different parts of the country, including the construction of mosques and Islamiyya schools to enhance religious education. The former governor further disclosed that additional projects are ongoing, including the construction of a modern mosque in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, which will feature facilities such as radio and television stations for Islamic teachings, an Imam’s residence, separate sections for male and female worshippers, as well as commercial components to ensure sustainability. Read Also: At 50 Years, Murtala’s Legacy Still Outpaces Many Governments Kano APC Transition Committees: Why Competence Trumps Ego Ganduje, Kuku Lead Nigeria’s Airports Into a New Era He added that another mosque project is currently underway near his residence in Miyangu, reiterating his commitment to expanding access to Islamic knowledge and community services. Dr. Ganduje also explained that the foundation continues to promote Islamic teachings peacefully, including supporting individuals who willingly embrace Islam, while fostering unity and mutual understanding within society. In his remarks, Malam Usamatu Salga, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, conveyed the state government’s appreciation for the initiative. He stated that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development, urging residents to maintain harmony for continued progress. Meanwhile, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the Ganduje Foundation for its consistent contributions to Islamic development, noting that such interventions have positively impacted not only Kano State but other parts of the country. Similarly, the Senator representing Kano South, Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, called on well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture, stressing that investments in religious and educational infrastructure remain vital for societal growth and unity. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, emphasised the importance of using the mosque as a platform for promoting unity among Muslims through sound teachings and responsible leadership. Earlier, Malam Abba Koki, who represented the National Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Wa’Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), urged the mosque’s leadership to uphold the core values of Islamic teachings and ensure proper guidance for the community. In his acceptance speech, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Lawan Shuaibu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Dr. Ganduje for the gesture, noting that the former governor has followed in the footsteps of Ahmadu Bello by combining Islamic propagation with public service. He offered prayers for Dr. Ganduje’s continued good health and called for unity and peaceful coexistence among members of the community. The mosque and Islamiyya school comprise 16 classrooms dedicated to Islamic studies, providing a structured environment for religious learning and community engagement. Dr. Ganduje also used the occasion to offer prayers for the late Murtala Ramat Muhammad, marking 50 years since his assassination on February 13, 1976, and reiterating the need for leaders to uphold values of integrity and national service.

The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Gaya, has called on wealthy individuals to use their resources to promote the growth of Islam and improve the living standards of their communities. The call was made during the commissioning of a newly upgraded Jumu’at Mosque in Shargalle village, Albasu Local Government Area of Kano State. The mosque was constructed by the Sarkin Kudun Gaya, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai. A statement signed by Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, said the Emir made the appeal while speaking at the event. The Emir, who was represented by the District Head of Albasu and Makaman Gaya, AIG Bashir Albasu (rtd), commended Professor Yakasai for his continuous support and contributions to the development of the people in the area. Read Also: Tinubu Renames University After Renowned Islamic Scholar Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes Birnin Kudu: An Ancient Settlement With a Modern National Footprint Professor Yakasai disclosed that the mosque was originally built by his late father, Alhaji Tukur Muhammad, and has now been upgraded to a Jumu’at Mosque with the approval of the Emirate Council. The maiden Friday sermon was delivered by Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel, Chairman of the Council of Ulama of Northern Nigeria, who also led the first Jumu’at prayer. In his sermon, he emphasized good conduct, fear of Allah, and the importance of spending wealth in the cause of Islam. Several dignitaries attended the commissioning ceremony, including the District Head of Batayya, Alhaji Abdulhamid Batayya; former Vice Chancellor of ADUSTECH, Wudil, Professor Shehu Ahaji Musa; and Sarkin Malaman Gaya, among others.  

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has suspended plans to establish an independent Hisbah outfit following widespread public misunderstanding of the initiative and advice from Islamic clerics and the state government. The development was disclosed by a former Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board and close ally of Ganduje, Sheikh Harun Ibn Sina, in an interview with ‘The Historica Nigeria‘. He explained that the proposed independent Hisbah was misconstrued by members of the public, creating negative impressions about its purpose and intentions. According to Ibn Sina, the initiative was conceived with good intentions and was never designed to undermine, rival, or create conflict with the existing Kano State Hisbah Command. He noted that the growing misunderstanding surrounding the proposal raised concerns, which necessitated a reconsideration of the plan. “We initiated it with good intentions. We are not fighting anyone, and we are not trying to create enemies or rivals for the current Hisbah,” he said. Read Also: Tinubu Plans Borno, Bauchi, Lagos Visits Ahead of Year-End Activities Ganduje Foundation Backs BIKOBA Alumni as Jigawa Govt Leads Birnin Kudu College Renovation Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes Ibn Sina added that respected Islamic clerics and religious leaders advised Dr. Ganduje and his associates to suspend the initiative in the interest of peace, unity, and social harmony, a recommendation that was subsequently accepted. He further revealed that although the plan has been halted, the state government has accepted suggestions on how to re-engage sacked Hisbah personnel and reposition the existing Hisbah Command to function more effectively. The former Hisbah chief clarified that the suspension of the independent Hisba plan does not affect the activities of the Ganduje Islamic Foundation, stressing that the foundation will continue to operate within its established mandate. He also urged residents of Kano State to remain calm, assuring them that all decisions taken were aimed at preserving harmony and strengthening religious and social institutions across the state.