Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has unveiled new monthly stipends for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins, along with fresh cash allocations to Jumu’at Mosques across the state.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of 111 Qur’an memorisers at the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.
Aliyu said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to promote Islamic scholarship and encourage children to memorise the Qur’an.
Read Also:
“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 depending on their category. In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” he stated.
The governor stressed that religious development holds a central place in his Nine-point Smart Agenda, ranking just after security. He added that encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among children would help raise a generation that upholds Islamic teachings in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Aliyu also directed the school’s management to secure land for a permanent site, pledging state government support for its development.
Speaking at the event, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and praised scholars in the state for fostering peace and religious growth.
Former Sokoto governor, Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continued support for the foundation and announced a donation of ₦22 million and food items for the graduands and the school.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion into other states aims to provide structured Qur’anic education and curb street begging.
During the ceremony, each of the 111 graduating students received ₦20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government. The event concluded with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.
