By Peter Omopo
The Sokoto State Government has introduced monthly allowances for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state, alongside new cash allocations for Jumu’at Mosques.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the initiative on Saturday during the graduation of 111 Qur’an memorisers from the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.
According to a statement by the Director General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the measures are part of efforts to strengthen Islamic propagation and encourage Qur’anic memorisation among children.
“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 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,” Aliyu said.
The governor emphasised that Islamic affairs remain a core priority in his administration’s “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” ranking second only to security. He further directed the school management to identify land for the establishment of a permanent site for the foundation, pledging government support.
At the event, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and praised Islamic scholars for promoting peaceful coexistence.
Former Governor Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, called on parents to encourage Qur’anic education, while Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, donated N22 million and food items to support the school and graduands.
The proprietor of the foundation, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the school’s expansion into other states was aimed at providing structured Qur’anic education and reducing street begging.
Each of the 111 graduands received N20,000 and clothing materials from the state government. The ceremony concluded with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.
