Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that encourages Qur’anic memorization among children in the state.
He made the assurance at the graduation ceremony of 111 memorizers of the Glorious Qur’an from the Sokoto State branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.
Gov. Aliyu noted that promoting Qur’anic memorization among children will help raise a generation that upholds the teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to him, his administration has prioritized Islamic propagation as a key aspect of its Nine-point Smart Agenda, ranking it second only to security.
The governor highlighted some of the initiatives implemented by his administration, including the renovation of 65 Jumu’ah mosques, with 25 already completed and 15 commissioned.
Monthly cash allocations ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 have also been introduced for Jumu’ah mosques, depending on their category.
Additionally, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in their duties.
Gov. Aliyu directed the school management to identify a suitable location for the establishment of its permanent site and submit a proposal to the state government for necessary action.
He congratulated the graduands on successfully memorizing the Holy Qur’an and prayed that their knowledge would benefit society.
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi for establishing the foundation, which trains young people in Qur’anic memorization.
He praised the contributions of scholars (Ulamas) in promoting Islamic ideals and peaceful coexistence in the state and country.
Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, represented by Dr. Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to memorize the Holy Qur’an, noting its benefits in this world and the hereafter.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for prioritizing Islamic affairs.
Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Dr. Lawal Liman, praised the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation and announced donations of N10 million to the graduands, N10 million to the ceremony organizers, and N2 million plus food items to the school management.
He promised to continue supporting the foundation’s mission to train young Qur’an memorizers.
The school proprietor, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, explained that the school, which began in Bauchi, has expanded to other states, enabling children to memorize the Qur’an within four years.
The initiative aims to keep children in a structured learning environment rather than having them roam the streets begging.
He expressed optimism that establishing such schools across the North would help address the issue of street begging among children.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi led the graduating pupils in reciting selected verses from the Qur’an.
The Sokoto State Government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, donated N20,000 and clothing materials to each of the 111 graduands.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of prizes to the graduating students.
