The Sokoto State Government has introduced monthly stipends for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state, along with new cash allocations to Jumu’at mosques, in a move aimed at strengthening Islamic activities and Qur’anic education.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed this on Saturday during the graduation of 111 Qur’an memorisers organised by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation in Sokoto.
According to him, the initiative is part of his administration’s “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” with Islamic affairs ranking next to security on the priority list.
“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 depending on their category,” Aliyu said.
“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.”
The governor explained that the measure was designed to encourage clerics in propagating Islam and to ensure that children embrace Qur’anic memorisation.
“Encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among our children will help raise a generation that upholds the good teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad,” he added.
Aliyu also directed the management of the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation to identify land for a permanent site for the school, promising government’s support for the project.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi for establishing the foundation and praised scholars for promoting Islamic ideals and peaceful coexistence in the state.
Former Sokoto governor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to embrace Qur’anic education.
Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continued support for the foundation and announced a donation of N22 million and food items to the graduands.
Each of the 111 students who completed Qur’anic memorisation received N20,000 and clothing materials from the state government during the ceremony, which also featured Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.
