Sokoto State governor, Ahmed Aliyu says Islam is a peaceful religion that frowns at acts of violence and terror.
Governor Aliyu said this in the state capital while playing host to a representative of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Nigeria, Nami Jarullah.
He said his government was ready to partner with Saudi Arabia in the propagation of Islam.
Gov. Aliyu said support for Islamic activities, especially its propagation, is crucial for a clear understanding of the true teachings of Islam.
” We need to collaborate with all the relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the negative perception non-Muslims have about Islam is changed”
” Islam always preaches peace and it is against violence or terrorism. It is a religion that encourages people to live in harmony with one another irrespective of tribal or religious differences,” he added.
Governor Aliyu said since assuming office, his administration has executed various programs aimed at promoting Islam in the state, including the building of new Mosques and Islamiyya schools and the renovation, decoration, and facility upgrade of Juma’at Mosques.
He also said monthly allowances are being paid to Imams, deputy Imams, and Muazzins, while food and cash assistance has been provided for Muslim scholars, vulnerable groups, and persons in need across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The Saudi Embassy Attache, Dr Nami Jarullah, acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which he described as fruitful. He said Nigeria gets the highest scholarship slots offered to Muslim students from across the globe to study in Saudi Universities, adding that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to the propagation of Islam.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
