Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, says his administration will henceforth take full responsibility for supporting the annual Ramadan Tafseer organised by Izala groups in the State.
The Governor made the commitment while receiving Izala groups from Kaduna and Jos, during separate Sallah homage visits.
Governor Aliyu stated that the decision to support the Tafseer from next year was informed by the fact that the promotion of Islamic affairs remains one of the top priorities of his administration.
“I don’t think it is appropriate for us in Sokoto to allow you to continue raising appeal funds every year to conduct the Ramadan Tafseer,” the governor said.
“We will henceforth set up a committee to assess your financial requirements for the conduct of the Tafseer, with a view to possible government intervention,” he added.
The Governor commended the Izala groups for their continued dedication to the promotion of Islamic ideals and its propagation across the country and beyond.
He also praised them for the orderly and impactful manner in which this year’s Ramadan Tafseer was conducted.
“I appeal to our Islamic preachers to focus more on teaching Muslims the basic tenets of Islam so that people will learn how to properly worship their Creator,” he said.
Governor Aliyu stated that the government is ready to support religious bodies to organise or attend seminars and conferences on Islamic affairs, both within and outside the country.
He assured them that his administration would continue to support Islamic activities in the state.
According to the Governor, in the current fiscal year, attention will be given to the construction and renovation of Islamiyya schools, as well as the improvement of cemeteries across the state.
Earlier, the leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos branch, Sheikh Abubakar Mabera, commended Governor Aliyu for his continued support for Islamic affairs in the state, noting that many mosques have been built and renovated, as well as the support
extended to Imams, Deputy Imams, Mu’azzins, and Islamic preachers across the state which has gone a long way in enabling them to perform their religious duties effectively.
On his part, the leader of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, Kaduna branch, Sheikh Awwal Romo, praised the governor’s support for Islam and humanity in the state, assuring him of their continued support at all times.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
