The Sokoto State Government has announced a N285m Ramadan support package for religious leaders, commonly known as Ulamas, and organisations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu unveiled the initiative on Monday at the Government House, emphasising that the assistance aims to ease the financial burdens of Jum’at Imams, their deputies (Na’ibs), Mu’adhins, Islamic scholars, and religious organisations during the holy month.
Governor Aliyu stated that the initiative reflected the government’s unwavering support for the Ulamas, who play a crucial role in guiding the community according to Islamic teachings.
He described the gesture as a token of appreciation for their spiritual contributions and a way to ensure they can focus on their religious responsibilities during Ramadan.
He said, “This initiative aims to ease the challenges faced by religious leaders during the sacred period and demonstrate the government’s unwavering support for the Ulamas, who play a crucial role in guiding the community according to Islamic teachings.”
Providing a breakdown of the support, Aliyu said, “Each Jum’at Imam will receive five bags of maize and financial assistance of N100,000. Na’ibs will be allocated three bags of maize and N50,000, while Mu’adhins will receive two bags of maize and N50,000. This support is intended to help them and their families focus on their religious responsibilities during Ramadan.
He further announced that “the government has extended financial assistance to 300 senior Islamic scholars, each receiving N200,000, while another 100 scholars will be given N100,000 each.”
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots Islamic activities, Aliyu stated, “Ten Malaman Zaure from each ward of the 23 local government areas have been selected to receive N50,000 each. This support is designed to empower them in fulfilling their religious obligations.”
The governor also revealed that “150 Islamic organisations will receive cash assistance of N300,000 each.”
Beyond financial support, Aliyu highlighted the government’s commitment to improving places of worship, saying, “The state government has commissioned three remodeled and reconstructed Jum’at mosques, with ongoing work on over 30 others.”
He reiterated that these initiatives align with his administration’s Nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which prioritises the welfare of the people, the development of religious institutions, and the promotion of peace and prosperity in the state.
Governor Aliyu assured residents of his “commitment to the growth of Islam in Sokoto State” and called for continuous “support and prayers from religious leaders and the community to overcome security challenges in the state and the nation at large.”
He concluded by praying for a “peaceful and blessed Ramadan”, urging the people of Sokoto to uphold “unity, righteousness, and justice in all their endeavors.”