Sokoto: Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has urged Qur’anic memorisers and other Muslims to preach peace and religious tolerance for increased brotherhood and national development.
Aliyu made the call at the graduation ceremony of 110 Qur’an memorisers from the Sokoto branch of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Islamic School on Saturday in Sokoto.
He said no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of hatred, division, or religious extremism.
The Governor explained that his administration had prioritised the promotion of morals, religious education, and the enhancement of other spiritual centres across the state.
Aliyu said the Hisbah board was reactivated, while many Jumuat Mosques were rehabilitated, and stipends were introduced for mosques’ maintenance and the provision of Ramadan feeding support to Islamic institutions, among other initiatives.
He pledged to allocate land for the construction of the school’s permanent site, in recognition of its current location, and urged wealthy individuals to support Islamic education at all levels.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged the followers of all faiths to focus on shared values of love, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
Abubakar said there were universal principles that bound humanity together, regardless of doctrinal differences, as Allah created human beings to complement one another.
He commended the school initiators, proprietors, and teachers for their dedication, unwavering commitment, and resilience that enabled the students to memorise the Holy Book.
He encouraged the graduates to consider their position as the first step in Islamic education, as the religion is vast and encompasses many branches of study.
Abubakar further enjoined the students to enrol in formal schools and Universities to study professional courses, thereby becoming self-reliant.
He called on political leaders to lead by example by promoting inclusiveness and fairness in governance.
In his remarks, the School Proprietor, Alhaji Kabiru Mu’azu-Jodi, thanked Aliyu, the Sultan, parents, and others for their support of the school.
He promised to continue to live up to the expectations by ceaselessly promoting religious discipline.
Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauch led other scholars in offering prayers for the nation’s peace and stability, and also presented awards to the graduating students.