October 14, (THEWILL) — The Sokoto State Government said it has embarked on the renovation and reconstruction of Jummah mosques across the state to ensure moral values in the Islamic perspective.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Sani Maihulla, disclosed this in an interview in Sokoto. He said the renovations, including solar-powered boreholes, were also aimed to promote hygiene and improve the welfare of worshipers.
According to him, the Ministry of Religious Affairs under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has been repositioned as an “evidence-based instrument for social policy and welfare”, rather than being perceived as merely a religious institution.
“Islam in Sokoto State is not only about worship; it is an integrated system of values and practices that shape the daily lives of the people.
“So, investing in religious infrastructure and guidance delivers cross-cutting benefits cleaner prayer facilities that reduce disease transmission, monthly salaries for Imams that restore dignity and reduce corruption, and zakat funds that support orphans and vulnerable families”, Maihulla said.
He explained that the ministry has also introduced welfare programmes for Imams to shield them from political exploitation, while strengthening the Zakat and Waqf Agency’s Productive Zakat Model, which channels funds into farms and real estate ventures to create sustainable income for the less privileged.
Maihulla described the creation of the Ministry by Governor Ahmed Aliyu as a visionary step that ties religious values to civic development.
“When religion is woven into the civic and cultural fabric of the state, the people are the ultimate beneficiaries”, he added.
Beyond infrastructure, Maihulla said the ministry has also embarked on public enlightenment campaigns addressing dishonest trade practices, promoting modest dressing, and tackling public health and morality issues through town hall meetings, radio and TV programmes, and mosque sermons.
In addition, the Commissioner said the ministry has constructed perimeter walls around cemeteries, hired security personnel, and carried out maintenance works in several local government areas.
Maihulla noted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs now operates under five strategic pillars: infrastructure, welfare, morality, conflict resolution, and public enlightenment, reflecting its transition from dormancy to measurable impact.
“We are not a ministry of slogans. We measure our success with cleaner mosques, fewer disputes, better livelihoods for the vulnerable, and an overall atmosphere of trust. That’s what the people of Sokoto are telling us.”
He added that all initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to integrating religion with social development and public welfare.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
