The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminent, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has tasked Nigerians on unity and peaceful coexistence for the growth and development of the country.
The sultan stated this on Saturday while commissioning Alhaji Abdullahi Habib Memorial Mosque situated at the Federal University Lokoja, built and donated to the institution by a widow, Dr Maimuna Abdullahi.
Represented by the Emir of Keffi, HRH Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III, the Sultan said as patriotic citizens, “it is imperative to always use religion as a source of unity among all faiths in the interest of development.
“This place of worship is built and donated by a family that loves God and desires for others to know and worship Him for their wellbeing.
“It’s my prayer that God will handsomely reward the Habib family and give others the passion and zeal to do same for the benefit of mankind,” the royal father said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed the hope that the mosque would serve as “a testament to our shared commitment to knowledge, compassion, and service to humanity.”
He called on spirited individuals to assist further in the development of the mosque so that other components as contained in the architectural designs are accomplished.
“The commissioning of the mosque today is but a historic moment in the annals of this university, and the Muslim community will observe daily religious obligations that will foster the unity of all faiths in the university.
“Quran chapter 57 verse 18 says: ‘For those who give in charity, men, and women, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward’, ” he said.
In her remarks, the donor, Dr Maimuna Abdullahi, said the mosque was a dream come true of her late husband, whom she said left the instruction for her and the children to accomplish.
She disclosed that the mosque is the third and biggest of the three mosques the family have built and donated in Kogi as its own way of giving back to God and the society.
Sultan tasks Nigerians on unity, peaceful coexistence
