The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to unifying Nigerians irrespective of their religions.
Idris, who said this at the Official Opening of Katampe Extension Jumu’at Mosque in Abuja on Friday, said he was also ensuring that “Nigerians live harmoniously in the interest of the country.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Shehu Yamusa III, inaugurated the N560 million Katampe Extension Islamic Centre and Mosque.
The minister commended the Muslim community for contributing immensely towards building of the mosque.
He said the president had always given the message of unity among Nigerians, as well as respect for their religions, rights and privileges.
“We thank all Muslims, particularly Alhaji Aminu Dantata, for contributing immensely towards building of this mosque. We also thank the SuItan of Sokoto, ably represented by the Emir of Keffi, for the sermon and admonitions he has offered,” he said.
Idris commended the Chief Imam, Katampe Extension Jumu’at Mosque for delivering a thought-provoking sermon carefully.
“He talked about the need to establish this Jumu’at mosque and Islamic centre devoid of any form of extremism.
“He has admonished all Muslims that come here to ensure that this should be a rallying point for them, and this message is consistent with the continuous message that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always preached.
“Let us unify among ourselves; let us respect other religions and other people’s rights and privileges so that together we will continue to live harmoniously in the interest of our country,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto urged the Muslim community in Katampe Extension, Abuja to use the mosque for obligatory prayers and other Islamic activities in line with the teachings in the Holy Qur’an.
Abubakar said the community should keep the mosque clean and protect for the use of future generations.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, commended the donors, urging Muslims to always support such initiatives.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Katampe Extension Islamic Centre, Muhammed Kumalia, said the mosque was established to enable all Muslims use it for five obligatory prayers and other Islamic activities such as Nikah (wedding), and prayer for the deceased.