The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has lauded the Ilorin Central Mosque Management Committee for its visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the service of Almighty Allah, which has consistently ensured the proper upkeep of the Ultra-Modern Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque since its commissioning 13 years ago.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the group praised the committee’s latest milestone under the chairmanship of Alhaji Shehu Abdul-Gafar, the Danmadami of Ilorin, who announced a landmark partnership with Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
According to Abdul-Gafar, Dangote has committed to constructing a 250-bed students’ hostel at the University of Ilorin, valued at N1.1 billion. The investment is designed to generate sustainable income for the maintenance of the iconic mosque.
In addition, Dangote pledged a monthly donation of N5 million to support mosque maintenance pending the hostel’s completion in one year.
Reacting to the development, the National Coordinator of the Muslim Media Watch Group, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, applauded Dangote’s benevolence and commended the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for appointing Abdul-Gafar to head the mosque committee. He described the chairman’s leadership as instrumental in attracting the historic investment.
The statement also acknowledged other notable contributions, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, who facilitated the installation of a giant solar power system to cut fuel costs in powering the mosque’s facilities.
Alhaji Ibrahim urged wealthy Muslims nationwide to emulate Dangote and other philanthropists by channeling resources toward Islamic propagation, mosque maintenance, welfare of scholars, support for widows, and sponsorship of indigent students.
He lamented that many Islamic projects continue to suffer neglect due to the lukewarm attitude of affluent individuals, calling for renewed commitment to faith-driven philanthropy.
The Ilorin Ultra-Modern Central Mosque is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding mosques in West Africa, boasting world-class infrastructure, including an internationally rated e-library.