Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged to finance a proposed ₦1.1 billion ultramodern hostel project at the University of Ilorin in support of the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque.
The 250-bed facility, conceived by the mosque’s management, will serve as student accommodation, with rental proceeds channelled to the maintenance and upkeep of the mosque.
Disclosing this at a briefing with journalists in Ilorin, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Mosque, Alhaji Shehu Abdulgafar, said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed with the University of Ilorin.
Alhaji Abdulgafar noted that the mosque will own and manage the hostel for 21 years, after which ownership will revert to the university.
He maintained that Mr Dangote has also committed to a monthly donation of ₦5 million to support the mosque’s operations until the hostel becomes fully functional.
According to him, the gesture will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the mosque’s operations while also providing modern accommodation for students of the university.
Alhaji Abdulgafar Abdulgafar also announced the donation of a multi-million-naira solar-powered mini-grid to the mosque by the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha.
He noted that the project, which is nearing completion, will provide uninterrupted power supply to the mosque and parts of the Emir’s palace.
The Danmadami of Ilorin, described Senator Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, as one of the top financiers of the mosque since inception, praising his commitment to the preservation of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate.
He also commended other notable supporters of the mosque, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He is of the view that the twin projects by Mr Dangote and Senator Mustapha align with the vision of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for a self-sustaining central mosque that not only serves as a sanctuary of worship but also stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and unity.
