Ilorin Mosque Board Member Raises Alarm Over Impact of Rising Inflation on Central Mosque
“Shehu AbdulGafar, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, has sounded the alarm regarding the impact of rising inflation on the maintenance of the Ilorin Central Mosque.”
The Ilorin Central Jumat Mosque, a revered religious landmark in Kwara State, is facing significant challenges in its maintenance due to escalating inflation affecting the country.
Speaking during a crucial meeting of the Mosque’s Board of Trustees and stakeholders held at the women’s wing of the Mosque in Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the financial strain caused by rising inflation.
“The cost of maintaining our esteemed Mosque has sharply risen due to the prevailing inflationary pressures. The resources required for its upkeep have become more demanding. However, I believe that with our collective patriotism, we can mobilize sufficient resources to ensure the Mosque continues to shine to the glory of Allah,” AbdulGafar stated.
He emphasized that despite the Mosque lacking any investments or stable income streams, the meeting served as a vital platform for compatriots to contribute, pledge support, and receive updates on the Mosque’s condition.
Addressing the gathering, which included dignitaries such as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mal. Yusuf Ali, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Alfa Belgore, Senator Salihu Mustapha, Engr Lanre Sagaya, Professors Yusuf Badmus and Hassan Salihu, and Alhaji AbdulMumin Abdulmalik, President of IEDPU, AbdulGafar appealed for generous donations towards the upkeep of the Mosque.
He acknowledged the support of stakeholders, management committees, and the custodian of the Mosque, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while noting the positive impact of the state government’s intervention in providing water supply.
However, AbdulGafar lamented the persistent challenge of unreliable power supply and the financial burden of electricity bills exceeding N1 million monthly, compounded by unstable diesel prices soaring up to N700,000 monthly.
Justice Alfa Belgore, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stressed the importance of collective action in preserving the Mosque’s architectural splendor. He underscored the need for proactive steps rather than mere aspirations to ensure the sustained beauty of the Mosque, acclaimed as one of Africa’s finest south of the Sahara.
Meanwhile, Senator Salihu Mustapha pledged a substantial commitment to the Mosque, announcing plans for projects worth N500 million aimed at enhancing its facilities.
