Sokoto Gov introduces monthly stipends for Imams, Deputies, Mu’azzins

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has announced a new welfare package aimed at supporting Islamic leaders and promoting religious scholarship in the state.

Speaking on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of 111 Qur’an memorisers at the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the governor revealed that Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins will now receive monthly stipends. He also disclosed fresh allocations to Jumu’at Mosques across Sokoto.

Governor Aliyu explained that the initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to advancing Islamic education and encouraging children to memorise the Qur’an, stressing that religious leaders play a vital role in guiding the society.

“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 depending on their category. In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” Aliyu said.

The governor stressed that religious development holds a prime place in his “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” ranking just after security. “Encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among our children will help raise a generation that upholds the good teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” he added.

Aliyu also directed the school’s management to secure land for a permanent site, promising state government support for its development.

At the event, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar applauded Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and commended Islamic scholars in the state for fostering peace and religious growth.

Former Sokoto governor Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to motivate their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation. Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continued backing for the foundation and announced a donation of N22 million and food items for the graduands and the school.

Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion into other states is aimed at giving children structured Qur’anic education and curbing street begging.

During the ceremony, each of the 111 graduating students received N20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government. The event concluded with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.