The Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque Committee has commended Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for committing N1.1 billion to build and donate a 250-bed ultramodern hostel at the University of Ilorin, with proceeds from rentals dedicated to the mosque’s long-term maintenance.
The Committee described the gesture as a “historic intervention” that would secure the financial sustainability of the mosque for the next two decades.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin on Sunday, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu Abdulgafar, explained that the mosque, remodelled in 2013 at a cost of N2.5 billion, currently spends over N5 million monthly on maintenance.
“As part of the committee’s efforts to overcome the challenge of poor maintenance, a decision was taken to build a 250-bed hostel at the University of Ilorin for the mosque.
“The conviction is that the annual rent from the hostel will be used to run the mosque for a year,” Abdulgafar said.
According to him, securing funds for the project had posed a major challenge until Dangote stepped in.
“Having listened to the plight and vision of the Committee, Alhaji Dangote promised to build and donate the hostel estimated at N1.1 billion.
“The Committee has since signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Ilorin, granting the mosque ownership and management rights for 21 years before reverting to the university,” he disclosed.
He said the construction of the hostel was expected to be completed within a year.
In addition, he noted that Dangote pledged and has already commenced a monthly donation of N5 million to cover maintenance costs until the hostel project is operational.
“This has convinced the Committee that the renowned businessman, great philanthropist, and outstanding patriot is a man of his word,” Abdulgafar said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Emir and the people of Ilorin Emirate.
He said the committee also lauded Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) for facilitating the installation of solar-powered mini-grid at the mosque, which will drastically reduce energy costs and ensure uninterrupted power.
“For the first time, the mosque will remain illuminated throughout the day and night, enabling residents, visitors, and tourists to behold the majestic beauty of this historic edifice in its full glory,” Abdulgafar noted.
He further appreciated all individuals and groups who had supported the mosque, pledging that the Committee would remain committed to preserving the mosque as a “spiritual sanctuary and a symbol of unity for the entire Emirate.”
