Ganduje wants Imams to promote inter-faith understanding

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has reminded Imams in the state of the need for them to foster unity among Muslims and between them and followers of other religions, mainly Christianity, for national progress.

“Besides your primary responsibility, which is to lead worship services, as respected community members, you should counsel community members of brotherhood and good neighbourliness so as to facilitate national development,” the governor said.

He made assertion in a speech during a meeting with Juma’at Mosque Imams, their Deputies, Mu’azzins at the Government House.

The governor, who noted that the Imams are also responsible for enlightening and inspiring Muslims on peaceful pursuits, urged them not to relent in educating community members on correct understanding of Islam.

Governor Ganduje also emphasized on the need for them to always update their knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues so as to provide proper guidance on personal, religious and social issues.

On the allowance introduced for the Islamic leaders, he explained that each Imam would get a monthly stipend of N20, 000, their deputies, N15,000 each while every Mu’azzin will take home N10, 000 monthly.

In his address to the occasion, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, represented by the Waziri of Kano, Waziri Shehu Gidado, tasked the religious leaders on promoting social harmony, pointing out that they must set examples for other Muslims to follow.

He also called in them to continue praying for peace and prosperity in the nation.

On his part, the Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil explained that the remuneration for Imams was introduced to support the beneficiaries in carrying out duties, adding that they would be sponsored by the government to attend training programmes, to keep them intellectually sound.

The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. M. S. Zahraddeen, in his remarks, thanked the state government for assisting the religious leaders and advocated the setting up of an independent foundation in the state to address the issue of sustainability of their stipend