The reconstruction of the historic Mallam Abdulkarim Jummat Mosque in Zaria officially began on Monday, spearheaded by ASR Africa in collaboration with the Zazzau Emirate Council.
The groundbreaking ceremony was organized under the stewardship of the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, traditional rulers, government officials, and members of the public.
Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, hosted the event and extended warm greetings to the guests. Among those in attendance were Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto; Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Mallam Balarabe Abass Lawal, Minister of Environment. The governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon them. He noted that the mosque, once completed, would not only serve as a spiritual hub but also draw visitors and tourists to the region.
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The Emir of Zazzau commended the efforts of the reconstruction committee and gave special recognition to Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu for taking on the significant financial burden of the project. He emphasized the importance of preserving the mosque’s legacy as a symbol of cultural and historical pride.
Originally constructed in 1836, the mosque stood as a beacon of the region’s rich heritage until its unfortunate collapse on August 10, 2023. In response, ASR Africa stepped forward to undertake its restoration, reaffirming its commitment to community development and cultural preservation.
The new mosque design incorporates modern features while respecting its historical essence. It will accommodate 2,000 worshippers across two floors, with an expansive courtyard capable of hosting an additional 5,000 worshippers. The facility will also include essential amenities such as ablution areas, a library, an ICT center, and office spaces to support administrative activities.
Attendees at the event lauded Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu’s generosity, describing it as a model for others to emulate. They prayed for his continued success and encouraged more individuals to support impactful projects that benefit communities and humanity as a whole.
This reconstruction project is a significant milestone in preserving the mosque’s legacy and ensuring it remains a vital part of Zaria’s spiritual and cultural landscape.