Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya in the company of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami, and Secretary to Gombe State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi inaugurated a multimillion naira central mosque in the Kaltungo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Punch, the mosque launched on Saturday cost N250 million and can contain 2,300 worshippers and an additional 600 spaces to contain others, with women and library sections included.
Speaking during the inauguration, Prof. Njodi, who is also the Chairman of the Mosque Building Committee, noted the project for the reconstruction of the Central Mosque which was first constructed to fulfil the wishes of the Late Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto in 1968.
Njodi said the reconstruction of the mosque was borne out of the general concern and desire of the people of Kaltungo.
He said, “We felt that Kaltungo needed an ultra-modern mosque befitting of the emerging image of Kaltungo.”
According to him, the 16-member committee was constituted by the Mai Kaltungo in December 2017, adding that works on the site commenced in 2018.
“On the receipt of the design and bills to the tune of N250m, the committee engaged in aggressive fundraising efforts. This yielded sufficient results for the project to commence.
“The reconstructed mosque has the capacity for 2,300 worshippers. It has a women’s section, a library, and convenience toilets for males and females. The mosque has sufficient premises to the northern and southern flanks to accommodate an additional 600 worshippers,” Njodi said.
The Minister, Ali Pantami, who also spoke at the inauguration said, the construction of a worship place, has rewards, adding that it was based on the teachings of Islam.
He said, “A mosque is not just a place of worship but also an institution of learning, a center for dialogue, orientation as well as rehabilitation, skills acquisition and community development.
“The first and second universities ever established in the world started from a mosque in Morocco and Egypt, hence, this reconstructed Kaltungo Central Mosque should not be limited to prayers and reading of the holy Quran.
“It should be used to ensure unity, community development, and a center where experts in business and other professionals will be used to positively engage the youths.”
Governor Yahaya who also addressed the people of the community during the inauguration urged the people of the state to embrace tolerance and love for one another to allow for speedy development of the State.
The Governor called for continued support for his administration in its quest to provide the needed basic infrastructure necessary for the socio-economic growth of the State.
While commending the foresight of Mai and the people of Kaltungo in initiating the reconstruction and remodelling of the Mosque, Governor Yahaya also appreciated all those who contributed to the building project.
