The groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Mallam Abdulkarim Juma’at Mosque in Zaria was held on Sunday, marking the start of a significant restoration project spearheaded by ASR Africa.
The event was organized by the Zazzau Emirate Council, under the leadership of the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Mal. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, LLD.
Prominent figures attended the ceremony, including the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, royal fathers, government officials, and members of the public.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who hosted the event, expressed gratitude to all contributors, particularly Alhaji Rabiu, whose financial commitment has made the reconstruction possible.
The governor described the mosque as more than a place of worship, noting that it would also serve as a tourist attraction, enriching the cultural and religious heritage of the state.
The Emir of Zazzau commended the reconstruction committee for their dedication and extended special appreciation to Alhaji Rabiu for his generosity.
The Mallam Abdulkarim Juma’at Mosque, originally built in 1836, has long been a symbol of the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. After its partial collapse on August 10, 2023, Alhaji Rabiu took up the responsibility of reconstructing the mosque to restore its significance.
The new mosque will feature modern facilities and accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers across two floors, with an additional 5,000 worshippers in its spacious courtyard. Other features will include a dedicated ablution area, a library, an ICT center, and administrative offices.
Prominent guests at the event included His Excellency Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Abbas Tajudeen GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, among others.
Speakers praised Alhaji Rabiu’s philanthropy, urging others to emulate his commitment to community development and humanity.
