Dangote group to construct N1.1 billion ultramodern hostel at UNILORIN
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has pledged to finance a proposed N1.1 billion ultramodern hostel project at the University of Ilorin, in support of the Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque.
The 250-bed facility, conceived by the mosque’s management, would serve as students’ accommodation, with rental proceeds channelled to the maintenance and upkeep of the mosque.
Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque, Shehu Abdulgafar, stated this at a briefing with journalists in Ilorin on Sunday.
Mr Abdulgafar said that a Memorandum of Understanding had already been signed with the University of Ilorin.
According to him, the mosque will own and manage the hostel for 21 years, after which ownership will revert to the university.
The secretary said that the president of Dangote Group also pledged a monthly donation of N5 million to support the mosque’s operations until the hostel becomes fully functional.
He said, “The gesture will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the mosque’s operations, also providing modern accommodation for students at the university.’’
Mr Abdulgafar also announced the donation of a multi-million-naira solar-powered mini-grid to the mosque, by the senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha.
He noted that the project, which was nearly completed, would provide uninterrupted power supply to the mosque and parts of the emir’s palace.
“With this milestone, the mosque will now operate almost fully on clean and renewable energy, thereby drastically reducing its monthly energy costs. For the first time, the mosque will remain illuminated throughout the day and night, allowing residents, visitors and tourists to behold the majestic beauty of this historic edifice in its full glory,” he said.
The secretary said that Mr Mustapha, also the Turaki of Ilorin had been one of the top financiers of the mosque since inception.
He also commended other notable supporters of the mosque, including a former Senate President Bukola Saraki, a former Kwara State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He stated, “The twin projects by Mr Dangote and Senator Mustapha align with the vision of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for a self-sustaining central Mosque.’’
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Nvidia CEO Huang accused of extramarital affair with company executive Kimberly Powell
Mr Huang, Nvidia chief executive who is being investigated by the FBI and his organisation over his romantic ties with a suspected Chinese spy, dated another company executive.
Anti-Corruption
Brothers convicted in $240 million cattle investment fraud scamming 2,200 U.S. investors
The brothers were convicted on Tuesday after a six-day trial before U.S. district judge Mark Pittman on the scheme, which operated through Fort Worth-based company Agridime LLC.
Economy
Reps introduce bill to establish PTDF governing board
A bill to establish a statutory governing board for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) passed its first reading in the House of Representatives.
Africa
Ghana’s President Mahama announces new offshore discovery
Mr Mahama announced a major new offshore oil and gas discovery following exploratory drilling at the Nya Gyidie 9-1X well in the Deepwater Cape Three Points contract area.
Politics
ECOWAS trains Gambian stakeholders ahead of December 5 presidential election
ECOWAS has begun training Gambian peace actors and electoral stakeholders ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for December 5.
Politics
APC recycling failed 2023 promises in 2027 manifesto, ADC says
ADC described the All Progressives Congress’ newly released 2027 manifesto as a shameless repackaging of promises made in 2023, many of which remain unfulfilled.
