Bauchi Governor pledges to support religious activities that promote moral values
By Abdullahi Alhaji
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities that promote moral values, peaceful coexistence and societal development.
The Governor stated this while declaring open the 41st edition of the Bauchi State Annual Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Toro Local Government Area.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Bauchi, Alhaji Hashimu Yakubu Kumbala, Governor Bala Mohammed commended Islamic scholars, Imams and teachers of Tsangaya and Islamiyya schools across the state for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.
He urged religious leaders to sustain their collaboration with the government in promoting peace, unity, moral values and societal development, noting that religious institutions have significant roles to play in guiding the society, encouraging peaceful coexistence and addressing social vices.
The Governor also assured the Islamic community of his administration’s continued support for religious programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the moral and spiritual development of the people.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Qur’anic Recitation Competition Committee, Imam Hassan Usman Zango, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness for the competition, assuring participants and guests that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for a successful event.
Imam Hassan Zango commended Governor Bala Mohammed for providing the necessary support and resources, including prizes for winners, to facilitate the successful organisation of the competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque, Imam Bala Baban Inna, called on the government to intensify efforts to address social vices, particularly drug abuse, which he identified as a major factor contributing to criminal activities in society.
He emphasised the need for collective action involving government, religious leaders, parents and other community stakeholders to tackle the menace and safeguard the future of younger generations.
Delivering a lecture at the occasion, the guest speaker, Sheikh Shaya’u Yusha’u Ahmed, highlighted the significance of the Holy Qur’an and urged Muslims to embrace its teachings and apply its principles in their daily lives.
Earlier, the Chairman of Toro Local Government Area, Pharmacist Ibrahim Abubakar Dembo, expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for choosing Toro to host the state-wide religious competition, describing the gesture as a great honour to the people of the area.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Toro, Alhaji Umar Adamu, welcomed participants and other dignitaries while underscoring the importance of promoting Qur’anic education and Islamic values.
The competition attracted Qur’anic reciters from the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State, providing a platform for participants to showcase their knowledge, recitation skills and mastery of the Holy Qur’an.
