The Executive Chainman of BUA Group Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu has donated N2billion to the Zazzau Mosque Endowment Fund.
The fund was launched Saturday for the reconstruction of the Malam Abdulkarim Mosque, Zazzau Palace Mosque, Zaria City.
Part of the mosque, which was first built in 1885 had collapsed on August 11, 2023, leading to the death of more than 10 worshipers.
Rabiu, who served as chief launcher, said “This is an important event. Because we have always maintained at BUA and ASR Foundation. We are always looking for opportunities to support communities, to support people to intervene in areas that will impact positively and this is such an event.
“So, I am very humbled for the committee to have invited me to be the fundraiser. These are some of the things that we are always looking out for to support.
“The mosque is very historic, you know, this is a mosque that was constructed in 1835 or 1836, almost 200 years ago, and there was a problem a few months ago. And the mosque is going to be constructed. So I was approached to come and be the fundraiser.
“So, we donated the sum of N2 billion towards the reconstruction efforts of this mosque, and if we are not able to get enough money for the completion of this project, our foundation will support further so that the project is completed”.
Dateline Nigeria reports that Rabiu, who is also the Chairman/Founder, ASR Africa, mobilized his friends to donate over N1billion to the project.
Speaking at the event, which attracted top political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, government officials, business tycoons, eminent sons and daughters of the Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, thanked the chief launcher and his friends for their handsome donations.
He equally thanked the Chairman of the Occasion and former Vice President Namadi Sambo for being instrumental in leading the entire project committee, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for his contribution and leadership.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, also thanked all those who contributed to the endowment fund. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai headed the Fund Raising Committee..
Those who attended the ceremony include former Governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero; former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu; Chairman, Mangal Group ,Alh. Dahiru Mangal; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, among others
The mosque, after reconstruction, is expected to house 3,500 worshipers at a time with a courtyard that can house additional 8,000-12,000 worshipers, 50-Seater ICT Center, Library Section, Ablution Point, Administrative Offices and other essential buildings.
