Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has pledged to fund 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, initiated by the Mosque’s management, will provide accommodation for students, with rental proceeds dedicated to the Mosque’s maintenance and upkeep.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ilorin on Sunday, Alhaji Shehu Abdulgafar, Secretary of the Mosque’s Board of Trustees, confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed with the University of Ilorin.
According to him, the Mosque will own and manage the hostel for 21 years before transferring ownership to the university.
Abdulgafar further revealed that Dangote has also pledged a monthly donation of N5 million to support the Mosque’s operations until the hostel becomes fully functional.
“The gesture will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the Mosque’s operations, while also providing modern accommodation for students of the university,” he said.
He also announced that Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, had donated a multi-million-naira solar-powered mini-grid to the Mosque. The project, nearing completion, will guarantee uninterrupted electricity 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,” Abdulgafar stated.
He added that Senator Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, has been one of the Mosque’s key financiers since inception.
Other notable contributors, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, were also commended for their continued support.
“The twin projects by Alhaji Dangote and Senator Mustapha align with the vision of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for a self-sustaining central Mosque,” Abdulgafar said.
