Commissioner Jabir Mai-Hula says the ministry now focuses on improving lives through mosque upgrades, Imam support, and welfare programmes across sokoto state

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Mai-Hula, says the ministry has evolved beyond being a mere religious institution to become a strategic tool for social policy, moral reform, and community development in the state.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Mai-Hula described the ministry as a “deliberate, evidence-based instrument of social welfare” that delivers tangible benefits across public health, social cohesion, and economic justice.

According to him, “Islam in Sokoto State is not only about worship; it is an integrated system of values and practices that shape the daily life of our people.

“So, investing in religious infrastructure and guidance delivers cross-cutting benefits — cleaner prayer facilities that reduce the risk of disease transmission, dignified Imams who are no longer exploited by politicians, and zakat funds that support orphans and vulnerable families”.

The commissioner revealed that 65 Jummah mosques have been rehabilitated or newly constructed across the state, many now equipped with boreholes and solar power to enhance hygiene and accessibility.

He further stated that the ministry now make available, regular stipends and welfare packages for Imams to promote independence and integrity in Friday sermons, helping to curb the politicisation of religious preaching.

“When Imams are respected and supported, their messages carry more weight. We have restored their dignity, and this is helping to rebuild moral discipline in society”.

Highlighting the success of the Zakat and Waqf Agency, the commissioner said the government has strengthened the Productive Zakat Model, which channels zakat funds into farms and real estate investments to create sustainable income streams for orphans and vulnerable families.

Mai-Hula also justified the creation of the ministry by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, noting that Sokoto, as the Seat of the Caliphate and birthplace of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio, naturally integrates religion into its civic and cultural governance.

“When government harnesses religious institutions responsibly,” he said, “it solves several problems across sectors — health, education, sanitation, and social justice — all at once.”

Beyond infrastructure, the ministry has intensified moral reorientation campaigns, addressing issues such as indecent dressing, dishonest trade practices, and hygiene in markets.

Through town hall meetings, radio and TV programmes, and mosque sermons, the ministry has promoted behavioural change among traders and youths.

“Our Ramadan campaigns promoted fair measurements by traders, while the training of butchers and market operators improved hygiene and ethics,” the commissioner explained.

He added that the ministry has also undertaken rehabilitation of cemeteries, including fencing, employment of security guards, and general maintenance across local governments.

Source: The Punch