Efforts to solve long-standing water challenges were intensified as the mosque continues to depend on donations for maintenance and projects

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The management of the Ilorin Central Mosque says it has drilled more than 30 boreholes in efforts to address long-standing water supply challenges within the mosque complex.

The update was presented during the mosque’s 2025/2026 stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin, where officials reviewed ongoing projects and funding difficulties facing the religious facility.

Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, said earlier attempts to access water repeatedly failed due to difficult ground conditions around the mosque and adjoining palace area.

He explained that the breakthrough came after engineers used improved equipment to successfully locate a usable water source, ending years of struggle with water shortages.

AbdulGafar said the mosque continues to depend heavily on donations for maintenance, noting that rising costs of electricity, diesel, and general upkeep have increased financial pressure.

He also disclosed that a proposed N1.1 billion student hostel project at the University of Ilorin is being developed through stakeholder support, including contributions and engagement involving business mogul Aliko Dangote, who also provides monthly financial assistance for mosque maintenance.

According to him, Dangote’s monthly support, along with other donations, has helped sustain the mosque’s operations, though expenses have continued to rise due to inflation.

Despite financial challenges, he said several projects were completed within the year, including solar-powered lighting, dome repainting, and upgrades to sound and power systems.

The committee appealed for continued support from stakeholders, saying the mosque remains a shared Islamic heritage that requires collective effort to maintain.

AbdulGafar also appreciated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other benefactors for their contributions to sustaining the mosque.

Source: Daily Trust