Sule, Jatau, Lafia Emir, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Urge Wealthy Nigerians to Give Back to Communities
…As AA Ashangwa commissions palace, mosque, supports Christian community in Lafia
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
Prominent political, traditional and religious leaders have called on wealthy individuals to give back to their communities and invest in initiatives that promote peace, unity and harmonious coexistence.
The call was made on Friday during the commissioning of a new palace and mosque constructed by Alhaji Adamu Bawa Maku, popularly known as AA Ashangwa, Managing Director of AA Ashangwa Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd, in Ashangwa community, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The event attracted the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Mohammed Agah Muluku; Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, who chaired the occasion; Emir of Lafia, Rtd. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad; and Aren Eggon, Rtd. Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, among other traditional rulers and dignitaries.
Also in attendance were Senator Halilu Envulanza, Nasarawa North; Alhaji Yusuf Agabi; the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa State Chapter; the leadership of the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI); and the Chief Imam of Lafia Central Mosque, Malam Dalhatu Dahiru.
The event also featured the presence of Malam Nazir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, son of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who led the first Juma'at prayer at the newly constructed mosque.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, Speaker Jatau commended AA Ashangwa for what he described as initiatives capable of promoting peace and unity in the community and Nasarawa State.
Jatau particularly appreciated the construction of facilities serving both Muslims and Christians, including a church and separate burial grounds provided for the two faiths.
He also commended Governor Sule for what he described as purposeful and inclusive leadership, while urging citizens to support initiatives that contribute to the development of their communities.
The Emir of Lafia, Rtd. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, called on other wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture by investing in their communities.
He said such initiatives could complement government efforts and contribute to peace-building and peaceful coexistence, while offering prayers for AA Ashangwa and his family.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, through Commissioner Mohammed Agah Muluku, also commended AA Ashangwa for his humanitarian activities and contributions to community development.
According to the Governor, the initiative aligns with his administration's drive to encourage development partnerships between government and citizens.
He therefore urged other wealthy individuals across the state to support government efforts by giving back to society.
Shortly after the commissioning of the mosque and palace, Malam Nazir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi led the first Juma'at prayer at the mosque.
In his remarks, he commended AA Ashangwa for the initiative and urged other well-to-do members of society to emulate the gesture by supporting projects that benefit their communities.
The occasion also featured the wedding Fatiha of four daughters of AA Ashangwa.
The couples were Farida and Abdullahi; Basira and Abubakar; Aisha and Jafaru; and Hafsat and Abdullahi.
Speaking in an interview, AA Ashangwa said his decision to construct worship centres and provide burial grounds for both Muslims and Christians was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening the bond among members of the community.
He urged residents to continue to live as brothers and sisters, stressing the importance of mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
The commissioning also attracted religious leaders, community members, business associates, political stakeholders and other dignitaries from within and outside Nasarawa State.
