The Ilorin Central Jummah Mosque Committee has announced plans to construct a 250-bed student hostel at the University of Ilorin.
The project, valued at N1.1 billion, is aimed at strengthening the Mosque’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
The initiative, marking a shift towards sustainable financial management, was unveiled during the committee’s annual Board of Trustees and stakeholders’ meeting held in Ilorin on Saturday.
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For years, the upkeep of the iconic religious edifice has largely depended on donations from members of the Ilorin Emirate community, under the guidance of the board chaired by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, disclosed that a letter of intent had been submitted to the University authorities.
He added that the 3D architectural plan for the project was featured in the programme brochure shared at the meeting.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, AbdulGafar further revealed that the procurement of a customised rug for the main prayer hall of the Mosque was yet to be realised.
The project, which has now risen to over N100 million at current market prices, had received donations in 2021, which were, however, insufficient to execute it.
He said the committee would not relent until it is achieved.
“Our mosque is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent religious centres in Nigeria and beyond. It deserves the kind of maintenance that will preserve its elegance and spiritual ambience,” he noted.
He lamented the lack of steady income or endowment to support the Mosque’s operations, noting that monthly recurrent expenses have now surged to N5.5 million due to rising inflation.
AbdulGafar also identified epileptic power supply and electricity bills exceeding N1 million monthly as major challenges confronting the day-to-day running of the facility.
He appealed to stakeholders for continued support, emphasising that the time has come to complement donations with sustainable investment initiatives to secure the mosque’s future.
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