By Mu’azu Abubakar Albarkawa
Malam Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau has said that the decision to demolish the 183-year old Malam Abdulkarim Central Mosque Zaria, Kaduna State was a painful decision that weighed heavily upon the emirate council.
The royal father disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the mosque in Zaria on Sunday.
He said the decision was not made lightly but the Emirate had no option than to take the bold resolve to ensure the safety of lives of the worshippers.
“Your well-being and security have always been at the forefront of our thoughts and actions”, the emir said.
Bamalli appreciated the effort of the Kaduna State government for supporting the victims of the 2023 mosque collapse that claimed seven lives and injured many, and payment of compensation to the families whose houses will be demolished for expansion of the mosque project.
He also commended the highest donor of N2bn, Alhaji Abdussamad Rabiu through the ASR Africa and BUA Group towards the groundbreaking of the mosque rebuilding.
The Emir noted that the historic mosque, built in the 1830s has served as a beacon of faith, community and resilience.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen said the collapsed mosque was one of the biggest and largest historical heritage of building technology in Nigeria.
The speaker, who is also the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency and traditional title holder at Zazzau Emirate Council said the rebuilding of the new central mosque has about an 18 month completion period.
However, the resources available will be able to reach 50 per cent completion urging philanthropists to donate generously for the timely completion of the mosque.
He, therefore, restates the commitments of the National Assembly towards supporting the timely completion of the project.
In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani reiterated that the state government would continue the support for the project to ensure prompt completion.
He added that the state government was in touch with key stakeholders towards generating more funds for the project.
Recall that on Aug. 11, 2023, the 183-year old Mosque collapsed while hundreds of worshippers were observing afternoon prayers killing seven people and injuring many.
