Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledged the establish a foundation to immortalise the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, aimed at sustaining the cleric’s lifelong commitment to inter-religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The Governor made the pledge on Sunday when he led a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Tijjaniyya leader, who died on Nov. 27 at his family residence in Bauchi.
Sani said the Kaduna State Government would constitute a committee made up of members of the late Sheikh’s family, his students and other stakeholders to work out modalities for the establishment of the foundation.
He said although the late Islamic scholar hailed from Bauchi State, Kaduna State would do everything possible to honour his memory in view of his immense contributions to Islam, good governance and national unity.
According to the governor, the proposed foundation will not only sustain the ideals and legacies of the late cleric, but also implement projects and initiatives he had envisioned during his lifetime.
“I consulted our late leader regularly, and his advice always yielded positive outcomes. I consider myself part of his family, and we have always enjoyed a cordial relationship,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would continue the late Sheikh’s efforts in fostering unity among Muslims and promoting peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions, not only in Kaduna State but across the country.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Jatau, recalled that Sani was on an official assignment in China when the cleric passed away.
He said the governor had called Gov. Bala Mohammed from China to commiserate with him, adding that a special committee was also set up in Kaduna State to receive condolences from students and well-wishers of the late Sheikh.
Responding on behalf of the family, a son of the deceased, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim, said Sani had always maintained a close relationship with the late Islamic scholar, even before assuming office as governor.
“This is your home. Immediately the death was announced, we spoke on phone.
You sent representatives to the funeral prayers and later dispatched a delegation of Malams to condole with us.
“Today, you have come personally to commiserate with us, which shows the high esteem you held our late father. May Allah (SWT) bless you and grant you your heart’s desires,” he said.
He also thanked the governor, on behalf of the late Sheikh’s 82 children, for his promise to rebuild the residence where the cleric grew up.
Members of the delegation included the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman; National President of Fityanul Islam of Nigeria, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abul Fath; and Dr. Musa Muhammad, Deputy National Chairman of the organisation.
Others were Secretary General of Fityanul Islam, Mansur Nakande; Sheikh Salaudeen Inyas; Saiyyida Fatima, National Women Leader of Fityanul Islam; Hajia Hadiza Muhammad, National Women Secretary; and Sheikh Rabiu Abdullahi, Kaduna State Chairman of the group.
Also on the delegation were Sheikh Abdulkarim Hashim, Chief Imam of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Mosque, Kaduna; Sheikh Sharu Danlami, National Chairman of Quddamun Nabiyyu; Sheikh Salisu Maibarota; Sheikh Aminu Kafanchan; Sheikh Ibrahim Mahe; and Sheikh Nasiru Dahiru.
The delegation also included the Kaduna State Chairman of First Aid, Chairmen of Fityanul Islam from Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Niger and Bauchi States, as well as other senior officials of the Kaduna State Government.
