Gov Sani-Bello Charges Imams Forum To Encourage Islamic Education Within Parents’ Domain ...Commends the Forum For Preaching Peace In The State

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has charged the League of Imams Forum to educate parents on the need to ensure their children acquire islamic education within their domain rather than sending them faraway for knowledge in other states.

He gave this charge in Minna, the state capital on Sunday at the closing ceremony of a two-day special sensitization/workshop organized by the Juma'at Mosques Imams Forum of Niger State with the theme "An Examplary Imam: A Gateway for Peace, Unity, Harmonious Coexistence and Good Governance".

The Governor noted that aside the fact that virtually all towns and villages in the state have qualified islamic teachers and schools, times have changed and the present security challenges in the country have further make the old practice of sending children away from home unpopular.

"Since we have islamic schools everywhere there is no need for parents to cause their children to travel far to acquire knowledge. Most of them are underage and are left to wander about on streets. Parents need to keep watch on their childern because sending them faraway from home exposes them to alot of dangers.

"I therefore call on Parents to desist from sending their children faraway. Time and things have changed and there is need to ensure the protection of these children".

He then charged the forum to embark on a sensitization campaign using various platforms to educate parents on the need to allow their children acquire Islamic knowledge within their domain in order to ensure safety.

The Governor commended the support his administration has been receiving from the Forum, stressing that he will continue to seek for wise counsel of religious leaders in the course of governing the state.

Earlier, the Secretary,Juma'at Mosques Imams Forum, Malam Umar Faruk Abdullah disclosed that the workshop was aimed at sensitizing the public on the need to live an examplary life as Muslims by living in peace and harmony with one another which he said would lead to good governance in the state and the country as a whole.

He then commended the Governor for his efforts and contributions towards the development of the forum and Islam. Assuring the Governor that the forum would continue to contribute to the development of the state.

The governor and his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed Ketso were later presented with honourary award by the forum in appreciation for their commitment and immense contributions towards the development of Islam in the state.