By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
THE Emir of Jega in Kebbi state, Alhaji Muhammadu Arzika Bawa Jega has called for the empowerment of the Centre for Intellectual Services on Sokoto caliphate to enable it expand the scope of its activities for the upliftment of the legacies and scholarly works of the founding fathers.
Speaking in Sokoto Sunday at the annual conference and meeting on the platform of ” Muhajirun and Lansaru” which defines the roots of both “Migrants and Inhabitants” across the descendants of late Sheikh Usmanu Bn Fodiyo, Bawa said the centre must be supported as a driving force to institute and strengthen the historical legacies and especially the literary contributions of the caliphate founding fathers who cherished education, knowledge, justice, good governance among other basic principles that defines islam and life style for humanity.
The Emir of Maru in Zamfara state, Alhaji Abubakar Chika Ibrahim who pledged to donate N210,000 monthly on behalf of his counterparts including him from Zamfara was among other royal fathers in attendance at the conference meeting that lasted over two hours.
The royal father who acknowledged the tireless and committed efforts of the centre in updating and acquainting youths especially pupils and students of both islamiyya and secondary schools in Sokoto state with the knowledge and history of the caliphate through organising quiz competition, stressed the urgent need to encourage more responsive ways by coming up with reasonable prize rewards for participants.
He remarkably commended Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar for personally financing the competition to ensure the sustenance of the founding fathers legacies for the benefit of current and future generations of young muslims and humanity.
Also, while delivering his opening address, the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa and Chairman of the Committee on the events, Alhaji Muhammadu Lawal Zayyana said the focus of the centre was primarily to further strengthen the bond of friendship and relations between and among the” Muhajirun and Lansaru” and other parts of the world based on the ideals and principles outlined by late Sheikh Usmanu Bn Fodiyo.
According to the former Sokoto House of Assembly Speaker, ” we all need to encourage team spirit to guide the course for which the centre was established as well institute it functions on the platform of knowledge”, he pointed out.
The Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid represented by the Dan Galadiman Waziri, Alhaji Ahmad Bello Gidadawa noted the achievement of the centre for fast tracking the translation of 23 books of late Danfodiyo from Arabic into Hausa and English.
He urged for stakeholders to evolve a way of adding value to the basic functions of the centre to enable the spread of knowledge on the caliphate.
In his brief remarks, Sheikh Sidi A. Sidi said the activities of the centre which dwells predominantly on the reverred principles that founded the caliphate should be consistently promoted across the globe.
Sidi described Sokoto caliphate as a foremost history hub which had over time sustained its drive for reformation based on knowledge oriented platform, urged scholars and islamic preachers to passionately emulate the jihadist(Danfodiyo) who deliberately and consistently sacrificed the strength of his life, wealth of knowledge and spirit of devotion to the course of islam and humanity.
” Nothing is as rewarding than justifying commitment to a reverred noble course and clarion call to genuinely support the objective in the best possible way in time”, he said.
Others who spoke in same direction included Imam Malam Nura Na ta’ala Hausare, Khalifa Malam Yahaya Na Malam Boyi of Rugar Wauru Juma’at mosque, apoealed for the inclusion of history on “Sokoto Caliphate” in the curricular of education at all levels.
” It will provide avenue for spreading Danfodiyo’s scholarly works, broaden the knowledge of students on the caliphate as well inculcate the ideals and morals of responsibility, good governance and justice.
” It will further avail and encourage stocking of schools library with the jihadist numerous publications in the languages translated and many more others with time.”
However, the all important conference meeting also deliberated on ways to ensure financial independence of the centre in view of its significance to the caliphate.
It resolved by tasking relevant individuals especially those in position of authorities as well reaching out to other stakeholders and traditional institutions established and existing under the caliphate to do the needful.
Meanwhile, the launch of a book title:” Diya’ul Kawa’ud wa Nasril Fawa’id li Ahlil Makasid” published by Dr Rufa’i Alhaji Isma’il realised over N0.576million at presentation to climax the meeting held at the City campus Lecture Hall of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
