By Mohammed Yakubu Lailai
Kankara, Katsina State – The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, alongside the Commissioner of the Yobe State Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, Hon. Yusuf Umar (Hakimin Ngojin/Kaigaman Potiskum), led a high-powered delegation from the Yobe State Government to the grand commissioning of a newly constructed mosque in Kankara, Katsina State.
The event, which attracted prominent political leaders, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and members of the public from different parts of Northern Nigeria, marked a significant milestone in the promotion of religious development, unity, and community advancement.

The Yobe State delegation was officially led by the Deputy Governor, H.E. Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, who represented the government of Yobe State at the important religious ceremony. The delegation joined their host and counterpart, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, H.E. Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, who welcomed the visiting officials and dignitaries to the historic commissioning ceremony.
Also accompanying the delegation was the Hon. Commissioner of the Yobe State Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, Hon. Yusuf Umar, who holds the respected traditional title of Hakimin Ngojin and Kaigaman Potiskum. His presence, along with other government officials, underscored the importance the Yobe State Government places on religious harmony, moral re-orientation, and community development.

Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana emphasized that mosques should not be seen merely as structures for the performance of the five daily prayers but as vital institutions capable of shaping society and nurturing responsible citizens.
According to him, mosques historically served as centers for learning, leadership training, justice, and social development during the early periods of Islamic civilization. He therefore encouraged the people of Kankara and surrounding communities to fully utilize the mosque as a center for moral upbringing, education, and social progress.

“We should not restrict this mosque to the observance of the five daily prayers alone,” the Deputy Governor said. “It should serve as a center for community upbringing, moral guidance, unity among people, peaceful coexistence, and the development of skills that will benefit society.”
The Deputy Governor further explained that religious institutions have the potential to contribute significantly to community transformation when properly utilized for educational enlightenment, youth mentoring, and social engagement.
Also addressing participants at the event, Hon. Yusuf Umar, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, highlighted the importance of mosques as platforms for strengthening ethical values and religious awareness within society.
He noted that the mission of the Yobe State Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation includes promoting moral discipline, peaceful coexistence, and responsible leadership among citizens.

Hon. Yusuf Umar further urged Islamic scholars and community leaders to ensure that the mosque becomes a center for both spiritual and social development, particularly for the younger generation.
He emphasized that religious institutions can play a key role in providing soft skills, social orientation, and technical knowledge that empower youths and support community-based economic development.

“Our mosques should serve as centers of learning and moral guidance,” he said. “They should provide platforms where people learn discipline, honesty, unity, and responsibility while also gaining knowledge that can help them contribute positively to the development of their communities.”
The Yobe State delegation also included notable leaders and government officials who attended the commissioning ceremony in solidarity with the people of Katsina State.

Among them was the former Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Lawan Mirwa, as well as the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Science and Technical Schools Board, Dr. Dauda Atiyaye.
The dignitaries commended the individuals and organizations responsible for the construction of the mosque, describing the project as a significant contribution to the spiritual, social, and moral development of the community.
Community leaders in Kankara expressed appreciation to the visiting delegation and other distinguished guests who attended the event. They noted that the presence of leaders from neighboring states demonstrates unity, solidarity, and shared commitment toward the promotion of religious values and community development across Northern Nigeria.
Islamic scholars who participated in the ceremony also delivered sermons highlighting the importance of reviving the traditional role of mosques as centers of education, peacebuilding, and leadership development.

They called on Muslims to uphold the teachings of Islam by promoting tolerance, justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with special prayers offered for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity across Yobe State, Katsina State, and Nigeria as a whole.
Religious leaders prayed for continued cooperation among states and communities in addressing social challenges and strengthening the values that bind the nation together.