Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolute commitment to eradicating the sale and consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances across the state.
This initiative forms part of a broader policy agenda aimed at promoting religious values, safeguarding public morality, and fostering a more disciplined society in line with Islamic teachings.
Governor Aliyu made this declaration on Friday during the commissioning ceremony of the newly reconstructed Shagari Jumu’at Mosque in Shagari Local Government Area. Addressing the gathering of religious leaders, government officials, and community members, the governor cited recent enforcement actions by the Sokoto State Hisbah Board as a clear testament to the government’s determination to combat social vices.
The governor praised the Hisbah Board for its continued vigilance in identifying and acting against sources of moral decay. He referenced the recent confiscation and public destruction of alcoholic beverages carried out by the Hisbah Corps, noting that such efforts were not only lawful but necessary for the moral and spiritual preservation of the society.
“I commend the Hisbah Board for its diligent efforts in purging our society of immoral practices,” Governor Aliyu stated. “This government will not tolerate any activity that undermines our cultural and religious values. We are committed to building a morally upright society that reflects the teachings of Islam and the heritage of the Sokoto Caliphate.”
Reinforcing his administration’s approach to enforcement, Governor Aliyu stressed that all operations by the Hisbah Corps would be conducted strictly within the confines of the law. He emphasized the need to balance religious enforcement with respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens, highlighting the importance of professionalism, transparency, and fairness in all of the board’s activities.
He called on the general public to support and collaborate with the Hisbah Board by providing information and encouragement, stating that community involvement was essential to enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of the board’s operations. “Public cooperation is crucial. The Hisbah cannot work alone. With the support of our people, we will achieve a safer, more disciplined, and God-fearing society,” he said.
Governor Aliyu also used the occasion to outline his administration’s sustained investment in religious infrastructure, noting that 63 Jumu’at mosques across Sokoto State are currently undergoing renovation and reconstruction. This initiative, he explained, is part of efforts to create conducive environments for worship and religious instruction, particularly in underserved communities.
In addition to structural upgrades, the governor revealed that the state government provides regular monthly allocations to mosques throughout the state. Furthermore, stipends are paid to Imams, Deputy Imams, and Muazzins to support their vital spiritual roles. This financial support, he said, reflects the administration’s appreciation for religious leaders and their contributions to maintaining peace, moral order, and social harmony.
Turning his attention to the newly reconstructed Shagari Jumu’at Mosque, the governor urged mosque leadership and worshippers to maintain high standards of hygiene and structural care. “We must ensure that our places of worship remain symbols of spiritual purity, discipline, and community pride. Proper upkeep is a responsibility we all share,” he said.
He reiterated that his administration remains dedicated to delivering meaningful, people-centered projects that enhance both spiritual and material well-being. “Our development efforts are guided by the principles of justice, accountability, and service to the people,” he added.
The commissioning ceremony also featured former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Barrister Mukhtar Shagari, who officially inaugurated the reconstructed mosque. In his address, Shagari commended Governor Aliyu for his foresight and dedication to religious and infrastructural development. He expressed special gratitude for the reconstruction of the Shagari Jumu’at Mosque, a revered site built in the birthplace of the esteemed Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi.
Also in attendance was Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, who represented His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. Prof. Junaid hailed the mosque reconstruction project as a noble endeavor that enhances both religious life and communal unity. “This is not just a building; it is a place of spiritual refuge and a pillar of community development. Such initiatives deepen our connection to God and to one another,” he remarked.
Governor Aliyu’s emphasis on religious reform, moral discipline, and infrastructural development signals a continued effort to align governance with the cultural and spiritual aspirations of Sokoto State. As one of the most religiously conservative states in Nigeria, Sokoto’s policies often reflect the Islamic values cherished by its majority-Muslim population.
While such measures enjoy wide support among traditional and religious stakeholders, they also prompt discussions on balancing religious enforcement with constitutional rights in a democratic society. Nonetheless, the Aliyu administration appears steadfast in its mission to uphold Islamic principles while pursuing development initiatives that directly benefit the people of the state.