Zamfara Gov Launches Data Collection, Authentication Exercise for Religious Leaders

Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has directed the Ministry for Religious Affairs to undertake a comprehensive data collection and verification exercise targeting the Imams, Naibs, Ladans, and Hadims of Juma’at mosques across Zamfara State. This initiative aims to provide updated records for the accurate disbursement of monthly incentives.

In a statement signed by the Information Officer for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu, it was noted that the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Sulaiman Adamu Gummi, made the announcement during a meeting with a committee led by Dr. Atiku Balarabe Zawiyya Gusau. The committee has embarked on a statewide tour covering 19 Emirate Councils, beginning with the Gummi Emirate.

Hon. Sulaiman Adamu Gummi emphasized the importance of this exercise in ensuring accuracy and transparency in the records of religious leaders. He stated that significant progress has already been made in Gummi Emirate Council, Bukkuyum, and Anka Local Government, as they work to update and validate the data of Imams, Naibs, Ladans, and Hadims across the state.

Representing the committee’s chairman, Dr. Zawiyya, the vice-chairman, Shaikh Abdullahi Aleru, affirmed the committee’s commitment to fulfilling the mandate and objectives of the project. Zawiyya highlighted the detailed collection of critical information, including contact details, Bank Verification Numbers, National Identity Numbers, and the roles of each religious leader, to ensure comprehensive and accurate records.

The committee’s secretary, who also serves as the Director of Juma’at Mosques, Malam Ibrahim Musa, shared that this initiative marks substantial progress in the state’s efforts to authenticate religious leaders’ data. He also acknowledged the State Governor’s support for monthly allowances for the religious leaders.

Malam Sani Mai Albasa, another committee member, elaborated on the systematic approach being used to verify and clarify existing records. The team has focused on identifying gaps or discrepancies in the data, aiming to capture accurate information on all recognized religious leaders.

Leaders from the Gummi, Bukkuyum, and Anka Emirate Councils expressed their gratitude to Governor Dr. Dauda Lawal and Commissioner Sulaiman Adamu Gummi for their commitment to transparency and accountability in this exercise. They praised the committee’s dedication to ensuring an accurate and effective system that supports Zamfara’s religious community.

According to the Ministry’s Information Officer, Abubakar Aliyu Samaru, the collaboration between the committee, headed by Dr. Atiku Balarabe Zawiyya, and the support of key stakeholders has been crucial in driving the steady progress of the initiative.