Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pledged to establish a foundation to immortalise the late Tijjaniyya leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, to sustain his lifelong commitment to inter-religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Sani made the pledge while leading a 30-member delegation on a condolence visit to the cleric’s family in Bauchi. Sheikh Dahiru died on November 27 at his residence.
The governor said the Kaduna State Government would set up a committee comprising members of the late cleric’s family, his students and other stakeholders to work out modalities for the foundation.
“Although our late leader hailed from Bauchi State, Kaduna will do everything possible to honour his memory because of his immense contributions to Islam, good governance and national unity,” Sani said.
He added that the proposed foundation would sustain the cleric’s ideals and implement projects and initiatives he envisioned during his lifetime.
“I consulted our late leader regularly, and his advice always yielded positive outcomes. I consider myself part of his family,” the governor said.
Sani also assured that his administration would continue the late scholar’s efforts in fostering unity among Muslims and promoting peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions across the country.
In his remarks, Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Jatau, recalled that Sani was on official assignment in China when the cleric died, noting that the Kaduna governor had promptly called Gov. Bala Mohammed to commiserate with him.
Responding on behalf of the family, a son of the deceased, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim, thanked Sani for his consistent support and personal visit.
“This is your home. Your coming today shows the high esteem you held our late father,” Ibrahim said, praying for divine blessings on the governor.
He also expressed appreciation for the governor’s promise to rebuild the residence where the late cleric grew up.
