The Sokoto State Government has introduced monthly allowances for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state, alongside new allocations to Jumu’at Mosques.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director General of
Media and Publicity for Sokoto Government House, Abubakar Bawa, noting it as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic propagation and Qur’anic memorisation among children.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the measures on Saturday at the graduation of 111 Qur’an memorisers from the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

Aliyu explained that the new allowances and mosque allocations were designed to support clerics in carrying out their duties effectively while ensuring that the teachings of Islam continue to thrive in the state.

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“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 depending on their category.

“In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

The governor noted that Islamic affairs remain central to his administration’s “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” ranking second only to security.

“Encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among our children will help raise a generation that upholds the good teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Aliyu added.

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He also directed the school management to identify land for the establishment of a permanent site, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary support.

At the event, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and lauded scholars in the state for promoting Islamic ideals and peaceful coexistence.

Former Sokoto governor, Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation.

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Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continuous support for the foundation and announced a donation of N22 million alongside food items to the graduands and the school.

The religious school’s proprietor, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion to other states was aimed at keeping children in structured Qur’anic learning environments and reducing street begging.

Each of the 111 graduands received N20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government during the ceremony, which ended with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.

The late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.

He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday

Here are 20 key highlights from his life and career:

1. Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline

2. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.

3. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead

4. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.

5. He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.

6. Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.

7. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.

8. Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.

9. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.

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10. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.

11. He introduced reforms including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.

12. He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.

13. He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.

14. He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.

15. He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.

READ ALSO:Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death

16. Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.

17. He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.

18. The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.

19. He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.

20. Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Arase died earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Arase was 69 years old.

Confirming his death in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said, “The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”

IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging the ex-IG’s indelible contributions to police reform and national security.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly educated officer with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Arase was appointed as IGP in April 2015 and served until his retirement on June 21, 2016.

Explaining his impact, the statement read, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.

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“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”

“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”

IGP Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Force Arase’s families.

Egbetokun described his passing as a “deep pain” to the force, praising his professionalism, bravery, and leadership.