THANK YOU, SULE LAMIDO

Last week, our leader and father, Sule Lamido CON, former Governor of Jigawa State, announced that he has bequeathed his mansion in his hometown of Bamaina to the Jigawa State University Kafin Hausa. Upon his demise, the edifice is to pass on to the university and repurposed into a centre for Islamic Studies and Research.

A modest program was held at the property on the 1^st of February 2024 to formalize and document the intention, where representatives of the Jigawa State Government, the university and eminent scholars including Professor Adamu Abdulrashid and Attahiru Jega were in attendance.

We do not claim pioneer status in respect of this feat. In fact, such charitable endowment is known as waqf under Islamic law. “It typically involves donating a building, plot of land or other assets for Muslim- religious or charitable purposes with no intention of reclaiming the assets. The person making such dedication is known as waqif (“donor”).”

Nonetheless, Dr. Sule Lamido, has set an excellent example and compelling precedent, and it will almost certainly trigger a domino effect whereby other endowed personalities will follow suit. It also highlights  the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice which our leaders such as the late Sardauna of Sokoto, are known for.

The beneficiary university is urged to diligently and relentlessly pursue the vision and intendment of the donor at the appropriate time. As apart from achieving public good, that will also encourage others to follow the same path.

Hamza Gudaji,  Abuja, hgudaji@gmail.com