From Yahaya Idris, Lafia
Ashangwa community in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State witnessed a gathering of political, traditional and religious leaders on Friday as businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Adamu Bawa Maku, popularly known as AA Ashangwa, commissioned a palace and mosque built for the community.
The projects were initiated through AA Ashangwa Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd as part of the businessman’s efforts to contribute to the development of his immediate community.
The commissioning ceremony attracted the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Muhammed Agah Muluku; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau; and Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad.
Other dignitaries included Arren Eggon, retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku; Senator Haliru Envulanza of Nasarawa North; Alhaji Yusuf Agabi; the Nasarawa State CAN Chairman; the state JNI leadership; Chief Imam of Lafia Central Mosque, Malam Dalhatu Dahiru; and Malam Nazir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
More Than a Mosque and Palace
The projects commissioned by AA Ashangwa extended beyond the palace and mosque.
The businessman also constructed a church within the community and provided separate parcels of land to serve as burial grounds for Muslims and Christians.
The initiatives attracted commendation from community leaders and other dignitaries who said the projects could promote peaceful coexistence and complement government development efforts.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, who chaired the occasion, praised AA Ashangwa for the initiatives.
He said the projects would contribute to sustaining peace and unity in Ashangwa and the wider state.
Jatau also commended the businessman for extending his intervention to both Muslim and Christian communities.
Sule: Wealthy Individuals Should Support Communities
Governor Abdullahi Sule, through Commissioner Muhammed Agah Muluku, commended AA Ashangwa for investing in community development.
He encouraged wealthy individuals in Nasarawa State to support government programmes by contributing to the development of their communities.
The Governor’s representative said private initiatives could complement government efforts in addressing community needs.
The Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, similarly called on affluent individuals to give back to society.
He said community-focused interventions could contribute to peace-building and complement government efforts.
Nazir Dahiru Bauchi Leads First Juma’at
The first Juma’at prayer was held at the newly commissioned mosque shortly after its inauguration.
Malam Nazir Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi led the two-unit congregational prayer and commended AA Ashangwa for providing the worship centre.
He urged other well-to-do members of society to emulate the initiative.
The ceremony also featured the wedding Fatiha of four daughters of AA Ashangwa.
Speaking afterwards, AA Ashangwa said his decision to build worship centres and provide burial grounds for both faiths was aimed at promoting harmonious coexistence.
He called on residents to live peacefully and remain their brothers’ keepers.