By joshua KOGI COUNCIL OF ULAMA’U HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, REVIEWS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES, CALLS FOR GREATER UNITY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Kogi State Council of Ulama’u has held its Annual General Meeting at the Council Secretariat in Lokoja, with a comprehensive review of its activities for the year, renewed calls for unity among Muslims across the three senatorial districts, and a commitment to deepen Islamic education, Zakat development, humanitarian service and peaceful coexistence.
The meeting was presided over by the State Chairman, Sheikh Salman Adam, who welcomed members and expressed appreciation for their steadfastness and sacrifices for the Council. He urged State and Local Government chapters to strengthen cooperation and give greater attention to the programmes and activities of the Council.
The meeting attracted members of the State Executive Council, Zonal Chairmen, Local Government Chairmen, Secretaries and members of the Council’s Working Committee (GX).
Among the executive members and notable personalities present were Sheikh Salman Adam, Chairman of the Council; Hon. Justice Danladi Yakubu, Chairman of the Legal Team, who represented the Executive Secretary, Hon. Dr. Justice Abdulkarim A. Aruwa, Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal; Hon. Justice Sayeed Okino, Vice Chairman of the Council; Hon. Justice Suleiman Olorunfemi, former Grand Khadi, Chairman of the Kogi State Qur’an Recitation Competition Committee and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Council; Sheikh Salihu Abere, Zonal Chairman; Alh. Idris Baba’ango, Administrative Secretary; Alh. Abubakar Aliyu Zaak, Publicity Chairman; Alh. Dr. Ali Baba, Chairman of the Project Committee; Alh. Aik Aleru, Assistant Treasurer; Alh. Tanko Tale, Administrative Secretary, Zakat and Endowment Committee; Imam Rashid, Assistant Secretary; and Captain Muhammed Isah, Chief Imam, Army Barracks Mosque, Lokoja.
Also in attendance were Zonal Chairmen and all Local Government Chairmen, who also serve as notable Imams and Islamic scholars in their respective areas, alongside their Secretaries, as well as members of the hardworking GX Working Committee, whose contributions were acknowledged.
Presenting the Secretariat report, the Administrative Secretary highlighted that since the last EXCO meeting in October 2025, the Council successfully conducted its Ramadan 1447H lecture and Iftar programmes and its Annual Hijrah Celebration which attracted Islamic scholars, dignitaries, Islamiyyah schools and Islamic organisations from across the state, during which the 1447H Hijrah Calendar was unveiled.
On Qur’anic activities, the Council successfully organised the 2025/1447H Kogi State Qur’an Recitation Competition in Idah and sponsored Kogi State contestants to the National Qur’an Recitation Competition in Maiduguri, Borno State. He disclosed that preparations are in top gear for the 35th Kogi State Musabaqa scheduled to hold in Okehi Local Government Area from 12th to 18th October 2026.
On Zakat administration, the report noted that limited funds in the Zakat account affected disbursement during the period under review. The Council therefore resolved to strengthen Zakat awareness, collection and distribution and encouraged Imams and scholars to intensify education of Muslims on the obligation and importance of Zakat. The Dekina Local Government chapter specifically called for greater support towards improving Zakat collection, particularly in Igala-speaking communities.
The Council also recorded several institutional and community engagements, including participation with the Independent National Electoral Commission as stakeholders and a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja on issues relating to Sharia Law, admission opportunities and employment considerations.
During the period, the Council intervened in and resolved several matrimonial, inheritance, Masjid and Imamship disputes, including the Ibado-Akpacha matter in Omala Local Government Area, underscoring its role as a moral and social stabiliser.
In the area of humanitarian and community development, members were informed of an intervention by the International Islamic Charity Organisation which provided a borehole in Okunland valued at about N10 million, benefitting both Muslims and non-Muslims. The Council also noted ongoing discussions aimed at bringing free eye-care services to the state. It commended the Okunland Zone for its support for Zakat-related programmes and encouraged extension of such beneficial programmes to other parts of the state.
On educational and social support, the Council sustained its sponsorship of Juwaira Ahmed, supported Tabligh activities and engaged humanitarian organisations on community development.
On projects, the Council reported progress on the fencing of the MCAN land at Crusher, Lokoja, achieved through prudent financial management and direct labour supervised by the Project Committee. It also continues to pursue the matter concerning the 500 Housing Unit Masjid which is before the court.
During the meeting, special prayers were offered for Kogi State and for the Governor, with the Council appreciating his support for religious bodies and his efforts towards peace, stability and development. The Council prayed for Allah to continue to guide the Governor, grant him wisdom and strength in the discharge of his responsibilities and bless his efforts for the peace and progress of the state.
While prayers were ongoing, the Council received the sad news of the passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi State. The Council immediately offered prayers for the deceased, asking Allah in His infinite mercy to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, and to grant his family and the people of Kogi State the fortitude to bear the loss. Prayers were also offered for the repose of the souls of its deceased members, including the late Zonal Chairman of Lokoja/Kogi-Koto and others who passed away during the year.
The AGM called on all Local Government chapters, scholars and members to strengthen participation in Council activities and promote greater unity among Muslims across the three senatorial districts. It emphasised the need for stronger cooperation in Qur’anic education, Zakat administration, humanitarian services, peaceful conflict resolution and community development, stressing the importance of creating stronger platforms for scholars from the three districts to interact and coordinate Islamic activities.
The Council expressed appreciation to its members, government, well-wishers and other stakeholders for their support and called for continued cooperation towards advancing Islamic affairs and contributing positively to the development of Kogi State.
The next Annual General Meeting was fixed for 19th September 2027. The meeting concluded with prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection, mercy and continued peace and progress for Kogi State and its people.
*- Secretariat, Kogi State Council of Ulama’u*