Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has taken full responsibility for financing the ₦1.1 billion ultramodern 250-bed hostel project initiated by the Ilorin Central Jumma’at Mosque in Kwara State.
The President of Dangote Group formally communicated his decision to the mosque’s management, according to Shehu AbdulGafar, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ilorin Central Mosque.
Speaking at a press conference in Ilorin on Sunday, AbdulGafar revealed that the mosque committee had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ilorin. Under the agreement, the mosque will own and manage the facility for 21 years before transferring ownership back to the university.
In addition to covering the entire construction cost, Dangote has pledged a monthly donation of ₦5 million to support the upkeep of the mosque. AbdulGafar noted that the donation, which began last month, will continue until the hostel project is completed.
“Dangote’s gesture would go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of the mosque’s operations while also providing modern accommodation for students of the university,” AbdulGafar said.
Once completed, the hostel is expected to generate steady rental income from students, with proceeds dedicated to the maintenance and sustainability of the Ilorin Central Jumma’at Mosque.
The initiative, which blends philanthropy with infrastructure development, is seen as a significant contribution to both religious and educational communities in Kwara State.