Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, has flagged off the reconstruction of the Malam Abdulkarim Juma’at Mosque in Zaria.
The 187-year-old worship centre collapsed partially in August 2023, killing six worshippers and injuring 10 others.
Ahmed Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, had said the walls of the mosque developed cracks, and that there were plans to repair them before the incident.
Speaking at the flag-off of the reconstruction on Sunday, Sani expressed gratitude to donors who contributed to the project.
The governor said over ₦2 billion has been raised since a fundraising committee was inaugurated last October.
He gave assurances that the reconstruction would be completed within 18 months.
“The speed and manner in which people responded is a testament to the high esteem in which this great monument is held and the place of religion in our personal and national life,” Sani said.
Sani thanked AbdulSamad Rabiu who served as the chief fundraiser.
He also lauded Bamali, for “working round the clock to ensure that a befitting edifice is erected here”.
He encouraged further donations, saying “those who donated to the rebuilding of the mosque will benefit in the hereafter”.
The governor described the commencement of the project as “the beginning of the journey of restoration” and pledged his administration’s support for projects that honour the cultural and religious heritage of the state.