The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli has said that the decision to demolish 188-year-old Malam Abdulkarim Central Mosque Zaria was a painful decision that weigh heavily upon the Emirate Council.
The Emir disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Mosque in Zaria.
He commended the Kaduna State Government for supporting the victims of the 2023 Mosque collapse and paying compensation of houses affected by the expansion of the Mosque project among other gestures..
Malam Nuhu Bamalli noted that the historic Mosque, built in the 1830s had served as a beacon of faith, community engagement and resilience.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen said the collapsed Mosque was one of the biggest and largest historical heritage of building technology in Nigeria.
The speaker, who is also the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency and a traditional title holder of “Iyan Zazzau”, said the rebuilding of the central Mosque has about 18 months completion period.
He, however, said the resources available would only be able to reach 50 per cent completion, urging philanthropists to donate generously for the timely completion of the project.
The speaker restated the commitment of the National Assembly towards supporting the timely completion of the project.