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Muslim Group Condemns Planned Demolition of Takum Central Mosque

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Eleojo Samuel Jalingo

The Kuteb Muslim Development Association (KMDA) said that the proposed demolition of Takum Central Mosque by the Taraba State Government is an affront on the traditional worship history of the Kuteb Muslims worldwide.

State Chairman of the Community, Alhaji Bako Mairiga made this known while briefing the media in Jalingo on Sunday.

He recalled that the history of the Takum Central Mosque dated back to 1912 when Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe, who already was Ukwe, was anointed, appointed and installed as the Paramount Ruler of Takum in 1914.

“Being a Muslim, the Kuteb people saw the need to build the Takum Central Mosque next to the Palace of Ukwe Takum to enable him and other Muslims in Takum worship there.

“Ukwe Ahmadu Gankwe being a devoted Muslim, his Kuteb brothers all over the 12 surrounding Clans who were already participating in the construction of the Palace fence, assisted in building the Central Mosque, the Worship place of their paramount leader.

“Since then, the Mosque has gone through series of renovations by successive Ukwe Takum culminating in the major one and re-structuring by late Ukwe Aliyu Ibrahim II of blessed memory.

” He actually upgraded the standard of the Mosque which was commissioned by SHEIK DAHIRU USMAN BAUCHI in the 80s. The said Sheikh is still alive and can attest to this,” he said.

Mairiga also debunked the claimed by Chamba Muslim Youth that the Kuteb in Takum once demolished a mosque in Takum and killed worshippers.

“As for the malicious and wicked lies being peddled by the Chamba Muslim Youth that Kuteb people once demolished a Mosque in Takum and killed Worshippers, we call on the entire Muslims and the general public to disregard this.

“We wish to place on record that there are several Mosques scattered all over the Kuteb land e.g. Lissam, Rufu, Kwesati and other Kuteb Villages.

“This is despite the fact that the Kuteb Nation has and is still suffering from banditry attacks, none of these Mosques has been tampered with or demolished.

“As a matter of fact, all these Mosques in Kuteb Villages are still standing, functioning and Muslim faithfuls do worship in them peacefully.

“These lies are being propagated to mislead the Muslim Ummah and the general public is wholly hereby debunked. It is therefore naive for any person or group of persons to think that Kuteb people once destroyed a Mosque in Takum and killed Worshippers,” he said.

Mairiga called on the Muslim world wide to intervene and stop the Taraba government from demolishing the Takum Central Mosque.

He noted the insincerity on the part of the state government as it officials had given inconsistent defence to convince the general public as to why they have proposed to carry out the demolition of the mosque.

“It is worthy to note that there is a great contradiction on the proposed Demolition of the Central Mosque and Ukwe Palace as depicted by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Islamic Affairs and the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation. Whereas the S. A. states:

“I want to clarify that any demolition occurs is aimed at promoting the development and welfare of our Muslim brothers and Sisters in Takum and beyond, this initiative has been welcomed by our Community”.

The Hon. Commissioner for Information on the other hand states:

“Government has no plan to demolish the Takum Central Mosque and the Palace”.

“This variance has placed the Muslim Ummah at a cross road as the Takum Central Mosque is currently undergoing renovation by the Takum Central Mosque Committee.

“The Committee cannot be renovating the Mosque and at the same time be said to have agreed that the same Mosque be demolished or relocated.

“We are further calling on the Muslim world to note that a tribal Muslim cannot be said to have the mandate of Muslim Ummah (Community) where people have interest to serve abound in such a Muslim Community.

“The Holy Quran call such people Munafiqun. Muslim Community should speak for the Muslim Community in Takum.

“We want the entire Muslim Ummah and the World to know that Kuteb Muslims Development Association is a registered Wing of Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), an umbrella body of Kuteb World-Wide, whether in America, United Kingdom, Asian Countries, Arab Counties, Muslim, Christian, Atheists or Traditional Worshippers.

” The KYN is the mouthpiece of all Kuteb Sons and Daughters the World over to stand for, protect and defend the interests of her members. It is a gross misconception and mischievous for any person or group of persons to think that the influence of KYN is restricted to any region of the world,” he said.

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Taraba

Senator Tutare Facilitates Training for 537 Women, Youth in Soap Production in Taraba

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A two-day training program aimed at empowering 537 women and youth from Shira, Yerima, and Sendirde wards in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, kicked off in Mutum Biyu, the local government headquarters.
The program, focused on bar and liquid soap production, is being implemented by Ladun Global Concept Limited, with support from Senator Abubakar Tutare and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

The initiative, designed to enhance self-reliance and community development, provides participants with practical skills that they can apply in both personal and commercial ventures. At the opening ceremony, Alhaji Isa Gunduma, chairman of the event, urged participants to seize the opportunity to learn and practice the skills being taught.
He emphasized that the training could be a transformative experience for their personal growth and the betterment of their communities.

CEO of Ladun Global Concept Limited, Mallum Abuga, reassured participants that the skills acquired during the training would not only improve their livelihoods but would also contribute to the overall development of their local communities.
He urged them to use the knowledge gained to create sustainable opportunities for themselves and others.

A director at the BCDA, Mr. Nesting Ovie, noted that the training would also cover the production of other household items in addition to soap. He stressed that the goal was to make participants self-reliant and empower them to teach others, thereby spreading the benefits of the program even further.

In her address, one of the program facilitators, Mrs. Hauwa Pogumai, encouraged the trainees to apply their skills with integrity and strive for excellence. She commended the participants for their commitment to the training and the organizers for their dedication to community empowerment.

The training underscores the commitment of Senator Abubakar Tutare, the Border Communities Development Agency, and Ladun Global Concept Limited to fostering skill acquisition and economic empowerment in rural communities across Taraba State.

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Taraba

Why I Pushed for a Kwararafa History Department at Kwararafa University – Dr. Yakubu

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Dr. Andrew Yakubu Laah

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

The former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Pro Chancellor of the Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, Engr. Dr. Andrew Yakubu Laah said he advocated for the creation of a department of Kwararafa history at the institution to preserve the Kwararafa cultural history as a foundation for a progressive future.

Dr. Yakubu stated this last Weekend shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree in Science by the community based university in Wukari.

He explained that understanding historical roots is significant in shaping a promising future, saying, “If we do not know where we are coming from, we may not likely know where we are going”.

The former GMD added that being a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom, inspired him to advocate for the creation of the department, stressing that it will open room for historians across the world to visit the University for more authentic insight on the history of the kingdom.

Dr. Yakubu also explained the need for the Middle belt and other cultures across the country to embrace their rich cultural heritage as a means of positioning themselves as leaders rather than just following the global trend.

“For us to stand out as a unique kingdom, and to compete with other cultures across the globe, we must invest and celebrate our unique cultural heritage.

“While the world should be competing with us as first-generation leaders in culture and creativity, we have abandoned that position. It is time to do things differently by investing in uplifting our culture”, he said.

Dr. Yakubu further pledged to use his connections and experience to rally round support for the development of the University.

“The ultimate aim is to make the university self-sufficient and better positioned to serve the community’s educational needs.

“We will come up with a scheme to enhance the teaching and learning environments within the school and give the students access to high-quality educational opportunities.

The School was founded in 2005 as a community based university, by the Jukun chiefdom, under the leadership of the paramount ruler, the Aku Uka, to
focus on students’ intellectual and moral development.//.

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Taraba

Save Kwararafa University from imminent collapse, Dr. Kente urges descendants

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Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

A philanthropist and founder of Mecapacynth International Academy in Abuja and Wukari local government area of Taraba State, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente, has urged the descendant of the Kwararafa dynasty and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the community-based Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State to meet its academic mission.

Dr. Kente pleaded with all stakeholders to do everything possible to rescue the university from collapsing.

The philanthropist who made the plea shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree of public service at the 2nd joint convocation ceremony of the university held at the school premises last weekend said the founders of the institution needed to be encouraged to meet up with their aspiration.

“Let us do our best to make Kwararafa University a place to be proud of,” he said.

The business tycoon thanked the University community, especially the Senate for finding him worthy of the award.

Kente, pledged to continue supporting education and the sustenance of the institution, which is one of first Africa community University.

He said he rejected offers of such awards from five major universities across Nigeria to be honored with a doctorate degree, but decided to accept the one from a university founded by his community because the initiative is so dear to him.

“Ask my aides. I have rejected offers from five universities to be honored with a doctorate degree, but I accepted this one because the university is dear to me and the honour is coming directly from my community. I appreciate the honour and I won’t take it for granted

Dr. Kente, a former financial facilitator on education with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said he has helped in facilitating the building of lecture halls and staff quarters in the institution while working with the commission.

“Asides from that I have personally built structures in the University and I have a scholarship program in the University through my foundation, DSK foundation “said.

Kente added, he would continue to deploy his God-given ability of working hard to achieve positive and admirable results in the country’s educational landscape, especially in the Kwararafa University.

He disclosed that the Kwararafa University was conceived by the five local governments in Southern Taraba, but nurtured by only a few people.”

“It was through the collective efforts of some stakeholders, including the staff and students that the university is surviving, I am calling on all the descendants of the great Kwararafa empire and all well meaning Nigerians to help the university attain its vision and projection.”

Apart from Chief Dr. Kente, notable individuals also received awards including Attah Igala, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II who was awarded with doctor of letters and former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr Andrew Yakubu, was awarded doctor of science.///.

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