By Boluwaji Obahopo

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar has charged government and individuals to place emphasis on building places of learning and worships, adding that, the country more than ever before needs institutions of moral and spiritual rebirth. The paramount ruler stated this while commissioning the Isa Kutepa Mosque and Quranic School built by Alhaji Razaq Kutepa and donated to the Muslim community in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital.

The Etsu Nupe also appealed to Nigerians to sustain inter religious harmony as that remains a panacea for growth and development in the country. Alhaji Abubakar, who commended the role and contributions of Muslims in ensuring the completion of the Mosque and Quranic school, said such cooperation when sustained would help to unite the country as well as reduce religious acrimony.

He also charged parents to show more concerns to their children’s education and spiritual growth, adding that, the present time demands parents’ commitment to the growth of their wards. “The upbringing of children, should not be left in the hands of government alone. It is a collective responsibility that demands parents playing the major role”.

Abubakar eulogized the donor, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa and urged others in the society to emulate him. Also speaking at the event, the State Governor, Capt Idris Wada commended the donor, adding that the gesture was a partnership that would help in the moral rebirth of the youths.

Wada said his administration has placed religion and education as a priority in its transformation agenda, assuring that every support to ensure the attainment of this objective will recieve his   administration’s support. In his remarks, Alhaji Abdurazaq Kutepa, a philanthropist and Chairman, Waltersmith Pertoman, said the decision to build the mosque was to honour his late father, Isa Kutepa who died 29 years ago.

Kutepa said the Mosque with two blocks of classrooms and Imam residents with a state of the art facilities, will offer a befitting place of worship for Muslims.