The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has donated N5 million to the leader of the Muslim Tijjaniyya sect in Nguru, Yobe State, Sheikh Muhammad Alfathi Gibrima.
The gesture was said to have followed the recent collapse of his mosque which claimed four lives and left several others injured.
Sylva announced the donation through a high powered delegation to the Islamic cleric led by the Chairman of Dillaliya Newspapers in Kaduna, Alhaji Ibrahim Gamawa.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Media Assistant to the delegation, Dr. Musa Muhammed, said while receiving the donation, Sheikh Gibrima expressed appreciation to the Minister for his generosity.
The cleric also said that even as a Christian and from the Southern part of the country, Sylva had displayed the spirit of oneness and humanity for other Nigerians to learn from.
He also thanked Sylva for his kindness and goodwill towards humanity without consideration of any sentiment.
Sheikh Gibrima said, “On my behalf and on behalf of other members of our congregation that are affected by the recent collapse of our mosque, I wish to express our gratitude for the cash donation we have received from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resource Timipre Sylva.
“This is indeed a benchmark set by a Christian who is also from the Southern part of Nigeria for other Nigerians to emulate.
“This singular act of humanity and righteousness is what other Nigerians need at this point where a lot of others have been carried away by the ugly sectional and tribal sentiments.
“We shall continue to pray for him and wish him the best in his entire life career. We appreciate this gesture and are very grateful. Only God can reward him.”
Gamawa described the generosity of the politician as a man of conscience that wishes the best for all irrespective of tribe, race or religion.
He said, “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva is presenting this donation of N5 million to you following the unfortunate incident of the collapse of the mosque that claimed lives and left several others injured.
“He wants me to express his heartfelt condolence for those who lost their lives and pray for a quick recovery for the injured.
“As a man with human feelings, he described the situation as very sad and worthy of such assistance from him.
“He therefore wholeheartedly offers this donation to the leader expressing the message of oneness and understanding among our people, Nigerians.”
