By: Abdul Razack Gbla
The Chairman of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, has donated Le100 million and 100 bags of cement to the Jamiul Atiq Mosque in Fourah Bay. The donation was made on Sunday during the turning of the sod ceremony for the proposed expansion of the mosque’s infrastructure.
The event, held at the mosque’s premises, was attended by government officials, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. The initiative aims to enhance the mosque’s facilities to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers and improve its structural capacity.
The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Imam Alhaji Alhassan Nuru Deen Karim, setting a spiritual tone for the occasion. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Alhaji Prof. Abdul Babatunde Karim, the mosque’s secretary, who highlighted the significance of the project and expressed gratitude to all those contributing to its success.
Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Alieu Mahdi, chairman of the Project Implementation Committee, provided an overview of the initiative, emphasizing its importance in the religious and social life of the community. His statement was supported by Alhaji Ing. Alpha Badamasi Savage, the consulting engineer for the project, who assured the audience that the construction would be carried out efficiently and to the highest standards.
The highlight of the event was the donation by Hon. Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, who reaffirmed his commitment to supporting religious institutions. “The Jamiul Atiq Mosque holds a deep historical and spiritual significance in our community. We must ensure its continued growth and modernization,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised the initiative and lauded Hon. Mansaray’s generosity. He emphasized the government’s support for religious institutions and the need for collective efforts to strengthen places of worship across the country.
Following his speech, the Vice President led the turning of the sod ceremony, officially marking the commencement of the expansion project. He was joined by Imam Alhaji Alhassan Nuru Deen Karim and other distinguished guests, signalling a unified commitment to the mosque’s development.
Haja Mariama Wahid delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the contributions and dedication of all involved as the ceremony drew to a close.
The event concluded with final prayers led by Madrassa Sulaimania Elekewe, alongside representatives from several other prominent mosques in Freetown.
The donation and groundbreaking ceremony is seen as a major milestone in the enhancement of Jamiul Atiq Mosque, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital religious and community hub in Fourah Bay.
