Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Bello, has commended the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE), custodian of Al-Noor mosque, Abuja, for promoting Islamic culture and education in West Africa.
Bello made the commendation at the 10th Anniversary of ICICE and Al-Noor Mosque Dinner in honour of major donors of its ongoing expansion project to increase the capacity of the mosque from 1,000 to 12,000 worshippers, held on Saturday in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by the director of the Department of Development Control of FCTA, Alhaji Mukhtar Galadima, said the centre had become a hub for scholars, researchers, and students of Islamic studies, who come from far and wide to learn about the rich heritage and teachings of Islam.
He said in the last decade, the centre has also successfully organised numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars, aimed at promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding among different religious communities.
“Over the last 10 years, the Centre has made tremendous strides in promoting Islamic culture and education, not just in Nigeria, but also in the wider West African region.
“Your contributions have made it possible for the centre to achieve its mission, provide meals and medical outreach for those in need and we remember very well your generous contributions during our fight against COVID-19.
“Your contributions without a doubt have provided the centre with the resources it needs to continue its important work, expand its programmes, and bring its services to even more people,” he said.
The minister also commended the centre’s flagship school, the Al-Noor Academy, which had become one of the best educational institutions in the FCT, renowned for positively moulding the character and intellect of young Nigerians who pass through its walls.
“Through its efforts, I am also informed, the centre has become a platform for inter-faith dialogue, where people of different beliefs can come together to learn from each other and find common ground.
“This plays well with the principles on which the FCT is founded; which are unity, tolerance, and the indivisibility of our country and we are proud to be associated with the laudable achievements of the ICICE in this regard.
“It is on this premise that I once again congratulate Prof. Ibrahim Sulaiman, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the ICICE, other members of the board as well as its management and staff for their efforts in living up to the ideals of this institution,” he said.
Earlier, the founder of the mosque and the centre, Alhaji Aminu Baba-Kusa, who reflected on the mandate, vision, and mission of the ICICE, said, “I am intrigued by the laudable achievements recorded so far, which are in line with my vision and aspirations.”
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