Table of Contents
Key Points
- BUA Group donates $1.25 million for the reconstruction of the collapsed Zaria mosque.
- The mosque will accommodate 7,000 worshippers with modern facilities.
- Abdulsamad Rabiu and ASR Africa take full financial responsibility for the project.
Restoring a historic landmark
The BUA Group, led by Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, has donated $1.25 million (N2 billion) to rebuild the Abdulkarim Central Mosque in Zaria. Originally built in 1836, the mosque collapsed in August 2023, resulting in a major loss for the community.
At the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Emir’s Palace, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, extended his gratitude to Rabiu and other key supporters, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The Emir highlighted the mosque’s importance as a symbol of faith, unity, and resilience. “This historic mosque, a beacon of our community, collapsed tragically, taking precious lives. Today, we honor those we lost and look ahead with hope,” he said.
Modern facilities to accommodate thousands
The reconstructed mosque will merge tradition and modernity, featuring a two-story structure designed to host 2,000 worshippers indoors and an additional 5,000 in its expansive courtyard.
Key features will include:
- A dedicated ablution area for worshippers.
- A library and an ICT center to support educational initiatives.
- Administrative and maintenance office spaces.
Speaking at the event, Rabiu noted, “This architectural edifice, built in 1836, stands as a testament to Zaria’s rich history. The reconstruction will provide not just a place of worship but a symbol of renewed hope and unity.”
Philanthropy through ASR Africa Foundation
The donation was made through the ASR Africa Foundation, Rabiu’s philanthropic arm established in 2021 to focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development across Africa. The foundation has previously invested billions of dollars into transformative projects.
The reconstruction aligns with ASR Africa’s mission to drive sustainable community development, preserving cultural heritage while meeting modern needs.
Rabiu’s broader impact on Nigerian communities
Abdul Samad Rabiu, one of Nigeria’s leading industrialists, has built a legacy of impactful philanthropy through projects like the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa, a $100-million fund launched in 2021 to advance infrastructure and capacity development.
The Zaria mosque reconstruction is the latest in a series of projects that reinforce Rabiu’s commitment to fostering unity, preserving cultural landmarks, and driving development in Nigeria.
As the BUA Group continues to support initiatives that bridge traditional values and contemporary advancements, the rebuilt mosque will stand as a testament to the group’s dedication to Nigeria’s growth and cultural preservation.
