Islamic scholars deserve dignity, not prayer tokens, says Gov Radda

By Abubakar Yunusa

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has advocated for structural recognition and sustained welfare for Islamic scholars, asserting that religious leaders should not be reduced to recipients of petty tokens for leading prayers, teaching, or preaching.

Speaking during an engagement with the District Head of Mahuta, Alhaji Bello Abdulkadir (Danejin Katsina), and other traditional leaders in Kafur Local Government Area, Governor Radda emphasized the central role scholars play in community cohesion and moral education.

“Our Islamic scholars should not be treated as people who merely receive tokens for leading prayers, teaching, or preaching.

“They deserve dignity, consistent support, and institutional recognition,” Radda said.

The governor disclosed that his administration has introduced structured financial and welfare support for Islamic scholars across Katsina State to reflect their contributions to public peace and religious education.

Detailing his governance and political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, Radda highlighted the role of traditional institutions.

Radda noted that visiting traditional rulers before political activities remains an established tradition to seek blessings, and counsel.

He noted that through Conditional Development Programmes (CDPs), the state government is empowering district and village heads to lead local security initiatives and community development.

He called on traditional and political stakeholders to maintain unity behind the Tinubu-Dikko political project.

In his remarks, the District Head of Mahuta, Alhaji Bello Abdulkadir, commended Governor Radda for promoting local government financial autonomy and elevating the welfare of traditional and religious institutions.

Reflecting on his political involvement since 1999—including service under former Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua—Abdulkadir noted that financial support for local religious responsibilities had grown from nominal sums of N200 to millions of naira under the present administration.

He requested state assistance for the construction of a dedicated office complex to house the Mahuta district administration.

Kafur Local Government Chairman, Hon. Surajo Bature, also affirmed the local government’s alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing state interventions in infrastructure and social welfare.

The governor’s delegation included Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe; Director-General of the Tinubu-Dikko Campaign Council, Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa; and APC State Chairman, Dr. Bishir Gambo Saulawa, alongside other senior government officials.