The Nigerian Mosque: Ilorin Central Mosque

The first Ilorin central mosque was founded in 1820. In 1835, during the reign of the first Emir of Ilorin, Abdul Salam another central mosque was built at Idi-Ape.

After a century, this mosque could not cope with the huge growth in population of the Muslim Ummah city. Due to this reason, in 1974, the 9th Emir Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari decided to build a new central mosque.

Planning work of the new mosque began when the eleventh Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari set up a committee in 2007 to bring the cultural icon to life. It was supposed to deal with the rehabilitations and renovations the central mosque. The rehabilitation of the mosque was done within a period of six months with specialists from over 14 countries worked on different segments of the mosque.

The sum of N1.95 billion was expended on the expansion, re-modeling and general rehabilitation of the mosque which was first commissioned in 1981. The rehabilitation of the 20, 000 capacity mosque was done within a period of six months and specialists from over 14 countries worked on different segments of the mosque. Proceeding the robust funding by distinguished senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the central working committee organised a N1.5 billion fund raising on June 9, 2009, under the chairmanship of Alh. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Talban Minna and Chief Servant of Niger state. Important dignitaries from all over the country attended the fund launching ceremony and a total sum of N120.55 million was received and pledges amounting to N804.76 million were also made on that day.

In 2012, the Mosque was commissioned by Vice President Namadi Sambo, while former President Shehu Shagari chaired the occasion. The commissioning ceremony took place at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin and president of Ilorin Juma’at Central Mosque, Alh. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, while the Sultan of Sokoto and Sarkin Musulumi, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III led other Muslims across the globe to the ancient city of Ilorin for the programme​

Today, the new ultra-modern Juma’at Central Mosque is a centre to behold. Also called “The pride of Ilorin”, from all indications architectural design, gates designation and interior decor, is a replica of the second grand mosque in Medinah, Saudi Arabia (the beautiful mosque of the holy prophet Muhammed).

The six gates leading to the Ilorin Juma’at central mosque have been named after the prominent leaders of the town highly revered for their unmatched exploits in the field of Islamic studies. The Ilorin Central Mosque is the second biggest mosque in Nigeria, after the Abuja National Mosque, with a capacity of 20,000.

Meanwhile, beside its tourism potentials as well as a place of worship, the new mosque has also brought about the cleanliness of the hitherto dirty Oja-Oba environment. The vicinity has been cordoned off with the mosque’s security officials maintaining a 24-hour surveillance of the area. An environmental firm of international repute has also been engaged to ensure the cleanliness of the mosque and its environs at all times.

Full Name:

• Ilorin Central Mosque

Founder:

• Emir Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari

Year of Opening:

• 1981

Operation:

Best Features:

• The golden domes of Ilorin Central Mosque.

Visitors:

• Islamic faithfuls, Scholars, Artists, Architects.

Security/Safety:

• Very Safe

Location:

• Alimi Road, Omu-Aran-Oja Oba, Ilorin 240243 Kwara, Nigeria

Contact:

• 08051748115

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