The Sokoto State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr. Jabir Mai-Hula has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to complementing the administration’s broader development goals through strategic social interventions, empowerment of clerics, and promotion of peaceful coexistence across the state.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH, Dr. Mai-Hula said the ministry is fully aligned with the SMART agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, contributing meaningfully to the state’s developmental trajectory despite not being a core economics ministry.

“Our priority is to support the governor’s nine-point SMART agenda by contributing our quota to move Sokoto forward. Every sector is working in synergy to bring development, and we are doing our part, especially in community engagement and social support,” he stated.

Dr. Mai-Hula emphasised that while the Ministry for Religious Affairs does not directly drive economic policy, it plays a significant role in poverty alleviation and community development through palliative distribution and welfare packages targeted at grassroots religious leaders such as Imams and Muazzins.

“These religious figures are critical stakeholders in our society. By supporting them, we empower a large segment of the community. Many of them use the support they receive to start small businesses, which in turn help them cater to their families and communities,” he explained.

However, the commissioner commended other ministries – such as the agriculture, commerce and industry, water resources, and local government affairs – for their efforts in improving the economic landscape of the state.

He noted that initiatives like farmers’ empowerment, local employment through infrastructure projects, and business-friendly policies were significantly reducing poverty and boosting the local economy.

On the promotion of peace and religious harmony, Dr. Mai-Hula said the ministry regularly collaborates with Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, and development partners such as UNICEF and the Dangote Foundation to implement programs that foster unity and discourage extremism.

“We don’t act in isolation. Whenever we organise peace or interfaith programs, we identify appropriate stakeholders – be it the Sultan, traditional rulers, or grassroots scholars – to ensure effectiveness and cultural sensitivity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mai-Hula assured Sokoto residents that the Ministry for Religious Affairs will continue to act as a bridge between government and the people, particularly in the area of moral guidance, social cohesion, and support for vulnerable citizens.