UAE Builds Mosque, Donates Learning Facilities to Kishi Community in Oyo State

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, commissioned a mosque, classroom and borehole in Kishi, Oyo State.

At the inauguration ceremony, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Fahad Al-Taffaq, represented by Khalifa Al-Mehrizi, the Charge D’Affairs of the UAE’s embassy in Abuja, said the UAE recognises the need for societal development and provision of amenities.

Sponsored by a UAE non-governmental organisation called ‘Sharjah Charity’, the multifaceted project consists of a mosque, borehole and one block of classroom in Kishi.

“As we all are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the world and has forced many to develop innovative methods of conducting business virtually.

“This project is no different, as virtual communication has been a significant part of its successful completion. This initiative is sponsored by Sharjah Charity International, a UAE-based Charity that has sponsored numerous other borehole projects across Nigeria.

“The UAE recognises the many challenges faced with accessing clean water especially in rural communities, which is why we believed that providing easy access to clean and potable water for all is important”, Ambassador Al-Taffaq said.

He added that the borehole, mosque and classrooms would provide a space for over 2,000 community members to worship, gain knowledge and contribute to societal development.

He also said that as the role of mosques as community centres remain pivotal, the classroom has also been equipped with learning facilities.

“The UAE Embassy in Abuja is proud to support sectors such as education, water, community development and health.

“We remain committed to providing for those in need and hope that this project will continue to benefit the community members for many years to come,” he added.

In his appreciation remarks, the Iba of Kishi Land, Moshood Arowoduye ll, said that water is life and whoever gives water should be appreciated.

“Water gives life to every living thing. Also, the classrooms will give our children the opportunity to acquire knowledge in order to compete among their contemporaries globally,” he said.

Similarly, the Imam of Kishi, Solihudeen Busari, applauded the UAE for coming to the community’s aid at a time they were in dire need of public amenities.