By Ahmad A. Usman, Kafanchan
The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association (SOKAMUDA), Jama’a Local Government Branch, has called for greater unity among Muslims in Jama’a Local Government Area and Southern Kaduna to enable them collectively pursue their common interests.
The call was made during a grassroots sensitisation workshop organised by the association in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, which brought together participants from the 12 wards of Jama’a LGA, Islamic organisations and community leaders.
Chairman of the workshop’s organising committee, Malam Shafi’i Isa Jume, said the association was working towards fostering unity among Muslims irrespective of their Islamic organisations or political affiliations, stressing that a united Muslim community would have a stronger voice in addressing issues affecting it.
Also speaking, Malam Muhammad Bala Bawa urged members to remain sincere and committed to the ideals of the association, saying genuine commitment was key to achieving its objectives.
Speaking on the history and achievements of SOKAMUDA, the National Chairman of the association, Alhaji Bala Adamu, represented by Abdullahi Bako Zailani, said the organisation was established to promote and protect the interests of Muslims in Southern Kaduna by bringing them together on one platform regardless of sect or organisation.
He urged participants not to forget the sacrifices and contributions of the association’s founding fathers, noting that neglecting history could undermine the struggle for unity and development.
According to him, the association began about 50 years ago as the Jama’a, Kachia and Saminaka Association (JAKASA), later became the Ummah Development Association before adopting its present name, SOKAMUDA.
He identified former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad (Wazirin Jama’a), Alhaji Saidu Isa Balarabe (Dangaladiman Jama’a) and Alhaji Musa Ibrahim (Dallatun Jama’a) among those who played key roles in establishing the association.
Adamu added that the association had built partnerships with organisations including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), ZEDA, the United Nations (UN), ECOWAS and the European Union (EU).
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu, represented by the Danmadamin Jama’a, Alhaji Aminu Isa Muhammadu, commended the association for its efforts to unite the Muslim community and prayed for the success of its activities.
Earlier, the Jama’a Local Government Coordinator of SOKAMUDA, Aminu Baba Ahmed, said the association decided to extend its activities to the grassroots after operating mainly at the national level, with the aim of mobilising Muslims to support its vision and strengthen unity across Southern Kaduna.
Representatives of JNI, MYOFOSKA, Ansar-Ud-Deen, FOMWAN and other stakeholders attended the workshop.
