By Tukur Muntari
Philanthropist
Kano, May 9, 2018 (NAN) The National Harmonised Traders Union of Nigeria has described late Sheik Isiyaku Rabi’u as a great philanthropist of high repute.
The President of the association, Alhaji Bature Abdul’Aziz, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kano.
“Late Rabi’u was a reputable philanthropist who during his life time greatly assisted and supported orphans and other indigent persons in the society,”Abdul’Aziz said.
Abdul’Aziz, who is an inlaw of the deceased, said the late business mogul was one of the few wealthy individuals who had a fixed salary for all those working under him.
“The least salary his aides receive is N200,000 beside other privileges.
“During the month of Ramadan the deceased used to distribute assorted food items and other essential commodities to the less-privileged in the society,”he said.
Abdul’aziz said late Rabi’u who was also a renowned Islamic scholar had constructed 60 houses and donated them to 60 students who specialised in Quranic memorasation.
According to him, the late philanthropist had also built no fewer than five Juma’at Mosques in Kano metropolis in addition to building similar ones in some local government areas across the state.
“Late Isiyaku Rabi’u built many mosques across the state which only God knows their number.
“Kano and its people and of course Islamic world have lost a father as he was popularly known as the People’s benefactor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sheik Isiyaku Rabi’u died on Tuesday at a hospital in London at the age of 90 years, after a protracted illness.
He is survived by four wives, 42 children, many grand children and great grand children.
His remains are being expected to be flown to Nigeria from London for burial on Wednesday.
Until his demise, Sheik Rabi’u was the leader of the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect in Africa, and was an ardent follower of late Sheik Ibrahim Nyass.(NAN)
MTM/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf
MTM/