- Commends Zakat and Waqf Board, Calls for Community Support
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, today inspected the ongoing rehabilitation work at the historic Danmarna Cemetery in Katsina metropolis. The Governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out so far under the supervision of the State Zakat and Waqf Board.
Danmarna Cemetery, one of the oldest and most prominent burial grounds in Katsina, had long fallen into neglect. Governor Radda explained that the government directed the Zakat and Waqf Board to take charge of its rehabilitation and commended the Board for their impressive performance despite limited resources.
“What I have seen today is highly commendable. With the amount of money available to the Zakat and Waqf, the level of work achieved is very impressive,” the Governor said.
He further noted that the cemetery holds deep historical and spiritual significance as the final resting place of many distinguished Nigerians, including the late Head of State, General Shehu Musa Yar’adua; the late Badamasi Kabir Usman; the late Matawalle Umaru; the late Umaru Yar’adua; the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua; the late Musa Yar’adua; and the late Lawal Kaita, among other eminent figures.
During his tour, Governor Radda also stopped at the gravesite of Waliy Danmarna, the first person laid to rest in the cemetery, before paying his respects at the tombs of these notable leaders.
“This is our final home. No matter our position in life, this is where we will all end up. The better we maintain it, the better for all of us,” Governor Radda stated.
Following the visit, special prayers were offered for all those buried at Danmarna, from the earliest to the most recent. The session was led by Dr. Ahmed Musa, Chairman of the Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Board, who prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed souls Aljannatul Firdausi.
The Governor added that the rehabilitation project will not stop at Danmarna. According to him, the Zakat and Waqf Board will move next to Filin Samji Cemetery, followed by Dantakum, before extending the work to other major cemeteries across the state.
“We intend to replicate this effort in other local governments so that our final homes are put in order. None of us knows who will be the next to be brought here,” he stressed.
Governor Radda also emphasized the importance of community participation in preserving cemeteries, recalling that it had traditionally been a community responsibility before government intervention.
“This is not just the duty of government. All of us have a role to play in protecting these places. Government is only coming in to support and make it better,” he said.
He disclosed that the Danmarna site will also feature administrative offices, a facility to keep remains, and a mortuary section to ease management of the cemetery.
Leading the Governor during the inspection was the Chairman of the Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Board, Dr. Ahmed Musa Filin Samji, along with contractors handling the project.
The Governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Hon. Shehu Dabai; senior government officials; and other dignitaries.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
23 September, 2025
