By: Shallon S. Gonlor/shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA CO. – Thousands of Muslims and people from different religions on Saturday (May 18) attended a dedication ceremony for the formal opening of a newly constructed Sanniquellie Central Mosque in Sanniquellie City, Nimba County
Top Muslim leaders of Liberia, representatives of the Sanniquellie Muslim community in the diaspora, the Sanniquellie Christan Community, local county authority, Lawmakers, and prominent citizens including Liberia Vice President, Jeremiah K. Koung attend the new mosque opening which construction was initiated by group called Sanniquellie Development Fund (SDF).
The Sanniquellie Development Fund_SDF is an establishment of Muslim brothers and sisters based in Liberia and the diaspora with the sole intent of undertaking the mosque construction project.
During the dedication ceremony on Saturday, Muslims listened to koranic recitations and speeches by Imans, local leaders, top contributors, Nimba policymakers, and Vice-president Koung, lauding the construction terming it as the first ever modern mosque in Liberia’s history.
Various guest speakers claimed the mosque site is a holy land, urging a generation of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the community.
Speaking to reporters following the opening ceremony, Sanniquellie Development Fund (SDF) Secretary General, Karamo Kromah noted that the project was launched, followed by a fundraiser three years ago through Muslim brothers and sisters in Liberia and the diaspora.
SG-Kromah added further that in 2021 decisions to construct a modern mosque in Sanniquellie were reached by members of the Sanniquellie Central Mosque.
Also speaking, SDF Financial Secretary, Abraham Kamara said the gracious achievement of the modern construction of the Sanniquellie Central Mosque is the result of commitment and accountability including huge financial support from dedicated members of the Islamic community across the world.
The mosque, he said intends to motivate the Liberia Muslim community in a bid to improve their worship center.
For his part, the chairman of the project committee, Noah Sanoe said the project was completed with support from Liberians in Europe, the US, and parts of the world contributions in cash, and building materials.
According to him, mosques are built within 20, 30, and 40 years, but it is not with the construction of the Sanniquellie Central Mosque due to diligence and teamwork.
Meanwhile, the project committee estimated the total cause of the project at over $288 Thousand United States Dollars.
