Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has condoled with the Emir and people of Agaie Emirate over the death of the Chief Imam of Agaie, Sheikh Mohammed Chata.
In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the death of the Islamic cleric as a great loss not only to the people of the emirate but to the entire state.
He said that the contributions of the Chief Imam and his efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence in Agaie and the entire emirate would be greatly missed.
"We have lost a great religious scholar who lived an impactful life, and we will certainly miss his wise counsels and religious teachings.
"He has played his part here on earth, and this gives us confidence that Aljannah Fidaus will be his final abode", he said.
While praying to Allah to comfort the people of Agaie, the governor also prayed to Allah to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.
The late Sheikh Muhammad Chata (Sarkin Mallami Agaie) was born in 1946 to the famous family of the late Mallam Baba Shehu Makabi Ekobadegi Agaie. His father, the late Alh. Muhammad Alfa (former chief Imam of Agaie), was the son of Baba Shehu Makabi.
He received his early Islamic training and Quranic education from his grandfather, the renowned Sheikh Baba Shehu Makabi, who later transferred him to another eminent Islamic scholar, the late Mallam Muhammad Yanni Kuchitagi Agaie.
On completion, Late Mallam Chata returned to his father, Sheikh Muhammad Alfa, to learn the translation of the Holy Quran (tafsir) and other notable books.
In his quest to widen his knowledge, he travelled to Dirin Daji Town in Kebbi State to seek more knowledge from the late Mallam Ibrahim (Mai yan Maza).
Thereafter, he returned to Agaie and established his Islamic school, where many people, both within and outside Agaie, learned Islamic knowledge.
As a result of his tremendous contributions to Quranic and Islamic education in the emirate, HRH the late Alh Abubakar Muhammad Bello appointed him Sarkin Malamai Agaie, the title he held until he was appointed Chief Imam of Agaie by HRH Alh Yusuf Nuhu, the Etsu Agaie, on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.
Late Alh Muhammad Chata, who is widely travelled, is married and blessed with children and many grandchildren.