After Transforming Hills and Valleys into Islamic Centre, Sheikh Daurawa Unveils University Plans

By Uzair Adam

The Hills and Valleys Recreation Centre in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State has been transformed into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities, with plans underway to establish a university and skills acquisition programmes at the facility.

The Daily Reality reports that the development followed the acquisition of the property by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative for N1.2 billion, according to Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, who disclosed this during the formal handover of the facility.

Daurawa explained that Hills and Valleys, which previously served as a park and hotel, had been a popular recreational centre where children and youths gathered, particularly during Sallah celebrations.

He, however, alleged that the facility later became associated with activities such as drug sales and prostitution, among other activities considered unacceptable by the community.

According to him, the property had been put up for sale by its owners and heirs for almost two years before discussions began over its acquisition by the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative.

He said a wealthy associate later informed him that he had heard Zam-Zam was interested in purchasing the property, leading to further discussions and negotiations that eventually resulted in its acquisition for N1.2 billion.

Daurawa said the facility had since been renamed Zam-Zam and would serve as a centre for religious education, modern education, skills acquisition and humanitarian activities.

He explained that Zam-Zam had already been supporting the education of Qur’anic memorizers, noting that 170 female memorizers had been sponsored to study at different universities.

He added that the initiative had opened a portal to enable both male and female Qur’an memorizers to access opportunities to pursue first-degree and master’s programmes.

Daurawa also disclosed that the organisation had sponsored students to universities in Abuja to study various disciplines, including supporting married women to further their education.

He said the initiative was also planning to sponsor students to universities in Cairo, Egypt, to study courses such as medicine, engineering and computer science.

According to him, representatives of Arab organisations associated with the initiative would visit the centre to assess students and identify those who could benefit from educational opportunities.

He further said a renowned computer training centre would be involved in the new facility to equip young people with digital skills, while other vocational programmes would also be introduced.

Daurawa said the centre would therefore combine Islamic education with modern education and vocational training to provide young people with opportunities for learning and skills development.

He also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the initiative, saying Zam-Zam had links with an Arab organisation that provides rams for distribution during Sallah.

He disclosed that the organisation received 500 rams this year for distribution as part of its humanitarian activities.

Daurawa said Zam-Zam also intended to establish Zam-Zam University at the facility, explaining that although other locations had been offered for the project, he preferred Hills and Valleys because of its potential benefits to the community and the legacy of the philanthropist who owned the property.

He described the development as a source of joy to the community, Kano State and the family of the philanthropist.

Daurawa also reflected on the long-term significance of the project, saying, “Whoever establishes something, whether good or bad, continues to receive its consequences even after death.”

The transformation of the facility into a centre for Qur’anic education, Islamic learning and humanitarian activities was earlier reported following its formal handover to the Zam-Zam Islamic Initiative, with Kano State Hisbah Command deploying personnel to the centre.