By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has crowned Malam Bu...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has crowned Malam Buhari Sanusi-Idris from Kano State as the winner of the 39th National Qur'anic Recitation Competition (Gwarzon Shekara).
The Governor's wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, crowned the female winner, Malama Rumaisa'u Dahiru-Ibrahim from Gombe State.
According to a press release signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, both winners received a brand-new car, a Hajj seat, ₦500,000, and a plasma TV for the male winner, while the female winner was awarded a freezer.
The competition serves as a platform to select representatives who will represent Nigeria in the Global Qur'anic Recitation Competition. This year’s event brought together contingents from 35 states of the federation, featuring 125 male and 113 female participants competing in six categories over eight days.
During the crowning ceremony at Umaru Waziri Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the competition in Kebbi State. He congratulated all participants for their dedication and praised their wisdom and charisma in mastering the Holy Qur'an.
Governor Idris reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Islam and revealed ongoing plans for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 400 mosques across Kebbi State. He emphasized the values taught by the Qur'an—compassion, humility, and peace—and urged participants and the Muslim Ummah to remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge, noting that the journey of learning and memorizing the Holy Qur'an is lifelong.
Professor Bashir Garba, Vice Chancellor of Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) and organizer of the event, expressed satisfaction with the successful realization of the competition’s objectives. He encouraged participants to regard themselves as champions, given the honor and dignity the Qur'an bestows upon humanity.
Sheik Abdullahi Bala-Lau, National Chairman of Jama'atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), highlighted the unifying power of the Qur'an and its blessings for humanity. He commended Governor Idris for his unwavering support in promoting the teachings of the Qur'an.
Representing his father, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, a leader of the Tijjaniyya sect, Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi emphasized the unity brought by the Qur'an despite differences, describing the gathering as the best of its kind. He urged attendees to repent and seek God’s intervention to address Nigeria’s challenges.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, praised the event for hosting prominent Islamic scholars, including Sheik Dahiru Bauchi and Sheik Bala Lau. He acknowledged Governor Idris’s significant contributions to the success of the competition.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, lauded Governor Idris for his efforts and announced donations of ten cars from various individuals in Kebbi State, along with cash and other items totaling millions of Naira.
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