BY SULEIMAN ABUBAKAR MAPSA
Buhari Sanusi Idris, a memorizer of the Holy Qur'an from Kano State, has been crowned the overall winner of the 39th National Qur'an Recitation Competition, which concluded in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
This was contained in a statement signed by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor.
Buhari triumphed in the apex category, which involved memorizing the entire Qur'an and demonstrating mastery of its recitation modes. He was conferred the title of Gwarzōn Shekara (Hero of the Year) by the Chief Host, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
As the overall winner, Buhari was awarded a brand-new car, ₦500,000 for fueling, a plasma television, and a Hajj seat.
In the female category, Rumaisa’u Dahiru Ibrahim secured first place in the senior recitation category and earned the title Gwarzuwār Shekara (Heroine of the Year). She received similar prizes from Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, the First Lady of Kebbi State.
Kebbi Hosts After 20 Years
The statement highlighted Governor Nasir Idris's joy at Kebbi State hosting the competition after two decades, attributing this milestone to the support of the Sultan of Sokoto and other dignitaries.
“This gathering reflects a profound love for the Holy Qur'an and its teachings. I commend all participants for their dedication, which exemplifies respect for the wisdom of the Qur'an,” Governor Idris said.
He further outlined his administration's initiatives to promote Islam and enhance community welfare, including:
Establishing the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Rehabilitating over 400 Jumu’at Mosques.
Launching Ramadan feeding programs.
Enhancing pilgrim welfare and Zakat collection systems.
The governor urged Muslims to embrace the Qur'an’s teachings, emphasizing its messages of compassion, humility, and knowledge.
Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Unity
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasized unity among Muslims, stating, “In Islam, we are one family. There is no division between Darika and Izala—only our shared Islamic faith.”
He commended Governor Idris for hosting the event and praised the First Lady for her efforts in promoting girl-child education. Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris was officially invested as Education Ambassador for the North West Zone and received the honorary title Khadimatul Qur'an from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto.
In her acceptance speech, Hajiya Zainab pledged to intensify efforts in advancing girl-child education, expressing gratitude for her husband's unwavering support.
Other Key Highlights
The statement further noted the contributions of other dignitaries, including:
Guest speaker Professor Abubakar Muhammad Wali Argungu, who described the Qur'an as a cornerstone for peace and unity.
Sheikh Bala Lau, Leader of the Izala Movement, who urged Muslims to reflect the Qur'an’s virtues in their actions.
Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, who called on Muslims to pray for national leaders.
Additionally, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, revealed that the Kebbi State Government fully funded the event, with private donors contributing ₦8.6 million and ten vehicles.
According to Professor Abubakar Yelwa Muhammad, Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, the 8-day competition featured 238 participants—125 males and 113 females—from 35 states. Winners in various categories received cash prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦2 million, while all participants and their coordinators were awarded ₦50,000 each by the Kebbi State Government.
