A memorizer of the Holy Qur’an from Kano State, Buhari Sanusi Idris, has emerged as the overall winner of the 39th National Qur’an Recitation Competition, which concluded in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.
Buhari clinched the top position in the prestigious apex category, which involved memorization of the entire Qur’an and mastery of its different modes of recitation.
He was crowned ‘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 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. She was crowned ‘Gwarzuwār Shekara’ (Heroine of the Year) by the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris.
Rumaisa’u received a brand-new car, ₦500,000 for fueling, a deep freezer, and a Hajj seat.
Governor Nasir Idris expressed his delight at Kebbi State hosting the competition after 20 years, attributing this milestone to the encouragement of the Sultan of Sokoto and other notable personalities.
“This is a remarkable gathering of dedicated individuals united by their love for the Holy Qur’an,” Governor Idris said.
He praised all participants for their commitment, describing their efforts as a profound demonstration of respect for the wisdom of the Qur’an.
The governor highlighted Kebbi State’s ongoing contributions to the promotion of Islam, including:
The establishment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Plans to rehabilitate and reconstruct over 400 Jumu’at Mosques and proposed Ramadan breakfast feeding programs across the state.
He also said the has enhanced welfare for pilgrims and improved Zakat collection structures.
The Governor urged Muslims to reflect on the Qur’an’s teachings, emphasizing its role in fostering compassion, humility, and knowledge. “Let us make learning and applying the Qur’an’s wisdom a lifelong ambition,” he concluded.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasized the need for unity among Muslims, stating: “In Islam, we are one family. There is no Darika or Izala, only our shared Islamic faith.”
He commended Governor Idris for sponsoring the event and praised Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, the wife of the Governor for her efforts in promoting girl-child education.
The Sultan officially invested her as the Education Ambassador for the North West Zone to further champion the cause across the region. She also bagged the honor of ‘ Khadimatul Qur’an ‘ from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto.
In her acceptance speech,the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab pledged to intensify her efforts in advancing girl-child education and expressed gratitude to her husband for his unwavering support.
Guest Speaker Professor Abubakar Muhammad Wali Argungu described the Qur’an as a cornerstone of peace, unity, and conflict resolution in society.
Sheikh Bala Lau, Leader of the Izala Movement, encouraged Muslims to use the Qur’an to uphold unity and reflect its virtues in their actions and words.
Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi called on Muslims to pray for national leaders instead of condemning them.
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The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, who chaired the Local Organizing Committee, disclosed that the Kebbi State Government covered the cost of hosting the event, while private donations amounting to ₦8.6 million and ten cars were also received.
Professor Abubakar Yelwa Muhammad, Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, announced that 238 reciters from 35 states participated in the 8-day competition, comprising 125 males and 113 females.
Winners in various categories received cash prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦2 million. All participants and their coordinators received ₦50,000 each from the Kebbi State Government.
