Tinubu congratulates Gombe girl on winning Qur’anic competition in Saudi Arabia
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Dan’Azumi from Gombe State for winning the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
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Maryam Dan’Azumi triumphed over competitors from 132 countries, securing a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyal (N120m). President Tinubu lauded her exceptional performance, describing her victory as a source of national pride and an inspiration to young Nigerians, especially given her elder sister's similar achievement in 2024.
Imagine a super big spelling bee, but instead of spelling words, kids from all over the world show how well they know the Holy Qur'an, which is a very important book. A girl from Nigeria named Maryam won the top prize for girls in this huge competition in Saudi Arabia! The President of Nigeria was so proud, he sent her a special message, saying she made the whole country shine and is a great example for other kids.
Analysis
Maryam Dan’Azumi's Triumph
Maryam Dan’Azumi's recent victory at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, marks a significant achievement for Nigeria. Competing against participants from 132 other countries, Dan’Azumi demonstrated profound mastery of the Holy Qur’an, encompassing memorisation, recitation, Tajweed, and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir. Her success not only earned her a substantial prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyal, equivalent to N120m, but also brought considerable honour to her home state of Gombe and to Nigeria as a whole.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it follows a similar success by her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan Azumi, who secured first place in a comparable competition in Jordan in 2024. The consecutive victories by the Dan Azumi sisters underscore a remarkable family dedication to Qur’anic scholarship and serve as a powerful testament to the potential for excellence within Nigerian youth when talent is nurtured with discipline and hard work.
President Bola Tinubu's Commendation
President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended heartfelt congratulations to Maryam Dan’Azumi, acknowledging her victory as both a personal triumph and a moment of national pride. The President highlighted how her achievement prominently placed Nigeria on the global stage, showcasing the intellectual capacity and dedication of its young people. He specifically praised her parents, teachers, and mentors, recognizing the immense sacrifices and commitment required to cultivate such an exceptional level of Qur’anic scholarship.
Tinubu's statement emphasized that Dan’Azumi's success is a powerful testimony to what Nigerian youth can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work, and dedicated mentorship. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of young Nigerians, signaling a broader governmental interest in promoting such achievements. The President's public recognition aims to inspire more young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition
The King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition, held annually in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, is a prestigious international platform designed to promote excellence in Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding, and scholarship. The competition attracts participants from numerous countries, fostering a spirit of academic and spiritual pursuit among Muslim youth globally. Its rigorous categories, which include comprehensive memorisation and interpretation, ensure that only individuals with exceptional dedication and skill emerge victorious.
President Tinubu specifically appreciated the organisers and authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing this distinguished international platform. Such competitions not only celebrate religious scholarship but also facilitate cultural exchange and strengthen ties between participating nations. Maryam Dan’Azumi's success in this highly competitive environment further solidifies Nigeria's reputation for producing talented individuals in various fields, including religious studies.
Key points
- Maryam Dan’Azumi from Gombe State won the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah.
- She defeated competitors from 132 countries, earning a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyal (N120m).
- President Bola Tinubu congratulated her, calling her victory a source of national pride and an inspiration.
- Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan Azumi, also won a similar competition in Jordan in 2024.
- Tinubu commended her parents, teachers, and mentors, and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to youth development.
Maryam Dan’Azumi's victory is expected to inspire many young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their studies and spiritual development, fostering a culture of discipline and hard work. This achievement also enhances Nigeria's international image, showcasing the intellectual and moral capabilities of its youth on a global platform.
