In a celebration of faith and scholarship, representatives from two northern states have been crowned the overall champions of the prestigious 2025 National Qur'anic Recitation Competition. The event, which marked its 40th anniversary, concluded with Musa Ahmed Musa from Borno State winning the male category and Hafsat Sada from Kano State clinching the female title.
Historic 40th Edition Draws Nationwide Participation
The results were formally announced on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The announcement was made by Professor Abubakar Yelwa, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto. He revealed that the week-long competition was a significant milestone, being the fourth decade it has been held.
This year's contest featured an impressive 296 contestants who travelled from 30 states across the federation. These young reciters, both male and female, competed across six distinct categories, demonstrating their exceptional skills in memorisation, accuracy, and eloquence in reciting the Holy Qur'an. Organisers praised the high turnout and the outstanding quality of the recitations, viewing it as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Islamic education among Nigerian youth.
Zulum: Hosting Signals Borno's Return to Peace and Learning
Speaking at the grand closing ceremony, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, framed the successful hosting of the event as a symbol of the state's remarkable recovery. He emphasised that welcoming the nation to Maiduguri for this milestone edition was more than an honour; it was a profound statement about the region's renewed stability.
"To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State, it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge," Governor Zulum stated. He added that the competition reflects the collective resolve of Borno's people to embrace spiritual development and learning.
The governor declared, "The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world. Borno is back, Borno is safe and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth." He reiterated the state's mission to prioritise both secular and religious education as part of its broader rebuilding efforts.
Celebrating Discipline and Reverence for the Qur'an
Governor Zulum extended his heartfelt congratulations to the winners and all participants. He described the champions' success as the result of immense personal dedication.
"Your success is not merely a victory in a competition, it is a crowning achievement born of countless hours of discipline, commitment and reverence for the Word of Allah," he told the winners. He also commended every contestant for their courage and for embodying the true spirit of the event, which lies in the sincere pursuit of sacred knowledge.
The ceremony was graced by numerous dignitaries, underscoring the national importance of the event. Attendees included:
- The wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima
- The Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umaru Radda
- The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State
- The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi
- Various traditional rulers, legislators, Islamic scholars, and senior government officials.
Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the supporting institutions, and all who contributed to the resounding success of the 40th National Qur'anic Recitation Competition, an event that beautifully blended faith, education, and a message of peace for Nigeria.
