In the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno State and Hafsat Sada of Kano State have been crowned the overall champions, securing top honours in the male and female categories respectively, after a week of intense and inspirational recitations.
The week-long event, which drew 296 contestants from 30 states across Nigeria, featured rigorous recitation trials in six competitive categories, showcasing participants’ mastery of Qur’anic verses and vocal precision before seasoned judges.
The winners were officially announced on Saturday in Maiduguri by Professor Abubakar Yelwa, Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, marking the culmination of the competition.
At the closing ceremony, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum described the successful staging of the competition as a milestone that underlines the state’s renewed security and commitment to education and spiritual development.
Governor Zulum said, “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, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an.”
He emphasized that the event demonstrated Borno’s resilience and growing status as a centre for learning and spiritual growth, asserting that “Borno is back, Borno is safe.”
“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 further encouraged all participants, regardless of ranking, affirming that the true spirit of the competition lies in “the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate.”
The ceremony drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries and religious leaders. Among those present were: Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, Alhaji Dikko Umoru Radda, Governor of Katsina State, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Members of the National and State Assemblies, Islamic scholars, commissioners, and traditional rulers
Also in attendance were deputies from various states and representatives from Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) highlighting the collaborative spirit of the competition and inter-state support for Qur’anic scholarship.
The annual National Qur’anic Recitation Competition continues to serve as a prestigious platform for young Nigerian Muslims to demonstrate excellence in Qur’anic studies and oratory. Beyond the competition’s honours and accolades, participants celebrated the discipline and spiritual growth fostered by the event.
