By Taiwo Scholarstica
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, a Nigerian from Gombe State, for emerging winner of the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia.
Kwankwaso, in a statement, described Maryam’s achievement as a remarkable feat that has brought honour to Nigeria on the international stage.
He praised the young Qur’anic reciter for her outstanding performance at the competition, which attracted participants from 133 countries.
“I congratulate Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, a remarkable daughter of Gombe State and a proud Nigerian, on emerging as the winner in the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
According to Kwankwaso, Maryam’s victory was not only a personal accomplishment but also a moment of national pride, considering the level of competition she faced.
He noted that she distinguished herself among participants from 132 other countries to secure the top position in the women’s category.
The former governor also disclosed that Maryam received a cash prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, estimated at about N120 million.
Kwankwaso described the feat as evidence of the talent and potential that exist among Nigerian youths when they are given the right support and opportunities to develop their abilities.
“I commend Maryam for her exceptional performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an at this prestigious international competition,” he stated.
He also extended his congratulations to Maryam’s parents, teachers and mentors, acknowledging their roles in helping her develop her skills in Qur’anic recitation, Tajweed and tafsir.
According to him, the success could not have been achieved without the guidance, dedication and support of those who contributed to Maryam’s education and preparation.
Kwankwaso used the occasion to call on governments across the country to pay greater attention to both Islamic and Western education.
He argued that increased investment in education would help create more opportunities for young Nigerians and enable them to compete successfully on international platforms.
“I seize this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to invest more resources in strengthening our Islamic and Western educational systems so that they can create greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
The former governor said Maryam’s achievement should serve as encouragement to other young Nigerians pursuing excellence in different fields.
Her victory at the international Qur’anic competition has also placed Gombe State and Nigeria in the spotlight, highlighting the contribution of Nigerian youths to religious and educational activities beyond the country.
Kwankwaso expressed confidence that with greater investment and support, more Nigerian youths could achieve similar international recognition.
For Maryam, the victory represents the reward for years of learning, practice and dedication to Qur’anic studies, while for Nigeria, it provides another reason to celebrate its young talents on the global stage.