Gombe girl wins Qur’anic competition in Saudi Arabia

A young woman from Nigeria's Gombe State has achieved a historic victory at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia. Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, a student at Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, represented Nigeria and emerged as the overall winner.

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I am deeply proud of our daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Maryam’s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State.

Dan’azumi competed in the demanding category for memorization of the entire Holy Qur’an, encompassing recitation, Tajweed (rules of pronunciation), and Tafsir (interpretation). Her exceptional performance saw her outperform contestants from numerous countries, earning Nigeria and Gombe State significant international recognition.

This year's competition marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in its 46-year history that female participants were allowed to compete. Dan’azumi's triumph, therefore, is not only a personal achievement but also a landmark accomplishment for women in this prestigious international event.

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Her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, extended his congratulations to Dan’azumi, her family, teachers, and the Muslim community. He described her success as a source of immense pride for Gombe and Nigeria, highlighting it as a testament to the discipline, dedication, and commitment to learning fostered in the state. The governor expressed confidence that her achievement would inspire many young people, particularly girls, to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.

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I am particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.

Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration's dedication to supporting educational development, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he believes are crucial for nurturing discipline, character, and responsible citizenship. He pledged to continue celebrating individuals who enhance the positive image of Gombe State both nationally and internationally, emphasizing that Maryam's success exemplifies the excellence Gombe is known for.

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Our commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering. We recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development.