Tinubu congratulates Gombe girl on winning Qur’anic competition in Saudi Arabia
August 21, 2026 6:04 pm
Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi. Photo credit: Bayo Onanuga
President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated Maryam Dan’Azumi from Gombe State, for emerging winner in the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Dan’Azumi beat competitors from 132 other countries to earn the prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyal, equivalent to N120m.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Dan’Azumi for her exceptional performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an at the prestigious competition.
He described her victory as both a personal triumph and a source of national pride that placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage.
Tinubu noted that her achievement follows a similar feat by her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan Azumi, who won first place in a comparable competition in Jordan in 2024, describing both sisters as an inspiration to young Nigerians.
The President specifically commended their parents, teachers and mentors, recognising the sacrifices and commitment required to attain such an exceptional level of Qur’anic scholarship.
He also appreciated the organisers and authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing a distinguished international platform that promotes excellence in Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding and scholarship.
Tinubu said, “Maryam Ibrahim Dan Azumi’s victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir is a remarkable achievement that has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths.”
“She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship,” he added.
Tinubu extended his congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, saying, “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate Maryam on this remarkable victory.”
“May Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and increase her in knowledge and wisdom, and may her achievement inspire many more young Nigerians to pursue excellence,” he prayed.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians, and wished Maryam continued success as she advances in her Qur’anic scholarship and future endeavours.
With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons
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