The Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has crowned the 39th winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Gwarzon Shekara), Malam Buhari Sanusi-Idris of Kano State.
The Governor’s Wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris also crowned the female winner of the completion, Malama Rumaisa’u Dahiru-Ibrahim from Gombe State.
Both winners received a brand new car, Hajj seat, N0.5 million and a plasma TV for the male, while the female got a freezer.
The competition is a starting ground to select representatives that will represent Nigeria at the Global Qur’anic Recitation Competition.
Contingents from 35 states of the federation comprising 125 males and 113 females participated in six different categories of the 8-day long competition.
Crowning the Gwarzon Shekara at Umaru Waziri Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, the governor expressed happiness for the opportunity given to Kebbi State to host the event.
He congratulated all participants for the opportunity to partake in the competition and lauded their charisma and wisdom for mastering the holy Qur’an.
Gov. Idris said in line with his determination to extend helping hands to Islam, work was in progress for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 400 Mosques across the state.
The governor urged the people to recognise the wisdom of recitation of the holy Qur’an, saying that it teaches compassion, humility and encourages peace and harmonious coexistence among mankind.
He admonished the participants and the entire Muslim Ummah to remain committed in seeking knowledge, observing that the journey of learning and memorisation of the holy Qur’an “is a long life one.”
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS), organisers of the event, Prof. Bashir Garba, expressed delight that the aims and objectives of the completion had been achieved.
He encouraged all the participants to consider themselves as champions in view of the glory and dignity of the holy Qur’an to humanity.
Sheik Abdullahi Bala-Lau, National Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Waqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), said: “We are all here for the purpose of Holy Qur’an. There is nothing that will bring us together like the Glorious Qur’an.”
He described the Glorious Qur’an as a blessing to humanity, especially if man adheres strictly to its teachings, noting that God Almighty elevates individuals, societies and nations because of the Glorious Qur’an.
He lauded Gov. Idris for his holistic support and contributions in promoting the holy Qur’an.
On his part, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, leader of Tijjaniyya sect, represented by his son, Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi said: “Even with our differences, the Glorious Qur’an has brought us together.”
The Islamic Cleric described the gathering as the best of all gathering, while urging people to repent and seek intervention of God Almighty to fix all challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the Chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, observed that the hosting of the two prominent Islamic scholars, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi and Sheik Bala Lau as a good omen for the religion.
He lauded Gov. Idris for providing all the necessary support towards the success of the entire exercise.
Earlier, the Chairman Local Organising Committee (LOC), and Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, appreciated the gigantic contribution of Gov. Idris, which culminated to the success of the entire exercise.
The Royal Father announced that ten cars from different personalities in Kebbi State were donated alongside cash amounting to millions of Naira and other items.
