By Abdullahi Yusuf
Thirty winners have emerged at the just-concluded maiden edition of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu Quranic Recitation Competition held in Kano.
The winners which emerged in the various categories of the competition were on Tuesday awarded assorted star prizes ranging from cash, houses, deep freezers, tricycles, Umrah(Lesser Hajj) seats and scholarships.
The Grand Winner of the first position in the male category, Ahmad Shua’aibu, from Shanono Local Government Area and Grand Winner of the female category, Maryam Abubakar Mu’az, from Dala Local Government Area each received a four-bedroom flat, scholarship from Qatar Charity Foundation up to university level, N1 million and Islamic books.
The competition was in five categories that included recitation of portions of the Qur’an from 2 Hizb, 10 Hizb, 20 Hizb, 40 Hizb and 60 Hizb for both male and female contestants.
The organizer of the competition, Senator Basheer Lado, announced the prizes at a ceremony held to conclude the event which was held at the Meena Event Centre, Kano.
“Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to reflect — on the power of the Qur’an, the sacrifice of parents, and the endless mercy of Allah.
“I begin by thanking the Almighty Allah for granting us success in concluding the maiden edition of the Quranic Recitation Competition, held in honour of the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, OON, MFR, the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. May Allah forgive her shortcomings, accept this effort on her behalf as sadaqah jariyah, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen.
“Dear parents, scholars, and community leaders — today we are not just giving awards. We are presenting crowns of honor to children who have memorized and recited the Holy Qur’an with beauty and devotion.
And what an honor it is! The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:”The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
“To these brilliant young reciters, we say: you have not just won a prize, you have earned a place among the people of the Qur’an — Ahlul Qur’an.
And so, as a symbol of our appreciation, the four crown winners are being awarded homes — a foundation for their future. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Qur’an:
“And Allah has made for you from your homes a place of rest…” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:80)
May these homes be filled with light, learning, and remembrance of Allah.
“But let me offer a word of caution, especially to the parents: these gifts are not just rewards — they are responsibilities. Let the houses shelter the children. Let the tricycles and motorcycles serve their future. Let the scholarship fulfill its purpose. And let the cash gifts be spent with care, wisdom, and sincerity — not on extravagance, but on that which uplifts the lives of these young Qur’an bearers,”Lado added.