Gombe girl wins Qur’anic competition in Saudi Arabia

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A daughter of Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the prestigious competition held in Makkah, where she competed in the category for memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation, covering 60 Hizb with Tafsir.

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She emerged first overall among contestants from several countries, recording a performance that brought international recognition to Gombe State and Nigeria.

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Participants at the event said her victory is particularly significant as the 46th edition marked the first participation of females in the 46-year history of the competition, making her achievement a landmark accomplishment.

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Reacting to the feat, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the entire Muslim community in the state, describing the achievement as a source of immense pride for Gombe and Nigeria.

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This was contained in a press statement signed by Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, obtained by our correspondent.

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The governor noted that Maryam’s accomplishment reflected the value of discipline, dedication and commitment to learning, adding that her success on the international stage demonstrated the quality of talent and potential among young people in the state.

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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.

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

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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.”

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Yahaya also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the educational development of young people, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he described as important in nurturing discipline, character and responsible citizenship.

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He said his government would continue to identify with and celebrate individuals whose accomplishments project the positive image of Gombe State nationally and internationally.

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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.

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“Gombe is known for excellence, and we shall continue to identify with those who promote the good image of Gombe to the world. Maryam is one of such people, and we are proud to celebrate her.”

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The governor noted that Maryam’s achievement was even more remarkable considering her progression from the local level to state, national and ultimately international recognition.

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According to him, Maryam had earlier emerged first at the Gombe Local Government Area level, first in Gombe State and first nationally before representing Nigeria at the international competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

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Yahaya further said he looked forward to receiving and personally honouring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria, stressing that such recognition would encourage her to sustain her pursuit of excellence and motivate other young people to aspire to similar heights.

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Thus, he called on parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to continue nurturing young talents by providing them with the support and opportunities needed to develop their abilities and contribute meaningfully to society.

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The governor equally acknowledged the role of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Maryam’s development, noting that the institution had contributed significantly to the young achiever’s success.

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Our correspondent reports that Yahaya, interestingly, was the pioneer Chairman of the Board of the school before he assumed office as Governor of Gombe State, after which he relinquished the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu.

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