By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has awarded the winners of the 2024 Kano State Qur’anic Competition with slots for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and cash prizes of ₦2 million each.
The announcement was made today at the closing ceremony of the 39th annual Qur’anic competition, held at the School of Arabic Studies in Kano which saw Buhari Sunusi Gezawa and Fatima Abubakar Tarauni emerging as the overall winners in the male and female categories, respectively.
Representing Governor Yusuf at the event, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam congratulated all participants, particularly the winners, for their dedication and outstanding performances throughout the competition. He expressed confidence in their ability to secure first place in the upcoming National Qur’anic Competition scheduled to take place later this month in Kebbi State.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting religious affairs in Kano, including the enhancement of Islamic schools and Tsangaya systems while calling on the Muslim community nationwide to pray against the insecurity affecting northern Nigeria and to remember crisis-stricken Muslim nations such as Sudan, Palestine, and Syria in their prayers.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammad Sunusi II, congratulated the winners and highlighted Kano’s pride in its deep-rooted love for the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he credited as a foundation for the state’s peaceful coexistence.
Office of the Deputy Governor)
Emir Sunusi commended the state government’s efforts to support religious initiatives and urged continued investment in Qur’anic activities and statewide prayers for national stability.
The Emir also encouraged the people of Kano to excel across various sectors, from education and business to sports and politics, emphasizing the importance of setting benchmarks of excellence beyond Qur’anic competitions.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, thanked Governor Yusuf for addressing critical educational challenges, including the renovation of facilities and the clearance of backlogs with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), which led to the release of students’ results withheld since 2021.
Doguwa also cautioned against the diversion and sale of educational materials donated to public schools, warning that those found guilty would face strict consequences. He praised the prompt approval for the renovation of the Qur’anic Recitation Competition Hall, which served as the venue for this year’s competition.
Office of the Deputy Governor)