President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Dan’Azumi of Gombe State on winning the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition.
Dan’Azumi defeated competitors from 132 countries at the prestigious competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, winning a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about N120 million.
In a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, Tinubu commended Dan’Azumi for her exceptional performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an.
The President described her achievement as a source of national pride.
Tinubu said her victory had placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage while demonstrating Nigerian youths’ intellectual capacity, discipline and dedication.
“Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi’s victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation is remarkable.
“It has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths,” he said.
Tinubu described Dan’Azumi and her elder sister, Hajara Dan’Azumi, as inspiring examples for young Nigerians pursuing excellence.
Hajara won a similar international Qur’anic competition in Jordan in 2024.
“She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish,” Tinubu said.
He added that talent, when matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship, could produce outstanding achievements.
The President commended Dan’Azumi’s parents, teachers, mentors and others who contributed to her development and success in Qur’anic scholarship.
He recognised their sacrifices and commitment, saying their support had helped create the foundation for her international accomplishment.
Tinubu also appreciated the organisers and Saudi Arabian authorities for providing an international platform promoting Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding and scholarship.
He said: “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.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives supporting the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of Nigerian youths.
He wished Dan’Azumi continued success in her Qur’anic scholarship and future endeavours, while celebrating her achievement as an inspiration to young Nigerians
