Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, officially declared the 39th National Quranic Recitation Competition open on Friday at the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic Convocation Arena, Birnin Kebbi.
The event, hosted by Kebbi State, was graced by eminent personalities, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the immediate past Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, former Governor of Kebbi State, and Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, National Organising Secretary of the APC, among other dignitaries from across Nigeria.
In his address, Governor Idris expressed delight and gratitude for the opportunity to host the historic event, noting that Kebbi State last hosted the competition over 20 years ago.
“Today, we are making history. I am the happiest person for being found worthy to host this very important Islamic event in Birnin Kebbi.
“It is a rare privilege, and when the delegation approached me with the request to host, I had no hesitation in accepting it,” he said.
He also extended a warm welcome to participants from various states who came to take part in the competition and commended the organizers for their efforts in ensuring a well-executed event.
The Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, who served as the Royal Father of the Day, emphasized the significance and virtues of the Holy Qur’an.
He lauded the Sultan of Sokoto for his leadership, commended the organizers for sustaining the programme and praised Governor Idris for hosting the event.
The Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Prof. Bashir Garba, representing the organizers under the Centre for Islamic Studies, described the Qur’an as a source of guidance and blessings for humanity.
He urged participants and attendees to use the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect with the Qur’an and their Creator.
Professor Aliyu Bunza delivered a lecture on the historical background of the Qur’an, enriching the event with scholarly insights.
In his welcome address, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, who served as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, thanked Governor Idris for his unwavering support and financial contributions toward the event.
He also appreciated the individuals who donated prizes to ensure the competition’s success.
The annual competition is organized by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, through its Centre for Islamic Studies.
