The Sultan and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi of Gombe State for emerging overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Dan’azumi, an indigene of Gombe State and student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the prestigious international competition.
She competed in the category for memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation, covering 60 Hizb with Tafsir.
In a statement issued on Friday by Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team, Sultan Abubakar described Dan’azumi’s feat as a source of immense pride to Nigeria and the global Muslim Ummah.
He said her success demonstrated the exceptional potential of Nigerian Muslim youths when provided with the opportunity, guidance and support needed to develop their talents.
The Sultan noted that Dan’azumi’s victory was particularly significant because the 46th edition marked the first participation of female contestants in the 46-year history of the competition.
He expressed delight that a Nigerian girl emerged overall winner, describing the achievement as further evidence of the importance of investing in the education and development of the girl child, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The Sultan also recalled the achievement of another Nigerian girl, 17-year-old Nafisa Aminu from Yobe State, who emerged overall best in English language skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.
Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe State, reportedly defeated more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations.
Sultan Abubakar said the achievements of both young Nigerians underscored the need for sustained investment in education and the development of young people across the country.
He said knowledge of Arabic was important for Muslim children to understand the Qur’an and practise their faith, while sound education remained essential to building a disciplined, productive and responsible society.
The Sultan further described Dan’azumi’s progression from local and regional competitions to national and international recognition as a demonstration of what dedication, discipline and proper mentorship could achieve.
He congratulated Dan’azumi, her parents, teachers, school and the Gombe State Government for their contributions to her success.
He urged other young Nigerians to emulate her dedication and pursuit of excellence, while praying that Allah would increase her in knowledge and wisdom and make her achievement an inspiration to other girls and boys across Nigeria.
