A young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Maryam, who is a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the prestigious international competition.
She competed in the category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation, involving 60 Hizb with Tafsir.
Her outstanding performance earned her the top position among contestants from various countries, bringing international recognition to both Gombe State and Nigeria.
The achievement is particularly notable because the 46th edition marked the first time female contestants participated in the competition since its establishment 46 years ago. Maryam consequently became the first female participant to win the competition.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the wider Muslim community, describing her success as a major source of pride for the state and Nigeria.
The governor said the achievement demonstrated the importance of discipline, dedication and commitment to education, while also highlighting the potential of young people in Gombe State.
Yahaya expressed confidence that Maryam’s success would inspire other young Nigerians, particularly girls, to pursue excellence and develop their talents.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the educational development of young people, including those pursuing Qur’anic and religious studies.
According to him, religious education plays an important role in developing discipline, character and responsible citizenship.
The governor noted that Maryam’s journey to the international stage was a demonstration of steady progress, having previously emerged winner at the Gombe Local Government Area level, followed by victories at the state and national levels before representing Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.
Yahaya said he looked forward to welcoming and personally honouring Maryam when she returns to Nigeria, noting that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and motivate other young people.
He also urged parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to provide young talents with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their abilities.
The governor commended Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation for its contribution to Maryam’s development and success.
Interestingly, Yahaya previously served as the pioneer Chairman of the school’s Board before becoming governor. He later relinquished the position after assuming office as Governor of Gombe State.
