Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi on Saturday crowned the 39th winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Gwarzon Shekara), Malam Buhari Sanusi-Idris from Kano State.

The governor’s wife, Zainab, also crowned the female winner of the competition, Malama Rumaisa’u Dahiru-Ibrahim from Gombe.

Both winners received a new car, Hajj seat, N500,000 and a plasma TV for the male and freezer for the female.

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The competition serves as a ground to select Nigeria’s representatives at the global Qur’anic Recitation Competition.

It was gathered that contingents from 35 states of the federation, comprising 125 males and 113 females, participated in six different categories of the 8-day long competition.

Crowning the male winner at Umaru Waziri Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, the governor expressed happiness for the opportunity given to Kebbi to host the event.

He congratulated all participants in the competition and lauded their efforts for mastering the Holy Qur’an.

Idris said in line with his determination to extend helping hands to Islam, work has began on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 400 mosques across the state.

The governor urged the people to recognise the wisdom of recitation of the Qur’an, saying that it teaches compassion, humility and encourages peace and harmonious coexistence.

He admonished the participants and the entire Muslim Ummah to remain committed in seeking knowledge, observing that the journey of learning and memorisation of the Qur’an “is a life long one.”

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS), organisers of the event, Prof. Bashir Garba, expressed delight that the aims and objectives of the competition has been achieved.

He encouraged all the participants to consider themselves as champions in view of the glory and dignity of the Qur’an to humanity.

Sheik Abdullahi Bala-Lau, National Chairman, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), said: “We are all here for the purpose of Holy Qur’an. There is nothing that will bring us together like the Holy Qur’an.”

He described the Qur’an as a blessing to humanity, especially if man adheres strictly to its teachings, noting that God elevates individuals and societies and nations because of it.

He lauded the governor for his holistic support and contributions in promoting the learning of the Qur’an.

On his part, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, leader of Tijjaniyya sect, represented by his son, Sheik Ibrahim said: “Even with our differences, the Glorious Qur’an has brought us together.”

The Islamic Cleric described the gathering as the best of all gathering, while urging people to repent and seek intervention of God to fix all challenges bedeviling Nigeria.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is also the Chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, observed that the hosting of two prominent Islamic scholars, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi and Sheik Bala Lau was good for the religion.

He lauded Idris for providing all the necessary support towards the success of the entire exercise. NAN