President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, a young Nigerian from Gombe State, after she emerged winner of the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia.
Maryam defeated competitors from 132 countries to win the prestigious competition, held in the holy city of Makkah. She received a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, which the Presidency said was equivalent to about ₦120 million.
Tinubu celebrates Maryam’s achievement
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Tinubu praised Maryam for her outstanding performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an. He described her victory as more than a personal achievement, saying it had brought pride to Nigeria on the international stage. According to the President, Maryam’s success also demonstrated the talent, discipline and dedication of Nigerian youths.
Tinubu also noted that Maryam’s elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan Azumi, had achieved a similar feat in Jordan in 2024. He described both sisters as an inspiration to young Nigerians. The President commended their parents, teachers and mentors for the roles they played in their development. He also acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment required to attain such a high level of Qur’anic scholarship.
Maryam wins in highly competitive category
The Presidency said Maryam won in a category that covered memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir. Tinubu described her victory as a remarkable achievement that had brought honour to Nigeria.
“Maryam Ibrahim Dan Azumi’s victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir is a remarkable achievement that has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths.”
The President added that Maryam’s achievement showed what young Nigerians could accomplish when talent was combined with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship.
“She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship.”
President praises Saudi Arabia for hosting competition
Tinubu also commended the organisers of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition and the authorities of Saudi Arabia. He said the event had provided an important international platform for promoting excellence in Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding and scholarship.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians. He said such initiatives would also provide young people with opportunities to excel both nationally and internationally.
Tinubu sends message to Maryam
Congratulating Maryam on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, Tinubu prayed for her continued growth in knowledge and wisdom.
“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 to pursue excellence.”
The President wished Maryam continued success in her Qur’anic scholarship and future endeavours.
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