Gombe Girl Wins Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia

Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, an indigene of Gombe State has emerged as the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, Gombe, represented Nigeria in the highly prestigious competition, where she competed in the category for memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation (60 Hizb with Tafsir).

She emerged first overall among contestants from several countries, recording an exceptional performance that brought international recognition to Gombe State and Nigeria.

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Daily Trust reports that the achievement is particularly significant as it marked the first participation of females in the 46-year history of the competition, making Maryam’s victory a landmark accomplishment.

She had earlier emerged first position at the Local Government and state level, as well as first nationally, before representing Nigeria at the international competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed immense pride and excitement over the outstanding international achievement of Maryam, a daughter of the state.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli celebrating the feat, the governor congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the entire Gombe Muslim community, describing her victory as a source of immense pride for the state and Nigeria.

According to him, Maryam accomplishment was a reflection of the value of discipline and commitment to learning, noting that her success on the international stage demonstrated the quality of talent and potential among young people in Gombe State.

“I am deeply proud of our daughter’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Maryam”s triumph exemplifies the excellence and rich educational heritage of Gombe State. Her victory brings pride not only to Gombe but to Nigeria as a whole.

“I am particularly confident that this feat will inspire numerous young people, especially our girls, to pursue excellence and distinguish themselves in their chosen fields,” he said.

Governor Yahaya also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the educational development of young people, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he described as important in nurturing discipline, character and responsible citizenship.

He said the government would continue to identify with and celebrate individuals whose accomplishments project the positive image of Gombe State nationally and internationally.

The governor noted that Maryam”s achievement was even more remarkable considering her progression from local to national and ultimately international recognition.

Yahaya said he looked forward to receiving and personally honouring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria, stressing that such recognition would encourage her to sustain her pursuit of excellence while motivating other young people to aspire to similar heights.

He called on parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to continue nurturing young talents, particularly by providing them with the support and opportunities required to develop their abilities and contribute meaningfully to society.

He also acknowledged the role of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, noting that the institution had contributed significantly to the development of the young achiever.