Young Qur’an reciters win houses, Umrah trips at Kano competition for Tinubu’s mother

At least 30 young male and female Qur’an reciters in Kano have emerged winners of star prizes — including houses, scholarships, motorcycles, and Umrah trips — during a special Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in honour of the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The maiden edition of the competition, organised by […]

At least 30 young male and female Qur’an reciters in Kano have emerged winners of star prizes — including houses, scholarships, motorcycles, and Umrah trips — during a special Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in honour of the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The maiden edition of the competition, organised by former Kano Central Senator Bashir Garba Lado, drew contestants from across the state and featured five memorisation categories: 2 Hizb, 10 Hizb, 20 Hizb, 40 Hizb, and 60 Hizb (complete memorisation).

Three top winners (male and female) were selected in each category, making a total of 30 outstanding recipients. Among the top prize winners in the 60 Hizb category were Ahmad Shuaibu Shanono and Maryam Abubakar Muaz from Dala Local Government Area.

They each received a house, an all-expense-paid Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia, N1 million in cash, and a full university scholarship sponsored by the Qatar Charity Foundation.

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Other notable winners included Kabiru Salisu Muhammad (Fagge) and Aisha Kabir Musa (Ghari), who clinched first positions in the 40 Hizb category, and Umar Faruk Yusif (Madobi) and Hajara Umar Danbatta, who topped the 20 Hizb division.

Prizes also included tricycles, industrial sewing machines, Islamic books, digital Qur’ans, and traditional garments (Shadda and Atamfa). Parents of top winners were awarded motorcycles and tricycles to support halal income-generating activities.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Senator Lado described the competition as a “moral and spiritual investment” in the future of the Ummah and a lasting tribute to the legacy of Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji.

“Today, we reflect on the power of the Qur’an, the sacrifices of parents, and the mercy of Allah. These prizes are not just rewards — they are a trust,” he said.

“Let the houses shelter the children, let the scholarships empower their future, and let the livelihoods support dignity and self-reliance.”

He quoted a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “No one ever ate any food better than that which he earned with his own hands.”

Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano State Council of Ulama, lauded the initiative as “one-of-a-kind,” adding that honouring Qur’an reciters is in itself an act of honouring the Qur’an.

“Indeed, this is a memorable occasion we will live to cherish,” he said.

“We pray for the soul of Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji and for Allah to continue to bless her descendants.”

The event was graced by respected Islamic clerics including the Chief Imam of Kano, Sheikh Zahraddeen Sani, along with community leaders and government officials.

It was held under strict supervision and transparency, in line with Kano’s rich tradition of Musabaqa (Qur’anic competitions).

The organisers said the competition would become an annual event, aimed at deepening Qur’anic scholarship, empowering youth through education, and celebrating Islamic values of discipline, devotion, and service.