Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a ₦20 million donation to support Qur’anic reciters and promote Islamic education in Nigeria during the grand finale of the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, Borno 2025.
Governor Radda made the announcement while attending the week-long competition hosted by the Borno State Government, which featured 296 contestants drawn from 30 states of the federation. The participants competed across eight categories designed to test different levels of Qur’anic memorisation and recitation.
The competition categories included the 5th Category for male and female contestants involving 10 Hizbs with Tangim, the 4th Category for male and female contestants covering 30 Hizbs, the 3rd Category for male and female contestants involving 60 Hizbs, and the 1st Category for male and female contestants focused on Qira’at.
At the end of the event, Borno State emerged overall winner in the male category, with Musa Ahmed Musa taking first place. In the female category, Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State emerged as the overall winner.
Speaking after the announcement of results, Governor Radda congratulated the organisers and participating states, praising the Borno State Government under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for successfully hosting the national competition.
“The successful organisation of this competition is a clear testament to Borno State’s resilience, growing stability, and effective leadership,” Governor Radda said.
He noted that the smooth conduct of the competition and the wide participation of states reflected Borno State’s steady return to normalcy and renewed commitment to education, spirituality, and national unity.
“Events like this strengthen our shared values, promote unity, and reaffirm the central role of faith in building disciplined and responsible citizens,” he added.
Governor Radda reaffirmed Katsina State’s commitment to the promotion of Qur’anic education and moral development, stressing that sustained investment in religious education remains vital to building peaceful communities.
Announcing his ₦20 million donation to Qur’anic reciters nationwide, the governor described the gesture as a long-term investment in the future.
“This support is an investment in knowledge, faith, and the future of our young people, whose grounding in the Qur’an will help shape a more peaceful and morally upright society,” he said.
He also commended Islamic scholars, teachers, and traditional institutions for their role in promoting discipline and moral values through religious education.
Earlier, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, described the hosting of the 40th edition of the competition as a strong indication of the return of peace and stability to the state.
“Hosting this landmark edition affirms our commitment to peace, education, and the noble pursuit of knowledge rooted in the Holy Qur’an,” Governor Zulum said.
He congratulated the winners and participants, noting that every contestant was a winner for standing to recite the Holy Qur’an with dedication and courage.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the country, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, during the well attended ceremony.
Governor Radda was accompanied by Hon. Abdullah Aliyu, Justice Musa Abubakar Danladi, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Hon. Shehu Dabai, and APC stalwart Alhaji Baba Jinjiri.
