Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu Qur’anic Recitation Competition Draws Over 4,400 Participants Across Kano

By Iyojo Ameh

In a remarkable display of faith, scholarship, and cultural legacy, over 4,400 young Qur’an reciters from all 44 local government areas of Kano State have participated in the inaugural Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu Memorial Qur’anic Recitation Competition.

The competition, which began on April 21, 2025, was convened by Senator Basheer Lado, CON, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, in honour of the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji Tinubu, a revered matriarch, devout Muslim, and pioneering businesswoman.

Speaking on the purpose of the initiative, Senator Lado emphasized that the event is strictly a non-political, non-partisan tribute to Alhaja Abibat Mogaji Tinubu, whose legacy spans commerce and religious devotion. “This is not a political gathering, nor is it tied to any campaign. It is a celebration of motherhood, faith, and legacy,” he stated.

From the 4,400 original participants, each local government produced ten exceptional reciters—bringing the total to 440 contestants who progressed to zonal competitions across the state. These participants are competing in five distinct recitation categories: Juz 2, Juz 10, Juz 20, Juz 40, and Juz 60.

Following a rigorous selection process at the zonal level, 150 state finalists—comprising 75 males and 75 females—have emerged to compete in the state-level finals.

The Grand Finale is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Meena Events Center in Kano.

The event boasts an esteemed panel of judges, including scholars from Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt, with notable participation from Al-Azhar University, one of the world’s oldest and most respected institutions of Islamic learning.

Senator Lado noted that Kano State was chosen deliberately as the host due to its historical prominence in Islamic education. He cited the global achievements of Kano-born Qur’an reciters such as Gwani Hafiz Mohamed Danbirni (1st Place, Dubai 2003) and Gwani Mohamed Sani Lawan (2nd Place, Saudi Arabia 2005), as examples of the state’s contributions to Qur’anic excellence.

“As we celebrate this competition, may it inspire a revival of learning, unity, and spiritual excellence across our great nation,” Lado concluded.