By John Moses
A major Qur’an recitation competition, held in memory of Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu – the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – has concluded with four outstanding participants awarded newly built homes.
The event, initiated by Senator Bashir Lado, the President’s Special Adviser on Senate Matters, brought together over 100 young contestants from across Kano’s 44 local government areas. The initiative aimed to encourage a deep commitment to Islamic teachings among Nigeria’s youth by promoting the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
At the prize-giving ceremony, Professor Ali Muhammad, Deputy Chair of the Organising Committee, highlighted the significance of the competition as both a tribute to a revered matriarch and a platform to reinforce moral and religious values among young Muslims.
He explained that winners received fully furnished homes — three-bedroom houses for first-place winners and two-bedroom homes for runners-up. Each property included a living room and modern amenities.
“This initiative serves not only as a tribute to the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu, but also as a powerful motivator for youth to devote themselves to Qur’anic teachings and contribute meaningfully to society,” Professor Muhammad said.
The top prizes were awarded to Maryam Abubakar Mu’az (first place, female), Ahmad Shu’aib (first place, male), Zainab Hassan Shu’aib (second place, female), and Ahmad Kabir Bature (second place, male).
The opening ceremony featured high-profile guests, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Daura, and former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, all of whom commended the initiative and offered prayers for national unity and progress.
