A young Qur’anic scholar from Gombe State, Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged the overall winner of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Maryam, a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria at the international contest, where she competed in the category involving memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation.
The competition covered all 60 Hizb of the Qur’an with Tafsir and attracted participants from different countries.
Her outstanding performance earned her the overall first position, bringing international recognition to both Gombe State and Nigeria.
The achievement was particularly significant because the 46th edition marked the first time women participated in the competition since its establishment 46 years ago, making Maryam’s victory a landmark accomplishment.
Reacting to the development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, congratulated Maryam, her family, teachers and the Muslim community in the state, describing the feat as a major source of pride for Gombe and Nigeria.
The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, and made available to journalists.
Yahaya said Maryam’s success demonstrated the impact of discipline, dedication and commitment to education, while also highlighting the potential of young people in the 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.”
The governor also restated his administration’s commitment to supporting the education of young people, including Qur’anic and religious studies, which he said play an important role in character formation and responsible citizenship.
He said the state government would continue to recognise and celebrate residents whose accomplishments project Gombe positively within Nigeria and internationally.
“Our commitment to promoting the educational journey of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, remains unwavering. We recognise its role in moulding character and contributing to societal development.
“Gombe is known for excellence, and we shall continue to identify with those who promote the good image of Gombe to the world. Maryam is one of such people, and we are proud to celebrate her.”
Yahaya said Maryam’s achievement was even more remarkable because she had progressed through several stages of the competition, emerging first at the Gombe Local Government Area level, then at the state and national levels before representing Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.
He disclosed that he looked forward to receiving Maryam and personally honouring her when she returns to the country, noting that such recognition would encourage her to maintain her pursuit of excellence and inspire other young Nigerians.
The governor urged parents, teachers, religious institutions and other stakeholders to invest in young talents and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their abilities.
He also commended Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation for its contribution to Maryam’s development and success.
Yahaya has a longstanding connection with the institution, having served as its pioneer Chairman of the Board before becoming governor. He later relinquished the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu after assuming office as governor.
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