Borno State has emerged overall winner in the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, marking a significant cultural and spiritual milestone for the state.
Announcing the results at the closing ceremony, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Prof. Abubakar Yelwa, declared Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno State as the overall male champion.
In the female category, Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State clinched the overall title.
The week-long competition, the 40th edition in the series and tagged “Borno 2025,” featured 296 contestants from 30 states, who competed across six recitation categories.
Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, described the successful hosting of the national competition as a strong signal of the return of peace and stability to the state.
“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State; it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an,”
He added that the event reflected the state’s resolve to rebuild and prioritise both secular and religious education.
“The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world: Borno is back, Borno is safe, and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth,”
Governor Zulum congratulated the winners and commended all participants, noting that the competition went beyond prizes.
“Your success is born of countless hours of discipline, commitment and reverence for the Word of Allah. And to every young man and woman who participated, you are all winners. The true spirit of this competition lies in the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate,”
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, and his wife, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, as well as state governors, royal fathers, Usman Dan Fodio University, Islamic scholars and other stakeholders for their support.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Dikko Umaru Radda; the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; traditional rulers; lawmakers; senior government officials; and Islamic scholars.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts to the winners by the wife of the Vice President and other dignitaries.