President Tinubu Congratulates Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi on Winning King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi of Gombe State following her outstanding performance at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Maryam emerged first in the women’s category of the prestigious international competition, where she represented Nigeria against participants from countries around the world.

Her victory has attracted widespread commendation in Nigeria, with the achievement being celebrated as a major accomplishment for the young Qur’anic scholar, her family, Gombe State and the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended Maryam for what he described as her exceptional performance and mastery of the Holy Qur’an.

The President said her achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a source of national pride, noting that her success had placed Nigeria in the spotlight at an important international competition.

Tinubu specifically praised Maryam’s performance in the category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir.

He described the achievement as evidence of the discipline, dedication and intellectual ability of Nigerian young people.

“Maryam Ibrahim Dan Azumi’s victory in the highly competitive category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir is a remarkable achievement that has brought immense honour to Nigeria and further demonstrated the excellence, discipline, dedication and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths,” the President said.

Tinubu added that Maryam had made Nigeria proud through her performance in Makkah.

“She has made Nigeria proud. Her achievement in Makkah is a powerful testimony to what our young people can accomplish when talent is matched with discipline, faith, hard work and dedicated mentorship,” he said.

### Tinubu praises Maryam’s family and mentors

The President also commended Maryam’s parents, teachers and mentors for the role they played in supporting her development and preparation for the international competition.

Tinubu noted that success at such a high level required years of commitment, discipline and guidance, saying those who contributed to Maryam’s development deserved recognition.

He also pointed to the achievement of Maryam’s elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, who won an international Qur’anic competition in Jordan in 2024.

According to the President, the achievements of the two sisters provide an inspiring example for young Nigerians.

Tinubu said the sisters’ accomplishments demonstrated what could be achieved when young people receive the right combination of talent, dedication, mentorship and support.

### Maryam wins major international recognition

Maryam’s victory came at the 46th edition of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition, an international event held in Makkah under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The 2026 edition attracted 334 male and female contestants representing 133 countries, according to information released by Prof. Isa Ali Pantami’s foundation.

The competition was also significant because it marked the first time female contestants participated in the event in its 46-year history.

Maryam reportedly emerged first in the women’s 60 Hizb and Tafsir category, recording 97.70 marks.

Her performance earned her a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, which is approximately ₦120 million based on the widely reported naira equivalent.

The competition was organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

### A remarkable Qur’anic journey

Maryam’s international success follows a series of achievements in Qur’anic competitions in Nigeria.

She is a student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe State.

Before representing Nigeria internationally, she had recorded major successes at local, state and national competitions.

Her latest victory has also added to an impressive family record.

Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, emerged overall winner of the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan in 2024.

The success of both sisters has attracted attention to their family’s commitment to Qur’anic scholarship and education.

### Tinubu wishes Maryam continued success

The President congratulated Maryam on behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria and prayed for her continued success.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate Maryam on this remarkable victory,” Tinubu said.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to guide and increase her in knowledge and wisdom, while expressing hope that her achievement would inspire more young Nigerians to pursue excellence.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians.

Maryam’s victory has meanwhile continued to generate celebrations in Gombe State and beyond, with the achievement being hailed as a significant moment for Nigeria on the international stage.