Nigerian girl wins World Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Jordan
By KEMI KASUMU
A 19-year-old woman from Gombe State, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi, has emerged as the overall winner of the Women’s International Hashemite Competition for Memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.
Hajara Dan’azumi, a 200-level Botany student at the Gombe State University (GSU), beat 40 other contestants from 38 countries to clinch the first position at the 18th edition of the competition held in the Kingdom of Jordan.
The student of Abubakar Siddiq Islamiyya School in Gombe was selected to represent Nigeria at the competition and emerged as the overall winner among other contestants in the 60 Hizb with Tajwid category.
The competition was organised by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of Jordan between February 17 and 22, 2024.
Hajara achieved an impressive score of 99.5, making Nigeria the overall winner of the 18th edition of the competition among the 40 participating countries.
In 2020, Hajara Dan’azumi obtained 4th position in 40 Hizb with a score of 97.1 at the 34th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Lagos State.
Her other siblings, Safiyya Dan’azumi clinched 8th position in 20 Hizb, while Maryam Dan’azumi clinched 1st position in 10 Hizb with Tangeem in the female categories at the Lagos edition.
A total of 41 contestants from 39 countries participated in the Jordan competition, which is organised under Royal patronage, showcasing interest and appreciation for the Qur’an as a guide in life.
The competition, launched in 1993, is one of the oldest international competitions that has so far attracted 30,000 male and female participants worldwide.
Meanwhile, Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed his excitement upon receiving the resounding victory of the young girl from the state.
The governor conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Hajara Dan’azumi, her family and teachers, while praising the victorious hard work and commitment to mastering the Qur’an.
He said the young girl’s achievement would serve as an inspiration to countless others in Gombe and beyond.
He further stressed the importance of nurturing and supporting the educational pursuits of young people, particularly in the realm of religious studies, which he said, “play a vital role in shaping their character and contributing to the development of the society.”
“I am deeply proud of our Hajara’s exceptional achievement on the global stage. Her triumph exemplifies the vibrant academic heritage of Gombe State. Her victory brings pride not just to us in Gombe, but to Nigeria as a whole.
“I am convinced that this feat will inspire numerous others, particularly our young girls,” Governor Yahaya said.
