* Describes Gov’s success as indication of zeal to help society
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle (Khadimul Qur’an) for a successful and hitch-free hosting of the annual National Qur’anic recitation competition which has officially come to an end.
His commendation was contained in a press statement delivered by the Minister of Communications, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami who represented him at the closing ceremony of the competition held in Gusau.
The President described the action of the Governor as indication of his zeal towards helping the society re-discover itself on self righteousness and acceptable co-existence as ordained by God.
Elated Governor Bello Mohammed thanked God for the successful hosting of the event and described it as a milestone in the efforts at improving peace and tranquility in the state and its neighbouring environs.
He thanked the Center for Islamic Studies of the Usmanu Dan Fodio University Sokoto for granting the hosting right of this year’s event to the state. He also commended the conduct of the participants and called on them to thank God for whatever result they got from the competition.
He promised to continue supporting the good teachings of Islam in order to improve the morality of the people to lead a meaningful life.
“My administration will ever remain committed to issues related to Sharia legal system and the promotion of Islamic values. As I mentioned during the weekly preaching yesterday, despite the enormous economic and security concerns, my administration has been up and doing in promoting the cause of Islam” he said.
“Among other things, we have put an end to the sacrilegious practice of desecration of the Holy Qur’an; we have contributed N100,000,000 to the Izala Group for the establishment of an Islamic University in Shinkafi; we have hosted the annual maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass which draws participants from both within and outside the country; we have expanded the membership of the Ulama Consultative Council and built a befitting secretariat for the Council” the Governor recalled.
The competition witnessed the participation of winners of Quranic recitation competions earlier conducted in all the states of the Federation and Abuja
The overall winner for this year’s senior category competition on the male side is Gwani Nura Abdullahi Bello from Sokoto state while the female side was won by Aisha Abdulhamid from Yobe State.
Both Zamfara state Government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari donated two cars to the winners who will collect the two donations apiece. Winners of all categories will have a standard lap-top computer from the President, as announced by the Communications Minister, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
Second and third position holders will be sponsored to the next years Hajj in Saudi Arabia by the State Government.
