Delegation hails traditional leadership, Muslim unity and Borno’s resolve to host anniversary Qur’anic competition despite security concerns

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The South-West contingent to the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abba Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, as part of activities marking the anniversary edition of the national Islamic event in Maiduguri.

The delegation was led by Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, Esq., Ogun State Coordinator of the Musabaqah and leader of the South-West team. He said the visit was to appreciate the Shehu of Borno for his support for the Musabaqah and his contributions to the promotion of unity, peace and Islamic scholarship in Nigeria.

Akintunde described the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition as a vital platform for strengthening Muslim brotherhood and fostering enduring ties between Northern and Southern Nigeria, noting that the four-decade-old initiative has continued to promote Qur’anic memorisation, youth mentorship and spiritual development.

He disclosed that the South-West delegation comprised coordinators and officials from Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States, while participants from Ekiti and Ondo States were unable to attend the 2025 edition due to security concerns expressed by their parents and guardians.

The delegation commended the organisers of the Musabaqah, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for sustaining the annual competition for 40 years, and acknowledged the critical role played by traditional rulers, particularly the Shehu of Borno, in ensuring its success.

Members of the delegation recalled the Shehu’s participation in the 36th edition of the competition hosted by Lagos State in 2019 and praised his support for the hosting of the 40th anniversary edition in Borno State, describing it as a strong commitment to education, religious harmony and national integration.

They also stressed the importance of traditional institutions in nation-building and peaceful coexistence, reiterating calls for the restoration of a constitutional role for traditional rulers in Nigeria.

The South-West team further lauded the Borno State Government for hosting the anniversary edition of the Musabaqah despite prevailing security challenges, describing the decision as a demonstration of courage and a reflection of ongoing efforts to restore peace in Maiduguri and across the state.

The delegation concluded the visit with prayers for lasting peace in Borno State and Nigeria, expressing confidence that sustained leadership and collaboration would continue to strengthen unity and stability nationwide.