The Halima IBB Foundation recently organized a Qur’anic recitation competition for youths in Niger State, aimed at reducing social vices and enhancing Islamic knowledge among young people.
The event, which was held during the blessed month of Ramadan, saw participants from various local government areas (LGAs) across the state.
The male contestants from Suleja LGA emerged victorious, while the female contestants from Bida LGA took home the top prize in their category.
The Chairman of the Foundation, Abdulhafiz, said that Qur’anic competitions are an effective way of grooming youth in a Godly manner. He assured that the Foundation would continue to organize such initiatives for a better society.
Hajiya Aisha Babangida, an elder sister of the organizer, expressed her commitment to ensuring the continuation of the initiative in the coming years. “This initiative is our way of promoting the religion of Islam,” she said. “We thank God for this event in the month of Ramadan. It is our way of supporting the youth in gaining better knowledge of their religion. I also urge parents to train their children according to the teachings of our faith.”
The Commissioner for Education in Niger State, Hajiya Hadiza Asabe Muhammad, also lent her support to the Foundation’s efforts. She stated that the ministry fully supports the initiative and will incorporate similar programs into the state’s educational curriculum.
She said such efforts help to prevent youths’ involvement in immoral activities during the holidays or after school hours, adding that the ministry is planning to organize similar events across all 25 LGAs of the state next year.
She praised the organizers for their efforts and prayed for continued success in their future endeavors.
The results of the competition were announced by the Director of Religious Affairs in the state. The winners were awarded cash prizes of one million naira for first place, five hundred thousand naira for second place, and two hundred thousand naira for third place.
Jafar Lawal Isa, the male winner, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is not by my efforts but by the will of God that I won.” He also thanked the organizers for providing a platform to showcase their skills.
Ummu Khulsum Muhammad Isa, the female winner, also appreciated the organizers for the opportunity to participate in the competition.
This event comes just days after the Halima IBB Foundation distributed cash and food assistance to people in need across the state.
