A Qur’an recitation competition organised by Kano politician and philanthropist, Maryam Shettima, popularly known as Maryam Shetty, was held on Saturday in Kano, attracting participants, scholars and dignitaries from across the country.
The competition brought together representatives of different Quranic institutions to showcase their mastery of the Holy Qur’an.
Speaking at the event, Shettima said she initiated the competition to promote positive values and to counter negative perceptions about the use of social media.
“I sat down and realized that many people view social media differently. After my ministerial nomination was withdrawn, many dismissed me as just a ‘TikTok girl.’
“That was when I saw the need to organize this competition to change how people manage their activities on social media and to encourage a shift towards using platforms for good,” she said.
Delivering goodwill messages, Sheikh Hafiz Abubakar Rogo highlighted the blessings of memorising and reciting the Quran, stressing the spiritual rewards for both reciters and their guardians.
Similarly, Sheikh Ali Aliyu underscored the importance of schools and teachers dedicated to Quranic studies, describing them as institutions of immense value to society.
The head judge, Goni Mazidu Adam, explained that the winners were selected based on accuracy of recitation, mastery of *tajweed* (pronunciation rules), impact of the Quran on the individual and respect accorded to the Holy Book.
Other judges at the competition were Goni Yusuf Mukhtar and Goni Abubakar Sulaiman.
At the end of the event, Nuraddeen Mu’azu from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerged winner, receiving ₦1 million.
Muhammad Idris Khalid from Bauchi State placed second with ₦500,000, while Aisha Dahir Ibrahim from Jigawa State came third, taking home ₦250,000.
In his spiritual admonition, Sheikh Abubakar Abdulsalam, popularly known as *Baban Gwale*, urged the organiser to maintain sincerity in her efforts.
He cautioned against organising the competition for fame or political relevance.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Hajiya Maria Sanusi, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed Rufai, Hajiya Zainab Abdullahi Bayero, as well as traditional rulers, religious scholars, family members and friends.