By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The maiden edition of the Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in a posthumous honour of the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, has concluded with the presentation of life-changing gifts to outstanding participants.

The event, which brought together parents, scholars, and community leaders, recognised exceptional children who had memorised and recited the Qur’an with eloquence and devotion.

Speaking at the event, the organiser, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Senate, Sen. Bashir Lado, announced that four winners of the top prize, referred to as “crown winners”, were each awarded a house as a foundation for their future.

“This is not just a reward but a responsibility. Let the homes shelter the children, and let them be filled with light, learning and the remembrance of Allah.

“In addition to the homes, motorcycles and tricycles were presented to families of the participants to support their livelihoods.

“No one ever ate any food better than that which he earned with his own hands,” a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was quoted during the ceremony, underscoring the dignity of work and self-reliance,” he said.

Lado said that the winners would be given full academic scholarships, up to university level, for the crown winners.

According to him, the scholarships were facilitated through the support of Qatar Charity.

The presidential aide urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to grow intellectually and spiritually.

The organiser added that the four top performers were also granted fully sponsored trips to perform lesser pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Lado explained that the late Hajiya Abibatu Mogaji, in whose memory the competition was organised, was remembered for her contributions to society.

He said that prayers were offered for her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Lado also reminded parents of the importance of guiding their children and managing the gifts received with responsibility and purpose.

“To every mother, your sacrifices are not hidden from Allah. If your child has recited the Qur’an, know that you will wear a crown of light on the Day of Judgment,” he stated.

The male category the first person was given a house, a full scholarship up to university and the female got house, scholarship and scholarship upto university.

Earlier, the Chairman of Kano Council of Ulama”s, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, said that the event served as a call to place the Qur’an at the centre of individual and communal life.

He expressed hope that the young reciters would grow to become leaders of faith and knowledge in the Ummah.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the male category, the first-place winner received a house and a full scholarship up to University level and N1 million.

The female winner also got a house and a full university scholarship and she received N1 million among other gifts.

Other winners in the various categories also got deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, tricycles, motorcycles, and copies of a digital Qur’an.

NAN also reports that the fully funded scholarship to 30 participants was awarded by Qatar Charity Foundation.