Maryam defeated contestants from 132 countries to win the women’s category and a 300,000 Saudi Riyal prize.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi of Gombe State on winning the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Maryam defeated contestants from 132 countries to emerge victorious in the highly competitive category, winning a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about ₦120 million.
In a statement on Friday, President Tinubu described her achievement as a source of immense pride for Nigeria and a demonstration of the excellence, discipline and intellectual capacity of Nigerian youths.
Maryam competed in a category covering memorisation of the entire Holy Qur’an, recitation, Tajweed and interpretation of all 60 Hizb with Tafsir.
The President said her victory had placed Nigeria prominently on the global stage and demonstrated what young Nigerians could achieve through talent, discipline, faith, hard work and mentorship.
Tinubu also recalled the achievement of Maryam’s elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, who won a similar Qur’anic competition in Jordan in 2024, describing the sisters as an inspiration to young Nigerians.
He commended their parents, teachers and mentors for their sacrifices and contributions to the sisters’ development and excellence in Qur’anic scholarship.
The President also appreciated the organisers of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition and the Saudi Arabian authorities for providing a platform that promotes Qur’anic memorisation, recitation, understanding and scholarship.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the intellectual, moral and spiritual development of young Nigerians.
He prayed for continued guidance and wisdom for Maryam and expressed hope that her achievement would inspire more Nigerian youths to pursue excellence.