By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has honoured Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, winner of the women’s category at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with a cash gift of N20 million.

Tinubu presented the reward to the Gombe State-born Qur’anic reciter on Tuesday in Abuja, describing her international feat as a remarkable achievement that has brought pride to Nigeria and offered a powerful example to young girls across the country.

Dan’Azumi attended the ceremony alongside her father, Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya and other members of the state government.

The First Lady praised the young champion for her mastery of the Holy Qur’an, saying her victory had placed Nigeria in the global spotlight and demonstrated what determination, discipline and commitment could achieve.

She also applauded Dan’Azumi’s parents for investing in her education and nurturing her talent, while recognising the contributions of her teachers, mentors and Governor Yahaya.

Tinubu noted that Maryam’s achievement was particularly significant because it followed another remarkable success within her family. Her elder sister, Hajara, had won a similar international Qur’anic competition in Jordan in 2024.

She described the sisters as role models for young Nigerians and urged Maryam to continue seeking mentorship as she advances her education and career.

“Maryam’s achievement shows the value of hard work, discipline and dedication,” the First Lady said.

She added that education remained a major priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly efforts to expand inclusive education and create opportunities for young Nigerians to discover and develop their abilities.

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Tinubu also expressed her willingness to support Dan’Azumi in pursuing a postgraduate degree, signalling further assistance as the young scholar continues her academic journey.

Earlier, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the international victory as another demonstration of Gombe State’s contribution to education and human development.

The governor rejected the notion that the state was lagging behind in education, pointing to Dan’Azumi’s journey through local and national Qur’anic competitions before qualifying for the prestigious international contest in Saudi Arabia.

According to him, her success reflected the impact of consistent learning, preparation and support from her family and mentors.

Responding to the honour, Dan’Azumi expressed gratitude to the First Lady for recognising her achievement and supporting her.

She said participating in the Saudi Arabian competition provided her with valuable international exposure and expressed hope that her success would encourage other young Nigerians to work harder and pursue excellence in their chosen fields.

The young Qur’anic champion also used the occasion to encourage Nigerian youths to invest in themselves by developing their mental, educational and physical capacities.

Her victory at the international competition, coupled with the recognition from the First Lady, has placed a fresh spotlight on the potential of young Nigerians to excel globally when given the right support, mentorship and opportunities.