Kano’s Hafsat Muhammad Sada emerged as the overall winner in the female category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition hosted by Borno State.
The week-long competition, tagged “Borno 2025,” was the 40th edition in the national series and was held in Maiduguri.
Abubakar Yelwa, director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, announced the results at the closing ceremony on Saturday.
He said Musa Ahmed Musa from Borno State emerged as the overall male champion of the competition.
A total of 296 contestants from 30 states participated in the event, competing across six recitation categories.
Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State governor, said hosting the national competition showed that peace and stability had returned to the state.
“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honor for Borno State, it is a clear affirmation of our commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge,” Zulum said.
He said the event reflected the state’s resolve to rebuild and promote both religious and secular education.
“The successful hosting of this national event is a signal to the world that Borno is back, safe, and ready to serve as a center for learning and spiritual growth,” he added.
Zulum congratulated Hafsat Sada, Musa Ahmed Musa, and other winners, describing their success as the result of discipline and dedication to the Holy Qur’an.
He also praised all participants, saying the real value of the competition lies in the pursuit of knowledge rather than prizes.
The governor thanked Kashim Shettima, vice president of Nigeria, his wife Nana Kashim Shettima, governors, traditional rulers, Usman Dan Fodio University, and other partners for supporting the event.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the vice president, Dikko Umoru Radda, Katsina State governor, the Sokoto State deputy governor, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno, lawmakers, Islamic scholars, and other guests.
The event ended with the presentation of gifts by the wife of the vice president, Nana Kashim Shettima.
