The Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Uba Misilli, shared a message on his page outlining the Gombe State Government's stance on the achievement of their daughter, Maryam Ibrahim Dan'azumi.
The aide stated: Governor Inuwa Yahaya congratulated Hafiza Maryam Dan’azumi on emerging as the overall first-position winner at the International Quran Competition held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Governor looks forward to personally honoring the champion upon her return. The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, expressed deep joy and pride over the remarkable international achievement of Gombe-indigene Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi, who emerged as the overall first-place winner in the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition held in Saudi Arabia.
Maryam, a student at Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Herwagana Quarters, Gombe, represented Nigeria in this prestigious competition. She competed in the category of full Quran memorization, recitation, Tajweed, and Tafsir (60 Hizb with Tafsir), securing first place among participants from various countries. Demonstrating exceptional proficiency, Maryam brought international acclaim and praise to both Gombe and Nigeria. This victory is especially significant as it marks the first time females participated in the competition's 46-year history, making her achievement a historic milestone and a source of immense pride.
In a statement issued to celebrate this monumental success, Governor Yahaya congratulated Maryam, her family, her teachers, and the entire Muslim community of Gombe. He described her victory as a great point of pride for Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor stated that Maryam's achievement highlights the importance of discipline, dedication, and determination in the pursuit of knowledge, adding that her global success reflects the talent and potential inherent in the youth of Gombe State.
He added: “I am immensely proud of the outstanding accomplishment of our daughter on the world stage. Maryam’s success reflects excellence and the rich educational heritage of Gombe. Her victory brings pride not only to Gombe, but to Nigeria as a whole. I am confident that this achievement will inspire many young people, especially girls, to strive for excellence and excel in their chosen fields.”
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting youth educational development, including Quranic and religious studies, which he emphasized play a crucial role in nurturing discipline, moral values, and good citizenship. He stated that the government will continue to support and honor individuals whose achievements promote the good name of Gombe State both within Nigeria and internationally.
Governor Yahaya said: “Our commitment to advancing youth education, particularly religious studies, remains unwavering. We recognize the role religious education plays in character building and societal development. Gombe is known for excellence, and we will continue to support those who elevate Gombe’s standing globally. Maryam is one of such individuals, and we are proud to celebrate her success.”
The Governor noted that Maryam’s journey was even more remarkable because she started at the local government level, progressed through the state level, emerged overall first at the national level, and ultimately represented Nigeria at the international competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated that he looks forward to personally receiving and honoring Maryam upon her return to Nigeria. He noted that such recognition would encourage her to continue pursuing excellence and serve as inspiration for other youths to aspire to similar heights.
The Governor urged parents, teachers, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to continue supporting talented youth by providing them with the necessary encouragement and opportunities to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Governor also commended the role played by the Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School for Qur’anic Memorisation, stating that the school contributed significantly to nurturing the talents of the successful youth.
Remarkably, Governor Inuwa Yahaya himself served as the pioneer Chairman of the school's Governing Board before becoming Governor. Upon assuming office as Governor, he handed over the position to Architect Yunusa Yakubu. Thus, the Governor's personal connection to the school adds a special dimension to Maryam's monumental success, underscoring his long-standing commitment to youth development in Gombe State.