Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition

By: Bodunrin Kayode

There was massive jubilation at the convocation square of university of Maiduguri as Borno State emerged as the winner in the male category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition tagged, ‘Borno 2025’.

Announcing the results over the weekend, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Yelwa, declared Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno as the winner of the male category of the competition.

Also after a ten day stiff competition, in the unimaid campus, the winner of the female category was also Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State

The ten day competition, which is the 40th in the series since inception, saw 296 contestants from 30 states competing across six categories to win grand prizes.

In his remark, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, stated that the successful hosting of the 2025 Qur’anic competition signalled the return of peace to the state.

He noted that the event symbolised the people’s commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge which were key factors of development.

“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State, it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an.

“Borno State remains resolute in its mission to rebuild, restore peace and prioritise education, both secular and religious.

“The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world. Borno is back, Borno is safe and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth,

“To those who have emerged as the ultimate champions in their respective categories, I offer my most profound congratulations.

“Your success is not merely a victory in a competition, it is a crowning achievement born of countless hours of discipline, commitment, and reverence for the Word of Allah.

“And to every young man and woman who participated, who stood before the judges and recited from the Holy Book, I want you to know that you are all winners.

“The true spirit of this competition lies not just in the prizes won, but in the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate.” Said Zulum.

Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation for the support of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Governors and their deputies; royal fathers; Usman Dan Fodio University; and other prominent personalities who contributed to the success of the occasion.

Also speaking, Prof Attahiru Jega Pro Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio university Sokoto said he believes that the whole exercise is about knowledge passed from generation to generation adding that the 40th celebration of the activity is a celebration of excellence that is worthwhile.

Chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) and secretary to the Borno State government, Tijani Bukar said he was excited that the program ended in peace and those who participated were happy with the officiating and entire conduct of the occasion.

The event was attended by Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umoru Radda; the Sokoto State Deputy Governor; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; other traditional rulers; members of the National and State Assemblies; the APC Deputy National Chairman; commissioners; Islamic scholars; and other dignitaries.

High points of the event was the presentation of gifts to the winners by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.
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Relief as Navy supports Gombe community with school, water projects

By Hajara Leman

The Nigerian Navy on Friday inaugurated a 600-litre capacity borehole and a school at Dungaje community in Cham District of Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The projects were executed under the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas’ Special Intervention Quick Impact Project.

The gesture was in recognition of Rear Admiral Ayuba Chuguli (rtd), outstanding service to the nation and the Nigerian Navy.

Inaugurating the projects, Abbas said the project was conceived by the Naval Headquarters as a mark of appreciation for Chuguli’s.

Abbas was represented by the project facilitator, Rear Admiral Ayuba Chuguli (rtd).

He said the projects inaugurated include three solar-powered boreholes with a combined capacity of 600 litres, three blocks of classrooms comprising nine classrooms, and staff quarters for primary and junior secondary schools, among other interventions.

“The inauguration of this 600-litre boreholes is not only to honour Rear Admiral Chuguli’s meritorious service, but also to support the health and daily needs of Dungaje, Kwarge and Jublan communities, all in Mona Ward of Cham District, Balanga LGA.

“Access to clean water is essential to public health, and this project reflects our commitment to community development,” he said.

The state deputy governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, urged members of the community to take full ownership of facilities executed by government and individuals to ensure sustainability and long-term benefits.

“Government alone cannot guarantee the longevity of such projects without the active involvement of beneficiaries.W hen communities see projects as their own, they are more likely to safeguard them against vandalism, misuse and neglect,” he said.

Jatau urged residents, particularly youths and community leaders, to work together to ensure effective protection and utilisation of the facilities.

He also commended individuals and development partners who contributed to community development, noting that such efforts complement government initiatives and accelerate grassroots development.

The Paramount Ruler of Cham, Dr James Chachis, lauded the Nigerian Navy for bringing the water project to the area, describing it as timely and impactful.

He said the borehole would significantly reduce water-related challenges being faced by residents, especially women and children.

The traditional ruler called on other public-spirited individuals in the community to emulate the project facilitator by contributing to development initiatives.

Relief as Navy supports Gombe community with school, water projects

Gombe Govt restates commitment to MSMEs growth

The Gombe State Government, on Friday engaged stakeholders in the finance sector towards easing access to credit and ensuring the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

Malam Muhammad Magaji, the state’s Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development stated this in Gombe while declaring open the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme, themed: “Guide to Access Credit”.

Magaji said that the meeting was aimed at creating an environment conducive for business growth by removing the bottlenecks around accessing finance.

He said that the administration of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has prioritised the development of businesses and industries to drive economic prosperity for the state, create jobs and improve the wellbeing of residents.

Magaji who was represented by Mr Jalo Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said that the state is now more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow.

According to him, Yahaya-led administration’s commitment to MSMEs growth is to ensure inclusive growth of the economy in view of the role of such small businesses to economic transformation.

“We are engaging the financial institutions and relevant stakeholders to see how we can remove the barriers affecting access to credit to SMEs in the state.

“This is part of the current administration’s commitment to strengthening access to loan facilities that would give life to small businesses and help more youths start up businesses.

“We are very committed as a government to see to it that we provide all the needed supports to make doing business in Gombe State easy.

“Government will inject more money into the system to serve as collateral for business owners and also serve as guarantor to those who are willing to access finance,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji Nasiru Aliyu the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Tourism,
Gombe State restated the state government’s commitment to industrialising the state and attracting investors.

Aliyu said that Yahaya’s administration had invested a lot to boost industrial growth and turn the state into the industrial and evonomic hub of North East.

Mr Kabiru Tsoho, the SABER focal person for Gombe State said that the SABER Programme is a World-Bank project aimed at easing businesses towards accelerating the growth of the economic sector.

Tsoho said the engagement would help remove impediments to accessing finance and encouraging business growth.

“This will help improve business environment and encourage investment which would provide more opportunities for jobs to be created and for economic empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

Mr Sanusi Abdullahi, Chairman, Traders Association of Nigeria, Gombe State chapter commended the initiative by the state government and World Bank to make doing business easy.

Abdullahi said with improved access to loans, there would be more youth employment and improvement in the standard of living of residents of the state.

Gombe Govt restates commitment to MSMEs growth