The Borno State First Lady, Prof. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for sustained encouragement of the girl child in Qur’anic education and memorisation, describing it as a vital tool for moral development, unity, and social cohesion.

She made the call while attending the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition and Anniversary, hosted by Borno State, which brought together participants from across the country.

She commended the organising committee for the effective coordination of the event and urged parents and guardians to continue encouraging Qur’anic recitation, memorisation, and the practical application of its teachings.

She emphasised that the Holy Qur’an is not meant for recitation alone but serves as a comprehensive source of guidance, enlightenment, and benefit to humanity.

She expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the competition and the impressive participation of female contestants at this year’s edition.

She added that four decades of sustained Qur’anic memorisation and the harmonisation of Qur’anic learning among youths represent a significant milestone worthy of celebration.

According to her, Qur’anic recitation purifies the soul, provides emotional balance, and promotes unity and peaceful coexistence in society.

She noted that despite the distractions of modern life, the spirit of Qur’anic education and memorisation remains strong, particularly among female participants.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Organisation of Qur’anic Education, Prof. Sadiya Umar, said the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition was established as an interactive platform to promote unity, cohesion, and the advancement of Qur’anic education among young Muslims.

She noted that the programme deepens participants’ understanding of the spiritual benefits, glory, and blessings associated with recitation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.

Umar highlighted the remarkable progress recorded in the female category of the competition, stressing that it has produced internationally acclaimed winners and renowned female Islamic scholars within Nigeria and beyond.

She also commended the Borno State Government for its consistent support for Qur’anic and Islamic education and for hosting the 40th edition of the competition after more than three decades.

She recalled that Borno last hosted the event during the second edition in the 1980s and urged other states and stakeholders to emulate Borno’s commitment to Qur’anic memorisation and hospitality.