By way of Usman Aliyu
The Edo Committee on Qur’anic Recitation Festival (Musaabaqah) has decided on 10 reciters to constitute the state on the 2026 nationwide pageant scheduled to carry in Jigawa in December.
The reciters emerged winners of their respective classes on the grand finale of the state pageant hung on Sunday in Benin Town.
Mallam Hamza Usman, Edo Coordinator of the committee, introduced the consequences on Monday, pronouncing about 1,000 scholars participated within the competitions on the native executive and senatorial district ranges.
Usman stated the chosen reciters, comprising men and women, would go through a one-month coaching camp to reinforce their memorisation and fluent recitation of the Holy Qur’an forward of the nationwide contest.
Previous, Ahmed Momoh, Particular Adviser to Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Islamic Spiritual Issues, stated the contest was once designed to inspire youngsters to be informed and memorise the Qur’an.
This, he stated, would advertise Islamic wisdom and ethical self-discipline, and foster solidarity and non violent coexistence amongst Muslims.
Momoh recommended the governor for supporting Islamic actions and selling non secular team spirit within the state.
In his remarks, Kelvin Danesi, conventional ruler of South Ibie and Chairman of the contest within the state, stated the contest were decentralised to advertise wider participation amongst Muslims around the state’s 3 senatorial districts.
Danesi stated the reforms have been meant to handle the former focus of the contest actions in Edo North and make sure that Muslims in Edo South and Edo Central have been additionally incorporated.
“I need to say that that is the primary time Musaabaqah actions had been held within the capital of the state, Benin Town.
“We now suppose that there will have to be reform. Islamic actions must now not be restricted or limited to part of the state. It must be all-inclusive, and because of this we now have launched into reform,” he stated.
Danesi added that suggestions were made for the appointment of deputy coordinators in every senatorial district to paintings with the state coordinator and give a boost to participation.
“We now have youngsters in Edo South and Edo Central, and I will say evidently that they have got now not been taking part actively.
“That is the primary time we’re extending the programme to Edo South in order that no person will really feel excluded or left in the back of,” he stated.
Mr Umar Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo Executive and chairman of the contest, recommended the state coordinator and judges for his or her efforts.
Ikhilor stated the contest must inspire Muslim youngsters and their folks to take Qur’anic research and recitation severely.
“I imagine that, by means of seeing the participation of those youngsters, it’ll function motivation for many who have now not but participated,” he stated.
He additionally recommended the governor for supporting non secular actions throughout faiths. (NAN)
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Edited by means of Chioma Ugboma