First Lady Remi Tinubu gifts ₦20m to International Qur’anic champion Maryam Dan’Azumi, Backs Postgraduate Studies

*Maryam has brought joy, honour to Nigeria

By Lateeph Eniola, Assistant Editor

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, awarded N20 million to 19-year-old Maryam Dan’Azumi for winning the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia.

First Lady welcomed the young Qur’anic reciter at the State House in Abuja, offering to sponsor her master’s degree. She praised the girl’s achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and a powerful inspiration for young girls across the country.

Maryam won the women’s division at the international competition, defeating competitors from 133 countries..

Mrs Tinubu said the feat demonstrated what Nigerian youths could accomplish through hard work, discipline and dedication, noting that education remained a priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady told Maryam: “You have brought joy to us, showing Nigeria to the world again, about her worth and the good that can come from her.” NigeriaTravel Guides

She described Maryam as a worthy example for young girls, saying her success had shown her generation the value of diligence and commitment.

“You are a pride to the girl-child. You are a pride to the girl-child. You are showing your generation the way to go and that is hard work, pursued with divine wisdom and God has crowned your efforts,” she said.

Read Also: 2027: 98 Reps members fail to secure return tickets

The First Lady hailed Maryam’s father for giving her a sound upbringing, which she said had translated into honour for Nigeria, Gombe State, the family and Maryam herself. NigeriaTravel Guides

She urged the teenager to remain focused on her education and embrace mentorship as she progresses academically, assuring her of support towards attaining a master’s degree.

The First Lady subsequently presented Maryam with the N20 million reward in recognition of her international achievement.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who accompanied Maryam to the State House alongside his wife, Dr Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, her father and other state government officials, traced the teenager’s journey to the international title.

Yahaya said Maryam had distinguished herself in Qur’anic recitation competitions from the local government level, progressing to the state and national stages before qualifying to represent Nigeria at the international competition in Saudi Arabia.

The governor described her victory as a source of pride to Gombe State and Nigeria.

Responding, Maryam thanked the First Lady for the reception, honour and support accorded her.

She said participating in the competition in Saudi Arabia provided her an opportunity to interact with contestants from different parts of the world.

Maryam expressed hope that her success would encourage other young Nigerians to work harder, remain dedicated to their pursuits and strive for excellence.