By Kassim Omomia
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says the outstanding performance of his administration in Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA programme, especially in metamorphosing traditional Tsangaya Schools into integrated modern schools with improved welfare and monitoring, is a proof of its commitment towards providing basic education for all without discrimination.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was speaking during the opening ceremony of 36th round of the National Qur’an Recitation Competition holding in Bauchi, where he served as chairman of the occasion.
The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, stressed the importance of both religious and western education in the quest to promote societal growth and development.
Governor urged the Muslim ummah and the citizens in general to pursue education with vigour and remain steadfast in the quest for knowledge to enable them contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.
He pledged his government’s continued support to the upliftment of education.
“Our government would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that our youths are given qualitative education to enable them excel in all their endeavors.
He encouraged all Muslims to assist morally and financially towards the noble objectives of the Qur’an competition, adding that it will attract abundant rewards from Allah.
He admonished the participants to put more efforts in this year’s competition to provide competent representatives of the country at the international level of the competition.
While stressing the need for Muslim ummah to embrace the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Noble Prophet, Muhammad (SAW), the Governor urged the facilitators of the competition to use the avenue to preach religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
“It is my sincere belief that Islam, if properly taught and practised, would provide an orderly society where unity, peace and justice shall reign”.
He also noted with high regard the role of Qur’anic Recitation Competition in increasing the quantum of memorisers of the Holy Qur’an not only in Nigeria but in the whole world.
“We have millions of Muslims across the globe today, who learnt and memorized the Holy Qur’an through participation in the recitation competitions”
He therefore stressed the need for Muslims to support the course of Musabaqah towards enhancing unity and brotherhood among Muslims, especially youths.
“Musabaqah develops mental faculties, encourage the spirit of healthy competition and promote the zeal to acquire knowledge, which is fundamental for spiritual and mental development” he maintained.
National Quran Recitation Competition is a yearly event that draws participants from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT with the aim of providing country’s representatives at the international event holding in Saudi Arabia.