The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday rewarded 19-year-old Maryam Dan’Azumi, winner of the women’s category of the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Saudi Arabia, with N20 million.
Mrs Tinubu, who received the young Qur’anic reciter at the State House, Abuja, also offered to support her pursuit of a master’s degree, describing her achievement as a source of pride to Nigeria and an inspiration to the girl-child.
Maryam emerged winner of the women’s category of the international competition, which attracted participants from 133 countries.
The First Lady 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.’
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.
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.
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.