Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has congratulated Maryam Ibrahim Dan’azumi of Gombe State for emerging first in both the Women’s 60 Hizb and Tafsir categories at the 46th International Qur’an Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pantami conveyed the congratulatory message through his Facebook account on Thursday, describing Maryam’s achievement as a proud moment for Gombe State, her family and Nigeria.
He congratulated Maryam, her teachers, parents and colleagues, saying her success on the international stage had brought immense joy and pride to the state and the country.
Maryam is the younger sister of Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi, who also made Nigeria proud in 2024 after emerging overall winner of the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan.
Following Hajara’s achievement, Pantami presented her with a car and awarded her a scholarship to support her education through university, with the scholarship reportedly paid in full in advance.
The former minister said the success of the two sisters demonstrated the potential of young Nigerians when given the right support, encouragement and opportunities.
“Seeing two sisters excel in international Qur’an competitions is particularly heartwarming,” the statement said, describing Maryam’s accomplishment as a reflection of the talent and potential among young people in Gombe State and Nigeria.
The 46th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorising, Reciting and Interpreting the Glorious Qur’an was held in Makkah under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The competition, organised by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, attracted 334 male and female contestants from 133 countries, reportedly making it the largest turnout in the history of the competition.
The statement also acknowledged Saudi Arabia for awarding Maryam a special prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, estimated at about N120 million.
Pantami prayed for increased knowledge, guidance and continued success for Maryam and her sister, Hajara, while commending students of Qur’anic knowledge across Nigeria and beyond.
The congratulatory message was signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation and dated August 20, 2026.
