Enrich your minds, embrace Qur’an, Niger gov, Etsu Nupe tell youths

NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello and the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, have stressed the need for Muslim youths in the state to fill their minds with things that would add value to their lives and the society at large, particularly by engaging in the recitation of The Qur’an and constant reflection on its content.

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The two leaders also advised parents not to avoid their roles as caregivers, mentors and role models to their children.

Governor Sani-Bello and Alhaji Abubakar gave the advice last weekend at the closing of the 33rd edition of the state’s annual Qur’an recitation competition, hosted by Lapai Emirate from December 2 to December 8 at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

Governor Sani-Bello said there was the need to prevent the minds of the youth from wandering and getting filled with negative thoughts and activities by engaging them in sporting, religious and other productive activities.

He, therefore, encouraged youths in the state to participate in Qur’an recitation competitions to increase their knowledge and stand the chance of winning prizes and laurels that would boost their statuses and confidence.

“The winners got over N500,000 each. I believe we can promote our youths to be more engaged in sports, Qur’anic recitation competitions and other productive aspects of life rather than just sitting down doing nothing,” he said.

Governor Sani-Bello, who presented the overall winners of the competition, Jamila Musa from Mashegu Local Government Area and Abbas Mohammed Hussain from Suleja Local Government Area with the prize money of N500,000 each, commended the organisers as well as Lapai Emirate and pledged the state government’s continued support for the contest.

The Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago III, described all the participants in the competition as winners and commended the state government for its support and contributions to the programme.

The guest speaker on the occasion, Sheikh Zakariya Abdulmalik, explained that “no matter the level of education of an individual, there is the need to study The Holy Qur’an and have the fear of Allah.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Haliru Dantoro Kintoro IV; the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim; the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu and the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago.