South-West Musabaqah delegation in Borno, visits Shehu

Visit comes amid 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A delegation representing Muslim communities from Nigeria’s South-West has paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr) Abba Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, on the sidelines of the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, in a move described as aimed at strengthening national unity.

The high-level visit brought together Musabaqah coordinators and officials from Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo states, marking four decades of the national Qur’anic competition, which organisers say has served as a platform for religious learning and social cohesion across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, Ogun State Musabaqah coordinator, said the visit symbolised “bridge-building” between northern and southern Nigeria, stressing the need for cooperation across regional and cultural lines.

During the meeting, the Shehu of Borno highlighted what he described as shared ancestral ties between the Kanuri and Yoruba peoples, a remark warmly received by the visitors as a reminder of long-standing historical connections between the regions.

The delegation also used the occasion to press for a clearer constitutional role for traditional rulers, arguing that royal institutions remain central to peace-building and community leadership. They pointed to the successful hosting of the competition in Borno despite persistent security challenges as evidence of the relevance of traditional authority.

The visitors praised the Borno State government and the Shehu for what they described as courage and resolve in staging the event, saying its success sent a message of resilience from a state long affected by violence.

“This visit is not merely ceremonial; it reflects one of the core objectives of the Musabaqah – promoting unity and brotherhood,” Akintunde said. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Borno and support the constitutional empowerment of traditional rulers as part of efforts to strengthen national stability.”

Organisers say the 40th edition of the Qur’anic Recitation Competition continues to draw participants and observers from across Nigeria, reinforcing its role as a national forum for faith, dialogue and unity.

FULL TEXT OF SPEECH

BEING A SPEECH DELIVERED ON THE OCCASION OF A COURTESY VISIT TO HIS EMINENCE, THE SHEHU OF BORNO,
ALHAJI (DR.) ABBA UMAR GARBAI AL-AMIN EL-KANEMI,

BY THE SOUTH-WEST CONTINGENT TO THE 40TH NATIONAL QUR’ANIC RECITATION COMPETITION AND ANNIVERSARY, MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE**

Delivered by: Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, Esq. (Leader of the Delegation and Ogun State Coordinator, Musabaqah)

Islamic and Conventional Protocols Observed

Your Eminence, the Shehu of Borno and Chairman, Borno State Council of Chiefs; Distinguished Members of the Emirate Council; Palace Officials and Aides; Members of the South-West Musabaqah Delegation;

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

I. Expression of Gratitude and Purpose

We stand before Your Eminence today profoundly humbled and deeply grateful for the rare privilege of this audience, graciously granted upon our request.

This visit is of two-fold significance. Firstly, it is borne out of our deep respect for the enduring authority and wisdom vested in the traditional institution, which continues to serve as a moral compass for our society. Secondly, and most fundamentally, this visit underscores a cardinal and cherished objective of the Musabaqah al-Qur’an al-Karīm—to promote and entrench unity, brotherhood, and spiritual harmony among the diverse peoples of Northern and Southern Nigeria.

This delegation, therefore, stands as a tangible product of the enduring goodwill generated by four decades of this esteemed national event. Our visit today is both commemorative and historic, marking the profound gains recorded throughout the 40-year journey of the Musabaqah.

II. Delegation and Acknowledgement of Challenges

This delegation comprises Coordinators and dedicated officials from the South-Western States of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo.

We must, however, regretfully note the absence of contingents from Ekiti and Ondo States. Their participants were unable to attend the Borno 2025 competition as parents and guardians withheld permission, citing prevailing concerns about insecurity in what is fondly referred to as the “Home of Peace.” This reality highlights both the sensitivity of the moment and the immense moral courage displayed by the host state, while reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance.

III. Commendation for the Development of the Musabaqah

Your Eminence, permit us to acknowledge and deeply appreciate the progressive development of the Musabaqah al-Qur’an and its consistent achievement of its core objectives—particularly the promotion of Muslim unity, fraternal cohesion, youth mentorship, memorisation of the Glorious Qur’an, and the spiritual enrichment of our nation.

In commending the National Organisers, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, it is an undeniable truth that these achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of highly revered traditional rulers such as Your Eminence. We fondly recall Your Eminence’s presence and invaluable contributions during the 36th edition hosted by Lagos State in 2019.

Your proactive role in ensuring that Borno State hosted this historic 40th Anniversary Edition cannot be overstated. It speaks volumes of your commitment to education, faith, and national integration.

IV. The Role of Traditional Rulers

The pivotal role played by Your Eminence stands as a powerful testament to the indispensable contributions of traditional rulers in nation-building and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

We, therefore, lend our full support to the widely held call for the restoration of a constitutional role for traditional rulers in Nigeria. We respectfully urge the National Assembly to prioritise this vital initiative and ensure its inclusion in the ongoing constitutional review process.

V. Conclusion and Appreciation

In conclusion, we wish to commend the Borno State Government for the uncommon courage and resolute determination demonstrated in hosting this Musabaqah despite prevailing security challenges. This bold decision underscores the concerted and sustained efforts of the State Government to combat insecurity and reaffirm the peace for which Maiduguri is known.

We pray that through the continued efforts of leaders like Your Eminence, alongside the State Government, Borno State and indeed Nigeria as a whole will continue to enjoy lasting and enduring peace.

Wassalāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

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