Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Bauchi State Governor, stated on Saturday that the state government has approved N100 million for this year’s National Quranic Recitation Competition, which would be held in the state.
Governor Mohammed made the announcement while launching a 52-man local organizing committee for the competition, which will take place on March 18 in Bauchi’s Government House.
The governor stated that a budget of N153 million was provided for hosting the competition, of which his government granted N100 million, and that the remaining funds should be raised elsewhere by the organizers.
“I wish to say that the Ministry of Religious Affairs in conjunction with the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and other government agencies have submitted a budget of N153million and the government is providing N100million for this committee so that the rest will be solicited elsewhere,” Governor Mohammed said.
The governor said that the competition was a learning ground for Muslims, particularly on how to read, recite and memorise the Holy Qu’ran.
While saying that the state will organise the best National Quranic Recitation Competition ever, Governor Mohammed said hosting the 36th edition of the competition would provide the state the opportunity of ensuring that the edition would be remembered for a long time to come.
“As we all know, the Musabaqa is a process of training Muslims, particularly the younger ones, the correct reading, recitation and memorisation of the Glorious Qu’ran with its translation.
“Hosting the 36th edition of the National Quranic Recitation Competition by the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, is an opportunity to organise the best ever national Musabaqa,” he said.
According to him, the LOC’s terms of reference of the committee included to “make a fair realistic and detailed budget of financial implication and forward to the government.
“To ensure successful hosting of the 36th edition of the Nigerian Musabaqa in collaboration with Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.
“To liaise with individuals, corporate organisations and stakeholders within and outside the state to solicit for their contributions to complement the funding of the programme.”
The LCO, according to him, would also account for the spending of the money and submit its report two weeks after the competition.
The governor, however, charged the committee to form subcommittees to plan, organise and execute and monitor the conduct of the event –in collaboration with the organisers.
He further charged members to provide security, healthcare and welfare services for organisers, judges, guests, participants as well as members of the public throughout the event.
While saying that competent, experienced and knowledgeable people were carefully selected to serve in the committee, Mohammed assured the committee of the support of his administration to enable members carry out the assignment they are given successfully.
Meanwhile, the governor dispelled the rumour going round in the state that his administration is planning to abolish Tsangaya and other modern Qu’ranic schools in the state.
While assuring that he would not abolish Tsangaya and other modern Qu’ranic schools in the state, Mohammed said the state government was, however, against street begging by Almajirai.
According to him, Tsangaya and other Qu’ray schools were avenues for learning Islamic knowledge, saying that participants in the national Musabaqa were produced by such schools.
Responding, chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Maraba, while thanking the governor for selecting members to serve in the LOC, assured that they would ensure transparency and accountability.
He then charged members to ensure team work among themselves with a view to ensure the success of the assignment they are given to discharge.