Media guru, Kayode Awobadejo stages Qur’an competition on 60th birthday, rewards students with cash prizes, gifts

… Sponsors Muslim News’ publisher for Hajj 2020

When his mates would have thrown a big shindig and painted the town red, Media Marketing guru and Chief Executive Officer, DICOLI Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Kayode Awobadejo opted for something more sublime and rewarding in the sight of his Lord , Allah by staging a Qur’anic competition to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Held at the Bab El Salam Orphanage Home, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria today, Sunday, 29th September 2019, the maiden edition of the Qur’an competition saw Master AbdulLateef Hussein from Afubram Private School defeat 17 other participants from different schools and Madaaris in the state to emerge overall winner.

The young scholar carted home a princely sum of N70,000 and a brand new laptop while the first and second runners-up, the duo of Mustapha Saheed from Madrasatu Darul Arqam and Muftihat Daud of Sabilul Falah Madrasah won the sums of N40,000 and N30,000 respectively as well brand new laptops.

Ensuring all participants had a smile on their faces, the organiser gave the 4th to 10th position mini-tabs and N5,000 each alongside copies of the glorious Qur’an, while the remaining eight got N5,000 each and other consolation prizes.

During the competition that lasted for about three hours, the contestants were drilled on their levels of memorisation and understanding of Tajweed (science of reciting) the Qur’an by a panel led by renowned author, Imam Tohir Idris Hassan, Ustadh Yahya Muhammad and Ustadh Aminu Muhammad Uthman.

…Sponsors Muslim News publisher for Hajj 2020

The event, which was attended by friends,  families and colleagues of Alhaji Awobadejo reached its peak when the celebrant declared his intention to sponsor an individual for an all expense paid trip for Hajj 2020 through an open ballot process.

No fewer than 50 guests participated in the open ballot process by writing down their names and at the end of the exercise, the winner of the Qur’an competition, AbdulLateef Hussein decided the winner.

To the amazement of all, the publisher of Muslim News Nigeria and renowned author of Hijab and the Nigerian Press, Mallam Rasheed Abubakar emerged winner of the Hajj slot.

I’m grateful to Allah – Celebrant

While giving his vote of thanks, the celebrant, Alhaji Awobadejo whose joy knew no bound broke down in tears of joy as he specially gave thanks to Allah for preserving his life.

“I give thanks to Allah for HIS Mercy and blessings on me and my family. My father couldn’t get to this age before he answered the call of Allah but here I am today clocking 60. This is solely by Allah’s Rahmah.

“The Qur’an competition is to give thanks to Allah and also to get more reward from Allah. I sincerely appreciate all that have honoured me with their presence , my family and the organising committee for their commitment towards bringing this event to reality.

As a means of appreciating Allah, one person in the hall today will be going for an all expenses-paid Hajj next year (2020) courtesy Alhaji Kayode Awobadejo.”

Be conscious of Allah — Imam Tohir

The guest lecturer and Imam, Bab El Salam Orphanage Home, Mallam Tohir Hassan, while thanking Allah on behalf of the celebrant reminded all present on the importance of being conscious of Allah and HIS commandments.

Imam Tohir, who authored the popular books on ‘Tajweed’, noted that “What is important is how you live your life. What we do determine how we look. Living for years against the commandments of Allah has no value. If your goal is the hereafter, the world would come to you but if the world is your goal, it will run away from you.”

He further advised on the importance of evaluating one’s deeds and praying to Allah for long life upon good and prayed for the celebrant and his family.

Expression from the winners

When Muslim News spoke with some of the winners, their joy could not be quantified.

I am grateful to Allah for winning – AbdulLateef

“Alhamdulilah,” Young AbdulLateef said, “I’m grateful to Allah for the victory at the Musaabaqah (contest/competition). I was not sure at first that I would be the winner, I was hoping for the second or third position. I appreciate and pray Allah rewards the organisers.”

Let’s learn the Qur’an – Muftihat

In her words, Muftihat said, “I’m so happy for winning the third place award. I will advise everyone to focus on the learning of the Qur’an because without it, they are nothing.

“But if you are good in the Qur’an, anything you want to do like the western education, you will be better in it,” she buttressed.

I’m short of words – Abubakar

The winner of the Hajj slot, Mallam Rasheed Abubakar was completely short of  words to express his delight.

“Did I just hear my name?” Abubakar asked this reporter, who was sitting close to him as the anchor of the event, Alhaji Jubril Folami announced his name as the winner.

He said, “I am highly elated. It is a great news and sincerely speaking, I am short of words. I don’t even know what to say. This is just like a dream come true. Alhamdulillah.

“Going for Hajj is just like establishing a pillar of Islam and the dream is coming to reality. I specially thank Allah and Alhaji Awobadejo for this and I pray Allah blesses and reward him abundantly.”

Story by: Abdul Waheed Shotonwa