The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in words and actions.
Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, gave the advice at the grand finale of the 19th biennial Lagos Qur’an Competition.
The theme was The Unfailing Compass.
The event, organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria MSSN Lagos State Area Unit in honour of her pioneer national president, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Adegbite, was held at W. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of UNILAG, on Sunday, 9th March 2025.
Dr. Jebe said, “We should all emulate the deeds of our noble Prophet (SAW) and his traditions. If you read his history, you’ll realise that his secretary, Zaid bn Thabit, started writing the Qur’an at the age of 15.
“In essence, age doesn’t really matter. It’s about the path every individual chooses to tread. So, every parent should set a right path for their children.”
The Deputy Gov commended MSSN for intentionally transforming the lives of Muslim youths through their laudable programmes.
According to him, “If it was possible for me to be a child again, I would have joined the competition to recite and contend with others. This is a laudable initiative that can transform the lives of youngsters and the Muslim ummah in entirety. We should emulate what MSSN is doing. The public needs to see what these children are doing. Memorising the Qur’an is not an easy task. Allah alone makes it easy and possible.”
Live your lives in conformity with teachings of the Qur’an: Guest Lecturer
A senior lecturer of Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, served as guest lecturer at the event.
Dr. Lafiagi stressed the need for Muslims to individually and as a Ummah lead their lives in conformity with the messages of the Qur’an, which is the ‘Unfailing Compass’.
He said: “The Qur’an provides directions and guidance for Muslims spiritually, morally, socially, economically, and politically. It’s a compass that guides a Muslim on how to lead his life and attain eternal bliss.
“Reading and memorising the Qur’an is one thing. Understanding its messages and living by it is another. To be a beneficiary of the Unfailing Compass, we have to lead our lives in accordance with the dictates of the Qur’an. The teaching of the Qur’an should impact positively on our lives. As such, we would have a safe and sane society, where everyone can cohabit in peace.”
He expressed great delight in seeing young Muslims adorn the Qur’an with beautiful recitations.
“It’s remarkable seeing young Muslims so passionate about memorising and reciting the glorious Qur’an. It’s a testament to what Allah says, that He has revealed the Qur’an and He is its protector. This is one of the ways through which Allah protects his book. In history, there’s no book as infallible and as widely memorised as the Holy Qur’an.
“I’m glad this is happening in Lagos, and it’s the 19th edition. The brothers have really gone far in promoting the culture of reading and memorising the Qur’an. I’m delighted to be a part of this.”
He sent words of advice to the organisers and people in positions of authority.
“I’ll advise the organisers to give this programme more publicity, so that more people can be a part of it. I also urge Muslims in positions of authority to grace occasions like this with their presence. It’s a way of showing reverence to the Qur’an.”
We remain committed to nurturing Muslim students: Amir MSSN Lagos
The Amir, MSSNLagos, Kamoldeen Abiona, noted that the students’ body remains committed to its mission of nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of Muslim students.
“We will continue to organize programs and initiatives that promote the understanding and practice of Islam, and that empower our youth to become responsible and contributing members of society,” he said.
He urged Muslims and youths to embrace the Quran as their unfailing compass and strive to build a society that is guided by its principles.
Abiona appealed to the government and the Muslim community to honor the legacy of the Late Alhaji Lateef Adegbite by upholding the values he championed.
“And let us work together to create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts, accept our good deeds, and grant us success in this world and the hereafter,” he said.
LQC chair expresses gratitude to Allah for successful programme
Speaking on the competition, the Chairman of the 19th LQC, Imam Sulayman Dhikrullah expressed gratitude to Allah, partners, contestants, parents and the Lagos State Muslim Community for the success of the LQC competition.
Dhikrullah noted that the LQC 2025 has set a great standard in terms of the programme design, transparency, standard of judges and more.
He said, “I am also grateful that the event has motivated lots of Muslim youths on the beauties of the Qur’an not just by showcasing awesome recitations but also the quality of lectures delivered. We appreciate everyone for the love and support. Jazakumullahu khayran.”
How winners emerged
The highly-engaging Qur’an contest celebrated young minds who have devoted themselves to this divine text, proving that the Qur’an is not just to be read but lived.
From this rigorous contest emerged six exceptional winners – three males and three females – each demonstrating remarkable mastery and commitment to the Qur’an.
The reciters, having competed from the area council to zonal level and the bootcamp showed up for the Grand Finale, where winners were to be decided, along with their A games.
They read the Qur’an sonorously to the pleasure of many, who were at the event and those who joined virtually. They paid meticulous attention to tajweed, as that was one of the criteria for assessment.
WINNERS IN BRIEF
* Anas Ayub from Agbado-Okeodo Area Council tops 30 Juz male category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an Competition
* Rumaytha Abdul-Quadir from Fajr Centre (Ikorodu West Area Council) tops 30 Juz female category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an Competition
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Ridwanullah Ishaq from Igando-Ikotun Area Council (Mahd Tanzeel Hakeem) emerges winner of 10 Juz male category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an CompetitionNusaybah Bunyamin from Fajr Centre (Ikorodu West Area Council) emerges winner of 10 Juz female category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an Competition
____Kamilah AbdulHafeez from Ikosi-Isheri Area Council wins 5 Juz female category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an Competition
* Abbas Abdul Quadri from Apapa area council wins 5 juz male category at MSSN Lagos Qur’an Competition
Winners were greatly overwhelmed. They glorified Allah for His mercies upon them. Anas Ayub, the overall winner in 30 Juz said: “My contenders are far better than I, but it’s the will of Allah that I win. All I can say is alhamdulillah.”
He disclosed an approach when preparing for Qur’anic competitions.
“Marajah is fast recitation, but my Ustadh taught us to slow down and read like we’d do in a competition whenever we had one ahead of us.”
He identified consistency as instrumental to his success.
12 year old Kamilah Abdul-Hafeez from Ikosi-Isheri said: “I’m so happy to come out victorious. I felt very tense when they pronounced me winner of the 5 juz female category. May reward the organisers.“
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