… Begins training for Qur’anic students ahead of 2025 nat’l competition
BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH
The Edo State MUSABAQAH Board, the body responsible for coordinating Quranic competitions in the state, has suspended its Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Oyarekhua, over allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct.
The suspension was announced at a meeting of the Board held at the Palace of the Otaru of Auchi Sacred Kingdom, where resolutions were adopted to safeguard the integrity of MUSABAQAH in the state.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, Alhaji Oyarekhua was accused of misappropriating funds without the approval of the Board Chairman, failing to submit activity and financial reports since 2019, and neglecting to subject Edo students to proper screening during the last Quranic competition in Kebbi State.
He was also alleged to have made unauthorized payments of MUSABAQAH funds into the Edo State Pilgrims Welfare Board account without the consent of the Board leadership.
The Board directed him to return all MUSABAQAH properties in his possession and face a formal query to respond to the allegations.
In the interim, the Board appointed Barr. Umoru Hamza as Acting Coordinator, to head a management team that will report to the Aidenogie of South Ibie, HRH Kelvin Danesi, and ultimately to the Otaru of Auchi, HRH Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, who serves as Chairman of the MUSABAQAH Board.
The communiqué was jointly signed by prominent traditional rulers and Islamic leaders, including, HRH Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, the Otaru of Auchi and Board Chairman; HRH Alhaji Kelvin Danesi, the Aidenogie of South Ibie; HRH Alhaji Ali Suleman, the Ogieaga of Ibvie; HRH Jackson Dauda Etokhana, the Oghie Avhianwu; Alhaji AbdulAzeez Igbinidu, Chairman, Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs; Alhaji Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board; and Alhaji (Prof.) Zakariya Oseni, Chief Imam of Auchi.
The Board stressed that the action was necessary to restore transparency, accountability, and discipline in the management of MUSABAQAH activities in Edo State.
On another development, the State MUSABAQAH Board has announced a two-week intensive training programme for Qur’anic students across the state in preparation for the forthcoming National Qur’anic Competition scheduled to hold in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Coordinator of the Board, Sheikh (Barr.) Hamza Umar Usman, the training will run from Saturday, August 30 to Sunday, September 7, 2025, beginning daily at 9:00 a.m. at Arafat Mosque, Auchi, in Edo North Senatorial District
The programme, he explained, is designed to identify, groom, and select representatives who will fly Edo State’s flag at the prestigious national competition.
Sheikh Usman emphasized that the training is open to all Qur’anic students in Edo State and that participation is absolutely free.
He further urged interested students and their tutors to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the MUSABAQAH Board remains committed to promoting Qur’anic knowledge and excellence among Muslim youths in the state.
The National Qur’anic Competition is an annual event that brings together participants from across Nigeria to showcase mastery of Qur’an recitation, memorization, and interpretation.
Edo State has continued to make its mark at the competition, with expectations high for a strong showing this year, especially as a new leadership has emerged in the Board.
