*Photo L-R : Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde (Leader of delegation & Ogun State Coordinator, Shehu of Borno, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi),& Lagos State Representative,Alhaji Mustapha Balogun*
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji (Dr.) Abba Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, has reaffirmed the ancient ancestral ties between the Kanuri and Yoruba peoples, describing them as belonging to the same race and sharing a deep affection for one another.
The monarch made these remarks while receiving in audience the South-West states’ leadership and contingents participating in the ongoing 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Borno 2025) at his palace in Maiduguri.
Expressing his delight at the visit, the Shehu emphasized that Borno State remains a “Home of Peace,” inhabited by peace-loving and accommodating people. He clarified a common misconception regarding the state’s security history, noting that Borno was historically free of violence.
“Borno State did not experience violence until the unfortunate onset of insurgency and Boko Haram activities,” the Shehu stated. He attributed these disruptions to bandits and external elements originating from Nigeria’s neighbouring countries rather than the indigenous population.
The Royal Highness commended the South-West delegation for their participation and their effort in bridging the gap between the North and South through the Musabaqah (Qur’anic Competition). He charged the delegation to
pray fervently for the continued peace and prosperity of Nigeria, and
to maintain the spirit of brotherhood that the Qur’anic competition fosters.
He concluded by wishing the participants a successful competition and a safe stay in the state, reaffirming that the doors of the Borno Emirate remain open to their Yoruba brothers.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, Ogun State Coordinator of Musabaqah, noted that the visit commemorates four decades of the National Qur’anic Competition as a tool for national integration.
He lauded the Borno State Government and the Shehu for hosting the 40th anniversary of the competition, noting that the event’s success serves as a victory over the forces of insecurity.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial; it underscores a cardinal aim of the Musabaqah—to promote unity and brotherhood. We stand in solidarity with the people of Borno and support the constitutional empowerment of our Royal Fathers to further secure the nation,” stated Asiwaju Kamal’deenAkintunde.
The delegation included State Coordinators and officials from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo States, representing a united front for the promotion of Qur’anic scholarship and national stability.
SPEECH READ ON THE OCCASION OF THE 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 IN MAIDUGURI,BORNO STATE.
Read By Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde,Esq. (Leader of the Delegation and Ogun State Coordinator of Musabaqah)
*Islamic and conventional protocols*
Your Eminence, the Shehu of Borno and Chairman of the Borno State Council of Chiefs;
Distinguished Members of the Emirate Council;
Palace Officials abd Aides; Members of the South-West Musabaqah Delegation;
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.
*Expression of Gratitude and Purpose*
We stand before Your Eminence today, profoundly humbled and deeply grateful for the privilege of this audience, which was graciously granted upon our request.
This visit is of two-fold significance. Firstly, it is borne out of our innate respect for the enduring authority and wisdom vested in the traditional institution, which serves as the moral compass of our society. Secondly, and most fundamentally, this visit underscores a cardinal and cherished aim 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, is a tangible product of the lasting goodwill generated by four decades of this esteemed National event. Our visit today is commemorative and historic, marking the profound gains attained throughout the 40-year journey of the Musabaqah.
*II. Delegation and Acknowledgment of Challenges*
This delegation comprises the Coordinators and dedicated officials from the South-Western States of Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo.
We must, however, regrettably note the absence of our contingents from Ekiti and Ondo States. Their participants were unfortunately unable to join the Borno 2025 competition, as their parents and guardians withheld permission, citing prevailing concerns over insecurity in what is affectionately known as the “Home of Peace.” This reality emphasizes the immense moral courage demonstrated by the host state and the necessity of continued vigilance.
*III. Commendation for Musabaqah Development*
Your Eminence, permit us to acknowledge and deeply appreciate the progressive development of the Musabaqah al-Qur’an and its consistent attainment of its core objectives, particularly the promotion of Muslim unity, fraternal cohesion, youth mentorship, memorization of the Glorious Qur’an, and the spiritual enrichment of our nation.
In commending the National Organizers, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for this sustained feat, it is an undeniable truth that such success could not have been achieved without the unwavering support of highly revered traditional rulers like Your Eminence. We fondly recall Your Eminence’s presence and valuable contribution during the 36th edition hosted by Lagos State in 2019.
Your proactive support in ensuring that the Borno State Government played host to this 40th, historic, and Anniversary edition cannot be overstated; it speaks volumes about your commitment to education and national integration
*IV. The Role of Traditional Rulers*
This crucial role played by Your Highness serves as a powerful testament to the essential contributions of traditional rulers in nation-building and fostering peaceful coexistence. We, therefore, lend our full support to the popular call for the restoration of a Constitutional Role for Traditional Rulers in Nigeria. We respectfully urge the National Assembly (NASS) to prioritize this critical initiative and ensure the inclusion of the necessary clauses in the ongoing Constitutional Review process.
*V. Conclusion and Appreciation*
In concluding this address, we wish to laud the Borno State Government for the uncommon courage and resolute boldness to host this Musabaqah amidst understandable security challenges. This courage underscores the concerted and unrelenting effort being successfully applied by the State Government to stem the tide of insecurity and reaffirm the peace that Maiduguri is known for.
We pray that through the sustained efforts of leaders like Your Eminence and the State Government, Borno State, and indeed all of Nigeria, shall continue to know profound and enduring peace.
Wassalāmu ‘alaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.