Maryam Shetty, a former ministerial nominee under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alongside Mariya Sanusi Bayero, a Kano princess and mother of Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, recently concluded a Quranic Recitation Contest in Kano, culminating with a heartfelt prayer for national harmony.
This pioneering competition was hosted on Shetty’s Facebook platform, attracting thousands of participants who submitted videos of their Quranic recitations. A panel of experts from the National Quranic Recitation Competition Committee meticulously reviewed the entries to select the winners.
Explaining her motivation behind organizing the event, Shetty emphasized her desire to reshape social media into spaces that inspire faith, beauty, and contemplation rather than trivial distractions.
“In today’s digital era, online platforms often become breeding grounds for noise, conflict, and diversion. Instead of turning away from these channels, I wondered: why not reclaim them? Why not transform platforms like TikTok and Instagram from hubs of frivolity into arenas of spiritual reflection and beauty?”
“#ReciteWithShetty was born from this vision. It transcended mere competition; it aimed to reignite a passion for the Qur’an, provide young people with meaningful online engagement, and remind them that their voices can shine as beacons of hope in a digital landscape frequently overshadowed by negativity.”
“What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a widespread movement, captivating the youth across Northern Nigeria and beyond. The enchanting recitations, sincere reflections, and infectious enthusiasm of participants spread rapidly,” she remarked.
Shetty expressed her appreciation to religious authorities, former national leaders, and traditional rulers who embraced the competition as a symbol of moral revival, cultural affirmation, and spiritual heritage.
Commenting on the event, Hajiya Mariya Sanusi Bayero praised Shetty’s dedication and encouraged young people to seize such opportunities for learning, while also offering prayers for peace throughout the nation.
The contest’s top prize was awarded to Nuraddeen Mu’azu from Abuja, who scored an impressive 97.6 points and received N1 million. Muhammad Khalid Idris from Bauchi secured second place with 97.4 points, earning N500,000, while Aisha Tahir Idris from Jigawa took third place with 97 points, winning N250,000.
Looking ahead, Shetty revealed that she and her team are developing plans to broaden the scope of this initiative, which has been warmly embraced, aiming to establish it as a lifelong project dedicated to elevating humanity beyond basic ideals toward a fulfilling and virtuous life.
