By joshua KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF ULAMA’U INSPECTS OKEHI FACILITIES, EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN 1448H/2026 QUR’AN RECITATION COMPETITION
Council Leads Delegation to Ibirraland Ahead of Musabaqa Okehi 1448H/2026
By Muhammad Taha
The Kogi State Council of Ulama’u, in collaboration with the Kogi State Qur’an Recitation Competition Committee, has undertaken an assessment visit to Okehi Local Government Area ahead of the 1448 AH/2026 State Qur’an Recitation Competition, tagged “Musabaqa Okehi 1448H/2026.”
The competition, organised by the Kogi State Qur’an Recitation Competition Committee under the auspices of the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u, aims to promote Qur’anic knowledge, encourage the memorisation and recitation of the Holy Qur’an, and strengthen Islamic scholarship among Muslim youths.
The delegation, led by Dr. Ali Baba, visited Ibirraland in Kogi State, where it was received by the Chief Imam of Ibirraland, Sheikh Abere, alongside other stakeholders and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ibirraland.
LOC Assures Council of Adequate Preparation
During the meeting, the Local Organising Committee briefed the delegation on the level of preparedness for the forthcoming competition, assuring the Council that necessary arrangements were underway to ensure a successful and memorable event.
The LOC pledged to maintain regular communication with the Council through the State Coordinator, Ustaz Khali Usman, and assured the delegation that all conditions, guidelines and directives issued by the Council would be strictly observed.
The committee further expressed its commitment to supporting the transportation of the competition’s winners to Gusau for the national Qur’an Recitation Competition, in addition to its responsibility for hosting the state-level event.
Speaking on behalf of the LOC, its spokesperson, Alhaji Hussain Ejima, expressed appreciation for the Council’s support and guidance, assuring the delegation of the committee’s determination to address the observations and recommendations made during the assessment visit.
Council Emphasises Security, Welfare and Proper Coordination
In his response, Sheikh Abubakar Zakariyyau Aliyu Zaak appreciated the efforts of local stakeholders and the organising committee towards promoting Islam and advancing the cause of the Muslim Ummah.
He noted that the shared commitment to upholding the banner of Islam and promoting the teachings of the Holy Qur’an remained the unifying force behind the collective effort to organise the competition. He also expressed the Council’s readiness to contribute its best towards ensuring the success of the event.
Sheikh Zaak emphasised the need for adequate security arrangements to ensure the safety of contestants, officials, invited guests and members of the public throughout the programme.
He also directed that a draft copy of the programme of events be submitted to the Council’s Secretariat for review, observations and necessary corrections before printing, in order to prevent errors and ensure proper coordination.
Regarding the welfare of participants and guests, he advised the organisers to ensure that meals served during the programme were suitable for the generality of attendees and reflected the diverse food preferences of the public.
Similarly, Dr. Ali Baba stressed the importance of adequate healthcare arrangements, urging the LOC to make appropriate provisions for medical attention and emergencies throughout the competition.
Responding to the observations, the Chief Imam of Ibirraland, Sheikh Abere, assured the Council that all recommendations would be carefully considered and implemented accordingly. He also expressed appreciation to the Council for its support, guidance and commitment to the successful hosting of the competition.
Council Inspects Accommodation Facilities
Following the meeting, the delegation, alongside members of the Qur’an Recitation Competition Committee, proceeded to inspect hotel and lodge facilities identified to accommodate contestants and state officials during the competition.
Although the facilities inspected were considered satisfactory, the delegation observed that the available accommodation might not be sufficient for the expected number of contestants, officials and other participants.
In response, the Okehi Coordinator, Ustaz Yahaya, assured the Council that additional accommodation facilities would be secured to ensure the comfort and convenience of all participants.
Venue Inspection: Council Calls for Improved Facilities and Safety Measures
The delegation also visited the proposed competition venue to assess its suitability and readiness for the event.
During the inspection, the Council advised the LOC to ensure proper fumigation of the venue and its surrounding environment to eliminate reptiles and other potential hazards.
The Council further emphasised the need for adequate toilet facilities at the competition venue to ensure proper sanitation, hygiene and convenience for contestants, officials, guests and members of the public.
In addition, the delegation called for adequate lighting and an efficient public address system to facilitate smooth proceedings, clear communication and effective coordination throughout the competition.
The Council also recommended the deployment of Islamic first aiders and the installation of clear directional banners and signposts to facilitate easy access to the venue for contestants, officials, invited guests and members of the public.
These recommendations were aimed at ensuring a safe, accessible, well-equipped and conducive environment for the successful conduct of the competition.
LOC Appreciates Council’s Support
The Local Organising Committee expressed profound appreciation to the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u for granting Okehi the opportunity to host the prestigious state Qur’an Recitation Competition.
The committee also thanked the Council for the assessment visit, guidance and constructive observations, assuring the delegation that all necessary arrangements would be made to address the identified gaps and deliver a successful event.
The visit reaffirmed the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u’s commitment to ensuring that Musabaqa Okehi 1448H/2026 meets the required standards of organisation, security, participants’ welfare, sanitation, infrastructure and religious excellence.
With continued cooperation among the Council, the Qur’an Recitation Competition Committee and the Local Organising Committee, expectations remain high for a successful competition that will promote Qur’anic learning, nurture young Qur’anic scholars and strengthen Islamic unity across Kogi State.
MUSABAQA OKEHI 1448H/2026
Promoting Qur’anic Excellence, Unity and Islamic Scholarship.
Signed:
Council of Ulama’u Secretariat