IEYDA, YAYEF Announce 2026 Ilorin Children’s Qur’an Recitation Championship , Invites General Public
…Celebrating the Timeless Voice of Ilorin, Preserving Tajwid, Celebrating Heritage and Inspiring Future Generations
Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), under the auspices of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and its Environs, in conjunction with the Yahaya Alapansanpa Youth Education Foundation (YAYEF), has announced the Ilorin Children’s Qur’an Recitation Championship 2026, aimed at promoting Qur’anic education, proper recitation and the preservation of Ilorin Emirate’s rich Islamic heritage.
The championship, themed “Celebrating the Timeless Voice of Ilorin,” is focused on Preserving Tajwid, Celebrating Heritage and Inspiring Future Generations. The initiative is designed to provide children with a platform to demonstrate their Qur’anic knowledge, memorisation and recitation abilities while encouraging them to develop a stronger connection with the Noble Qur’an with our Local Voices.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Alhaji Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, and the National Director of Publicity, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulfatahi Oloyin, the duo described the championship as a significant initiative aimed at nurturing the spiritual, moral and intellectual development of children, while preserving the rich Qur’anic heritage and tradition of Ilorin Emirate.
They stated that the championship would provide a meaningful platform for young Qur’an learners to demonstrate their recitation and memorisation abilities, improve their mastery of Tajwid, and inspire other children to develop a deeper connection with the Noble Qur’an.
The preliminary stage of the championship will take place at IEYDA National Secretariat, Aishat Adepate Complex, Edun Street, Ilorin, over three days:
- Day 1: Saturday, 15 August 2026
- Day 2: Sunday, 16 August 2026
- Day 3: Monday, 17 August 2026
Participants are expected to come from various Qur’anic learning centres and institutions, including Markaz, Adaby, Zumurah, Imam Agba Lana (Imam Fulani), and Asily.
The grand finale of the Ilorin Children’s Qur’an Recitation Championship 2026 is scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time: 10:00am Prompt
Venue: Banquet Hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Opposite Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State.
A stronger version, reflecting YAYEF’s role as the sole sponsor:
The IEYDA and YAYEF leadership further emphasized that the initiative aligns with their shared commitment to youth development, Qur’anic education and the preservation of Ilorin Emirate’s rich Islamic heritage. They noted that the championship will contribute significantly to nurturing morally upright, spiritually grounded and intellectually sound young people who will positively shape the future of the Emirate.
They therefore called on parents, guardians, Qur’anic teachers, Islamic scholars, community leaders, stakeholders and the general public to attend this program and encourage the participating children, noting that investing in Qur’anic education is an investment in the future of the Emirate and society at large.
The Association praised the YAYEF for taking full responsibility of the championship, describing the gesture as a significant investment in the preservation of Ilorin’s longstanding Qur’anic tradition and the nurturing of future generations.
The National President, Alh. Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, noted that YAYEF’s intervention goes beyond financial sponsorship, stressing that it represents a deliberate commitment to ensuring that the Qur’an continues to occupy a central place in the lives of young people while giving talented children the opportunity to showcase their memorisation, recitation and Tajwid skills.
The Association expressed confidence that the partnership will produce lasting impact and further strengthen the culture of Qur’anic learning within Ilorin Emirate. They pray that Allah continues to bless YAYEF, its leadership for contributing to the preservation of the Noble Qur’an and the heritage of Ilorin Emirate.
