Controversial Qur’an Convention In Abuja Postponed Indefinitely

The planned Qur’an Convention, scheduled to take place in Abuja on February 22, 2025, has been postponed indefinitely, sources close to the event organsers have confirmed.

The convention, expected to bring together over 60,000 Qur’an memorisers and reciters from within and outside Nigeria, was set to be one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.

A member of the organising committee, who requested anonymity, told the BBC Hausa service that the postponement was decided on Thursday night. However, no official reason has been given, and organisers were yet to formally announce a new date.

Promotional materials for the convention had already filled major streets in Abuja, with the event generating significant attention across traditional and social media. While some expressed support for the initiative, others raised concerns about its concept, particularly the initial use of the term “festival,” which some critics argued was not appropriate for the religious gathering. Others speculated that political factors may have influenced the event’s organisation and subsequent postponement.

Despite the controversy, organisers maintained that the convention aimed to highlight the dedication of Qur’an memorisers in Nigeria.

As at the time of this report, it remained unclear when or if the event would be rescheduled, leaving attendees and stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the organisers.