Sultan Gives Reasons For Postponing Qur’an Convention

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has confirmed the indefinite postponement of the Qur’an Convention initially scheduled to hold on February 22, 2025.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday night and signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

According to the statement, the decision to postpone the event was due to an overwhelming number of interested participants. Initially planned for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja with an expected attendance of 60,000 participants, comprising 30,000 Huffaz (Qur’an memorisers) and 30,000 other participants.

The Sultan said the number of expressions of interest and accreditation requests has now exceeded 500,000.

“From the outset, our goal was to organise a meaningful and spiritually enriching event that would bring together scholars, Huffaz, and participants from across Nigeria and beyond.

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“However, as the planning progressed, it became clear that this convention has grown far beyond our initial expectations, a testament to the deep love and commitment our people have for the Qur’an,” the Sultan said.

The statement also highlighted the growing international interest in the event, with foreign delegations and renowned scholars expressing their desire to participate.

“Additionally, we have received a significant amount of interest from renowned international scholars and foreign delegations who wish to be part of this historic event,” the statement read.

“To ensure that we properly accommodate everyone, including our international partners, we have decided after extensive consultation with key stakeholders and organisers that the convention will be rescheduled to a later date to allow for a more structured and inclusive gathering,” the Sultan said.

The NSCIA further stated that a new date for the convention would be announced after this year’s Ramadan, which is expected to commence in March and last one month.

While acknowledging the disappointment that may come with the postponement, the council assured prospective participants that the delay would enhance the event’s quality and impact.

“It is an opportunity to refine the logistics, expand the venue, and create an even more memorable experience for all attendees,” the statement added.

The convention which was expected to bring together over 30,000 Qur’an memorisers, writers, reciters, and calligraphers from across Nigeria, was set to be one of the largest Islamic gatherings in the country.