The Sector 111 of Operation Hadin Kai and Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno town of Borno, has hosted a Quranic competition for youths to enhance existing civil-military relations in the area.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of the sector, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, said the maiden competition was organized by Sector 111 Commander, Maj.-Gen. A.E Abubakar, to consolidate on the support of host communities to sustain the momentum in the fight against insurgency.
In his welcome address at the occasion, Abubakar said the competition was the brainchild of the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. I. S. Ali, who sponsored it.
Abubakar said Gen. Ali brought up the new approach to further endear the military to the populace as well as further reinforce the non kinetic lines of operations in the fight against insurgency.
The Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen I.S. Ali, said the competition would arouse the spiritual consciousness of the youth to the true teachings of Islam which promote peace.
He called for more synergy and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the return of total peace and normalcy to Borno and the region in general.
In his message, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, represented by the Vice Chairman of Monguno LGA, Malam Sanda Modu, praised the military for the initiative and other effective nonkinetic measures taken so far to win the fight against insurgency.
He praised the Chief of Army Staff for the renewed commitment to the fight against insurgency and assured his administration would sustain the support in that direction.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of a lesser hajj (umrah) seat to the winner of the competition, Muhammed-Nur Mustapha, and N300,000 and N200,000 to Zaharadeen Yusuf and Mohammed Ali who came second and third.
Other prizes won at the competition included best dressed, best voice and best reciter.
The District Head of Monguno Alhaji Zanna Bulama who led traditional rulers, and the Chief Imam of Monguno, Alhaji Liman Kaumi who led religious leaders attended the event.
