President Mmuhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to hold themselves responsible for making the country economically and politically better.

The president made the pronouncement at the closing ceremony of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, held in Gusau on Saturday.

Mr Buhari, represented by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isah Ali Pantami, said citizens were responsible for bringing changes in the nation’s socio-economic and political problems.

Although leaders had a greater role to play more then others, Mr Buhari said that every Nigerian needs to act right to achieve a better society.

The president also called on leaders at all levels to exhibit justice, fairness and kindness when dealing with their subjects, while the followers are to respect leaders and remain law-abiding citizens.

He added, if followers respect the rule of laws a better Nigeria would be achieved.

He then commended the Sultanate Council and Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, for introducing and sustaining the Qur’anic Recitation Competition across the federation for the period of 37 years.

And equally commended the Zamfara government and people of the state for according hospitality to participants in the competition.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the Sultanate Council will collaborate with Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, to ensure that thousands of reciters delve into further research and study of the Quran.

The Sultan added they should ponder more into Qur’anic study as a means of returning peace and stability to the country.

In his remarks, the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, thanked the National Committee of Musabaka for giving the state the opportunity to host the 37th session of the competition.

He said his administration had given priority to the propagation and promotion of Islamic teaching through establishment of 11 Sharia Institutions in the state.

Nura Abdullahi of Sokoto emerged the overall winner and was crowned hero of the year by the Sultanate, while Yobe’s Aishatu Abdulmutallib won the female category and was crowned hero of the year by the wife of the governor Matawalle, Aisha.

(NAN)