Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-In an unexpected turn of events, a Quran recitation competition in Mogadishu, meant to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, has stirred significant discussion and controversy. President Hassan Sheikh was photographed receiving a check of 62 thousand US dollars during the award ceremony at the presidential palace, a move that has raised eyebrows across the nation and on social media platforms.

The ceremony, which was attended by the President, his Minister of Religious Affairs, and participants of the competition, showcased the winners holding a check that bore the name of President Hassan Sheikh, suggesting that he was the recipient of the prize money. This incident quickly escalated into a trending topic online, with many community members seeking clarifications.

Further investigation into the matter revealed that the check was part of the ceremony to honor the children who had secured the top seven positions in the Quran recitation competition. These young winners were supposed to receive monetary awards varying from 20 thousand to 3 thousand dollars. However, an oversight in the event’s protocol led to the President’s name being incorrectly printed on the sample checks intended for demonstration purposes.

Adding to the confusion, discrepancies in the amounts displayed on some of the checks were noted, with certain checks listing 5 thousand dollars in writing but showing 2 thousand dollars in figures. This inconsistency has prompted a wave of questions, with some observers drawing connections to potential corruption.

The incident has not only spotlighted the need for stricter adherence to event protocols but also highlighted the sensitivity of public perception regarding to official transactions and awards. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how this misprint will affect the public’s trust in future events and the administration’s transparency.