The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Merit, Good Governance and Lifetime Achievement Awards, which recognise outstanding Nigerians for their contributions to leadership, national development and service to humanity.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Director-General of the Foundation, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, who said the awardees were selected through a rigorous and transparent process.
According to the Foundation, the honourees exemplify the ideals of integrity, selfless service and commitment to progress that defined the life and legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, was named recipient of the Good Governance Award (Posthumous) in recognition of his exemplary leadership, transparency, adherence to the rule of law and commitment to democratic principles and national unity during his tenure as Governor of Katsina State and President of Nigeria.
General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished military career, contributions to national development, philanthropy, and lasting impact on peace, security and human capital development.
Also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award is Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, in recognition of her trailblazing judicial career, including her historic role as the first female President of the Court of Appeal, and her dedication to justice, equity and the rule of law.
Chief Anthony N.Z. Sani, OON, was similarly named a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his decades-long advocacy for good governance, national unity, democratic reforms and selfless service through civil society engagement and public discourse.
The Merit Award will also be presented to Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, a poet, spoken-word artist and social entrepreneur. She was recognised for her advocacy for peace, gender equality and youth empowerment, as well as her innovative initiatives and humanitarian contributions. Hassan is also noted as the first United Nations Global Advocate for Peace.
According to the SABMF, the prestigious awards form an integral part of the Foundation’s 12th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance, a flagship event held annually to commemorate the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“The grand ceremony, organized in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government, will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Dutse, Jigawa State. The event will feature the decoration and presentation of the awards to the recipients (or their representatives), alongside a thought-provoking lecture on to be delivered by renowned Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai OON former Hon Minister of Education. Dignitaries expected include Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON as Special Guest of Honour, Governors of the 19 Northern States, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, senior government officials, development partners, and other distinguished personalities.
“The Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to perpetuate the Sardauna’s vision of unity, education, self-reliance, and selfless service, inspiring present and future generations to emulate these noble ideals,” the statement added.
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