Foundation unveils 2026 award recipients

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has announced the distinguished recipients of the 2026 Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s Merit, Good Governance, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, FNSE, the Director-General of SABMF, in a statement made available to the media in kaduna today stated that these exceptional individuals were selected through a rigorous and transparent process for their outstanding contributions to nation-building, selfless service to humanity, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of leadership, integrity, and progress, which defined the life and legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region.

According to him, the 2026 award recipients are: Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, for Good Governance (Posthumous)
– General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON, for Lifetime Achievement
– Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, for Lifetime Achievement
– Chief Anthony N.Z. Sani, OON, for Lifetime Achievement
– Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) for Merit

These awardees exemplify the timeless values of dedication, good governance, and service to humanity that Sir Ahmadu Bello championed throughout his life.

The awards will be presented at the 12th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance, scheduled for January 20, 2026, in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The event will feature a thought-provoking lecture by Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, OON, and is expected to attract dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, as well as the Governors of the 19 Northern States and other distinguished personalities.

The Foundation remains committed to perpetuating the Sardauna’s vision of unity, education, self-reliance, and selfless service, inspiring present and future generations to emulate these noble ideals, as stated by Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, FNSE.