The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2026 Merit, Good Governance, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, honouring eminent Nigerians whose lives and careers exemplify leadership, integrity, and selfless service to humanity.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Foundation, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, FNSE, said the awardees emerged through a rigorous and transparent selection process, having distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions to nation-building and unwavering commitment to the ideals of good governance, unity, and service championed by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
According to the statement, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, will receive the Good Governance Award posthumously in recognition of his exemplary leadership, respect for the rule of law, transparency, and dedication to democratic principles and national unity during his tenure as Governor of Katsina State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, GCON, has been selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished military career, far-reaching contributions to national development, philanthropy, and enduring impact on peace, security, and human capital development.
Also to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award is Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, celebrated for her trailblazing judicial career and historic role as the first female President of the Court of Appeal, as well as her steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Chief Anthony N. Z. Sani, OON, will equally receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lifelong advocacy for good governance, national unity, democratic reforms, and selfless service through civil society engagement and public discourse.
The Merit Award will be presented to Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam), a poet, spoken word artist, social entrepreneur, and peace advocate, recognised for her outstanding contributions to peacebuilding, gender equality, youth empowerment, and social development, as well as her innovative initiatives that have positively impacted communities. She is notably the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace.
The statement added that the awards are a central feature of its 12th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance, a flagship event held annually to commemorate and reflect on the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Dutse, Jigawa State, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government. The event will feature the presentation of awards to the recipients or their representatives, as well as a memorial lecture to be delivered by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, OON, former Minister of Education.
Dignitaries expected at the event 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 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Sardauna’s vision of unity, education, self-reliance, and selfless service, while inspiring present and future generations to uphold these enduring ideals.
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