The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has announced the distinguished recipients of its 2026 Merit, Good Governance and Lifetime Achievement Awards, honouring eminent Nigerians whose lives and careers reflect outstanding leadership, integrity, and selfless service to humanity.
The awardees were selected through a rigorous and transparent process in recognition of their exceptional contributions to nation-building and their commitment to the ideals espoused by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto, Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Foundation, Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, SABMF described the honourees as shining beacons of hope and role models whose achievements embody the enduring values of dedication, good governance and service to humanity that defined the life and legacy of the Sardauna.
According to the statement, the 2026 award recipients are Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR – Good Governance Award (Posthumous)
"Honoured for his exemplary leadership, transparency, respect for the rule of law, and commitment 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 (rtd), GCON – Lifetime Achievement Award. Recognised for his distinguished military career, immense contributions to national development, philanthropy, and lasting impact on peace, security and human capital development in Nigeria"
"Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR – Lifetime Achievement Award.Celebrated for her trailblazing judicial career, historic role as the first female President of the Court of Appeal, and unwavering commitment to justice, equity and the rule of law"
"Chief Anthony N.Z. Sani, OON – Lifetime Achievement Award. Honoured for his lifelong advocacy for good governance, national unity, democratic reforms and selfless service through civil society engagement and public discourse"
"Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) – Merit Award" Poet, spoken-word artist, social entrepreneur and peace advocate, recognised for her pioneering role as the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, and for her outstanding contributions to peacebuilding, gender equality, youth empowerment and social development.
The awards form a key highlight of the 12th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance, an annual flagship event organised to celebrate and reflect on the enduring legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The grand ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government, is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Dutse, Jigawa State. The event will feature the formal presentation of awards to the recipients or their representatives, as well as a keynote lecture to be delivered by Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, OON, former Honourable Minister of Education.
Dignitaries expected at the event include the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator 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 sustaining the vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello by promoting unity, education, self-reliance and selfless service, while inspiring present and future generations to uphold these noble ideals.
