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 the nation.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the Foundation said the awardees were selected through a rigorous and transparent process in recognition of their outstanding contributions to nation-building and their commitment to the values espoused by the Late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Among the honourees is former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who will receive the ‘Good Governance Award’ posthumously for his exemplary leadership, respect for the rule of law, transparency and commitment to democratic ideals during his tenure as Governor of Katsina State and President of Nigeria.
General Theophilus Yakubu Ɗanjuma (rtd) was named recipient of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ in recognition of his distinguished military career, contributions to national development, philanthropy and enduring impact on peace, security and human capital development.
Also to be honoured with ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ are: Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, former President of the Court of Appeal, for her trailblazing judicial career and steadfast defence of justice and the rule of law; and Chief Anthony N.Z. Sani, for his lifelong advocacy for good governance, national unity and democratic reforms through civil society engagement and public discourse.
Poet and spoken-word artist, Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, will receive the ‘Merit Award’. The Foundation said she was recognised for her innovative initiatives and advocacy for peace, gender equality and youth empowerment, noting her distinction as the first United Nations Global Advocate for Peace.
According to SABMF, the awards are part of activities marking its 12th ‘Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance’, an event dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The award ceremony and memorial lecture will hold on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Dutse, Jigawa State, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government. A former Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i (OON), is expected to deliver the memorial lecture.
Dignitaries expected at the event include Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who will serve 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 and development partners.
