Governor Abba Yusuf Wins Saudi Award for Outstanding 2026 Hajj Leadership

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been honoured with the prestigious Best Governor in Nigeria for the 2026 Hajj Exercise Award by Sana Company, a leading Saudi Arabian hospitality and pilgrim service provider.

The award was presented during a special recognition dinner held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, attended by Saudi officials, Hajj administrators, Islamic scholars, and other dignitaries. According to the Head of Sana Company, Alhaji Abdullah Muhammad Hassan, Governor Yusuf was selected for his exceptional commitment to the welfare of Kano pilgrims and his administration’s strong support for Hajj operations.

Hassan said the Kano contingent distinguished itself through its high level of organisation, discipline, and compliance with Saudi regulations throughout the pilgrimage. He noted that the conduct of Kano pilgrims and officials reflected effective leadership, proper orientation, and efficient coordination.

The award also recognised Kano State’s sustained investment in pilgrim welfare through improved administrative support, enhanced communication systems, and close collaboration with Saudi service providers to ensure seamless service delivery during the Hajj.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, described the award as a recognition of the collective efforts of the state government, Hajj officials, religious leaders, and pilgrims.

He commended Sana Company for acknowledging the achievements of the Kano delegation and pledged continued commitment to maintaining high standards in future Hajj operations.

The award was received on behalf of Governor Yusuf by the Emir of Gaya and Amirul Hajj, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, who expressed the governor’s gratitude for the honour. He said the recognition would motivate the state government to further strengthen pilgrim welfare programmes and improve operational efficiency.

Other award recipients included Board Member Alhaji Sheikh Bashir Arabi, Director-General Matawalle, and the Emir of Gaya, in recognition of their contributions to the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise.