By Lamara Garba
The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been honoured with the prestigious Best Governor in Nigeria for the 2026 Hajj Exercise Award by Sana Company, one of the leading Saudi hospitality and service providers responsible for the welfare of pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The award was presented during a colourful dinner and recognition ceremony held at Iskan, Makkah, where Saudi officials, Hajj administrators, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate individuals and institutions that distinguished themselves during this year’s pilgrimage.
Presenting the award, the Head of Sana Company, Alhaji Abdullah Muhammad Hassan, said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf earned the recognition because of his exceptional commitment to the welfare of Kano pilgrims, his administration’s unwavering support for Hajj operations, and the remarkable level of organisation displayed by the Kano contingent throughout the pilgrimage period.
According to him, the conduct of Kano pilgrims and officials stood out among contingents from across Nigeria, reflecting effective leadership, proper orientation, and strict adherence to the regulations and protocols established by Saudi authorities for the smooth conduct of Hajj.
The Saudi-based service provider particularly commended Governor Yusuf for creating an enabling environment that allowed Hajj officials to discharge their responsibilities effectively, resulting in one of the most organised and disciplined pilgrim contingents during the 2026 pilgrimage.
Observers noted that throughout the Hajj season, Kano pilgrims demonstrated commendable discipline and cooperation, while state officials maintained effective coordination in compliance with the Kingdom’s operational guidelines governing pilgrim movement, accommodation, transportation, and welfare services in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The recognition also highlighted the Kano State Government’s sustained investment in pilgrim welfare, including improved administrative support, enhanced communication channels, prompt response to pilgrims’ needs, and close collaboration with Saudi service providers to ensure seamless service delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, explained that Sana Company plays a crucial role in Hajj operations by serving as the custodian of pilgrims’ passports for Nusuk processing while also providing feeding and transportation services during the critical Hajj rites in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
He described the award as a significant acknowledgement of the collective efforts of the Kano State Government, Hajj officials, religious scholars, and pilgrims themselves, whose cooperation contributed immensely to the success recorded during the exercise.
Matawalle expressed appreciation to the management of Sana Company for recognising the achievements of the Kano delegation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Pilgrims Welfare Board to maintaining high standards in future Hajj operations.
Apart from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, other distinguished personalities honoured at the event included Board Member, Alhaji Sheikh Bashir Arabi; the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle; and the Amirul Hajj of the Year, the Emir of Gaya, His Royal Highness Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir.
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Yusuf, the Emir of Gaya and Amirul Hajj, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, conveyed the governor’s appreciation to Sana Company for the recognition.
He noted that the award would further inspire the Kano State Government to continue strengthening pilgrim welfare programmes and improving operational efficiency in line with international best practices and Saudi Arabian regulations governing Hajj administration.
The Emir stated that the recognition was not merely a tribute to one individual but a reflection of the collective dedication exhibited by members of the Kano delegation, who worked tirelessly to ensure that pilgrims performed their religious obligations in a peaceful, orderly, and conducive atmosphere.
The award has been widely viewed as an international endorsement of Kano State’s growing reputation for effective Hajj management, disciplined pilgrim coordination, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims in the Holy Land.
For many observers, the honour bestowed upon Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf serves as a testament to the value of purposeful leadership, meticulous planning, and strict compliance with established regulations—qualities that contributed significantly to the successful participation of thousands of Kano pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj exercise.