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.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned journalist, broadcaster, and media executive, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, describing his passing as a great loss to the media industry, Kano State, and the journalism profession at large.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary of the Council, Hauwa Suleiman Zahradeen, the Acting Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, conveyed the union’s heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, associates, colleagues, and the entire Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area.

The union described the late Adamu Getso as an accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication, civic engagement, and the advancement of journalism left an enduring mark on Kano State’s media landscape.

According to the statement, Getso dedicated several decades of his life to serving the public through journalism and broadcasting, earning widespread respect for his professionalism, commitment, and ability to effectively communicate issues of public interest.

“Late Adamu Getso was a versatile media executive who dedicated his career to the service of the people and the journalism profession. His impact on public enlightenment remains a reference point in the state,” Gambo stated.

The NUJ highlighted Getso’s prominent role in political communication and public affairs broadcasting, particularly during the first and second administrations of former Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. During those periods, he served as a lead anchor and presenter for several key political and developmental programmes aimed at informing citizens about government policies, projects, and developmental initiatives.

The council noted that through his exceptional broadcasting abilities, Getso played a vital role in educating and engaging the public on governance, development, and societal issues. His work, the union said, helped bridge the gap between government and the people, making complex policy matters more accessible to ordinary citizens.

Colleagues and media practitioners have remembered him as a dedicated professional whose voice became familiar to many listeners and viewers across Kano and beyond. His commitment to factual reporting, public enlightenment, and ethical journalism earned him admiration within the media community.

The NUJ further stated that his legacy would continue to inspire younger generations of journalists and broadcasters seeking to uphold the highest standards of the profession.

As news of his passing continues to attract reactions from across the state, the council said the media fraternity has lost one of its most respected figures, whose contributions to broadcasting and public communication will not be forgotten.

The union prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Kano State the strength to bear the loss.

The NUJ Kano State Council also reaffirmed its solidarity with the media community and all those mourning the late veteran journalist, describing his death as the end of an era marked by dedication, professionalism, and service to humanity.

A mental health awareness advocate and chef, Aisha Dahiru Suleiman, has said that many women suffering from depression often fail to recognize the condition and instead attribute it to spiritual causes, a situation she described as a major challenge in society.

Suleiman made this known during an awareness campaign on mental health, legal rights, digital content creation, and women’s empowerment held in Kano. She explained that the gathering was organized to educate women and girls on critical social issues affecting their lives and to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their well-being.

According to the 25-year-old convener, the event is expected to attract about 150 participants. She said the initiative seeks to create awareness on mental health, legal rights, digital content creation, and empowerment, particularly among women who may be struggling silently with psychological challenges.

Suleiman said research she conducted revealed that depression and other mental health conditions are common among women from local communities, especially those experiencing marital abuse and other forms of mistreatment. She noted that abuse by individuals in positions of authority, including teachers and healthcare professionals, can also contribute to mental health challenges.

“Many people believe that only older adults suffer from depression, but that is not true. Mental health conditions affect people of different ages. Our awareness campaign is targeted at women from the age of 18 and above to help them understand these issues and seek appropriate support,” she said.

Speaking at the event, the mother of the convener, Barrister Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, commended her daughter’s commitment to creating awareness despite facing personal health challenges.

She disclosed that Aisha had experienced several physical, mental, and psychological health challenges, which inspired her passion for advocating for mental health awareness. According to her, the campaign aims to address widespread misconceptions surrounding mental health and encourage women to speak openly about their experiences.

“The primary objective is to create awareness in our society. We live in a community where women are often not sufficiently empowered. Through this initiative, my daughter hopes to inspire women to overcome challenges and realize their full potential,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr. Saudat Abdussalam Waya, a psychiatrist and mental health specialist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, described the topic as highly important but frequently neglected in society.

She noted that mental health remains widely misunderstood, leading to numerous misconceptions about conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and other mental disorders.

“Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes self-confidence, health management, and overall awareness of one’s mental state. Unfortunately, many misconceptions persist in society,” she said.

Dr. Waya explained that some people wrongly believe that depression only affects white people or men, while others assume that substance addiction cannot be treated. She stressed that mental disorders result from multiple factors, including biological, hormonal, environmental, and social influences.

She further challenged the belief that all mental health conditions are caused by spiritual forces, noting that many cases are medical conditions that require professional treatment.

“The misconception that mental illness is always caused by spirits is often incorrect. Mental disorders are diseases just like malaria and should not attract stigma. The earlier they are recognized, the better the chances of successful treatment,” she added.

The psychiatrist listed conditions such as schizophrenia among the mental disorders that require medical attention and emphasized the need for increased public education to reduce discrimination and encourage affected individuals to seek help.

The event highlighted the growing need for mental health awareness, legal education, digital literacy, and women’s empowerment, with participants urged to become advocates for positive change within their communities.