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.

The Kano State Government has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union across critical sectors including urban infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, climate action, digital transformation and economic development as part of efforts to accelerate sustainable growth and improve the quality of life of residents.

The appeal was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf during the presentation of the state’s Urban Development Strategy to European Union ambassadors and representatives of eight EU member countries on an official visit to Kano.

Speaking while welcoming the delegation, Garo said the engagement provided an important opportunity for Kano State to showcase its long-term vision for sustainable urban development and explore strategic partnerships capable of driving economic transformation and inclusive growth.

According to the Deputy Governor, Kano occupies a unique position as one of Africa’s oldest commercial centres and one of the continent’s fastest-growing urban economies, making it both a hub of opportunity and a city facing the pressures associated with rapid urbanisation.

Garo explained that growing demand for infrastructure, housing, transportation systems, sanitation services, environmental management and economic opportunities has created an urgent need for innovative, coordinated and future-oriented development strategies.

He disclosed that the state government has developed a comprehensive Urban Development Strategy designed to guide Kano’s growth in a sustainable, organised and people-centred manner while addressing emerging urban challenges.

According to Garo, the strategy underscores the administration’s commitment to modern urban planning, improved infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, economic competitiveness, digital innovation and the overall enhancement of living standards for residents across the state.

The Deputy Governor further stated that the strategy is aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and internationally recognised best practices in urban governance and sustainable city management.

Garo appealed to the European Union to support Kano State in several priority areas, including education and skills acquisition, youth employment, agricultural development and food security, healthcare delivery, climate adaptation initiatives, renewable energy projects, infrastructure development and digital connectivity.

He also requested technical assistance from the European Union in reviewing and validating the state’s draft Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy, noting that such support would help strengthen investment opportunities and improve the ease of doing business in Kano.

“We believe that stronger cooperation between the European Union and Kano State will contribute to shared prosperity, social stability and sustainable development while fostering stronger ties between our peoples,” Garo said while highlighting the potential benefits of enhanced collaboration.

The Deputy Governor assured the visiting delegation that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through transparency, accountability and responsible governance practices.

Responding on behalf of the European Union delegation, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described Kano as a major development hub in Northern Nigeria and an important partner in the European Union’s broader cooperation framework with Nigeria.

Mignot said the decision to select Kano for the delegation’s annual mission reflected the strategic importance the European Union attaches to the state as a key centre for development interventions and economic engagement in Northern Nigeria.

“The fact that we selected Kano for this year’s mission reflects the importance we attach to the state as a key development hub for Northern Nigeria and a strategic partner in our cooperation with Nigeria,” the ambassador stated.

According to Mignot, the delegation comprised ambassadors and representatives from Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria and Finland, and the visit formed part of the European Union’s annual field mission aimed at deepening engagement with key regions across Nigeria.

The ambassador noted that the European Union and Nigeria recently agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations during the eighth EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in multiple sectors.

Mignot explained that the EU-Nigeria partnership is anchored on common values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, social inclusion and sustainable economic development, which continue to shape collaborative initiatives between both sides.

Expressing optimism about future engagements, the EU envoy said the visit demonstrated the depth of existing cooperation and highlighted the numerous opportunities available in Kano State for expanded partnership and investment.

“I believe this visit further demonstrates the depth of our cooperation and the many opportunities that Kano State offers for strengthening our partnership,” Mignot said.

Observers say the engagement is expected to open a new chapter in relations between Kano State and the European Union, with prospects for stronger collaboration in sustainable urban development, renewable energy, climate resilience, agriculture, healthcare, education, digital innovation and investment promotion.

The discussions also reinforce Kano State’s efforts to position itself as a leading destination for development partnerships and responsible investment while pursuing its vision of inclusive growth, modern infrastructure and long-term economic prosperity.This version follows a conventional newspaper structure with attribution throughout and expanded context suitable for publication.