The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has honoured 35 distinguished indigenes who have made outstanding contributions in their various fields.
Among the honorees were recently promoted generals in the Nigerian military, senior police and paramilitary officers, and Federal Permanent Secretaries of Kano origin, whose leadership and dedication have significantly impacted national security and governance.
Those honoured included Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff; Prof. Shehu Galadanci, CON, Murshid of the National Mosque and renowned academic; Dr. Nasiru Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, and esteemed medical professional.
Major General M.S. Ahmed, Major General Sani Ibrahim, and Air Vice Marshal M. Yusuf were also recognised for their unwavering commitment to national defence.
From the academia and other professional fields are Prof. Umma Abdullahi, the first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Hadiza Galadanci, a renowned Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a distinguished academic at the ECOWAS Commission.
Also honoured were CP Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, one of Nigeria’s highest-ranking female police officers and the first Indigenous female Commissioner of Police from the Northwest geopolitical zone, and Eng Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, President of the World Engineering Forum and a highly respected figure in engineering.
In his remarks during the occasion at the weekend, Governor Yusuf described the event as “a night of pride, inspiration, and recognition,” celebrating the brilliance and achievements of Kano’s finest individuals and a celebration of the state’s enduring legacy of excellence.
He highlighted the honorees’ dedication, resilience, and service, stressing that their achievements inspire future generations.
Earlier in his welcome address, Muhammad l Jamu, chairman of the organising committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on National and International Relations, highlighted that the award ceremony would be institutionalised as an annual event to serve as a platform for unity, sustainable development, and economic prosperity.