By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has received the General IBM Haruna Strategic Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to Hajj administration and pilgrims’ welfare.
The award was presented by the publishers of OurNigeria Magazine at the 7th OurNigeria News Awards with the theme: “Resilience and Renewal” on Saturday night in Abuja.
Presenting the award, the organisers said Prof. Usman’s leadership had been marked by institutional reforms, administrative discipline and a sustained focus on improving the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
Speaking on the awards, the Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, Dr Sani Abubakar, said the core message of the award ceremony was integrity and credibility.
“The major take-home from this award is integrity and credibility. People came all the way from South Africa and Liberia on their own just to receive this recognition. That tells you a lot,” he said.
Abubakar noted that credible awards attract respect and sacrifice, recalling that one of the award recipients had to interrupt his journey to Ghana by air in order to attend the event.
“If an award lacks credibility and is only about business, people would not take such risks or make such sacrifices,” he said.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Usman dedicated the honour to NAHCON staff, describing them as the backbone of the commission’s achievements.
He added that the award belongs to staff across all levels of the commission, including board members, management, headquarters personnel, zonal and outreach offices, and support units whose efforts, he noted, often go unseen.
“This recognition is not for one individual; it reflects collective commitment, sacrifice and steadfast service,.
“Our work demands responsibility, patience, transparency and deep concern for pilgrims’ welfare. What is often called resilience is, in fact, the daily dedication of our workforce,” he said
Usman was honoured alongside other public officials and leaders, including the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, among other Nigerian and international recipients recognised for service and leadership in their respective fields. (NAN)
