NAHCON Chairman Bags Strategic Leadership Award, Dedicates

NAHCON Chairman Bags Strategic Leadership Award, Dedicates Honour to Staff

By Abdulrazaq Auwal

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has received the General IBM Haruna Strategic Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to Hajj administration and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

The award was conferred by the publishers of Our Nigeria magazine at the 7th Our Nigeria News Awards, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja. Organisers said the recognition reflects Professor Usman’s leadership record, marked by institutional reforms, administrative discipline, and a sustained focus on improving service delivery in Nigeria’s Hajj operations.

NAHCON Chairman Bags Strategic Leadership Award, Dedicates Honour to Staff

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Usman dedicated the honour to the staff of NAHCON, describing them as the backbone of the Commission’s achievements. He stressed that the recognition goes beyond individual merit and represents collective sacrifice and commitment.

According to him, NAHCON operates in a highly sensitive and responsibility-driven environment that requires patience, transparency, and an unwavering concern for pilgrim welfare. He noted that what is often described as resilience is, in practical terms, the daily dedication of the Commission’s workforce, while renewal is reflected in continuous efforts to align Hajj administration with global best practices and public trust.

The NAHCON Chairman further dedicated the honour to staff across all levels of the Commission, including Board members, management, personnel at the headquarters, zonal and outreach offices, as well as support units, acknowledging that much of their work is carried out away from public attention.

Professor Usman was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerian leaders and public officials at the ceremony, including the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as well as other national and international recipients recognised for leadership and public service.

The award underscores NAHCON’s ongoing repositioning under Professor Usman’s leadership, with a focus on institutional credibility, operational efficiency, and enhanced welfare for Nigerian pilgrims.