Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Sultan Abubakar III Award for Exemplary Leadership.
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced the honour on Monday at the closing ceremony of the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo Week, which also marked the Sultan’s 20th anniversary on the throne. The event was held at the Kasarawa International Conference Centre, Sokoto, and attracted traditional rulers, government officials, scholars and other dignitaries.
Why Wamakko was honoured
The Sultan said the award was created to recognise Nigerians whose careers reflect outstanding leadership, integrity, commitment to public service and meaningful contributions to society. He described it as a new annual platform for celebrating individuals whose work has a positive impact on their communities and the nation.
According to the monarch, the recognition is intended to promote values that strengthen society, inspire younger generations and encourage leaders to remain focused on the welfare of the people.
Wamakko’s selection as the first winner places him at the centre of the award’s launch, with the Sultanate positioning the honour as an enduring recognition of selfless and responsible leadership.
A career in public service
Wamakko served as Governor of Sokoto State from 2007 to 2015 and currently represents Sokoto North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. His recognition comes amid continued prominence in Sokoto politics and national legislative affairs.
The award of Sultan Abubakar III Award for Exemplary Leadership, announced during a ceremony that also reflected on the legacy of Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiyo, whose teachings on justice, accountability, education and responsible leadership remain influential in public life. The Sultan linked the new award to those values, framing exemplary leadership as a central theme of the commemoration.
The recognition is expected to boost the visibility of the annual Sultan Abubakar III Leadership Award as a platform for honouring Nigerians whose service and leadership inspire future generations.
