The Katsina State Commissioner of Environment, Hamza Suleiman Faskari, and the Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed, have been honoured with the Arewa Inspirational Leadership Award by the Hope Arewa Development Initiative (HADI).

Hon. Faskari was named Commissioner of the Year (Environment, North West) for his commitment to building a cleaner and safer Katsina. His efforts in strengthening waste management, promoting environmental sanitation, championing tree-planting campaigns, and introducing climate-friendly policies were recognised as exemplary in the region.

Similarly, Dr. Hafiz Ahmed received the Special Achievement Award in Renewable Energy for his role in expanding renewable energy solutions and improving electricity access in rural communities. His initiatives have positioned Katsina as a leading state in power and energy innovation.

The awards ceremony, held at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, last week, brought together political leaders, innovators, and technocrats from across Northern Nigeria. Among other awardees were Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, all recognised for their contributions to regional development.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Faskari described the award as a recognition of collective effort.

“This strengthens our resolve to keep working towards a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Katsina for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Dr. Hafiz Ahmed dedicated his award to the vision of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, noting that renewable energy remains central to the state’s future.

“This honour inspires me to redouble efforts in delivering clean and reliable power, especially to our rural communities,” he said.

The Hope Arewa Development Initiative said the awards were aimed at celebrating outstanding leadership and innovation in Northern Nigeria.