By Seyi Odewale
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf was honoured as the African Governor of the Year for Good Governance at the 14th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year 2025 ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco.
This was contained in a joint statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin, on behalf of media aides of other African leaders at the event at the Marriot Hotel, Casablanca.
The recognition highlights Yusuf’s exceptional leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
His administration’s reforms in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development have positioned Kano State as a model of good governance in Africa.
Represented by his Special Adviser on State Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala, a former head of service, the governor dedicated the award to the good people of Kano State, emphasising their pivotal role in driving progress by the current administration.
According to the African Leadership Magazine, Kano has achieved significant milestones under his leadership, including allocating over 31 per cent of the state budget to education, sponsoring postgraduate students abroad, and implementing technology-driven governance solutions.
Yusuf’s commitment to good governance has also earned him national and international accolades, including the Governor of the Year on Education by the New Telegraph Newspapers, Most Pensioners Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, and Teachers Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, among many other recognitions.
The ALM editorial board commended his efforts, stating, “Governor Yusuf exemplifies the transformative power of leadership in Africa.”
During the event, Governor Yusuf’s representatives participated in the Countries & State Governments Investment Opportunities Showcase, highlighting Kano’s potential for investment in key sectors like renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness.
Other distinguished honorees at the event included President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar), Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Uganda), the former president of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Lefoko Maxwell Moagi (Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana), and Mustafa Y. Shek (Director General, National Communication Authority, Somalia).
Yusuf reaffirmed his dedication to ethical leadership, “Good governance is the foundation of sustainable development. We will uphold transparency, accountability, and policies that uplift our people.”
Special Adviser on State Affairs Alh led the Kano delegation at the 14th African Leadership Award in Morocco. Usman Bala mni, Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Aisha Lawan Saji, Director General Kano Investment Promotion Agency Nazir Halliru, Managing Director, Kano Agricultural Supply Company Kabir Sani Yakubu and Director General Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature.
