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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State was honored as African Governor of the Year for Good Governance
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His administration has implemented reforms in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, earning him international recognition
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has been 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 recognition was announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin, following the prestigious event held at the Marriott Hotel, Casablanca.
The statement highlighted Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf’s administration has implemented significant reforms in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development, positioning Kano State as a model of good governance in Africa.
Governor Yusuf, represented at the ceremony by his Special Adviser on State Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala, dedicated the award to the people of Kano State, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving progress under his administration.
The African Leadership Magazine noted that under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, Kano has achieved remarkable milestones, including allocating over 31% of the state budget to education, sponsoring postgraduate students abroad, and implementing technology-driven governance solutions.
Governor Yusuf has also received several national and international accolades, including:
- Governor of the Year on Education by New Telegraph Newspapers
- Most Pensioners Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners
- Teachers Friendly Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Teachers
The ALM editorial board commended Governor Yusuf’s efforts, stating, “Governor Yusuf exemplifies the transformative power of leadership in Africa.”
During the event, the Kano delegation participated in the Countries & State Governments Investment Opportunities Showcase, presenting investment potentials in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness.
Other distinguished honorees at the event included:
- President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar)
- Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Uganda)
- Former President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania)
- Lefoko Maxwell Moagi (former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana)
- Mustafa Y. Shek (Director General, National Communication Authority, Somalia)
- Ireneu Camacho (Chairman, Board of Directors, Enapor SA-Portos de Cabo Verde)
- Arch. Professor Barnabas Nawangwe (Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Uganda)
- Paul Mapfumo (Vice Chancellor, University of Zimbabwe)
- Monique Gieskes (CEO, Plantations Et Huileries Du Congo)
- Israel Degfa (President, Kerchanshe Trading Plc, Ethiopia)
- Mohammed Goni Alkali (Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission, Nigeria)
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his dedication to ethical leadership, stating, “Good governance is the foundation of sustainable development. We will continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and policies that uplift our people.”
The Kano delegation at the 14th African Leadership Award in Morocco was led by the former Head of Service and included:
- Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Aisha Lawan Saji
- Director General, Kano Investment Promotion Agency, Nazir Halliru
- Managing Director, Kano Agricultural Supply Company, Kabir Sani Yakubu
- Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
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