Kano Governor Honored with Prestigious National Award
In a significant moment that transcended political affiliations, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State was honored with the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service. The award ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw the Governor recognized by the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite belonging to an opposing political party. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, presented the award on behalf of the President.
A Recognition Rooted in Tangible Development
The award was not merely ceremonial; it was a direct acknowledgment of visible improvements in the lives of Kano citizens. For the trader in Sabon Gari, the teacher in Dawakin Tofa, the nurse in Kumbotso, and the farmer in Garun Malam, the national recognition mirrored their daily experiences of progress.
In the education sector, the administration revived long-neglected schools. Classrooms were rehabilitated, roofs fixed, and furniture supplied. The recruitment of thousands of new teachers helped decongest overcrowded classrooms and restored faith in the system for worried parents.
The healthcare system witnessed a practical revival. Primary healthcare centres across local governments received upgrades, essential supplies, and better staffing. Communities that once faced long journeys for medical care now have access to more functional facilities, bringing hope to mothers, children, and the elderly.
Foundations of Economy and Infrastructure Rebuilt
Governor Yusuf's administration refocused on agriculture, the root of Kano's economy. Timely provision of fertilizers, seeds, and extension services boosted productivity, restoring dignity and possibility to farming from Bichi to Garko.
Within the Kano metropolis, urban renewal projects reshaped daily life. Roads were opened and repaired, drainage systems cleared, and flood-prone areas addressed. This restoration of public infrastructure is helping the historic commercial hub reclaim its order and vitality.
Governor Yusuf received the award alongside governors from Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom States. The event was organized by Best Media Relations in partnership with the Office of the SGF and presided over by the Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees, retired Justice Mary Odili. Other recipients included heads of agencies like the NDLEA, EFCC, and Customs, as well as senior federal ministers.
Beyond Politics: A Lesson in Governance
For the people of Kano, the award carried a deeper meaning. The public honoring of an opposition governor by a federal government from a rival party sent a powerful message: service can rise above political rivalry. It proved that concrete results can build bridges where politics often constructs walls.
In his response, Governor Yusuf dedicated the award to the patience, resilience, and faith of the Kano people. He renewed his pledge to deepen people-centered governance that tangibly impacts daily living. The recognition challenges the notion that opposition means automatic exclusion and shows young citizens that leadership is measured by consistent delivery, not loud promises.
This award elevates Kano in the national conversation, framing it not just as a political battleground but as a state defined by performance. For Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, it is both an affirmation and a renewed responsibility. For Kano's people, it is an encouragement that their collective future is shaped by deliberate, visible effort.
