Kano State ushered in the year 2026 with a spectacular and massively attended public celebration, headlined by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The event, held at the iconic Mahaha Square, drew a sea of residents in a vibrant display of unity and hope for the new year.
A Sea of Red Caps at Mahaha Square
On December 31, 2025, hundreds of thousands of Kano residents converged on Mahaha Square along BUK Road for the annual New Year's Eve countdown. The mammoth crowd, many adorned with distinctive red caps, filled the square and spilled into adjoining streets and public spaces, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the Kano sky, greeted by loud celebratory cracks from the enthusiastic crowd. The gathering was notably orderly, thanks to the strategic deployment of security agencies and paramilitary forces across key locations to ensure crowd control and public safety.
Governor Yusuf Sets the Tone for 2026
The celebration was headlined by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose presence energised the gathering. This marked Governor Yusuf's first major public outing of the year 2026 and served as a powerful demonstration of his popular appeal at the grassroots level.
He appeared amid tight security, with top government officials, senior political figures, community leaders, and youths waving his posters and chanting slogans in a show of support. The governor addressed the massive crowd, framing the moment as the start of a new chapter for Kano.
Promises of Development and Unity
In his New Year address, Governor Yusuf promised renewed efforts towards development and socio-economic growth aimed at redefining the state's future. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to completing ongoing projects to improve living conditions and deliver the dividends of democracy.
"Today marks a new chapter in the history of Kano as a people, united as brothers and sisters, as we begin a new year of greater dividends of democracy," the governor declared.
He outlined key focus areas for his administration, emphasising:
- Youth development and employment generation
- Women empowerment
- Substantial investments in education, agriculture, human capital development, and the environment
Yusuf also took a moment to thank security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and stability, noting that despite the challenges of 2025, Kano State had made significant developmental progress.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The governor concluded his speech with a call for unity and collective effort. He urged citizens to support his administration, stressing the need for peace and shared responsibility in building a model state and nation.
"By the grace of Allah, we are entering a new chapter, one of unity, progress and development for the people of Kano. Thank you, and happy New Year 2026," Governor Yusuf stated.
The event has been described by many attendees as one of the largest and most successful public New Year festivities in Kano State in recent years, setting a hopeful and ambitious tone for the year 2026 under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's leadership.
