February 24, (THEWILL) – Governor Abba 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 Award ceremony.
The ceremony, held in Casablanca, Morocco, saw former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete join other leaders to celebrate outstanding African personalities of the year.
This was contained in a joint statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on behalf of media aides of other African leaders at the event, which took place at the Marriott Hotel, Casablanca.
Dawakin Tofa stated that the honour was in recognition of Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. He noted that the governor’s reforms in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development had 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 of the State, the governor dedicated the award to the people of Kano, emphasising their pivotal role in driving progress under the present administration.
According to the African Leadership Magazine, under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, Kano has achieved significant milestones, including allocating over 31 per cent of the state budget to education, sponsoring postgraduate students abroad, and implementing technology-driven governance solutions.
“Governor Yusuf’s commitment to good governance has also earned him national and international accolades, including the Governor of the Year Award on Education by the New Telegraph Newspapers, the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year Award by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, and the Teachers-Friendly Governor of the Year Award by the Nigeria Union of Teachers,” the governor’s spokesperson said.
He added that President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda also received African Leadership Awards at the event.
The ALM editorial board commended Governor Yusuf’s efforts, stating that they “exemplify 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 such as renewable energy, technology and agribusiness.
Other distinguished honourees 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), and Mustafa Y. Shek (Director General, National Communication Authority, Somalia).
Also honoured were 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), and Mohammed Goni Alkali (Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission, Nigeria).
According to Dawakin Tofa, 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 event was led by the Special Adviser on State Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala, and included the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Aisha Lawan Saji; the Director General of the Kano Investment Promotion Agency, Nazir Halliru; the Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural Supply Company, Kabir Sani Yakubu; and the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
