By Jabiru Hassan
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has been honored 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 statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin, on behalf of the media aides of other African leaders at the event held at the Marriott Hotel, Casablanca.
The recognition highlights Governor Yusuf’s 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, the governor dedicated the award to the people of Kano State, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving progress under the current administration.
According to the African Leadership Magazine, Kano has achieved significant milestones under his leadership, including allocating over 31% 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 on Education by 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 others.
The ALM editorial board commended his efforts, stating that 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 such as renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness.
Other distinguished honorees at the event included President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda, Former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, and Lefoko Maxwell Moagi, former Minister of Minerals and Energy in Botswana. Others were Mustafa Y. Shek, Director General of the National Communication Authority of Somalia, and Ireneu Camacho, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Enapor SA-Portos de Cabo Verde.
Also honored were Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in Uganda, Paul Mapfumo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Monique Gieskes, CEO of Plantations Et Huileries Du Congo, Israel Degfa, President of Kerchanshe Trading Plc in Ethiopia, and Mohammed Goni Alkali, Managing Director/CEO of the North East Development Commission in Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his dedication to ethical leadership, stating that good governance is the foundation of sustainable development and that his administration will continue to uphold transparency, accountability, and policies that uplift the people.
The Kano delegation at the 14th African Leadership Award in Morocco was led by Special Adviser on State Affairs Alhaji Usman Bala, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Aisha Lawan Saji, Director General of the Kano Investment Promotion Agency Nazir Halliru, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural Supply Company Kabir Sani Yakubu, and Director General of Media and Publicity Sunusi Bature DawakinTofa.
