Headlines
From Roads to Classrooms: How Governor Yusuf is Shaping Kano’s Future
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano State is witnessing a new wave of reforms, projects, and interventions under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as his administration pushes forward with ambitious programmes touching nearly every sector of life in the state.
From infrastructure and education to housing policy, emergency relief, and traditional governance, recent months have shown the governor’s determination to deliver on his promises.
Roads and Infrastructure at the Forefront
The administration has invested heavily in roads and urban renewal. In May 2025, over ₦20.3 billion was approved for dualization projects in Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Garun Mallam, Madobi, and Tsanyawa, alongside repairs of storm-damaged public facilities and the construction of a commemorative auditorium.
Shortly after, the governor personally flagged off reconstruction of the 3.6-kilometre Zungeru Road and the Gayawa–Bulbulawa road in Nassarawa Local Government, stressing that the projects were crucial to easing congestion and stimulating economic activity.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to physical development was recognized at the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) 2025, where he received the Infrastructure Governor of the Year Award.
Eucation Emergency Yields Results
Education remains at the heart of the Yusuf administration. In May, the governor announced sweeping reforms that included the permanent recruitment of 4,000 BESDA workers, distribution of ₦2.8 billion worth of instructional materials, solarization of 200 schools with 250 computers each, and the hiring of 17,600 security guards for public schools.
These initiatives followed a policy of dedicating 31 percent of the state’s budget to education, earning the governor the Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 Award for Education.
Compassion in Times of Crisis
The Yusuf administration has also shown a compassionate face in moments of tragedy.
After the June 2025 road crash that claimed the lives of 22 Kano athletes returning from a national sports festival, the governor declared a day of mourning and directed that each bereaved family receive ₦1 million and food support.
The gesture drew praise across the state as a humane response to an incident that shocked the nation.
Housing: “Use It or Lose It”
Housing has also come under focus. In March, the governor issued a strong warning to allottees of properties in Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo estates to either occupy their units or face revocation.
He also ordered the restoration of basic amenities in the estates and began discussions with the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide civil servants with easier access to home ownership.
Tradition and Governance
Governor Yusuf’s decision last year to abolish the Bichi and Rano emirates and restore a unified Kano Emirate under Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II continues to shape governance in the state in 2025, with implications for both traditional authority and modern administration.
A Governor Under Spotlight
As 2025 progresses, the strands of Governor Yusuf’s policies are becoming clear: heavy spending on roads, a declared emergency in education, a firm hand in housing, quick relief in crises, and decisive reforms in the traditional institution.
Observers say these efforts reflect both the urgency of the challenges confronting Kano and the governor’s bid to leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s most populous state.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Kano Metropolitan Rail Service in a move aimed at transforming urban transportation, boosting economic activities and easing traffic congestion across the state capital.
KANO FOCUS reports that the approval was disclosed by Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, while addressing the state contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State.
The development was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf explained that his administration’s decision to realign with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the need to attract critical development projects to Kano State.
He said the proposed Kano Metropolitan Rail Service would provide a modern, efficient and affordable mass transit system capable of connecting key districts within the metropolis, improving mobility for residents and stimulating trade and investment.
The Governor described the rail project as a landmark intervention that would significantly improve the quality of life of the people and reposition Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.
He assured that the Kano State Government would work closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project, transparency in execution and maximum benefits for the people of the state.
Governor Yusuf also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies and infrastructure development.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has honoured the overall winner of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition (Musabaqa), Hafsat Muhammad Sada, with a Hajj slot for her and her mother, a foreign scholarship, a plot of land and a cash reward.
KANO FOCUS reports that the competition, which recently concluded in Borno State, saw Kano State emerge prominently, with several participants excelling in different recitation categories.
Governor Yusuf also approved the allocation of plots of land and cash rewards to other Kano indigenes who emerged winners in various categories at the national competition.
Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf
The gesture was disclosed in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the beneficiaries, who represented Kano State at the competition, were received by the Governor at the Government House, Kano, where he commended them for bringing honour and pride to the state.
Governor Yusuf described their achievement as a clear reflection of Kano State’s rich Islamic heritage and its long-standing commitment to the promotion of Islamic education and moral values.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue supporting Qur’anic schools, Islamic scholars and faith-based initiatives aimed at producing morally upright and intellectually sound citizens.
In separate remarks, the Chairman of the Musabaqa Board of Trustees, Sheikh Shehi Shehi Mai Hula, and the Dan Amar of Kano and District Head of Gobirawa, Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi Umar, who represented the Emir of Kano, congratulated the Governor and the people of the state for what they described as an unprecedented achievement.
They expressed optimism that Kano State would record even more successes in future Qur’anic recitation competitions, given the commitment of all stakeholders to sustaining the current momentum.
Hafsat Muhammad Sada
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the mother of Hafsat Muhammad Sada thanked Governor Yusuf for the recognition and support, describing the gesture as a morale booster that would encourage more youths to embrace Qur’anic studies and strive for excellence.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has dismissed reports suggesting that recent political defections have weakened the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing such claims as misleading and deliberately designed to distort facts.
KANO FOCUS reports that Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated this in a press statement issued on Thursday, saying that commissioners heading critical and strategic ministries of government remain firmly loyal to the governor.
According to Waiya, governance is driven by structure, policy, and institutional control rather than propaganda or political speculation. He stressed that the ministries responsible for policy formulation, implementation, and service delivery are fully intact and functioning under the leadership of Governor Yusuf.
He listed the key ministries to include Education, Health, Works, Finance and Economic Planning, Planning and Budget, Information and Internal Affairs, Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agriculture, Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Transport, Power and Renewable Energy, Housing Development, Rural and Community Development, as well as Procurement and Monitoring.
“These ministries represent the true levers of governance where decisions are made and implemented,” the commissioner said, adding that control of these institutions signifies stability and continuity in government.
Waiya noted that the administration has not lost control of governance processes, insisting that policies are being formulated and implemented, projects are ongoing, the bureaucracy remains aligned, and the cabinet continues to function effectively as the highest policy-making body of the state.
He cautioned critics against confusing political drama with authority, saying that while political movements may attract media attention, governance responds only to legality, structure, and institutional control.
The commissioner further maintained that the Yusuf administration remains focused and undistracted by political developments, stressing that the governor continues to govern effectively and strategically.
He urged detractors to accept the reality on ground and engage in constructive public discourse rather than spreading misinformation capable of misleading the public.
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