Headlines
Governor Yusuf Named African Governor of the Year for Good Governance
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 governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin on Saturday.
This recognition highlights Governor Yusuf’s exceptional 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, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving progress.
Under his leadership, Kano has achieved significant milestones, including allocating over 30% 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 international accolades, such as a Special Congressional Commendation from the U.S. South Carolina General Assembly and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
The ALM editorial board commended his efforts, stating, “Governor Yusuf exemplifies the transformative power of leadership in Africa.”
During the event, Governor Yusuf participated in the Countries & State Governments Investment Opportunities Showcase, highlighting Kano’s potential for investment in key sectors like renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness.
Other distinguished honorees 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)
• Mustafa Y. Shek (Director General, National Communication Authority, Somalia)
• 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)
• Mohammed Goni Alkali (Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission, Nigeria)
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.”
Headlines
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.

Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Headlines
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Headlines
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
