Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been named Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the education sector.

The award was presented during the 17th Leadership Newspaper Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event celebrated notable Nigerians who have made significant impacts in various fields, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was named Person of the Year 2024, and the Governor of Jigawa State, who also received a Governor of the Year award.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the recognition was described as a validation of Governor Yusuf’s bold reforms in education, which have repositioned the sector in Kano State after years of neglect.

Governor Yusuf was particularly commended for allocating 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark, and for declaring a state of emergency on the sector.

His administration’s initiatives include massive school renovations, provision of learning materials, recruitment of teachers, and the launch of a comprehensive Education Recovery Plan.

Speaking after receiving the award, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the honor as unexpected and highly credible.

“We never imagined that our efforts would receive such national recognition. We did not pay for this award, we did not lobby for it — we were simply recognized for what we have achieved in Kano,” the Governor said.

He dedicated the award to vulnerable children across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms in education.

“This recognition has given us more encouragement to keep pushing for excellence. I thank the Leadership Newspaper management and the media for their continued support,” he added.

The event also marked the 20th anniversary of Leadership Newspaper, celebrating two decades of impactful journalism.

Mukhtar Yahya Usman

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Kano State Police Command to take over the investigation of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II following the violent incident that marred the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025.

This directive replaces an earlier move by the Force Headquarters, which had invited the Emir to Abuja for questioning. That invitation has now been withdrawn, as the IGP opts for a more localized and less politically sensitive approach.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP’s decision followed consultations with key stakeholders who advised that handling the matter within Kano would help avoid escalating tensions or creating political interpretations of police action.

Tensions erupted on Sallah Day when Emir Sanusi, after attending Eid prayers barefooted, mounted a horse and led a procession through the streets — a move seen as defying a prior agreement by the two rival emirs to suspend all Durbar activities to preserve peace.

The procession allegedly involved local vigilantes and triggered clashes with youths in the area, resulting in the death of one Usman Sagiru and injuries to several others.

According to police, intelligence had earlier warned of potential conflict if the disputed emirs — Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and Alhaji Sanusi — went ahead with separate Durbar festivals.

As a preventive measure, senior officers were deployed to broker peace, leading to an agreement that no horse-riding or processions would take place.

Despite this, Emir Sanusi’s actions sparked violence, prompting police investigations and arrests.

The Force maintains that it will pursue justice with professionalism and neutrality.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Galadiman Kano and senior Kano Emirate official.

KANO FOCUS reports that Abbas Sanusi died at 92 after a protracted illness. Many children and grandchildren survive him.

Among his children is Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga President Tinubu described the deceased as a strong pillar of the traditional institution, its survival and development.

The President said the services of the late Sanusi, a titleholder since 1959, would be appreciated far beyond Kano Emirate and Kano State.

President Tinubu condoled with the government and people of Kano State, the Kano Emirate Council and the family of the late chief for the irreparable loss.

The President prayed to Allah to admit the Galadima in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort the family.