Kano Governor Yusuf Shortlisted for Africa's SANKOFA Award of Excellence in Infrastructural Development - By Abba Anwar

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf makes a list of potential Awardees across West African sub-region, observed and screened by an African association named Réseau des Jeunes du Sahel pour le Progrès, le Développement et la Démocratie (Network of Sahel Youth for Progress, Development and Democracy), on infrastructural development in their respective states. 

The top most Award from the association, called Sankofa Award of Excellence across various sectors, is given to people or leaders who excel in their respective areas of work or responsibilities. 

With the recent disclosure made by the Commissioner of Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Ma'aji Sumaila, on the state of infrastructural development and payments of contracts in the state, the association included Kano to be part of the states across Nigeria and West African countries, screened for an Award of Excellence. 

Source close to the association reveals that, Governor Yusuf's achievements in the area of infrastructural development, could not be neglected and the Governor stands a better position to be seen and amplified across the globe. As a result of his commitment and service to humanity. 

Parts of the major reasons that informed the association's decision to include Governor Yusuf for Sankofa Award of Excellence for Infrastructural Development in West Africa is his genuine inclusion of infrastructures that are human centred, modern, location specified and standardization process and procedures. 

According to the source, the Screening Committee saddled with the responsibility of selecting qualified personalities across West Africa are in their final stage of releasing the result. Assuring that, under infrastructural development, Kano excels. Though not officially announced. 

When Governor Yusuf gets this Award, he will be the second person from Nigeria who bags the Award. Last year the Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin, PhD, CFR, got the SANKOFA Award for Legislative Excellence in Africa. Coincidentally, Governor Yusuf who is also from Kano state, would be the second Nigerian in this category. 

The President of the association Mr Fassoko Doumbia, from Mali, confirmed to my source that, from all indication, "Kano State Governor, from Nigeria, Mr Abba Kabir Yusuf is in the forefront of those screened for the Award."

With this recognition of excellence, the Award places Governor Yusuf to be one of the best Nigerian governors. And the best across West Africa on infrastructural development. One good thing about the Award is, it will as well serve as an engine oil for state commitment and unwavering service delivery. 

Mr Doumbia reveals further that "... it is amazing looking at the unmatched number of completed and ongoing projects as Kano has 799 completed projects and 709 projects at various stages of completion. It is encouraging to see that Governor Yusuf is executing over 1,508 developmental projects across all 44 LGAs."

What keeps hope and commitment alive are the transparent monitoring, evaluation and effective payment to contractors. Of which out of N928 Billion of the total contract sum, the state has already paid over N600 Billion, that’s 64.7% payment rate. 

Unlike in many states in Nigeria and West Africa. The association believes that Kano institutionalized transparency through the Ministry of Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation. 

 

The screening committee appreciated Kano’s strategic and balanced infrastructure spread, between urban and rural areas plus improved security. For urban renewal it has the sum of N169 Billion. While there are 5km roads in 38 LGAs with the sum of N118 Billion. They appreciated the rural infrastructure across 44 LGAs with the sum of N397 Billion for roads, education, healthcare, and social services. 

While under security infrastructure the total sum of N6.863 Billion for Neighborhood Security Watch offices in 36 LGAs. This assured deliberate, balanced development with value for money, quality delivery, and measurable impact on the lives of the people. All courtesy Governor Yusuf. 

It serves also as indices of how Governor Yusuf makes the list for such Award, that his infrastructures are signals for the delivery of landmark, human-centered projects as Kano completed tangible projects that directly improve lives of the citizenry, with 40 metropolitan roads, 44 PHCs, 120 schools, 5 water plants, with the ongoing Dan Agundi and Tal’udu flyovers at over 80% completion.

It has also been discovered that, Kano enjoys proven technical leadership and political will. Which glaringly displays the political will and technical competence required to drive massive infrastructure without corruption or delays. This is part of the major engagements being identified, which eventually resulted into the popular Sankofa Award of Excellence. 

Anwar writes from Kano 

Saturday, 25th July, 2026

NIPR President Lauds Kano Governor for People-Focused Initiatives

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, has commended Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba K Yusuf, for his exceptional commitment to people-oriented projects and inclusive governance.

This commendation came during an inspection visit by the NIPR Governing Council on Tuesday to assess Governor Yusuf’s suitability for investiture as a Patron of the professional body.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad, on Wednesday.

The NIPR, a non-profit professional organization established to regulate public relations practice in Nigeria, promotes high standards of professional conduct and ethical engagement across sectors.

During the tour—conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sanusi Bature D-Tofa—the NIPR delegation visited several key project sites showcasing the administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal, community development, and economic empowerment.

At the Dan Agundi Flyover, Dr. Neliaku expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the project, upon completion, would ease traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility. He pledged to return for the inauguration of the completed project.

The NIPR team, accompanied by the Commissioner of Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmad, engaged the project managers on technical and sustainability details, which were satisfactorily explained.

The delegation also visited the multi-billion-naira Bulbula Erosion Control Project in Nassarawa Local Government Area, where significant progress has been made to tackle environmental degradation.

Responding to inquiries, the Governor’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, explained that the project would enhance transportation, improve access to healthcare facilities, and contribute to curbing social vices such as drug abuse among youths.

At Kwankwasiyya City, the Managing Director of the Kano Housing Corporation, Alhaji Abdullahi Rab’u, informed the visitors that the estate comprises over 500 housing units, with the government ensuring the provision of modern infrastructure to guarantee comfort for residents.

He added that occupants are expected to meet their financial commitments or risk revocation of allocation.

The team later stopped at the Gwarzo Garment Centre, where over 100 young men and women were undergoing vocational training in tailoring and garment production—a testament to the administration’s investment in human capital development.

At Challawa/Goje Dama, Karaye Local Government Area, the delegation was received by the Commissioner of Power, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, who briefed them on the near-completion of a 6-megawatt power plant that is expected to significantly boost electricity supply across the state.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Dr. Neliaku remarked that Governor Yusuf’s initiatives transcend physical infrastructure, emphasizing social inclusion and community ownership.

“We are immensely impressed by the governor’s dedication to projects that directly impact citizens and make them active participants in the state’s progress,” he stated.

“This aligns perfectly with the core principles of public relations, which is about building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics.”

Dr. Neliaku added that the NIPR Council would consider the findings of the inspection in determining the governor’s formal investiture as a Patron of the Institute. He emphasized that the visit underscores NIPR’s commitment to recognizing leaders who uphold transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.

‎Kano Gov. Receives Report on Transport Commissioner’s Role on the Bail Saga‎

‎...As Governor Yusuf Pledges Swift Review on Committee’s Findings

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‎Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially received the report of the investigative committee constituted to examine the involvement of the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi Dala, in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.

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‎This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

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‎The report was formally presented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, during a meeting at the Government House, Kano. 

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‎He outlined the committee’s major findings based on its extensive review of material evidence and testimonies.

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‎Governor Yusuf commended the committee for its professionalism, objectivity, and commitment to truth. 

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‎He assured that the recommendations will be carefully reviewed and appropriate action taken in accordance with due process and the public interest.

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‎Key Findings of the Investigative Committee:

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‎🔹 Voluntary Suretyship: The Commissioner voluntarily submitted an application to serve as surety for the defendant on July 18, 2025.

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‎🔹 Affidavit of Means: He deposed to an affidavit confirming his position as a serving Commissioner and pledged to comply with all bail conditions until the conclusion of the trial.

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‎🔹 Awareness of Bail Requirements: He understood that only a serving Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council qualifies to stand surety under the court’s conditions.

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‎🔹 Lack of Due Diligence: The Commissioner did not exercise adequate caution before taking the decision to stand surety for a defendant facing serious narcotics charges.

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‎🔹 Full Knowledge of Charges: The Committee found that he had both constructive and actual knowledge of the drug-related nature of the charges.

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‎🔹 Violation of Government Policy: He was aware that the Kano State Government has a firm stance against drug trafficking, abuse, youth criminality, and related vices.

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‎🔹 No Prior Relationship: There was no evidence of any prior acquaintance between the Commissioner and the defendant.

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‎🔹 No Financial or Material Inducement: The Committee found no indication that financial benefit or other incentives influenced the Commissioner’s action.

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‎🔹 No Bail Deposit by Commissioner: The Commissioner did not deposit any sum, including the reported ₦5,000,000, for the bail. That claim was solely based on the defendant’s affidavit.

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‎Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, justice, and discipline in public service. 

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‎He reaffirmed that the government remains resolute in its fight against drug-related crimes and all forms of social misconduct affecting Kano’s youth and society at large.

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