Gov Yusuf bags ‘Leadership Governor of the Year’ 2024 for education

By Jabiru Hassan

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

The prestigious award was presented at the 17th Leadership Newspaper Awards, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The event celebrated remarkable Nigerians who have made significant contributions across various fields, with Alhaji Aliko Dangote being named Person of the Year 2024. Additionally, the Governor of Jigawa State was honoured with the Governor of the Year award.

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

Governor Yusuf received praise for allocating 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, significantly exceeding the UNESCO benchmark, and for declaring a state of emergency in the sector.

Key initiatives of his administration include extensive school renovations, the provision of learning materials, teacher recruitment, and the launch of a comprehensive Education Recovery Plan.

Upon receiving the award, Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the organisers, describing the honour as both unexpected and highly meaningful.

“We never imagined that our efforts would receive such national recognition. We did not pay for this award, nor did we lobby for it—we were simply acknowledged for what we have accomplished in Kano,” the Governor said.

He dedicated the award to vulnerable children across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing educational reforms.

“This recognition has given us even more encouragement to keep striving 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 in Nigeria.