There are moments in the life of governments when recognition ceases to be a matter of public relations and becomes a matter of public record. Such moments emerge when independent institutions, professional bodies, media organizations, development platforms, and governance observers repeatedly arrive at similar conclusions about the performance of a particular administration. When commendations come from different sectors, different countries, different evaluation mechanisms, and different ideological environments, they begin to form a pattern that deserves serious attention.

This increasingly appears to be the situation surrounding the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as Kano State marks three years under his leadership. From major national platforms in Lagos and Abuja to continental governance forums in Casablanca and Marrakech, a growing number of recognitions, awards, and institutional endorsements have continued to place Kano within broader conversations about governance, development, public service delivery, and leadership performance. The significance of these recognitions lies not merely in the plaques, trophies, certificates, or ceremonial photographs that accompany them. Their deeper significance lies in what they collectively reveal about the changing perception of governance in Kano State.

Across democratic societies, awards alone do not automatically validate performance. Many disappear as quickly as they emerge. However, when recognitions originate from respected institutions operating in different sectors and repeatedly acknowledge similar areas of achievement, they become indicators of something more substantial. They suggest that certain governance outcomes are becoming visible beyond the immediate boundaries of local politics.

Over the past three years, Kano has increasingly attracted this kind of attention.

One of the most prominent examples came when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was named Leadership Newspaper's Governor of the Year for Education, a recognition that reflected widespread attention to the administration's extensive investments in educational development. Education has arguably become one of the defining pillars of the government's policy agenda. The declaration of a state of emergency in education, large scale school rehabilitation programmes, scholarship interventions, teacher recruitment initiatives, examination support schemes, and expanded access to educational opportunities collectively transformed education into one of the administration's most visible priorities.

The education sector was not the only area attracting attention. The administration also received recognition from Blueprint Newspaper, which honoured Governor Yusuf for his contributions to educational advancement and human capital development.

Beyond education, governance reforms and public service delivery also attracted national recognition. When Vanguard Newspaper honoured Governor Yusuf with its Governor of the Year Award for Good Governance, the recognition reflected broader assessments of leadership, administrative responsiveness, and public sector performance.

As recognition continued to grow nationally, Kano's governance story increasingly crossed international boundaries.

One of the most significant moments in this trajectory emerged when Governor Yusuf received continental recognition through the African Leadership Magazine's African Governor of the Year Award for Good Governance. Presented within a broader African governance framework, the award represented an acknowledgment that developments in Kano were attracting attention beyond Nigeria's borders.

Perhaps even more symbolic was the recognition received in Marrakech, Morocco, where Governor Yusuf was honoured with an African governance award that further elevated Kano's visibility within continental policy and leadership circles.

The administration's achievements in healthcare have also contributed to this narrative. Recognition from professional healthcare bodies and related institutions reflected efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery and strengthening public health infrastructure.

Infrastructure development has similarly featured prominently within many assessments of the administration's record. Recognition from professional organizations such as the Nigerian Institute of Building reflected appreciation for ongoing investments in public infrastructure and urban development.

Another important aspect of Kano's growing recognition relates to institutional reform. Revenue generation improvements, administrative modernization, and efforts to strengthen governance systems have increasingly attracted attention from observers interested in the long term sustainability of development.

The growing number of awards and recognitions received by Kano therefore tells a broader story. It suggests that observers across different sectors are identifying similar patterns of governance performance. Education reforms, healthcare investments, infrastructure development, public service responsiveness, institutional strengthening, and human capital advancement repeatedly emerge as recurring themes within external assessments of the administration.

Perhaps the most important consequence of this growing recognition is the effect it has on public confidence. Citizens often view external endorsements differently from political claims. Governments naturally celebrate their achievements. Opposition groups naturally highlight shortcomings. Independent recognition introduces a third perspective.

Ultimately, the story behind the recognitions stretching from Lagos to Marrakech is not fundamentally about awards. Awards are merely symbols. The deeper story concerns governance itself. It concerns the ability of public institutions to respond to citizens' needs, invest in human development, strengthen infrastructure, improve service delivery, and restore confidence in the possibilities of government.

Three years ago, the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf began with promises of development, reform, and people centred governance. Today, the growing list of recognitions from national and continental institutions suggests that those efforts are attracting attention far beyond Kano's borders. From Lagos to Marrakech, and across numerous platforms in between, a consistent message continues to emerge: when governance produces visible results, recognition inevitably follows

Munir Ibrahim writes from muneeribrahim2020@gmail.com

Activist and prominent supporter of Peter Obi, Aisha Yesufu, has withdrawn from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) race for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate seat following the party’s decision not to hold primaries for the position.

Yesufu had declared her interest in contesting the 2027 FCT senatorial election on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC. At the time, she said her decision to seek elective office was inspired by the leadership experience she gained while in the ADC.

Her withdrawal comes amid speculation that the party may have settled for another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had reportedly been a member of the NDC before Yesufu joined the party.

Announcing her decision in a statement released on Friday, Yesufu said the party’s position on the conduct of primaries effectively ended her participation in the race.

“Our party has decided not to conduct primaries for the senatorial seat in FCT Abuja. It however intends to conduct primaries for House of Representatives! Go ahead and make your choice known!” she stated.

Despite withdrawing from the contest, Yesufu urged her supporters to remain focused on broader political goals ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I urge each and everyone of you to remain calm and focus on the bigger picture which is the presidential election. Nigeria will be OK!” she said.

She also thanked supporters who backed her senatorial ambition throughout the process.

“I appreciate all your support, dedication and commitment towards #AishaForSenate project,” she added.

The activist further reassured residents of the FCT that her commitment to the territory remains unchanged, promising continued engagement with communities across the six area councils.

“In the coming week, I will be returning back to all the six Area Councils, God willing, to appreciate them for the warm welcome and continue to forge ahead for a #BetterFCT,” she said.

Her withdrawal adds a new dimension to early political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, as internal party decisions and candidate selection processes continue to attract public attention.

Three years ago, when His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf took the oath of office as Governor of Kano State, expectations were enormous, criticisms came quickly, and skepticism existed across different political divides. Like every new administration, many people waited patiently to see whether promises would remain campaign slogans or gradually translate into visible governance.

Today, three years later, one thing has become increasingly difficult to deny: whether one supports him politically or not, his administration has forced itself into public conversation through visibility and public engagement.

This piece is not an attempt to list every project, intervention, or programme carried out within the last three years because that alone would require extensive research and far more space than one article can conveniently contain. Governance should not always be reduced to long lists and statistics. 

Sometimes governance is judged by what ordinary people see daily, what communities experience directly, and what visitors notice when they arrive.

Across Kano today, discussions around education, infrastructure, healthcare, social welfare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, urban renewal, and community development have become regular parts of everyday conversations. Whether in markets, schools, offices, motor parks, or social gatherings, people increasingly debate the impact of government actions because there are visible activities to discuss.

Perhaps one of the greatest political strengths of any administration is when even opponents find it difficult to completely deny that work is happening. This does not mean there are no criticisms. It does not mean challenges have disappeared. It certainly does not mean expectations have been fully met. Governance everywhere remains a continuous process.

However, fairness demands honesty. Honesty requires admitting that three years into office, the administration of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has created visible footprints that supporters proudly defend and critics increasingly debate rather than dismiss entirely.

The bigger question may no longer be whether this administration has made an impact. The bigger question many residents quietly ask themselves now is this: if three years have generated this level of visibility and conversation, what would eight years eventually look like?

History will judge every government differently. 

But today, many Kano residents and visitors alike would agree that the conversation is no longer about whether governance is visible.

The conversation now is about how much more can still happen.

Nworisa Michael is the coordinator of Inter-tribe Community Support Forum and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com.

In an effort to encourage civic participation ahead of future elections, Chef Christopher Olojugba, popularly known as Chef Kristo and Chief Executive Officer of Kristo Kitchen, has introduced a special discount campaign targeted at holders of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The entrepreneur announced the initiative through WhatsApp community groups, stating that customers who present their PVCs while making purchases would automatically qualify for a five per cent discount on meals and other items offered by the business.

According to Chef Kristo, the campaign is designed not only to reward customers but also to encourage more Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the democratic process.

“Dear customers, we will be giving out 5% discount to customers who has PVC. All you need to do is to show us your PVC and you automatically qualify for a 5% discount on anything you're buying,” he stated.

He added: “A better Nigeria starts with you & I. GO GET YOUR PVC.”

The initiative has begun attracting attention on social media and community platforms, with some residents describing it as a creative way to promote voter registration and civic responsibility through private sector participation.

Interested customers and members of the public seeking more information about the campaign can contact Kristo Kitchen via WhatsApp on +234 816 717 9227.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State following the decision of a major contender, Nasiru Gawuna, to accept the Kano Central Senatorial ticket.

Gawuna, who had earlier rejected the senatorial offer, reportedly reversed his decision after consultations with political allies and stakeholders, paving the way for Abdussalam’s emergence as the party’s governorship flagbearer ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, sources within the Kwankwasiyya political movement disclosed that the Leader of the movement and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the preferred governorship candidate of the NDC.

According to sources familiar with the development, the decision followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders, political allies, and influential figures across Kano State.

The sources further stated that Abdussalam earned the confidence of the movement’s leadership due to his longstanding loyalty, commitment, and active role in sustaining the ideals and political structure of the Kwankwasiyya movement over the years.

Further details are expected as events continue to unfold.