In a significant moment that transcended political divisions, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State was honoured with a prestigious national award for his service to the people. The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw the opposition governor recognised by the federal government for tangible achievements across Kano State.
A Cross-Party Salute to Performance
The 2025 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service was presented to Governor Yusuf on the night of December 30th. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, conferred the award on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This recognition of a governor from an opposing political party served as a powerful reminder that genuine development and service can command respect beyond partisan loyalties.
For residents of Kano, the award validated their daily experiences. The trader in Sabon Gari enjoying better roads, the teacher in Dawakin Tofa with new desks for pupils, the nurse in Kumbotso using functional equipment, and the farmer in Garun Malam receiving timely agricultural inputs all saw their improved realities reflected in this national honour.
The Tangible Work Behind the Honour
The award was not merely ceremonial; it was rooted in visible progress across key sectors. In education, Governor Yusuf's administration revived long-neglected schools. The government rehabilitated classrooms, restored roofs, supplied furniture, and recruited thousands of teachers to ease overcrowding and restore balance to the struggling system.
Healthcare witnessed a similar revival. Primary healthcare centres across local governments received crucial upgrades, supplies, and personnel. Communities that once faced long journeys for medical help now have facilities offering greater hope and access for mothers, children, and the elderly.
Recognising the roots of Kano's economy, the administration refocused on agriculture. Support reached farmers through timely distribution of fertilisers, seeds, and extension services, boosting productivity through methodical planning rather than chance. From Bichi to Garko, farming regained its dignity and potential.
Within Kano metropolis, urban renewal reshaped daily life. Roads were opened and repaired, drainage systems cleared, and flood-prone areas addressed. The city, a major commercial hub of the North, is slowly reclaiming its form with improved order and movement.
Award Ceremony and Broader Significance
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the award alongside governors from Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom States. The ceremony was organised by Best Media Relations in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Justice Mary Odili (rtd).
Other recipients included leaders of key national institutions like the NDLEA, EFCC, NFIU, Customs, Immigration, NEMA, and senior federal ministers. However, for Kano citizens, the deeper meaning lay in the message that governance can rise above political rivalry and that visible results build bridges where politics often constructs walls.
True to his character, Governor Yusuf did not keep the honour to himself. He dedicated it to the patience, resilience, and faith of the Kano people. He renewed his pledge to deepen people-centred governance that impacts daily living, not just surface-level aesthetics.
This moment carries a quiet philosophy: political power is loud but brief, while service is quiet but lasting. The real legacy lies in the repaired school, the functioning clinic, the productive farm, and the safe road that remain long after the applause has faded. For young Nigerians watching, it underscores that leadership is measured by consistent delivery, not loud promises. For Kano, it elevates the state's national standing from being defined by political contests to being described through performance.
