A spectacular and orderly gathering of hundreds of thousands of residents marked the arrival of the New Year in Kano State, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the centre of the celebrations.
Sea of Red Caps at Mahaha Square
On December 31, 2025, a mammoth crowd converged on Mahaha Square along BUK Road, spilling into adjoining streets and public spaces. The event, which has become an annual ritual, was characterised by a sea of heads, many adorned with signature red caps, awaiting the countdown.
As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the Kano sky, their loud celebratory cracks signalling the arrival of 2026 in grand style. The celebration was noted as one of the largest public New Year festivities in the state in recent years.
Governor Sets Tone for the Year
The event was headlined by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose presence energised the massive but orderly gathering. It marked his first major public outing of the year and served as a symbolic demonstration of his popular appeal at the street level.
Top government officials, senior political figures, community leaders, and youths turned out in large numbers. Many waved Governor Yusuf’s posters and chanted slogans as he made his appearance amid tight security provided by strategically deployed security and paramilitary forces.
Promises of Development and Unity
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Yusuf promised renewed development and socio-economic growth aimed at redefining the future of Kano State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects to improve living conditions and deliver democracy's dividends.
“Today marks a new chapter in the history of Kano as a people, united as brothers and sisters, as we begin a new year of greater dividends of democracy,” the governor declared.
His speech emphasised several key areas for 2026:
- Youth development and employment generation
- Women empowerment
- Investments in education, agriculture, and human capital
- Environmental sustainability
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Governor Yusuf thanked security agencies for maintaining peace and stability, noting that despite the challenges of 2025, the state had made significant developmental progress. He called on all citizens to support his administration, stressing the critical need for unity, peace, and collective responsibility in building a model state and nation.
“By the grace of Allah, we are entering a new chapter, one of unity, progress and development for the people of Kano. Thank you, and happy New Year 2026,” the governor concluded, setting an optimistic tone for the year ahead.
