Special Adviser on Cooperative Groups Congratulates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Leadership Awards in Education and Governance

The Special Adviser on Cooperative Groups to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Honourable Jamilu Abbas, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the governor for receiving the esteemed Leadership Governor of the Year 2024 award. This recognition, bestowed by the prominent Leadership Newspaper, underscores Governor Yusuf’s commitment to transformative governance.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Honourable Jamilu Abbas lauded the governor’s achievements, describing the award as a testament to his dedication to implementing people-oriented policies. “Governor Yusuf’s recognition by a national daily like Leadership Newspaper is a clear indication that his administration is focused on improving the lives of the common man,” Abbas remarked.

Honourable Abbas further expressed his personal admiration for the governor’s accomplishments. “On behalf of myself and my family, I congratulate the people’s governor on this well-deserved award. It showcases that governance has firmly taken root in our state,” he stated.

Governor Yusuf’s accolades extend beyond this singular honor. He has also been celebrated by Vanguard Newspaper and Heritage Times Magazine, receiving titles such as Governor of the Year (Education) and African Governor of the Year (Good Governance). These recognitions collectively highlight his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to progress.

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

The award was presented during the 17th Leadership Newspaper Awards held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event celebrated notable Nigerians who have made significant impacts in various fields, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was named Person of the Year 2024, and the Governor of Jigawa State, who also received a Governor of the Year award.

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

Governor Yusuf was particularly commended for allocating 31% of the state’s annual budget to education, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark, and for declaring a state of emergency on the sector.

His administration’s initiatives include massive school renovations, provision of learning materials, recruitment of teachers, and the launch of a comprehensive Education Recovery Plan.

Speaking after receiving the award, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to the organizers, describing the honor as unexpected and highly credible.

“We never imagined that our efforts would receive such national recognition. We did not pay for this award, we did not lobby for it — we were simply recognized for what we have achieved in Kano,” the Governor said.

He dedicated the award to vulnerable children across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms in education.

“This recognition has given us more encouragement to keep pushing 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.

Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) AB Mahmoud, Senior has advocated restructuring of institutions in the administration of justice system, essentially to devote powers to state government.

AB Mahmoud, senior advocate of Nigeria, who believed the concentration of judicial powers, “where all matters of interest are anchored in Abuja” is not justifiable in a complex system the country operates.

“There is need for restructuring of institutions to devote powers to state government. The Federal government can handle issues of terrorism, and other external burden. But there is no reason or justification where all matters of investigation are anchored from Abuja.

“If there is break down of law and order in a state, the government of that state should be allowed and held responsible to manage, because the Governor is elected by the people of the state”. AB Mahmoud said.

Mahmoud spoke while delivering papers on Challenges of Effective Administration of Criminal Justice System at a three day capacity building workshop for prosecutors in Kano, raised concerns on critical impediments in the administration of criminal justice system in Kano.

The senior lawyer cited the roles of security agencies entrusted with investigative powers, prosecutors and the court, held that only a symbiotic collaboration between the institutions can guarantee effectively administration of justice system in the country.

He however regretted the overbearing influence of police who are primarily entrusted to conduct case investigation and now taking over prosecution powers from the Ministry of Justice due to power overload at the central government. Mahmoud urged the police to rather focus energy on investigative skill through of forensic capacity building.

Besides, the senior lawyer challenged the prosecutors to remain firm on the bricks of ethics standard and professionalism while striving to rise above selfish interest of politicians in public prosecution.

Earlier,Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Faruq Ibrahim reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Governor Yusuf who declared the workshop open, described the capacity building sessions as “another significant step in our collective resolve and commitment to entrench an effective criminal justice administration process in our dear state.”

He emphasized the vital role of prosecutors in upholding justice, stating, “You are not just case managers, but guardians of fairness and protectors of public trust. Your work has a direct impact on how justice is delivered and how society functions.”

Governor Yusuf noted that the training was timely, aiming to sharpen the skills of prosecutors, deepen their knowledge, and equip them with modern tools and ethical frameworks aligned with global best practices. He commended the organizers Kurawa, Husseini & associates in collaboration with Kano state ministry of Justice for their initiative.

On his part, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, highlighted the importance of capacity building for prosecutors in ensuring efficiency and accountability in the justice sector.