Staffers of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been thrown into a state of mourning on Thursday following the news of the murder of its Director of Administration, Dr. Abdulraif Adekunle Adeniji, by suspected kidnappers who abducted him since January 26 this year.

The kidnappers went ahead to murder Adeniji after collecting the sum of about N90 million ransom.

The late Adeniji was abducted alongside his brother and his wife who was immediately shot dead due to her inability to keep pace with them while on their way to an unknown destination.

APc’s Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagha Abel, in a statement, disclosed that the party secretariat will remain closed till Monday as a result of the unfortunate development.

The Guardian

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.