By Abdu Saidu

The third anniversary of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf provides an opportunity to reflect on a period that has been marked by deliberate efforts to accelerate development and improve the welfare of the people of Kano State. Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has pursued policies and projects aimed at addressing critical needs across multiple sectors while laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Over the past three years, governance in Kano has been largely defined by investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, youth empowerment, and economic development. These sectors have remained at the center of the administration’s agenda, reflecting a commitment to improving public service delivery and expanding opportunities for citizens.

Among the sectors that have received significant attention is education. Recognizing that the future of any society depends on the quality of its human capital, the government has continued to prioritize educational development through interventions designed to improve learning conditions and increase access to educational opportunities. The emphasis on education reflects a broader understanding that long-term progress can only be achieved through sustained investment in knowledge and human development.

The healthcare sector has also occupied a strategic place within the administration’s development framework. Access to quality healthcare remains one of the most important expectations of citizens, and efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery have become an important component of the government’s vision. Through initiatives aimed at improving medical services and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, the administration has sought to ensure that communities across the state benefit from better healthcare outcomes.

Agriculture, the backbone of livelihood for many households in Kano, has equally remained a priority. As one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states, Kano occupies a unique position in food production and agribusiness. The administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development underscores the importance of the sector in driving economic growth, enhancing food security, and creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.

Infrastructure development has emerged as one of the most visible aspects of the administration’s achievements. Road construction and rehabilitation projects undertaken across different parts of the state have improved connectivity and facilitated movement within communities. Beyond their physical appearance, these projects serve as critical enablers of economic activity by connecting people to markets, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Closely linked to infrastructure development is the transportation sector, which has witnessed continued government attention. Efficient transportation systems play a vital role in supporting economic activities and improving the quality of life of citizens. By investing in transportation infrastructure and services, the administration has contributed to efforts aimed at creating a more accessible and productive environment for residents and businesses alike.

Water supply remains another area where government intervention has had considerable significance. Access to clean and reliable water is essential for public health, sanitation, and overall well-being. Through initiatives designed to improve water infrastructure and expand access to potable water, the administration has demonstrated its commitment to addressing one of the most fundamental needs of communities across the state.

The administration’s focus on human capital development extends beyond education to include youth and women empowerment. Across Kano State, efforts aimed at creating opportunities for young people and women have formed part of a broader strategy to encourage economic participation and self-reliance. By supporting initiatives that enhance skills, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion, the government continues to invest in the potential of its people as drivers of development.

Economic growth and commercial development have also remained central to the administration’s vision. Kano has historically been recognized as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centers, and government policies have sought to strengthen that position through measures designed to support businesses, stimulate investment, and encourage economic activities. These efforts reflect an understanding that sustainable development requires a vibrant economy capable of creating opportunities and improving living standards.

Beyond individual projects and sectoral interventions, the administration’s approach to governance has emphasized responsiveness, public engagement, and a strong focus on service delivery. The various initiatives implemented over the past three years collectively represent an effort to improve the lives of citizens while building institutions and infrastructure that can support future generations.

As Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf marks three years in office, the story of his administration is closely tied to a vision of development that places people at the center of governance. The investments recorded across education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, and economic empowerment have contributed to shaping a new narrative of progress in Kano State.

The third anniversary of the administration is therefore not merely a celebration of time spent in office. It is a reflection of a development journey driven by a commitment to public service, social investment, and the pursuit of a more prosperous future. For many residents, the progress recorded across key sectors represents a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the possibilities of governance when development remains the central objective.

As Kano continues its march toward greater growth and modernization, the achievements of the past three years stand as important milestones in the ongoing effort to build a stronger, more inclusive, and economically vibrant state for present and future generations.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider increasing the national minimum wage from N70,000 to N100,000.

AbdulRazaq, who also serves as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), made the appeal while commending the President’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy—a move he described as courageous and politically difficult.

“Only one percent of politicians can make that tough call,” the governor said.

Speaking on the initial response to the subsidy removal, AbdulRazaq revealed that state governments had anticipated widespread protests. He said governors mobilised security agencies in preparation for possible public backlash.

“We were expecting serious riots, because there were #EndBadGovernance protests even before then, and for lesser issues,” he explained. “We spent money and mobilised security agencies to secure the states. But on that day, nothing happened. No riot, no protest anywhere. I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr. President to implement that serious policy.”

According to the governor, the removal has since yielded significant benefits. He noted that states are no longer borrowing money or issuing bonds to cover salaries and project costs.

“Today, in my own state, after paying salaries from our FAAC allocation, we are left with N100 or N200 million,” AbdulRazaq said.

He added that most states are already paying a minimum wage of N100,000—exceeding the current national statutory minimum of N70,000.

“I urge Your Excellency, let’s have a discussion on moving the minimum wage to a minimum of N100,000,” he said. “We know we will get support from you as we go ahead to implement that.”

President Tinubu had approved the increase of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 in June 2024 after signing the national minimum wage legislation into law. The law mandates a review of the wage every three years. The previous N30,000 minimum wage was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

By Lamara Garba

The Kano State Amirul Hajj and Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the poor treatment meted out to pilgrims from the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) during the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Amirul Hajj, who spoke through his deputy, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammadu Maharaz, made the remarks while receiving officials of NAHCON at the Kano Pilgrims Camp in Mina.

He openly complained about several challenges faced by pilgrims from the state since the commencement of the Hajj operations.

The Emir particularly lamented that Kano pilgrims were among the last batch of Nigerian pilgrims to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia, a development he said caused unnecessary hardship and anxiety for intending pilgrims from the state.

According to him, the airlift operations involving Kano pilgrims suffered repeated delays, adding that if not for the timely intervention and commitment of the Kano State Government as well as the airline handling the operation, the situation would have been worse.

He noted that the delays disrupted the movement schedule of many pilgrims and exposed them to avoidable stress during the sacred journey.

The Amirul Hajj further stated that the late arrival of Kano pilgrims to the Holy Land denied many contingents adequate time to comfortably stay and worship in Madina before proceeding to Makkah.

According to him, most contingents from Kano State barely spent 24 hours or, at most, two nights in Madina instead of the usual four or five days enjoyed by pilgrims from other states.

He explained that the situation rushed the activities of pilgrims and made it difficult for many of them to properly observe prayers and other spiritual engagements in the holy city.

The Emir also complained bitterly about the poor quality of food served to pilgrims both in Madina and Jeddah, saying the meals provided fell below acceptable standards.

He revealed that in some instances, pilgrims were not served food at all, a situation he described as unfortunate considering the huge amount paid by pilgrims for the Hajj exercise.

The Amirul Hajj also expressed concern over the failure to issue Nusuk cards to some pilgrims, saying the development negatively affected the smooth performance of Hajj rites by the affected persons.

He disclosed that several dozens of Kano pilgrims were forced into seclusion and faced movement restrictions due to the non-issuance of the Nusuk cards, which are mandatory for access to some holy sites and Hajj services.

“At a point, some pilgrims were kept inside buses for over five hours after arriving in Makkah because they could not disembark due to the absence of Nusuk cards for some of them,” he said.

According to him, the development subjected many pilgrims, particularly women and the elderly, to severe hardship.

The Amirul Hajj said the challenges generated serious concern among pilgrims and officials from Kano State, stressing that the welfare of pilgrims should remain a top priority for all agencies involved in Hajj operations.

He therefore urged NAHCON to urgently address the problems to prevent a recurrence, especially during the return airlift of pilgrims back to Nigeria.

The Emir expressed hope that the return journey would be better organised and free from the difficulties currently being experienced by pilgrims.

Responding, the Director of Training and Research of NAHCON, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yargawal, assured the Kano delegation that all the issues raised would be adequately addressed by the commission.

Professor Yargawal apologised for the inconveniences and operational hitches experienced during the Hajj exercise, assuring that efforts were already underway to improve services to pilgrims.

He thanked the Kano State leaders for openly informing the commission about the challenges faced by their pilgrims and commended the Kano contingent for demonstrating patience, maturity and restraint despite the difficulties encountered.

The NAHCON official further assured that the commission remained committed to ensuring the welfare, comfort and successful Hajj exercise of all Nigerian pilgrims.