Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has been presented with the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS), a national honour recognising his government’s performance across several priority sectors. The announcement came through a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature.
The award panel commended Yusuf’s administration for what it described as an ambitious overhaul of the state’s education system. This includes large-scale renovation of schools, fresh recruitment of teaching personnel and increased investment in the public-education budget, all aimed at enhancing access and improving standards.
Healthcare delivery in Kano has also undergone significant reforms during the governor’s tenure. According to the organisers, the modernisation of primary healthcare centres, the upgrading of hospitals and policies to expand public access to medical services were key reasons for the governor’s selection.
In agriculture, the state government’s re-energised programmes have focused on supporting farmers through grants, timely input provision and strengthened extension networks. These interventions, the panel noted, have begun to revive agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
The governor’s urban-renewal initiative received further acknowledgement. Efforts to address congestion, rehabilitate major roads, improve sanitation and modernise infrastructure were highlighted as part of a broad attempt to reposition Kano as a cleaner and more organised metropolis.
The award ceremony brought together several top officials and governors from across the country, including those from Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Enugu and Akwa Ibom. It was organised by the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service, a programme supported by Best Media Relations and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while retired Justice Mary Odili chaired the proceedings. Other awardees included the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, along with the heads of the EFCC, NFIU, Customs, Immigration, and ministers responsible for Aviation and Finance, as well as the Director-General of NEMA.
In his response, Governor Yusuf dedicated the award to the people of Kano, emphasising that the recognition would motivate his administration to intensify efforts toward accountable, people-focused governance and sustainable development across the state.
