Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has won BusinessDay's Governor of the Year 2025 award, gaining recognition for his reforms that have improved governance and strengthened the state's economy. The honour positions Kano as an attractive investment destination under the States' Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards (SCIRA).
The award was presented on Thursday at BusinessDay's 14th Annual CEO Forum at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. Frank Aigbogun, publisher of BusinessDay and chairman of BDTV, presented the honour to recognise the governor's push for good governance and economic transformation.
Aigbogun said the Kano administration had shown commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments. He highlighted the state government's work in boosting competitiveness and improving the business climate through investment-focused policies.
The forum drew federal and state officials, business leaders, and key private and public sector figures. Notable attendees included Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Yemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; and executives from major companies including MTN Nigeria and HBM Nigeria.
Murtala Sule Garo, deputy governor of Kano State, collected the award on behalf of Governor Yusuf. He called the recognition a validation of the administration's people-centred governance and reform agenda that's driving sustainable economic growth.
According to Garo, BusinessDay's selection reflects the state's investments across education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, industrial development, and social welfare. The award acknowledged efforts that have repositioned Kano for renewed development.
Governor Yusuf pledged to maintain momentum in consolidating Kano's role as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria. His administration will pursue policies encouraging investment, backing small and medium-sized enterprises, modernising markets, and expanding agricultural value chains.
He said the state also remains focused on job creation for young people through these initiatives. The governor dedicated the award to Kano residents, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, civil servants, development partners, and the private sector.
Yusuf added that the recognition would spur his administration to deepen transparency and accountability. He promised more projects aimed at raising living standards for people across the state.
