Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has been nominated for the 2025 Africa Illustrious Awards in the category of African Governor of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to education and development in the northwestern Nigerian state.
The nomination, announced by the organisers of the annual awards, highlights what they described as Governor Idris’s “visionary leadership” and efforts to improve socio-economic conditions in Kebbi since assuming office in 2023.
A former president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Idris has focused heavily on rebuilding and expanding the state’s education sector. In two years, his administration has reportedly rehabilitated more than 2,000 primary and secondary schools and constructed an additional 243 new schools, all of which have been fitted with modern teaching facilities.
The Governor also introduced a policy of free education across the state, a move that has been described by the awards committee as a significant stride towards improving access to learning and long-term development.
The Africa Illustrious Awards, organised annually by My Media Africa, recognise individuals and institutions across the continent for achievements in leadership, education, philanthropy, business, sport, agriculture, and community development.
Since its inception in 2020, the awards have honoured a range of prominent African figures, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Eswatini’s former Prime Minister Dr A.T. Dlamini, Kenya’s former Machakos County Governor Dr Alfred Mutua, and Pan-Africanist Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba.
This year’s ceremony will also include categories such as Minister of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Businessman of the Year, and the Africa Lifetime Leadership Award. Winners are expected to be drawn from various sectors and across multiple African countries.
The 2025 edition of the Africa Illustrious Awards is scheduled to take place on 12 July at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and is expected to attract high-level guests from across the continent.
