Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has bagged the BusinessDay Newspaper 2026 Governor of the Year Award of Competitiveness and Investment Readiness in recognition of his development foresight and economic growth in Kano State.

Besides, the recognition also reflect Gov. Yusuf’s administrative achievements in governance, economic development and investment readiness, which already attracting business opportunities in the state.

The prestigious award of merit presented to the God on Thursday during BusinessDay 14th Annual CEO Forum at Lagos Eko Hotel attracted dignitaries, Captain of industries and critical stakeholders in the business, trade and commerce.

Presenting the award, the Publisher and CEO of the BusinessDay newspaper Mr. Frank Aigbogun said, Governor Yusuf was selected for the conferment in recognition of Kano’s Competitiveness and Investment Readiness.

In his acceptance speech, delivered by the Deputy Governor, Governor Yusuf described the award as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Kano State Government in delivering people-centred governance and implementing reforms that have repositioned the state for sustainable growth.

He noted that the recognition by one of Nigeria’s foremost business and economic newspapers underscores the impact of his administration’s investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, industrial development and social welfare.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Kano’s position as Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub through policies that promote investment, support small and medium enterprises, modernise markets, enhance agricultural value chains and create employment opportunities for young people.

The Governor dedicated the award to the people of Kano State, members of the State Executive Council, the Legislature, the Judiciary, traditional and religious leaders, civil servants, development partners and the private sector for their support and contributions to the state’s development.

He assured that the recognition would further inspire his administration to deepen transparency, accountability and inclusive governance while delivering more developmental projects that improve the lives of the people.