How Gov. Yusuf Empowered LGs and Councillors to Rebuild Kano from the Ground Up

By Ibrahim Adam

In a refreshing and visionary approach to leadership, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has redefined governance in Kano State by empowering Local Government Chairmen and Councillors to become the true drivers of development.

With strategic support, direct funding, and strong political will, His Excellency is building a new Kano—one project, one community, and one ward at a time.

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This bold grassroots-first strategy is not only delivering real impact at the local level, but also restoring trust in government and rekindling the spirit of community service across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Abba’s Vision: Empowering the Base of Governance

From the outset, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made his mission clear: development must begin where the people are.

Recognizing that Councillors and Local Government Chairmen are the closest elected officials to the people, he moved swiftly to empower them with resources and responsibility.

Under his directive:

• Over 400 councillors received ₦10 million each to implement vital community projects in their wards.

• Local Government Chairmen were entrusted with executing key capital projects, directly tailored to their communities’ needs.

• The Governor provided political backing, financial transparency, and continuous oversight—ensuring results on the ground.

This is governance by proximity, and its impact is undeniable.

Rimin Gado: A Shining Example of LG Leadership

Among the standout examples is Rimin Gado Local Government Area, led by the dynamic Hon. Muhammad Sani, who has maximized the Governor’s support to deliver transformational projects.

With approval and encouragement from Governor Yusuf, the following developments have been executed:

• Renovation of 130 classroom blocks, giving thousands of students a more conducive learning environment

• Overhaul of 7 health posts, boosting primary healthcare delivery

• Solar-powered lighting for 17 Juma’at mosques, improving worship and community safety

• Construction of 8 brand-new classroom blocks

• A 5km feeder road from Bamkamawa to Sauna, opening rural access for trade and transportation

• 24 hand pump boreholes drilled and 300 existing boreholes repaired, expanding access to clean water

• Electrification extensions to towns like Gulu, Yalwa, Butubutu, and Rimin Gado

• General renovation and furnishing of the LG Secretariat, enhancing governance efficiency

• Drainage systems and VIP toilets built in strategic areas to improve hygiene and sanitation

This comprehensive development, achieved within a short period, reflects the trust the Governor has placed in grassroots leadership—and the results speak for themselves.

Councillors: From Representatives to Results-Deliverers

Equally impressive is the new era of activity among Kano State’s Councillors. With the ₦10 million grant from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Councillors have become active agents of transformation across all wards.

They have:

• Renovated public primary schools

• Restored broken boreholes and drilled new ones

• Constructed modern toilets in markets and schools

• Supported community-specific needs in line with local priorities

This initiative, lauded by the Chairman of the State Councillors’ Forum, Hon. Bashir Shehu Achika, has reenergized ward-level governance, bringing government directly into neighborhoods, villages, and communities.

For the first time in many years, citizens see their Councillor not just as a politician—but as a provider, builder, and servant of the people.

Other LGAs Join the Movement: Doguwa, Tarauni, Sumaila, and More

The story of progress is not unique to Rimin Gado. Across Kano—from Doguwa to Tarauni, Sumaila to Bebeji—Local Government Chairmen are delivering projects in education, water, health, roads, and electrification with the same drive and purpose.

These achievements are not by coincidence, but by design—thanks to a Governor who understands that empowering the right people at the right level leads to lasting development.

A Model for Inclusive Governance

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s approach has become a model for inclusive, people-driven governance.

By entrusting elected grassroots officials with funding and the freedom to act, he has redefined leadership from the base. What was once a dormant level of government is now alive with energy, action, and achievement.

Citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women’s groups are all praising the Governor’s commitment to rural and ward-level impact.

Abba is Working, the Grassroots are Growing

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has proven that real change begins at the bottom.

With effective support to Chairmen and Councillors, he is planting seeds of sustainable development in every corner of Kano State.

From renovated classrooms to functional boreholes, from solar-lit mosques to vibrant council offices, Kano is witnessing a new era where governance is not just promised—it is practiced.

And it all started with a simple, powerful idea: empower those closest to the people, and the people will feel the impact of governance.

Ibrahim Adam is Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Information. He writes from Kano.