The Leader Kano Needs in 2027
By Maryam Garba Uba
A leader is a person who builds a culture of shared responsibility by empowering and developing others, not one who relies solely on top‑down command.
A good leader does not only give instructions; they listen, inspire, create opportunities and take responsibility for the people they lead.
As Kano State looks toward 2027, the question is simple: What kind of leader do we want? For me, the answer is clear. I want a leader who understands the needs of the people, has a vision for development and is willing to turn that vision into practical results.
Based on my view of the leadership Kano needs, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—popularly known as Abba Gida‑Gida—is the leader I want in 2027.
Transformational Leadership
Among the different types of leadership, transformational leadership stands out. A transformational leader seeks to create meaningful change by developing people, improving institutions and inspiring communities to work toward a better future.
Such a leader must possess integrity, accountability, vision, courage, empathy, strong communication skills and a deep commitment to service.
A leader also has a clear presence. Unlike a process or an institution, a leader is a real person with a name, a record of decisions and actions that citizens can assess.
A leader must be an accountability holder—delegating responsibilities but ultimately taking responsibility for the success or failure of government programmes.
Most importantly, a leader should be a relationship builder. Leadership is about people. A governor should understand the concerns of citizens, listen to communities and build trust between government and the people.
Kano State and Its People
Kano is one of Nigeria’s largest and most populous states. It has a rich history, culture and tradition. It is known for its traditional institutions, commerce, agriculture, entrepreneurship and hardworking people.
With such a large population and an important position in northern Nigeria, Kano requires leadership that understands both its challenges and its opportunities for growth.
Since taking office in 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has carried out programmes and projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, social welfare and empowerment.
Education and Scholarships
Education is essential for development, and Kano cannot reach its full potential without investing in its young people.
The administration has supported foreign scholarship opportunities for Kano students. In March 2025, the governor received 54 postgraduate students who studied medical and pharmaceutical courses in India and announced plans to employ them in the state health sector. The government has also reported sponsoring more than 1,000 postgraduate students abroad.
The administration has invested in educational infrastructure and institutions, including the development of Gaya Polytechnic.
Educating young people means investing in the future of Kano State.
Empowering Women and Young People
The leader Kano needs must create opportunities for women and young people.
The administration has introduced empowerment programmes. Thousands of small‑business owners reportedly received ₦50,000 in start‑up capital, while other initiatives have supported women and youths through agriculture and livestock programmes.
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Agriculture, poultry farming and livestock development are particularly important because they provide employment, improve livelihoods and contribute to food security.
Empowerment should not simply mean giving money once. It should mean providing skills, knowledge, tools and opportunities that help people become self‑reliant.
Healthcare for the People
Leadership must ensure accessible healthcare.
The Kano State Government has supported healthcare initiatives and medical interventions, while also strengthening the state’s health workforce. The return of scholarship beneficiaries trained in India is one example of developing human resources for healthcare.
Healthcare should not be limited to major cities. Residents across Kano’s 44 local government areas deserve access to quality and affordable healthcare.
Roads, Streetlights and Infrastructure
Infrastructure development has been another focus of the administration.
The government has reported road rehabilitation and urban renewal projects in Kano metropolis and beyond. In Dawakin Tofa, the administration commissioned a five‑kilometre road and 231 streetlights in January 2025. In Dawakin Kudu, it reported a 7.3‑kilometre road and solar‑powered streetlights.
These projects may appear ordinary, but for residents who use these roads daily, good roads and lighting improve transportation, business activities and safety.
Security and Community Development
Security is essential for development.
Governor Yusuf has highlighted the role of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps in complementing formal security agencies. In January 2026, he sought stronger federal cooperation to address insecurity and protect residents.
Community‑based security is important because local people understand the challenges facing their communities. But it must work alongside properly prepared and accountable security institutions.
Why Abba Gida‑Gida Is the Leader I Want in 2027
For me, the leader I want in 2027 is one who connects leadership to practical action.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has focused on areas that directly affect the people: education, healthcare, infrastructure, empowerment, agriculture and social welfare. The government has also reported investments in workers’ welfare and the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.
But leadership should not stop with achievements already recorded. The next phase should build on existing efforts, address areas where more work is needed and ensure development reaches every part of Kano State.
I want a leader who listens to the people, empowers young people, supports women, improves education, creates employment opportunities, strengthens healthcare, expands infrastructure and promotes peace.
Conclusion
As Kano State moves toward 2027, the leader we want should be transformational, accountable, accessible and people‑centred.
For me, Abba Gida‑Gida is the leader I want in 2027 because his administration combines governance with programmes aimed at addressing issues that affect ordinary citizens.
The real test of leadership is not how many projects are announced, but how those projects and policies change people’s lives.
Kano State has great potential. What it needs is continuity of good ideas, stronger implementation, accountability and leadership that puts the people first.
The leader we want in 2027 is a leader who listens, serves, empowers and delivers. For me, that leader is Abba Kabir Yusuf—Abba Gida‑Gida.
Maryam Garba Uba is a participant at the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano.
