Limamin KANO FIRST Hon. Ibrahim Waiya

09/03/2026

Kano First: Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Vision for People-Centered Governance

By Abdu Saidu

Leadership is often defined not only by promises but by the clarity of vision and the determination to translate that vision into meaningful action. In Kano State, the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has continued to draw attention through a governance philosophy widely known as the “Kano First” initiative—a slogan that reflects a broader commitment to prioritizing the welfare, development, and aspirations of the people of Kano.

Since assuming office, Governor Yusuf has consistently emphasized that the essence of the Kano First initiative is to place the interests of Kano and its citizens at the centre of governance. The philosophy seeks to ensure that policies, programmes, and development projects are designed primarily to improve the lives of the people and accelerate socio-economic progress across the state.

Political observers note that the initiative represents more than a slogan; it is increasingly becoming a guiding principle for governance. From infrastructure development and education reforms to economic empowerment and social welfare programmes, the administration has continued to highlight the importance of policies that respond directly to the needs of ordinary citizens.

Supporters of the government argue that the Kano First agenda reflects a renewed sense of purpose in public administration. According to them, the concept encourages government institutions to operate with greater responsibility and focus, ensuring that public resources are directed toward projects that have a tangible impact on communities.

Under this framework, the Yusuf administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of people-centered governance. The government has also placed significant emphasis on transparency, public communication, and engagement with stakeholders as part of its broader effort to strengthen trust between government institutions and the citizens they serve.

A key role in advancing this communication strategy has been played by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya. Through proactive media engagement and strategic public communication, Waiya has contributed significantly to ensuring that the policies and programmes of the Kano State Government are clearly communicated to the public.

Under his leadership, the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs has intensified its engagement with media organizations, civil society groups, and community stakeholders. This effort has helped to ensure that citizens remain well informed about the activities and development initiatives of the government. By strengthening the flow of accurate and timely information, the ministry plays a critical role in building public trust and enhancing transparency in governance.

Observers note that Waiya’s approach to government communication aligns closely with the Kano First philosophy by promoting openness, accessibility, and active dialogue between the government and the people. His commitment to public enlightenment and responsible information management has helped reinforce the administration’s efforts to maintain strong connections with the citizens of the state.

Beyond politics, the Kano First initiative is increasingly being framed as a development strategy. By encouraging policies that prioritize local needs, the approach seeks to promote sustainable growth, strengthen public institutions, and enhance the overall quality of governance in the state.

For many citizens, the slogan carries symbolic meaning. It reflects a sense of identity and pride, reminding the people that governance must be rooted in the protection of their collective interests. In a rapidly changing political and economic environment, such a message resonates strongly with communities that expect government to deliver practical results.

While challenges remain—as they do in every developing society—the administration has continued to project optimism about the future. Officials believe that the Kano First initiative will help consolidate reforms, strengthen development planning, and create opportunities for long-term progress.

As the government continues to pursue its agenda, the emphasis on Kano First serves as both a policy direction and a moral commitment—one that seeks to ensure that the aspirations of the people remain at the heart of leadership and governance in Kano State.

In the evolving story of Kano’s development, the philosophy championed by Governor Yusuf represents an attempt to redefine governance through a simple but powerful principle: put Kano and its people first. Through the combined efforts of government officials, including the strategic communication role played by Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the vision of Kano First continues to gain momentum as a framework for inclusive and people-focused governance.

09/03/2026

https://independentpost.ng/when-kano-chose-peace-a-lesson-in-the-spirit-of-the-kano-first-agenda/

There are moments in the life of a community that arrive without announcement and depart without ceremony, but whose significance, properly understood,

09/03/2026

https://independentpost.ng/the-architect-of-renewal-how-comrade-ibrahim-abdullahi-waiya-is-quietly-rewriting-kanos-governance-story/

In Kano State today, that figure is the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya. His name has become

09/03/2026

ABBA KABIR THE JAGORAN KANO FIRST: KINDLY HEAR ME OUT AS 2027 APPROACHES
Sufyan Lawal Kabo
[email protected]

With deep respect to the leadership of Kano State and sincere appreciation for the efforts of His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, (Jagoran Kano First) I write these reflections as a concerned citizen who believes that honest advice strengthens leadership rather than weakens it.

At first I intended to present this as an open letter to the governor. Later I felt it would be better as a general reflection so that everyone involved in our politics can benefit from it.

Since the political movement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf aligned with the All Progressives Congress, many reactions have followed. A number of politicians in Kano moved together with him, both those holding appointments and those without positions. At the same time, strong anger has also come from members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, especially supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In the political environment of Kano, one does not need to be a professional analyst to expect serious opposition attacks. As the 2027 elections approach, such reactions will likely increase. Some observers even believe that the coming political contest between the Abba camp and the Kwankwasiyya camp may become more intense than the earlier rivalry between the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya camps.

This tension is already visible on social media. Comment sections under posts related to the governor often contain criticism and sometimes direct insults. Some critics repeat phrases such as “Falle Daya Ce”, meaning one tenure only, and “Kwano First”, a phrase used sarcastically against the “Kano First Agenda” overseen by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who many people respectfully call the ‘Limamin Kano First’.

One unfortunate reality is that many of these attacks come from individuals who were once political allies or supporters of the same camp that now supports the governor. A good example is the public media exchange between Dr Yusuf Kofar Mata and Comrade Saidu Dakata of the Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency. Dr Kofar Mata previously served as Commissioner for Higher Education and later Commissioner for Science and Technology before resigning after the political realignment, while Comrade Dakata remains a government appointee. Their exchanges show how political disagreements can easily turn into public confrontation.

I do not support insults or unnecessary hostility. However, responses based on facts and calm arguments as did Dakata are always more effective than emotional attacks. When critics are answered with evidence and reason, they often think twice before making careless political statements again.
This leads to a very important point. In politics, fighting the opposition only brings harm to the Governor and achieves nothing for you if you are aspiring for leadership. What truly works is political wisdom, diplomacy, and highlighting the Governor’s achievements.

Unfortunately, the method used by some supporters and aides in defending the government sometimes damages the same government they intend to protect. When individuals occupy communication roles around government, they do not speak only for themselves. They represent the voice of government. Their language must therefore show dignity, patience and intellectual strength.

A government spokesperson and other reputable appointees must behave like statesmen, not party thugs. Their responsibility is to defend government policies with facts, expose false allegations and convince the public that the accusations against the government are not true. Political arguments among ordinary party members are common and sometimes difficult to regulate. But when harsh statements come from individuals occupying strategic positions, the political damage becomes much greater. Another lesson we must learn is that the comment sections under political posts often reveal the true level of public support for a government. When we observe strong opposition there, the wise response should not be intimidation or insults. Rather, it should be engagement, persuasion and gradual inclusion.

Political history teaches that strong leaders do not multiply enemies. They convert rivals into partners. During the fall of the Qin dynasty in ancient China, Liu Bang defeated many rival warlords. Instead of humiliating them, he absorbed many into his administration. This approach helped him establish the powerful Han Dynasty, one of the most stable dynasties in Chinese history. The lesson is simple. Wise leaders expand their base of support.
The same wisdom appears in the Qur’an. Allah says:
“Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better, and the one who was your enemy may become your close friend.” (Qur’an 41:34)

Politics follows a similar logic. Insulting opponents often creates sympathy for them. It may even make undecided citizens feel uncomfortable with the ruling side. In fact, some of the greatest political damage does not come from the opposition but from overzealous supporters who behave as if power will last forever. It is also important to remember that once a person is elected as governor, he is no longer only a party candidate. He becomes the leader of the entire state, including supporters, critics and neutral citizens.

Kano politics is highly competitive. Elections are usually won through coalitions of different political groups rather than through the strength of a single faction. While we all recognise that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf rose politically through the broad Kwankwasiyya movement led by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, maintaining political power requires expanding support beyond present alliances rather than shrinking them.

Another issue worth reflecting on is the tendency to look down on people who do not hold government appointments - discrediting a popular Kwankwasiyya member who perhaps isnt with Abba now, even saying he dosesnt even know him. Holding office does not automatically mean greater knowledge or loyalty. Many individuals who do not occupy positions have contributed greatly to political struggles. Some spent their resources and even faced threats because of their commitment to a political cause. Circumstances, not lack of competence, often explain why they are not in government today. Unfortunately, some individuals who suddenly find themselves in positions of authority sometimes become intoxicated by power. Because they never imagined themselves in such positions before, they begin to believe they cannot be questioned. Some even assume that state institutions exist mainly to intimidate critics. Such attitudes are dangerous in any democratic system.

The political strength of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf did not come from attacking opponents. It came from years of loyalty to the political movement of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and from the hope many Kano citizens placed in that movement. For this reason, our political communication must reflect maturity. We should not rely only on slogans while damaging our reputation through unnecessary confrontations. Modern democratic politics depends on persuasion, discipline and strategic engagement.

As our elders say in Hausa, “Mai hikima gada yake ginawa ba bango ba.” A wise person builds bridges, not walls.

In the end, we must reflect on the difference between doing politics for personal benefit and doing politics for the long term success of a political movement. The first seeks personal visibility and temporary advantage. The second seeks unity, stability and lasting public trust.

If our goal is truly the progress of Kano and the success of the government, then our political behaviour must aim at expanding support, reducing hostility and building bridges even with those who disagree with us. History always remembers leaders who unite people more than those who divide them.

01/07/2023