By Rabiu Sanusi
The Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sani Musa Danja, has declared that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s achievements in office have made conventional political campaigns almost unnecessary, insisting that the administration’s record of transformative governance has become its strongest campaign message ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an engagement with youth groups and political supporters in Kano, Danja said Governor Yusuf has demonstrated exceptional leadership through strategic investments in youth empowerment, sports development, education, infrastructure and social welfare, earning widespread public confidence across the state.
According to him, the governor’s performance speaks louder than political promises, as the administration has consistently delivered projects and programmes that have directly improved the lives of the people.
Reflecting on his assumption of office, Danja revealed that one of his first assignments was to convene meetings with key stakeholders of Kano Pillars Football Club to identify the club’s immediate and long-term challenges.
He explained that following extensive consultations, his office developed a comprehensive intervention plan and presented it to Governor Yusuf, whose swift approval and support enabled the government to rescue the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions from relegation.
“By the grace of God and with the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, we successfully secured Kano Pillars’ survival in the league.
“Today, we are focused on building a stronger and more competitive team capable of reclaiming its place among Nigeria’s football elite,” Danja said.
He disclosed that the administration has since engaged experienced football professionals and technical experts to reposition Kano Pillars for a successful campaign in the forthcoming league season.
Beyond football, Danja said the Yusuf administration is extending reforms to other sporting disciplines, including volleyball, cricket and athletics.
He noted that consultations with officials of various sports associations revealed years of neglect, inadequate support and limited government engagement under previous administrations.
According to him, the concerns raised by the associations have already been presented to Governor Yusuf, who assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to revitalising every sporting discipline and restoring Kano’s status as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting hubs.
On youth development, the Special Adviser described Governor Yusuf as one of Nigeria’s most youth-friendly leaders, noting that the administration has deliberately placed young people at the centre of governance through empowerment initiatives, employment opportunities and inclusive policies.
“My office remains open to every young person because it belongs to them. We are here to listen, support and create opportunities that will enable our youths to realise their full potential,” he said.
Danja also praised Governor Yusuf’s humility and accessibility, saying the governor relates with people from all walks of life without the barriers often associated with high public office.
“You can hardly believe he is a governor because of the simplicity with which he relates to people. He listens, he cares and he acts. That is the hallmark of true leadership,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Danja maintained that Governor Yusuf’s achievements have become the administration’s greatest political asset.
“By the next election, His Excellency will hardly need to campaign in the conventional sense because his projects, reforms and the lives he has transformed have already become his campaign across Kano State,” he declared.
To further showcase the administration’s achievements, Danja said his office recently launched a public awareness challenge encouraging young people to visit completed government projects, document them through photographs and videos, and share them across digital platforms to promote the governor’s developmental strides.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Yusuf’s directive that government officials should actively publicise projects and programmes so citizens remain informed about how public resources are being utilised for the development of Kano State.
He added that similar public awareness campaigns highlighting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abba Bichi and other public office holders have also been introduced to encourage issue-based political engagement and greater public awareness of government performance.
Danja reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Governor Yusuf’s vision of building a prosperous Kano through youth empowerment, sports development and inclusive governance, expressing confidence that the administration would continue implementing policies and programmes that positively impact the lives of the people.