By Hussaini Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said the orange economy has the potential to create jobs, empower young people and accelerate economic growth in Kano and Nigeria.
Yusuf stated this while speaking at a dinner organised to mark the end of a one-week study tour of Kano by participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Senior Executive Course 48, 2026.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, said strategic investment in the creative and cultural economy would enable Kano to maximise its human and entrepreneurial resources.
“The orange economy remains a vital catalyst for job creation and enhanced economic growth. With strategic investments and the right focus, Kano can significantly add value to economic development in the state and Nigeria,” Yusuf said.
The governor, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, commended NIPSS for selecting Kano for the study tour, saying the engagement provided an opportunity for participants to understand the state’s economic and cultural potential.
He said the participants interacted with government institutions, traditional rulers, private-sector operators and members of the public, while also visiting cultural sites and markets.
“These engagements have provided the participants with valuable insights into Kano’s development realities, economic challenges, rich hospitality and renowned entrepreneurial spirit,” Yusuf stated.
The governor also expressed optimism that the findings from the study tour would contribute to discussions on sustainable economic development and entrepreneurship in the country.
The delegation, led by Brigadier General L.A. Jimoh, mni, examined Kano’s efforts to harness its human, creative and entrepreneurial resources for economic development.
Jimoh commended the state government for its efforts to promote creativity, entrepreneurship and economic expansion, describing Kano as a major centre of enterprise, innovation, craftsmanship, trade and human capital.
“Kano’s long-standing history in commerce, textiles, leatherwork, fashion, agriculture, manufacturing and creative expression provides a strong bedrock for the growth of the orange economy,” Jimoh said.
He identified traditional crafts, film, media, design, music, publishing, cultural tourism and digital enterprise as areas with significant potential for investment and job creation in the state.
Jimoh also highlighted the state government’s revival of 26 entrepreneurship skills training schools, saying the initiative had equipped thousands of youths with vocational skills, working tools and start-up support.
“These measures demonstrate how the orange economy can generate wealth, empower women and young people, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen Kano’s contribution to the national economy,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Suleiman Wali Sani, mni, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to NIPSS for choosing Kano as a focus of the study.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, also thanked members of the committee and the NIPSS delegation for what he described as a successful engagement.
The study tour formed part of the activities of NIPSS Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, which focused on “Economic Diversification and National Development: Leveraging the Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”
