By Buhari Abba
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State recently hosted a ceremony at the Government House on Saturday, February 1, 2025, to recognize 34 Kano indigenes who have advanced in their careers across various sectors.
The event honored newly promoted generals in the military, senior police and paramilitary officers, and recently appointed federal permanent secretaries of Kano origin. Attendees included elder statesmen, business leaders, and traditional and religious figures.
However, the absence of two high-ranking officers from Rano Local Government—Ado Sabo Rano and Shehu Nadada Umar—did not go unnoticed. Both men recently attained top positions in their respective fields but were left out of the governor’s list of honorees.
Ado Sabo Rano’s promotion to Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration (ACGI) reflects years of service in the Nigeria Immigration Service. His rise is significant not only for him but also for Kano State, particularly Rano, which has produced many accomplished professionals.
Similarly, Shehu Nadada Umar was recently elevated to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), making him the most senior police officer from Kano in the Nigerian Police Force. His omission from the recognition list raises questions about the criteria used for selection.
The event was described as non-political, intended to celebrate professional achievements. If that was truly the purpose, excluding these two officers contradicts the message of fairness and merit-based recognition. Their contributions to national security and law enforcement are clear, and there is no apparent justification for their exclusion.
Kano State is home to many local governments, each contributing to its development. No part of the state should be disregarded in matters of recognition, especially when its indigenes reach the highest ranks in national service.
The people of Rano, like others in Kano, take pride in those who represent them at the top levels of government and security. Their exclusion sends an unintended message that their contributions are not valued as highly as others.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emphasized unity and fairness in governance. If this was an oversight, it should be corrected to ensure that all Kano indigenes who have excelled in their fields receive the recognition they deserve.
The people of Rano expect their sons to be acknowledged, not as a favor, but as a rightful recognition of their professional achievements. True leadership requires fairness in honoring those who serve.
Buhari Abba wrote this piece from Kano – Nigeria