Kano Governor: Orange Economy Key to Job Creation, Economic Growth

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has described the orange economy as a critical driver of job creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth, saying the state has enormous potential to benefit from increased investment in the creative and cultural sectors.

The governor made the remarks while receiving participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, who visited Kano for a one-week study tour on “Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

Governor Yusuf, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo, spoke at a dinner organised to mark the conclusion of the study tour.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Yusuf said strategic investment in Kano’s creative, cultural and entrepreneurial sectors could significantly contribute to economic development in the state and Nigeria.

He commended NIPSS for its contributions to national development and appreciated the delegation for selecting Kano as a focus of its study tour.

The governor said the delegation’s engagements with government institutions, traditional rulers, private-sector operators and members of the public, as well as visits to cultural sites and major markets, offered valuable insights into Kano’s economic realities, challenges, hospitality and entrepreneurial culture.

The delegation, led by Brigadier General L.A. Jimoh, mni, visited the state to assess development programmes, interact with stakeholders and examine how Kano could harness its human, creative and entrepreneurial resources for sustainable growth.

Speaking at the dinner, Jimoh commended the Kano State Government for its efforts to promote creativity, entrepreneurship and economic expansion.

He described Kano as a historic and modern centre of enterprise, innovation, craftsmanship, trade and human capital, noting that the state’s longstanding strengths in commerce, textiles, leatherwork, fashion, agriculture, manufacturing and creative expression provide a strong foundation for the development of the orange economy.

The delegation also identified significant opportunities in traditional crafts, film, media, design, music, publishing, cultural tourism and digital enterprise.

Jimoh particularly highlighted the state government’s revival of 26 entrepreneurship skills training schools, which he said had equipped thousands of young people with vocational skills, working tools and start-up capital support.

He said such initiatives demonstrated the potential of the orange economy to create wealth, empower women and youths, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen Kano’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani, mni, welcomed the NIPSS delegation and thanked the institute for choosing Kano for the study tour.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, also expressed appreciation to members of the committee and the NIPSS delegation for what he described as a successful engagement.