The Historica Nigeria

2025

Kano, News

Gov. Yusuf Condemns Brutal Killing of Two Kano Indigenes in Makurdi

The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of two young Kano indigenes, Barhama Suleiman and Jamilu Ahmad, in Makurdi, Benue State. In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the victims were profiled/attacked at around 11:00 p.m. on Monday by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums and murdered in cold blood without provocation. In a strongly worded statement, the Governor of Kano State expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, describing it as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.” Read Also: Tinubu condemns killing of wedding travelers in Plateau, orders arrest of perpetrators He condemned the killings in the strongest terms and assured that the state Government is working assiduously to bring the perpetrators to justice. “It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of two promising sons of Kano. They were innocent, peace-loving citizens whose only crime was exercising their constitutional right to live and work in any part of Nigeria,” the Governor said. The Governor also announced that he will personally lead a high-powered delegation, including the families of the deceased, to the funeral prayers scheduled to take place at the National Mosque in Abuja today ( 24/06/2025). While commiserating with the families of the bereaved, the Governor extended sympathy and condolences to prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who is the father of the two victims. Governor Yusuf described the loss as not just a tragedy to the families involved, but to Kano State and the entire nation. “This government will not rest until justice is served. We call for calm and restraint as we work closely with security agencies at all levels and the Benue State Government to bring the murderers to justice. “Nigeria belongs to all of us. Every citizen has the right to live, move, and thrive in any part of this country without fear of discrimination or violence,” he added. The Kano State Government has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety of its citizens, wherever they may be, and has urged all residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding as investigations The circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident unfold.

Kano, News

Murtala Adewale Emerges Chairman as NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel Elects New Leaders

The Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected a new executive council following the successful conduct of its long-awaited chapel elections. The election, held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, produced Murtala Adewale of The Guardian as the new chairman after he polled 17 votes to defeat Ahmad Sorondinki of ThisDay, who garnered 12 votes. Announcing the results, chairman of the credentials committee, Fanen Ihyongo, commended members for their peaceful conduct and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Read Also: Kano Online Media Chapel Invites Digital Journalists to Join as Membership Drive Begins In other contested positions, Salihu Ali of Voice of Nigeria (VON) emerged as assistant secretary with 16 votes, defeating Khadija Aliyu of FRCN, who polled 13 votes. Longtong Yakubu of Leadership Newspapers was elected auditor with 17 votes, edging out her colleague who scored 12 votes. Three positions were returned unopposed: Yusuf Bala of VON was elected vice chairman, Salim Umar Ibrahim of Daily Trust emerged as secretary, while Bashir Bello of Vanguard and Ramatu Garba of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) were elected treasurer and financial secretary respectively. The acting chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council, Mustapha Gambo, who represented the state council chairman, Suleiman Dederi, presented certificates of return to the newly elected officials. In a statement issued by the outgoing secretary, Mustapha Hodi, newly elected chairman Murtala Adewale described his victory as the dawn of a new era. He pledged to prioritise unity, professional development, and welfare of members. “This is a mandate for change, inclusion, and collective progress. I promise to carry everyone along and elevate the profile and professionalism of our chapel,” he said. Mustapha Gambo commended the chapel for conducting a peaceful and transparent election, urging the new leadership to be accountable and inclusive as they pilot the affairs of the union. In his farewell remarks, Mustapha Hodi congratulated the new executive members, expressing confidence that they will sustain the gains made and usher in greater progress for the chapel.

Agriculture, Jigawa, Kano, News

Provost Gwaram Unveils FCAPT Progress, Seeks Urgent Completion of Bunkure Campus

The Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), Kano, has reaffirmed its commitment to producing skilled professionals equipped to manage Nigeria’s post-harvest systems in support of food security, job creation, and rural development. This was stated by the Provost of the college, Dr. Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram, while receiving the newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Board, Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, during an official visit to the college’s conference hall. Dr. Gwaram noted that FCAPT remains the only institution of its kind in Nigeria and the first in West Africa with a strategic focus on post-harvest technology. Since assuming office in 2020, he said the college has made significant strides in aligning its academic programmes with emerging national needs. Read Also: KNARDA Urges Farmers to Embrace Preseason Trainings to Boost Productivity He cited the successful launch of new National Diploma (ND) programmes in Nutrition and Dietetics, and Cooperative Economics and Management, designed to meet growing demand for expertise in public health, nutrition, and cooperative enterprise management. Further expanding its academic portfolio, the college has secured approval for six new Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes. These include HND in Agribusiness Management, which integrates agriculture and entrepreneurship; HND in Animal Production Technology, aimed at enhancing livestock productivity and sustainability; and HND in Food Technology, which focuses on food safety, quality control, and innovations in food processing. In response to the increasing digitalization of agriculture and enterprise, the Provost also disclosed the introduction of ND programmes in Networking and Cloud Computing, and Software and Web Development. Read Also: Fixing the Forgotten Crisis: Solutions to Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Conflict He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to providing a student-centered learning environment, highlighting facilities across its campuses, including modern lecture halls, ICT-equipped classrooms, demonstration farms, and healthcare services, particularly at the Hotoro campus. Dr. Gwaram appealed to the new board chairman to help facilitate the completion of the Barkum Campus in Bunkure and support the resolution of pending budgetary issues necessary for the institution’s overall growth and transformation. In his response, Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel appreciated the warm reception and pledged to work hand-in-hand with the college management and stakeholders. He urged the leadership to consider him a partner in progress and assured them of his support in advancing the institution’s goals. Gumel, a seasoned politician from Jigawa State, was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Sani Isyaku Abubakar; the Special Adviser to the Jigawa State Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Lawan Bullet; local government chairmen, and other party leaders.

Health, Humanitarian, Kano

Kano State Develops Strategic Communication Blueprint to Boost Maternal and Child Health

The Kano State Ministry of Health, in partnership with MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices and other implementing partners, has successfully developed a Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy aimed at improving the uptake of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services across the state. The three-day strategy development workshop was held from June 20 to 22, 2025, at Quarter House Hotels, Malali GRA, Kaduna. It brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society groups, traditional institutions, youth organizations, development partners, and the media. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf represented by the Director General of the Drugs, Medical and Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharmacist Gali Sule, affirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming health-seeking behavior through effective and culturally sensitive communication. Read Also: Ganduje Foundation Pledges Continued Support for Humanitarian and Religious Outreach He emphasized the importance of using communication as a tool to dismantle harmful cultural practices that hinder access to essential healthcare services, particularly for women, children, and adolescents. Participants at the workshop were divided into thematic working groups to analyze social norms, behavioral barriers, and enabling factors influencing demand for health services. The discussions were guided by technical experts and consultants who shared evidence-based global best practices and behavioral change theories. The outcome of the workshop is a comprehensive and inclusive SBCC strategy tailored to Kano’s unique context. It outlines approaches for deploying mass media campaigns, community dialogues, interpersonal communication, and digital outreach to stimulate demand for RMNCAH+N services. Development partners including UKaid, the Lafiya Programme, Society for Family Health (SFH), the A360 Project, and Matasa Matan Arewa reaffirmed their support for Kano State’s health agenda and commended the collaborative spirit of the initiative. At the close of the workshop, stakeholders expressed optimism that the new strategy will foster deeper community engagement, empower women and young people, and significantly reduce maternal and child mortality in the state. Signed: Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa Public Relations Officer Ministry of Health, Kano State 23rd June, 2025

National, News, Politics

Senate Begins Review of Proposals for New States, Local Government Reforms

In a major move to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution will consider proposals for the creation of new states, local government autonomy, and other wide-ranging reforms at its upcoming zonal public hearings scheduled for July 4 and 5, 2025. The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, announced that a total of 31 proposals seeking the creation of new states have been submitted. These proposals will be discussed alongside other constitutional amendment bills during the two-day hearings taking place simultaneously in Lagos (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Ikot Ekpene (South-South), Jos (North-Central), Maiduguri (North-East), and Kano (North-West). In a statement released by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to citizen engagement on key constitutional matters. According to Mudashir, state creation requests have come from across the six geopolitical zones, including the South-West, South-South, North-Central, North-East, North-West, and South-East. Read Also: Tinubu Hands over ECOWAS Leadership to Sierra Leone’s President Bio The hearings will also focus on critical issues such as local government autonomy, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, fiscal federalism, and inclusive governance. Among the proposals is a bill seeking to entrench local governments as a constitutionally recognized tier of government with guaranteed tenure, as well as another aimed at establishing an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to conduct local government elections. Security is another major theme, with bills proposing the creation of state police forces and state security councils to oversee internal security at the sub-national level. In the area of fiscal reforms, the committee will consider bills aimed at empowering the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to enforce remittance compliance and streamline the revenue allocation process. One proposal seeks to introduce constitutional timelines within which presidents and governors must present appropriation bills to the National or State Assemblies. Efforts to promote gender inclusion are also on the agenda, with a bill proposing additional legislative seats for women in both national and state assemblies. Similarly, proposals have been submitted to establish national, state, and local government councils of traditional rulers to reinforce the role of traditional institutions in governance. Read Also: Barau Jibrin’s Two Years as Deputy Senate President: A Chronicle of Impact Electoral reform features prominently, including bills to legalize independent candidacy at all levels of election and enable Nigerians in the diaspora to vote during general elections. More than 20 proposals on judicial reforms are also under review, with a focus on timelines for delivering judgments and expanding the jurisdiction of election tribunals. Some proposals also aim to devolve certain powers by transferring responsibilities such as labour and shipping from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, allowing both federal and state governments to legislate on them. The committee has urged Nigerians to take full advantage of the public hearings by participating actively in the process. According to Mudashir, this phase of the constitutional review represents a crucial opportunity for the people to help shape the structure and direction of the nation’s governance framework.  

Kano, News

Editor-in-chief of Daily Trust, Hamza Idris, loses mother in Kano

Hajiya Rabi, fondly known as Umma, the mother of Malam Hamza Idris, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust Newspapers, has passed away. She died in the early hours of Sunday in Kano, as confirmed in a condolence statement by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President and a former colleague of Malam Hamza. “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un! The mother of Malam Hamza Idris, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Hajiya Rabi (Umma), died this morning in Kano,” Mudashir wrote. Read Also: Funeral Prayers Held for Kannywood Actress Rahama Sadau’s Father in Kaduna The funeral prayer (janaza) was observed at 11:00 a.m. at Dorawar ‘Yan Kifi Road in the Rijiyar Zaki area of Kano, in line with Islamic tradition. She was laid to rest at Wali Maigeza Cemetery, popularly known as Kofar Mazugar Cemetery, within the Kano metropolis. “May Allah (SWT) grant her Aljannatul Firdausi and give Malam Hamza and the entire family the strength to bear this painful loss,” Mudashir added. “Allah ya jikan ta da rahama. Amin.”  

Kano, National, News

Families of hunters killed in Edo still await support, two months after tragedy

Two months after the gruesome killing of 16 hunters from Kano State in Uromi, Edo State, and the families of the victims say the promises made to them by both the Kano and Edo State governments remain unfulfilled. Malam Ibrahim Isah, the sole survivor of the April attack, told 21st Century Chronicle that neither state government has provided tangible support to the bereaved families. “We are still waiting. Nothing has been done,” he said. The victims, who hailed from Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure local government areas in Kano State, had been returning home from their annual hunting expedition to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festivities when they were ambushed in Uromi village, located in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Read Also: Tinubu condemns killing of wedding travelers in Plateau, orders arrest of perpetrators “These families have never known such hardship. Their breadwinners are gone, and they are struggling to survive,” said Isah, who now serves as the spokesperson for the affected families. “No amount of money can bring the dead back, but support should be extended to the widows and children left behind. Their situation is heartbreaking.” One of the widows recalled how they were asked to open bank accounts and given ATM cards with assurances that compensation would be paid but nothing has materialized. “From God we come and to Him we shall return,” she said, fighting back tears. “I never imagined I would end up in this kind of situation, but it is Allah’s will. Raising three children alone is not easy. What we ask is simple, fulfill the promises made to us.” Another widow echoed the same frustrations, saying that after initial contact from government officials, communication ceased and hope faded. When contacted, an official from the Kano State Government declined to comment on the matter. However, a source confirmed that the issue is currently being handled by the office of the Deputy Governor.  

Kano, National, News

Kano NUJ Hails Appointment of Ex-chairman Abbas Ibrahim as National Trustee

The Kano State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described the appointment of its immediate past chairman, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, as National Trustee of the union as well-deserved and a source of pride for the state. In a statement jointly signed by the Acting Chairman of the Council, Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad, and Secretary Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, the Council lauded Comrade Abbas for achieving such recognition barely months after the conclusion of his two-term, six-year tenure as state chairman. The Council noted that the appointment did not come as a surprise, given Comrade Abbas’s remarkable dedication, humility, integrity, and inclusive leadership style during his time in office. These qualities, it said, positioned Kano as a shining star within Nigeria’s journalism landscape. Read Also: Kano Launches ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ to Curb Political Thuggery, Promote Peace While wishing him success in his new national role, the NUJ Kano Council encouraged Comrade Abbas to deploy his wealth of experience, wisdom, and talent to advance the objectives of the union, which is fondly referred to as “the voice of the voiceless.” The statement also offered prayers for divine protection and guidance for Comrade Abbas, other members of the NUJ National Working Committee, and their counterparts across the country, in the face of seen and unseen challenges. The Council expressed profound gratitude to the National President of the union, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, and his indefatigable deputy, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, for selecting a son of Kano for such a pivotal role. It described the gesture as an expression of deep respect, affection, and confidence in both the state and the appointee. Reaffirming their trust in Comrade Abbas’s ability to provide strategic counsel to the top executives of the union, the Council expressed optimism that he would contribute meaningfully to steering the revered NUJ to greater heights.  

Education, News

Lawyers fault OOU staff over exam entry checks on female students

The Data Privacy Lawyers Association of Nigeria (DPLAN) has strongly condemned a viral incident involving a female staff member of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, who was captured in a video touching female students inappropriately before they were allowed into an examination hall. According to the video circulating on social media, the staff was seen physically checking whether female students were wearing bras before granting them access to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) venue—reportedly in line with an alleged “No Bra, No Exam” policy. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by DPLAN’s Legal and Compliance Director, Emmanuel Okpara, Esq., the association described the act as a gross violation of the rights to privacy and human dignity guaranteed under Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). “No rule or institutional guideline can justify degrading treatment, especially against young women in an academic setting. What occurred is an affront to the values of decency, privacy, and gender respect,” the statement read. Read Also: Funeral Prayers Held for Kannywood Actress Rahama Sadau’s Father in Kaduna DPLAN further described the practice as an example of gender-based shaming, disguised as discipline, and called it “unlawful, discriminatory, and unacceptable in any civilized society.” The lawyers’ group added that such actions are incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The association expressed concern that the incident happened in full public view, thereby compounding the trauma and humiliation for the affected students. DPLAN is calling for the immediate review or abolition of any policy resembling “No Bra, No Exam” for violating female students’ privacy and dignity. It also urged the university to reform its enforcement procedures to ensure they are lawful, respectful, and non-discriminatory. The group demanded a public apology from the university authorities to the affected students and the general public. It also urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate the matter promptly and ensure accountability. “Institutions of learning must not become centers of fear and humiliation. They must remain places of knowledge, safety, and respect for all students regardless of gender,” the statement added. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, particularly from student rights groups and Northern-based cultural advocates, who described the act as alien to societal norms of modesty, privacy, and respect for womanhood. As at time of filing this report, OOU management had yet to issue an official response to the development.  

Kaduna, News

Funeral Prayers Held for Kannywood Actress Rahama Sadau’s Father in Kaduna

Funeral prayers were held on Sunday at Unguwar Rimi in Kaduna for Alhaji Ibrahim Sadau, the father of popular Kannywood actress and filmmaker Rahama Sadau. The prayer session, which drew family members, friends, colleagues, and sympathizers, followed Islamic rites in a solemn atmosphere. Rahama had announced her father’s passing earlier in the day via her verified Facebook page, writing: “ALLAH YAYI WA MAHAIFINA RASUWA…. I lost my father.” The announcement prompted a wave of condolences from across Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond, with many expressing sympathy and prayers for the family. The late Alhaji Ibrahim Sadau was described by many as a humble and deeply supportive parent, known for backing his daughter’s aspirations despite societal challenges often faced by women in the Northern film industry. His support is widely acknowledged as instrumental in Rahama’s rise to stardom. Read Also: Rahama Sadau’s Father, Alhaji Ibrahim Sadau, Passes Away The Janazah prayer was led by local clerics who offered prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for the bereaved family. Mourners included a number of actors, producers, and public figures from both Kannywood and Nollywood, reflecting the far-reaching influence of the Sadau family. Although Rahama has not made a detailed public statement since her father’s death, sources close to the actress say she is devastated but grateful for the overwhelming love and solidarity shown by the public and her colleagues.

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