The Historica Nigeria

2025

Abuja, National, News

Council of State Approves Prof. Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s name during the Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 until October 2025. President Tinubu described Professor Amupitan as “a man of integrity and professionalism,” noting that he is the first individual from Kogi State — within the North-Central geopolitical zone — to be nominated for the position. The President further emphasized that Amupitan is non-partisan and possesses the competence and credibility required to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. Read Also: Tinubu Presides Over Council of State Meeting at Presidential Villa Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending the choice, saying, “Professor Amupitan is a man of integrity whose credentials speak for themselves.” In line with constitutional requirements, President Tinubu will now forward Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation. Born on April 25, 1967, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he also serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). A renowned scholar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan specializes in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He earned his LLB and LLM from the University of Jos in 1987 and 1993, respectively, and obtained his PhD in Law from the same institution in 2007. He began his academic career in 1989 after completing his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation. Over the years, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014). Outside academia, Amupitan has contributed significantly to both public and private sectors. He is the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, and serves on the boards of Integrated Dairies Limited, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and the Council of Legal Education. He has authored several notable legal texts, including Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), and Principles of Company Law (2013). Professor Amupitan is married and blessed with four children. Signed: Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)

National, News

Tinubu Presides Over Council of State Meeting at Presidential Villa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over a meeting of the Council of State at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The high-level gathering brings together past and present leaders to deliberate on key national issues, including security challenges and the possible appointment of a new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to Daily Trust, former Presidents Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, joined the session virtually. However, some notable former leaders — including General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan — were not sighted at the venue as the meeting moved into a closed-door session. Read Also: Ganduje’s Model of Governance: Building Progress Beyond Politics This marks the second Council of State meeting chaired by President Tinubu, following a similar session held in August 2024. Other key government officials in attendance include Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume; National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President; and other senior officials. Also present at the meeting were several state governors, including those of Kwara, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Edo, Kaduna, and Abia States. The Council of State — an advisory body established under the 1999 Constitution — serves to counsel the President on matters of national importance, including policy formulation, appointments, and national security.

Kano, News

Guarantee Radio Kano Appoints Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa as New General Manager

Guarantee Radio Kano has announced the appointment of Abubakar Balarabe Kofar Naisa as the new General Manager of the station, effective October 8, 2025. Kofar Naisa, a seasoned broadcaster and media professional, brings years of experience in broadcasting, media management, and community engagement to the role. His appointment signals a renewed commitment by the station to strengthen its leadership and continue providing high-quality programming that informs, educates, and entertains audiences across Kano State and beyond. Kano Govt Begins Plans for Mass Wedding of 2,000 Couples Upon assuming office on Wednesday, Kofar Naisa expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the station’s management. He pledged to work collaboratively with staff to uphold Guarantee Radio’s vision of excellence, professionalism, and dedicated public service. He said, “Guarantee Radio has built a strong reputation for credible broadcasting and community impact. I am committed to consolidating these achievements and driving the station toward even greater success.” Guarantee Radio 94.7 FM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of broadcasting and expressed optimism that Kofar Naisa’s leadership would usher in a new era of innovation and growth for the station.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Begins Plans for Mass Wedding of 2,000 Couples

The Kano State Government has directed the Hisba Board to commence preparations for another round of mass weddings involving no fewer than 2,000 couples across the state. The Deputy Commander-General of the Hisba Board, Sheikh Mujahid Aminudeen, disclosed this in Kano on Thursday, noting that arrangements were already underway in compliance with directives from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. “We are planning to conduct a mass wedding for another batch of 2,000 couples as directed by the state government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf,” Aminudeen said. Read Also: Kano Govt Repositions Bureau of Statistics, Appoints New DG Although he did not specify the date for the ceremony, the official explained that the process would follow several stages, beginning with registration and medical screening. “All prospective couples must register before participating. The medical screening — which includes HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, genotype, and drug tests — is compulsory, and anyone who fails to complete it will be disqualified,” he stated. Governor Yusuf’s administration reintroduced the mass wedding initiative earlier this year as part of efforts to assist indigent couples, widows, divorcees, and unmarried women who cannot afford the high costs of marriage. According to the Hisba Board, the programme also aims to promote morality, strengthen family values, and reduce social vices such as prostitution and drug abuse among youth and widows in the state.

Business, National, News

Why Cooking Gas Price Soared to ₦2,000 Per Kilogram — Marketers Explain

Nigerians have expressed deep frustration over the sudden surge in the price of cooking gas, which now sells for as high as ₦2,000 per kilogram in some parts of the country. The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has attributed the hike to temporary supply disruptions and market exploitation by some operators. Speaking on Channels Television, NALPGAM President, Mr. Oladapo Olatunbosun, clarified that there had been no official increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), blaming the situation on “opportunistic marketers taking advantage of supply gaps” caused by a recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which disrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery. Read Also: FCCPC Raises Alarm Over Chemically Ripened Fruits, Adulterated Foods “I sympathise with Nigerians because we never intended a situation like this,” Olatunbosun said. “Prices have not officially gone up, but some marketers are exploiting the shortage to make quick profits.” Before the increase, LPG sold for between ₦1,200 and ₦1,300 per kilogram, but it now ranges from ₦1,700 to ₦2,000 — and in some areas, up to ₦3,000 — according to market reports. Olatunbosun described the surge as “artificial and temporary,” assuring that supply would soon stabilise. He explained that the problem began when the Dangote Refinery — which had significantly improved domestic supply — suspended truck loading for maintenance. “Before the strike, Dangote sent out about 50 trucks daily, serving the South-West and parts of the North. When maintenance began, loading slowed, and marketers turned to Apapa depots. The strike then halted vessel discharges and inspections, leading to shortages,” he said. Although the strike has been called off and distribution has resumed, the NALPGAM president said it would take time to clear the backlog, particularly in the South-West, which accounts for the largest share of the country’s gas consumption. He further noted that Nigeria’s LPG demand has increased from 1.2 million metric tonnes three years ago to nearly two million tonnes, causing supply strain whenever disruptions occur. Olatunbosun advised consumers to buy gas only from registered and licensed plants to avoid inflated prices by third-party sellers, stressing that the recommended retail price should not exceed ₦1,300 per kilogram at certified outlets. He assured that NALPGAM is working closely with relevant authorities to stabilise supply and restore normal pricing nationwide.

Kano, National

Ganduje’s Model of Governance: Building Progress Beyond Politics

In Nigeria’s political space, debates are often overshadowed by accusations and counter-accusations. Yet, leadership must ultimately be measured by results, not rhetoric. For Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his legacy continues to generate both scrutiny and admiration. While critics question processes around certain policies, his achievements stand as evidence of a governance style rooted in pragmatism, economic efficiency, and infrastructural development. Transforming the Dry Port Vision into Reality One of Ganduje’s most notable accomplishments is the operationalization of the Dala Inland Dry Port, a project that had lingered for years without meaningful progress. Under his leadership, the port moved from concept to functionality, proving instrumental in decongesting Apapa and Tin Can Island ports by creating a functional inland alternative. Read Also: Ganduje: A Resilient Political Survivor Facing Image Wars The port streamlined international trade through improved customs processing, provided cost-effective logistics with the rail connection to Lagos, boosted exports with successful shipments directly from Kano, and created jobs in port operations, warehousing, logistics, and support services. This stands in contrast to national examples of state-managed enterprises such as Ajaokuta Steel Company and NITEL that became symbols of inefficiency and waste. Ganduje’s model demonstrated that partnerships leveraging private sector efficiency could succeed where government monopolies failed. Employment and Economic Efficiency Ganduje’s initiatives consistently sought to tie infrastructure projects with job creation. In Kano, his administration expanded road networks, built flyovers, modernized schools, and strengthened healthcare delivery. Unlike populist approaches, his style was more practical: invest in projects that generate lasting economic value. The Dry Port is now a case study in employment generation, a functional enterprise creating opportunities in a region that urgently needs them. Lessons in Pragmatism The Ganduje model aligns with broader national reforms, particularly in fuel subsidy removal and privatization of failing enterprises. His defenders argue that his willingness to push through unpopular but necessary policies reflected political courage. Just as Nigeria now grapples with the fiscal burden of subsidy removal, Ganduje’s decisions showed foresight: prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and long-term gains over short-term applause. Resilience in Politics Beyond infrastructure, Ganduje’s story is also one of resilience and survival in Nigeria’s competitive politics. Despite storms of criticism, he rose from grassroots mobilizer to Governor of Kano and eventually National Chairman of APC, a testament to his political staying power and ability to adapt. His resilience, supporters argue, is matched only by his commitment to leaving behind tangible infrastructure and economic reforms rather than promises alone. The debate around Ganduje should not rest solely on ownership structures or populist narratives. Instead, the measure should be impact on the people. From the functional Dala Inland Dry Port to infrastructural renewal and economic reforms, his record offers lessons in pragmatism. Conclusively, in a country often haunted by failed promises, Ganduje’s model focused on results rather than rhetoric, remains a blueprint worth studying as Nigeria seeks pathways to prosperity.

Kano, News

FCCPC Raises Alarm Over Chemically Ripened Fruits, Adulterated Foods

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised alarm over the growing trend of harmful practices in food production, including forced fruit ripening, adulterated palm oil, and contaminated meat and grains, warning that such acts pose grave risks to public health and consumer safety. The warning was issued during a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Commission in Kano, aimed at educating stakeholders on safe food handling, proper labelling, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct. Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Olatunji Bello, who was represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said the Commission remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring accountability in the food and agricultural sectors. Read Also: Dala Inland Dry Port Refutes Allegations Linking Ganduje’s Family to Ownership Dr. Mba cautioned against the chemical ripening of fruits with calcium carbide, food adulteration using toxic additives, and unhygienic handling that exposes food items to contamination. “Unsafe food not only endangers lives but undermines trust in markets, disrupts trade, and damages the reputation of businesses, both large and small,” she stated. She urged food producers, vendors, and distributors to maintain hygiene standards, properly label and package their products, and always uphold consumer rights and safety. Also speaking, the Director of Consumer and Business Education at the FCCPC, Mr. Yahaya Garba Kudan, stressed that food safety is a fundamental consumer right and an essential component of national development. “It is our responsibility to ensure that consumers have access to safe, high-quality food,” he said. “This programme provides an opportunity for participants to learn how to identify and prevent unsafe practices, lodge complaints, and seek redress where necessary.” Kudan highlighted that the FCCPC collaborates closely with regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture to enforce compliance with national food safety standards. He explained that through market surveillance, enforcement actions, and public sensitisation, the Commission has intervened in several cases of hazardous food practices across Nigeria. The event was attended by key officials, including Hassan Abdulhamid Hassan, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the FCCPC, alongside representatives of consumer groups, food vendors, business operators, civil society organisations, and regulatory agencies. In her closing remarks, Dr. Mba reminded participants of the collective responsibility to ensure public safety through responsible food production and handling. “A nation that poisons its people cannot prosper,” she warned. “We are all consumers, and an injury to one is an injury to all. Together, we must eradicate harmful food practices and promote accountability, safety, and respect for human life.”

Jigawa, Kano

Coalition of Gwaram Youths Holds Grand Reception for Dr. Yusha’u

A grand reception has been held in honour of Dr. Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram, former Provost of the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano, in recognition of his outstanding service, humility, and contributions to education and community development. The event, organised by the Coalition of Gwaram Youth Forums—comprising the Gwaram Youth Development Association (GYDA) and the Jigawa State Youth Awareness Forum (JYAF)—in collaboration with the National Youth Advocates for Good Governance and Development and the Jigawa Association for Neighbourhood and Development, took place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Gwaram Town Hall, Jigawa State. The well-attended ceremony brought together traditional leaders, government officials, community representatives, youth groups, and well-wishers, who all gathered to celebrate a man widely described as “a symbol of integrity and service to humanity.” Read Also: FCAPT Achieves Major Milestones Under Provost Gwaram’s Leadership The highlight of the event was a keynote lecture on “Integrity in Leadership and Inspiring Youth through Service,” delivered with intellectual depth and moral reflection. This was followed by the presentation of an Award of Honour to Dr. Gwaram for his visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting young people through education and empowerment initiatives. Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages, commending Dr. Gwaram for his humility, professionalism, and unrelenting support for youth development. Speakers praised his record of creating job opportunities, offering permanent and pensionable employment to indigenes of Gwaram, and contributing to the growth of Jigawa State through educational advancement and community engagement. In his remarks, Dr. Gwaram expressed deep appreciation to the organisers for the honour and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote youth development and good governance. The event concluded with a special prayer session and light refreshments, marking the end of a memorable celebration. The Coalition of Gwaram Youth Forums expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and guests for their presence and contributions to the success of the programme. Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Abdulsalam Maijama’a (Chairman of the Occasion), Abba Yusuf (Director of Planning), Salisu Muhammad Tukur (Secretary), Nasiru Ibrahim (PRO), and Sadiya Ahmad (Welfare Officer) extended heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their support and goodwill. They described the event as “a lasting inspiration for the youth of Gwaram and Jigawa State to uphold leadership values rooted in service, honesty, and excellence.”

Health, Humanitarian, Kano

ES KHETFUND Visits KSACA for Verification of Paediatric Centre Interventions

The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND), Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen has led a delegation Tuesday on a working visit to the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA). The purpose of the visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment and post-funding verification of KHETFUND 2025 regular interventions at KSACA. The interventions include the disbursement of N6.8 million for the variation of the construction of the Paediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre , as well as the procurement of furniture worth N5 million for the Center, which is located at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, but under the care of KSACA. The visit is part of the Fund’s due diligence process to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with project goals. Read Also: Dala Inland Dry Port Refutes Allegations Linking Ganduje’s Family to Ownership Aimed at enhancing access to quality HIV treatment for children across the state, the Paediatric ART Centre is a flagship project under KSACA, reflecting the commitment of Kano State government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to improve paediatric healthcare and HIV response infrastructure.. Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary, who was represented by Abdulmalik Kabir the Head of Account, emphasized the importance of strategic oversight in project execution and reiterated the Fund’s commitment to supporting impactful health interventions across Kano State. “This verification visit is crucial in ensuring that public funds are effectively utilized. We are committed to financing health initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations such as children living with HIV,” Dr. Zahraddeen said. Earlier speaking, Dr. Usman Bashir, the Director-General of KSACA, who was represented by the Head of Account, welcomed the KHETFUND team and appreciated the Fund for its numerous impactful interventions not only at KSACA but across government agencies, healthcare facilities, and health institutions in the state. “We are pleased to host the Executive Secretary and her team. The KHETFUND’s interventions at KSACA are timely and will enhance the capacity of the Centre, ensuring it meets the highest standards of paediatric care,” Dr. Bashir said. The Kano State Health Trust Fund is a public health financing institution established to support healthcare delivery systems and promote equitable access to quality health services across the state. The Kano State Agency for the Control of Aids, on the other hand, is responsible for coordinating the state’s response to HIV/AIDS, including prevention, treatment, care, and support services. Signed: Farouk Isa Musa For: ES KHETFUND

Kano, News

Dala Inland Dry Port Refutes Allegations Linking Ganduje’s Family to Ownership

The management of the Dala Inland Dry Port (DIDP) has firmly dismissed reports alleging that the family of former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, holds shares or any ownership interest in the company. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Company Secretary, Barrister Adamu Aliyu Sanda, described the allegations as “false, misleading, and politically motivated,” stating that neither Ganduje’s family nor the Kano State Government has ever been part of the port’s ownership or board structure. According to Sanda, verified records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and official board resolutions confirmed that no member of the Ganduje family has ever been listed as a shareholder, director, or signatory in the company. Related: Even Out of Office, Ganduje Remains the Soul of APC — Party Loyalist “The claim that members of the Ganduje family are shareholders or directors in Dala Inland Dry Port is entirely false. There is no record — past or present — linking them to the company’s structure,” Sanda stated. He explained that the port project was initially owned by businessman Ahmad Rabi’u before City Green Enterprises (CGE) acquired an 80 percent stake, leaving Rabi’u with 20 percent equity. The transaction, he noted, was duly registered with the CAC and carried out in accordance with regulatory procedures, with no involvement from the Ganduje family or the Kano State Government. Read Also: Kano’s Political Probe: Ganduje’s Legacy Versus NNPP’s Scandals Responding to reports that Ganduje’s children were allocated five million shares each through an “ordinary resolution,” Sanda dismissed the document as a forgery engineered to create political controversy. “The so-called resolution is fake and was fabricated by an aggrieved party seeking to politicize a private commercial matter involving poor management and financial misdeeds,” he added. The company also clarified that the Kano State Government has never owned a 20 percent stake in the port, explaining that the only collaboration between the two entities was through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assistance facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). “The provision of infrastructure at the Zawaciki site was purely developmental support to revive the port project and stimulate economic growth in Kano. CSR assistance does not translate to ownership,” the company emphasized. The DIDP further refuted claims that a state representative, identified as Abdullahi Haruna, served on its board. “No such individual exists or has ever represented the Kano State Government in any capacity within the company,” the statement clarified. Reiterating its stance, the company stated that neither the Ganduje family nor the Kano State Government was ever a shareholder or director, stressing that all filings from inception to date with the CAC confirm this. “You cannot remove an entity that never existed as a shareholder or director in the first place,” the company asserted, adding that the allegations were part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at damaging Dr. Ganduje’s reputation and undermining confidence in the port project. The Dala Inland Dry Port remains one of the key logistics and trade infrastructure projects in northern Nigeria, designed to decongest the Lagos seaports and boost economic activities in Kano and neighbouring states.

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