The Historica Nigeria

2025

Jigawa, Profile

Birnin Kudu: An Ancient Settlement With a Modern National Footprint

By Umar Idris Shuaibu Birnin Kudu, in the southern part of Jigawa State, occupies a unique place in northern Nigeria’s historical and cultural landscape. As the most populous local government area in the state, with over 419,800 residents, the town combines ancient civilisation, educational excellence and enduring administrative relevance. Long before colonial rule, Birnin Kudu had emerged as a centre of human settlement, a legacy preserved in its ancient rock paintings and drawings found on surrounding hills. These artworks, believed by scholars to date back more than two thousand years, offer rare evidence of early human life and artistic expression in the region. Under British administration, Birnin Kudu served as a Native Authority headquarters, reinforcing its political importance. That legacy continues today, with the town functioning as the headquarters of Birnin Kudu Local Government Area and a key hub in Jigawa State’s governance structure. A defining pillar of the town’s influence is Government College Birnin Kudu, one of the oldest secondary schools in northern Nigeria. Over the decades, the institution has produced an extraordinary list of leaders who have shaped Nigeria’s political, economic, military and traditional institutions. Among them are former Kano State governors Abubakar Rimi, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya; former Jigawa State governors Sule Lamido and Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu; business icon Aliko Dangote; the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero; and the Emir of Rano, Dr. Tafida Abubakar Ila. The alumni list also includes senior military officers, veteran journalists, technocrats and policymakers whose influence spans generations. Read Also: Ganduje Foundation Backs BIKOBA Alumni as Jigawa Govt Leads Birnin Kudu College Renovation Beyond education and politics, Birnin Kudu plays an important role in public service delivery within Jigawa State. The town hosts strategic institutions such as the Federal Medical Centre, the state pharmacy, the Farm Centre and several health and professional training colleges, making it a service hub for surrounding communities. While residents often note that infrastructure development has not always matched the town’s historical stature and human capital output, Birnin Kudu remains resilient and relevant. Its people continue to draw strength from a shared heritage that blends tradition, learning and public service. Climatically, the town reflects the Sahelian character of northern Nigeria, with hot and dusty conditions and temperatures ranging roughly between 55°F and 103°F during the year. Yet, these environmental challenges have not diminished its long-standing appeal as a centre of settlement and scholarship. Today, Birnin Kudu stands as a symbol of continuity, a town where ancient rock art tells stories of early civilisation, classrooms nurture national leaders, and history remains deeply woven into everyday life. As Jigawa State looks to the future, Birnin Kudu’s past and present continue to mark it as a place of lasting significance in Nigeria’s national story.

Kano, News, Religious

Why Ganduje Shelved the Independent Hisbah Proposal in Kano

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has suspended plans to establish an independent Hisbah outfit following widespread public misunderstanding of the initiative and advice from Islamic clerics and the state government. The development was disclosed by a former Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board and close ally of Ganduje, Sheikh Harun Ibn Sina, in an interview with ‘The Historica Nigeria‘. He explained that the proposed independent Hisbah was misconstrued by members of the public, creating negative impressions about its purpose and intentions. According to Ibn Sina, the initiative was conceived with good intentions and was never designed to undermine, rival, or create conflict with the existing Kano State Hisbah Command. He noted that the growing misunderstanding surrounding the proposal raised concerns, which necessitated a reconsideration of the plan. “We initiated it with good intentions. We are not fighting anyone, and we are not trying to create enemies or rivals for the current Hisbah,” he said. Read Also: Tinubu Plans Borno, Bauchi, Lagos Visits Ahead of Year-End Activities Ganduje Foundation Backs BIKOBA Alumni as Jigawa Govt Leads Birnin Kudu College Renovation Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes Ibn Sina added that respected Islamic clerics and religious leaders advised Dr. Ganduje and his associates to suspend the initiative in the interest of peace, unity, and social harmony, a recommendation that was subsequently accepted. He further revealed that although the plan has been halted, the state government has accepted suggestions on how to re-engage sacked Hisbah personnel and reposition the existing Hisbah Command to function more effectively. The former Hisbah chief clarified that the suspension of the independent Hisba plan does not affect the activities of the Ganduje Islamic Foundation, stressing that the foundation will continue to operate within its established mandate. He also urged residents of Kano State to remain calm, assuring them that all decisions taken were aimed at preserving harmony and strengthening religious and social institutions across the state.

Education, Kano, News

Kano Polytechnic ASUP Chapter Gets New Leadership

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kano State Polytechnic (KSP) Chapter, has elected new executive members to pilot the affairs of the union for the next two years. The election, which was described as peaceful and transparent, saw key positions filled to ensure effective administration and improved representation of members within the institution. Dr. Badamasi Inuwa of the Life Science Department, School of Technology, emerged as the new Chairman of the union. He was returned unopposed, securing 197 votes of affirmation from members, an outcome widely seen as a reflection of confidence in his leadership capacity and commitment to the union’s ideals. Other executive positions were also filled unopposed. They include Idris Sani Salisu (Danzara) as Vice Chairman; Babangida Sa’adu as General Secretary; Aliyu Shiu Sa’id as Financial Secretary; Magaji Babayo as Treasurer; Engr. Haruna Hussaini as Internal Auditor; Dauda Yusuf Tofa as Assistant General Secretary; Sama’ila Bashir as Welfare Secretary; and Saude Sa’idu as Publicity Secretary. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, ASUP Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Comrade Muhammed Muhammed, congratulated the newly elected executives and urged them to uphold the principles and values of the union. He described the election as exemplary, noting that it was the first time he had witnessed such a smooth and commendable ASUP election process. Read Also: Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes In his acceptance speech, Dr. Inuwa expressed appreciation to members for the trust reposed in him and the new leadership. He pledged to prioritise staff welfare, improve academic working conditions and strengthen the union in the interest of staff, students and the Kano State Polytechnic community. Dr. Inuwa also commended the Electoral Committee for ensuring stability and decorum throughout the exercise. Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Awaisu Adamu Salihi, thanked members for their cooperation, noting that the peaceful conduct of the election reflected the unity and maturity of the ASUP KSP family. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to integrity and transparency in advancing the progress of the union and the institution.

National, News

Tinubu Plans Borno, Bauchi, Lagos Visits Ahead of Year-End Activities

President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday depart Abuja on a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos states as part of his official engagements ahead of the end-of-year activities. In Borno State, the President is expected to commission several projects executed by the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum in collaboration with the Federal Government. He will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno State Governor and Senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem. From Maiduguri, President Tinubu will proceed to Bauchi State to condole with the Bauchi State Government and the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a renowned Islamic cleric and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood, who passed away on November 27. Read Also: Tinubu Presents N58.47trn 2026 Budget to National Assembly After the condolence visit, the President will travel to Lagos State, where he is expected to spend the forthcoming end-of-year holidays. While in Lagos, President Tinubu will serve as the guest of honour at the Eyo Festival scheduled for December 27 at the Tafawa Balewa Square. The festival will honour notable personalities, including the President’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Chief Michael Otedola.

Humanitarian, News

Kanawa Foundation Boosts Economic Inclusion for Disabled Women

The Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled has empowered 350 women with disabilities in Kano State with startup kits and financial support under the SABI-WOMAN Project, implemented by Kanawa with support from UNICEF through Sightsavers. The empowerment programme, held at the Sani Abacha Youth Centre, Kano, coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and drew beneficiaries from across the state, underscoring the inclusive nature of the initiative. Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Ibrahim Garba Madu, said the intervention marked a transition from capacity building to economic empowerment after six days of intensive business training facilitated by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). “We are proud to record a major milestone with the SABI-WOMAN Project. Having completed six days of intensive business education, we have moved to the phase of economic empowerment,” Madu said. He explained that each beneficiary received startup kits valued at ₦120,000, logistics support of ₦10,000 and a cash grant of ₦104,526 to support their small and medium enterprises, adding that participants were also provided with daily meals throughout the programme. Read Also: Tinubu Presents N58.47trn 2026 Budget to National Assembly Madu noted that the foundation would continue to provide mentorship and business development support to ensure sustainability of the women’s enterprises, describing the initiative as a step towards dignity, inclusion and opportunity for persons with disabilities. Also speaking, a member of the Kanawa Educational Board of Advisory, Nasir Yakubu Rishi, PhD, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the skills acquired and called on relevant stakeholders to support inclusive economic initiatives. “The SABI-WOMAN Project is not charity but an investment in ability, dignity and economic inclusion. It shows that disability is not inability and that inclusive development can deliver sustainable results,” Rishi said. Madu reaffirmed the commitment of the foundation to promoting inclusive economic growth by creating opportunities for women with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the state at large.

National, News

Tinubu Presents N58.47trn 2026 Budget to National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu on Friday presented a ₦58.47 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to a joint session of the National Assembly, outlining spending priorities across key sectors of the economy. Under the proposal, capital expenditure is estimated at ₦26.08 trillion, while recurrent (non-debt) expenditure stands at ₦15.25 trillion. The budget is benchmarked against a crude oil price of $64.85 per barrel. The President said expected total revenue for the 2026 fiscal year is ₦34.33 trillion, while projected total expenditure is ₦58.18 trillion, including ₦15.52 trillion earmarked for debt servicing. This leaves a budget deficit of ₦23.85 trillion, representing 4.28 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product. Read Also: Tinubu Presides Over APC National Caucus Meeting in Abuja According to Tinubu, the proposal is anchored on crude oil production of 1.84 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the US dollar. A breakdown of sectoral allocations shows that defence and security received the largest share at ₦5.41 trillion, followed by infrastructure with ₦3.56 trillion. Education is allocated ₦3.52 trillion, while the health sector is set to receive ₦2.48 trillion. The budget, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” was described by the President as more than routine fiscal estimates. Addressing lawmakers, Tinubu said the proposal reflects the administration’s national priorities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fiscal sustainability, debt transparency, and value-for-money spending.

National, News

New DIG Named as PSC Promotes 773 Others

The Police Service Commission, PSC, has approved the elevation of several senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to higher ranks. Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, stated in a press release that the promotions followed rigorous written examinations and oral interviews, concluded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the PSC Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, presided over by the Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd). The statement named the promoted senior officers to include AIG Mohammed Usman Gumel, who, until his promotion, was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Community Policing Project Department, Research and Planning, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja. The commission also elevated seven Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police. Read Also: Nigeria Police to Recruit 50,000 Constables as PSC Announces Application Window BUK Alumni Celebrate Kankarofi’s Elevation, Describe Him as Pride of 1992 Set ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC Additionally, three Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to the rank of Commissioners of Police. The Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), congratulated the newly promoted officers and tasked them to embrace their new responsibilities with greater commitment to the service of the nation. Argungu emphasised that promotion comes with higher expectations and urged the beneficiaries to rededicate themselves to effective policing, protection of lives and property, and the maintenance of law and order. He reiterated the commission’s resolve to ensure regular, merit-based promotions in line with best practices.

National, News, Politics

Tinubu Presides Over APC National Caucus Meeting in Abuja

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday presided over a meeting of the National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The session commenced at about 7:38 p.m. with the arrival of the President and marked the party’s second National Caucus meeting in 2025, following an earlier meeting held on February 25. The meeting was also the first since Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emerged as the APC National Chairman in July. Opening prayers were offered at the meeting, with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired General Buba Marwa, leading the Muslim prayer, while Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, said the Christian prayer. Read Also: Ex-Kano LG Chairmen Endorse Tinubu, Align With Ganduje’s Leadership in APC One-Party State Allegations Baseless, APC Governors Tell Nigerians Yilwatda Visits The Progressive Institute, Pledges Support for Think Tank The caucus meeting came days after the party rescheduled its National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings from December 15–16 to December 18–19, with the NEC meeting expected to hold on Friday at the Presidential Villa. Governors and top party leaders were sighted at the venue, including serving and former APC governors as well as principal officers of the National Assembly. Also present was former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who was granted bail earlier on Thursday by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa over an alleged ₦2.2 billion fraud case being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Notably, six governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who recently defected to the APC, attended the meeting. They include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas. The APC National Caucus is a gathering of the party’s highest decision-making stakeholders, bringing together the President, Vice President, national chairman, members of the National Working Committee, governors and other key party leaders to deliberate on political and organisational matters ahead of broader discussions at the NEC.

Agriculture, National, News

NAIC Leadership Ends Year on High Note, Pledges Stronger Performance in 2026

The leadership of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has rounded off the year on a high note, with assurances of stronger institutional performance and reforms in 2026. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NAIC, Honourable Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani, on Thursday hosted a grand end-of-year celebration for staff at the Corporation’s headquarters in Abuja, an event described as the first of its kind in the history of the organisation. The ceremony brought together staff physically present at the headquarters, as well as employees from the Corporation’s 36 state branches who joined virtually. Addressing the gathering, Danfulani acknowledged that he assumed office at a time of economic downturn and institutional challenges but reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning NAIC through strategic reforms. He noted that his background in financial management and banking, coupled with administrative experience, would be deployed to strengthen the Corporation. Related: NAIC Boss Wins National Award ACSPN Hails Dr. Maradun’s Appointment as NAIC Corporate Affairs Manager Lawal Umar Maradun Appointed Manager, Corporate Affairs at NAIC According to him, management is reviewing financial obligations, engaging key stakeholders, strengthening internal controls, and implementing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and revenue generation. He assured staff of open, transparent, and effective communication between management and employees to ensure proper coordination of NAIC’s operations nationwide, urging all staff to work in unity towards achieving the Corporation’s mandate. Earlier, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Prince Dayo Babaranti, reiterated management’s resolve to achieve NAIC’s set goals, commending the MD/CEO’s resilience and leadership. He described Danfulani as a selfless leader committed to the growth and development of the Corporation and assured that both management and staff would continue to support his vision. Also speaking, the General Manager, Technical, Mrs Florence Nwanoukwu, described NAIC as fortunate to have Danfulani as MD/CEO despite prevailing economic challenges, noting that his leadership style has boosted staff morale. She expressed optimism that ongoing capitalisation efforts would significantly improve the Corporation’s activities. On behalf of the workforce, the President of the NAIC Staff Union, Comrade Buhari Aliyu, expressed appreciation to the MD/CEO for prompt interventions to improve staff welfare. He cited measures such as the approval of staff upgrades and proper placement for employees stagnated for over 15 years, a 200 per cent increase in lunch subsidy, and the implementation of a three-year promotion cycle. He pledged the union’s continued cooperation with management for the sustained growth of the Corporation. Speaker after speaker at the event commended the MD/CEO for prioritising staff welfare and morale, describing them as critical drivers of institutional performance and productivity.  

National, News

Tinubu Appoints New NERC Chairman, Board Members

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of its members on December 16. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy). President Tinubu has charged the board members of NERC to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023. The reconstituted Board members are: – Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni, PhD — Chairman Dr Oseni started his service as a Commissioner in January 2017. He was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission. His appointment as Chairman took effect from 1 December 2025 and shall subsist until the completion of his ten-year tenure at the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023. Read Also: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Student Safety as 47 Unity Colleges Reopen Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Nominees One-Party State Allegations Baseless, APC Governors Tell Nigerians – Yusuf Ali, PhD. — Vice Chairman Dr Ali was first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022. His designation as Vice Chairman took effect on 1 December 2025 and shall remain in effect until the completion of his first term. – Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti — Commissioner Mr Shatti is serving a second term as commissioner. He was first appointed in January 2017. – Mr Dafe Akpeneye — Commissioner Mr Akpeneye is serving a second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in January 2017. – Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello — Commissioner Aisha Bello is serving her second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in December 2020. – Dr Chidi Ike — Commissioner Dr Ike is serving his first term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022. – Dr Fouad Animashaun — Commissioner. Dr Animashaun is serving his first term, effective December 2025. He is an energy economist with extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

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