The Historica Nigeria

2026

International, National, News, Religious

Saudi Arabia Announces 2026 Hajj and Eid al-Adha Dates

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, will mark the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will observe the Day of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to Dhul-Hijjah 9, while Eid al-Adha celebrations will commence on Wednesday, May 27. The Day of Arafat is regarded as the spiritual climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, during which millions of Muslims gather at Mount Arafat near the holy city of Mecca for prayers, supplications, and reflection. Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Almighty Allah before a ram was provided as a substitute, according to Islamic tradition. Read Also: French Judge to Probe Khashoggi Murder Following Complaint Against Saudi Crown Prince The festival is traditionally observed with congregational prayers, family gatherings, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, with portions of the meat distributed among relatives, neighbours, and less privileged members of society. The announcement comes as Saudi authorities intensify preparations for the 2026 Hajj season, with extensive operational plans aimed at ensuring smooth crowd management, safety, and efficient movement of pilgrims from across the world.

Kano, News, Politics

2027: Abba Bichi Clinches APC Sole Ticket for Bichi Federal Constituency

Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, popularly known as Abba Bichi, has emerged as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bichi Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC on Saturday commenced its primaries for the 2027 general elections with contests for House of Representatives seats across the country, where Abba Bichi secured victory in the Bichi Federal Constituency after receiving unanimous endorsement from all 11 APC ward chairmen in the constituency. Speaking during the affirmation ceremony, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described Abba Bichi’s representation as accessible, responsive, and development-driven. Masari said the lawmaker’s constituency projects and youth engagement initiatives had continued to attract attention within and outside Kano State. Read Also: Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term According to him, although the APC was conducting primary elections across the country, Bichi Federal Constituency remained one of the constituencies attracting special interest because of the lawmaker’s developmental achievements and close relationship with the people. He called on party supporters to continue supporting President Tinubu, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Abba Bichi, and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections. The affirmation ceremony was attended by several APC leaders and stakeholders, including Governor Yusuf, Sada Soli, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mu’azu Rabi’u Darma. Others in attendance included Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, former Kano State Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, the Chairman of Bichi Local Government, women leaders, youth leaders, and other political stakeholders from across Kano State. Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf commended the quality representation of Abba Bichi since his election into the House of Representatives. “I want to commend Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar for his quality representation. Since 2023, I have prayed to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to work closely with him, and today we are working together for the development of Bichi and Kano State,” the governor said. Governor Yusuf further described the lawmaker’s constituency projects as exceptional and commendable, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and community development initiatives. He also called on the people of Bichi Federal Constituency to support the re-election of Abba Bichi in the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in his leadership qualities and dedication to public service. Earlier in his remarks, Abba Bichi thanked Almighty Allah for emerging as the APC candidate for the Bichi Federal Constituency seat and pledged to sustain developmental projects across the constituency if re-elected. The lawmaker, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation in the House of Representatives, reiterated his commitment to the development of Bichi Local Government Area and Kano State at large. He also commended President Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural projects across Northern Nigeria, including the Kano–Daura Road, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and Kano–Maiduguri Road projects. “We sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the projects being executed in our region, including the Kano–Daura Road, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and Kano–Maiduguri Road projects,” he said. Abba Bichi also praised the proposed ₦1 trillion Kano Metropolitan Rail Service project aimed at improving urban transportation, boosting economic activities, and reducing traffic congestion within the Kano metropolis. He reaffirmed that Bichi Local Government Area, with over 300,000 registered voters, would continue to support President Tinubu and the APC toward securing victory in the 2027 general elections. Saturday’s affirmation further reflects the continued political support and confidence Abba Bichi enjoys among party stakeholders and residents of Bichi Federal Constituency as he seeks another term in the House of Representatives.

News, Plateau, Politics

Reps Member Gagdi Fails to Secure APC Ticket for Third Term

A member of the House of Representatives representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for a third term in the National Assembly. Mr Gagdi, a two-term lawmaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, was defeated during the APC primary election conducted across the three local government areas that make up the constituency. Announcing the result in Pankshin on Sunday, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Daspan Ishaya, declared Dr John Tongshinen as the winner of the exercise. According to Mr Ishaya, Dr Tongshinen polled 29,968 votes to defeat Mr Gagdi, who secured 5,849 votes. Read Also: How Abba Ganduje’s Empowerment, Solar Projects are Impacting Kano Communities Gwarzo Commends Shettima, Ganduje, After Withdrawing from Kano North Senate Race Kano Immunisation Advocacy Group Seeks Recruitment of Routine Immunisation Officers “By the powers conferred on me as the chairman of this committee, I hereby declare Mr John Tongshinen as the winner of the APC primaries for Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency,” he stated. Mr Ishaya further explained that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the primary election. The outcome of the primaries marks a major political shift in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Feature, Kano, Politics

Umar Al-Gamawy Appreciates Abbas Uba Saraki Over Employment Opportunity

Umar Al-Gamawy Takai has expressed appreciation to his political mentor, Abbas Uba Saraki, a House of Representatives aspirant from Kachako, for offering him an employment opportunity to represent the Takai/Sumaila Federal Constituency. Al-Gamawy described the gesture as a demonstration of confidence, mentorship and commitment to youth development, noting that the opportunity would inspire him to contribute positively to society and the constituency. He commended Abbas Uba Saraki for his continued support to young people and his efforts toward empowering youths through meaningful opportunities. According to him, the appointment reflects the importance of leadership that prioritises human development, inclusion and grassroots support. Read Also: Birnin Kudu: An Ancient Settlement With a Modern National Footprint Al-Gamawy further assured that he would discharge the responsibility with dedication, loyalty and commitment while working toward the progress of the constituency and the people it represents. This development is part of ongoing efforts to encourage youth participation and leadership development within the constituency.

Education, Kaduna, News

Kaduna Polytechnic Has Shaped Industries, Public Service — Gov Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani has described Kaduna Polytechnic as a vital centre for technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship and professional excellence that has produced graduates contributing significantly to industries, institutions and public service. The governor stated this during the institution’s 70th anniversary and combined convocation ceremony held at the Tudun Wada Main Campus in Kaduna on Saturday. Speaking at the event, Governor Sani, an alumnus of the institution, emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education in driving sustainable development, industrialisation and economic growth. “No society can attain sustainable development without investing deliberately in knowledge, skills and innovation,” he said. Read Also: KSP Partners JOSTUM to Offer PGD Courses in Management, Social Sciences Why Science College Dawakin Kudu Remains a Pride of Kano’s Educational Heritage Photos: KASPA Leads Kano Delegation on Learning Visit to Jigawa Social Protection Programmes According to him, polytechnics should occupy a central place in Nigeria’s development agenda because they serve as engines of productivity, enterprise and human capital development. The governor disclosed that the Kaduna State Government is currently sponsoring 775 students in various programmes at Kaduna Polytechnic as part of efforts to remove financial barriers and expand access to quality technical education. “This intervention reflects our determination to ensure that talented young people, regardless of background, can acquire the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added. Governor Sani further revealed that his administration has established three Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development located in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba. According to him, the institutes are equipped with modern facilities and certified by the National Board for Technical Education as among the best-equipped skills development centres in the country. He said the institutes offer specialised training in welding, solar technology, information technology and artificial intelligence to prepare young people for the evolving global economy. The governor also highlighted ongoing reforms at the famous Panteka Market, which he described as Africa’s largest informal skills hub. According to him, the market has been modernised with improved infrastructure, training facilities and modern tools aimed at supporting over 38,000 apprentices and integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques. Governor Sani disclosed that the restructured Panteka Market has surpassed Kenya’s Jua Kali initiative, which had long been regarded as Africa’s largest informal vocational training centre. He also directed immediate steps toward the construction of a new lecture theatre complex within Kaduna Polytechnic and promised rehabilitation of roads within the institution’s campuses to improve the learning environment. The governor called on the private sector, alumni associations, development partners and philanthropic organisations to support Kaduna Polytechnic through infrastructure partnerships, research funding and mentorship programmes. “The future of our nation depends substantially on the quality of institutions we build today,” he reiterated.

International, News

French Judge to Probe Khashoggi Murder Following Complaint Against Saudi Crown Prince

A French judge is set to examine the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi following complaints filed against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by international human rights organisations. Khashoggi, a columnist for and a known critic of the Saudi leadership, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2018 while seeking documents related to his planned marriage. The legal complaint was submitted during Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France in July 2022 by Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and Trial International. The push for legal action has also received support from several rights organisations and press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Read Also: Federation oil earnings drop by N78bn despite rise in global crude prices Speaking ahead of the judicial review, RSF lawyer Emmanuel Daoud described Khashoggi’s killing as an “abominable crime” allegedly planned “at the highest level of the Saudi state.” Another lawyer representing Trial International, Henri Thulliez, stated that there should no longer be any obstacle to opening a formal judicial investigation into what he described as an “atrocious crime.” During the administration of former United States President Joe Biden, the US government released an intelligence assessment in 2021 linking Mohammed bin Salman to the killing. However, former US President Donald Trump reportedly appeared to dismiss the allegations during a November 2025 meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince at the Oval Office, stating that “he knew nothing about it.”

News, Zamfara

Zamfara Records First Hajj Flight from Gusau International Airport

Zamfara State on Friday recorded its first-ever Hajj flight departing from the newly constructed Gusau International Airport, as 415 intending pilgrims boarded a Max Air flight bound for Saudi Arabia. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesperson to Governor Dauda Lawal, Sulaiman Idris. According to the statement, the inaugural flight, operated by Max Air with flight number NGL270, conveyed 288 male and 127 female pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. Speaking during the departure ceremony, Governor Lawal described the event as a historic milestone and a major fulfilment of his administration’s campaign promises. Read Also: FROM VISION TO REALITY: Matawalle’s Legacy Takes Zamfara to the Global Stage “I am happy today that our pilgrims will be flying directly from Gusau International Airport to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage,” the governor stated. “Many doubted this would become a reality, but today it has. We began building this International Airport on June 18, 2024,” he added. Lawal noted that the airport would significantly ease the burden previously faced by pilgrims who had to travel to Kano or Sokoto before boarding Hajj flights. According to him, the new development would reduce travel stress and enable pilgrims to reach Saudi Arabia in less than four hours. The governor further disclosed that discussions were already ongoing with airline operators to commence commercial flight operations from the airport. He thanked the people of Zamfara State for their support and prayers, while wishing the intending pilgrims a successful Hajj exercise and safe return. Lawal also urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, progress and development in Zamfara State and Nigeria at large.

Business, Economy, National, News

Federation oil earnings drop by N78bn despite rise in global crude prices

Federation oil earnings from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Production Sharing Contract (PSC) profit distribution declined by N78.71bn in March 2026 despite a sharp increase in global crude oil prices during the same period. Reports presented at Federation Account Allocation Committee meetings and obtained by Sunday PUNCH showed that total PSC distribution to the Federation Account dropped from N121.34bn in February 2026 to N42.64bn in March 2026, representing a decline of 64.9 per cent. The figure was also significantly lower than the N204.96bn recorded in March 2025. The decline occurred despite Brent crude prices rising above $100 per barrel during the first quarter of 2026 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and fears of disruptions to global oil supply routes. Further analysis showed that total PSC distribution for the first quarter of 2026 stood at N180.05bn, compared to N438.54bn recorded during the same period in 2025, indicating a decline of N258.49bn. Read Also: FG Sets Transition Plan for Direct Oil Revenue Payments to Federation Account The reports also revealed major changes in Nigeria’s oil revenue sharing framework following Executive Order 9 signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2026. Under the previous arrangement, PSC profits were shared using a 30:30:40 formula, with deductions made for NNPC management fees and frontier exploration funds before the Federation received its share. However, the new directive abolished those deductions and mandated full remittance of PSC revenues into the Federation Account. Despite the reforms, actual oil revenue inflows remained weak. Reports indicated that while projected oil and gas revenue from NNPC for Q1 2026 stood at N1.41tn, actual inflows amounted to only N180.05bn, leaving a shortfall of about N1.23tn. Economic experts attributed the situation to factors such as low production output, delayed remittance cycles, crude lifting arrangements and previous forward oil sales agreements entered into by the NNPC. Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr. Muda Yusuf, noted that oil revenue performance depends not only on global prices but also on production levels and remittance structures within the sector. He added that previous forward crude sales used to finance refinery rehabilitation projects may still be affecting the direct inflow of oil revenues into government accounts.

News, Sport

Super Falcons to Face Senegal in Double-Header Friendly Ahead of WAFCON

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal Women’s National Football Team in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State. The fixtures are expected to form a key part of the team’s preparations ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco next year. Details of the encounters were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show. Read Also: Ranchers Bees Return to NPFL After 16-Year Absence The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned friendly match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. Reports indicated that the timing of the proposed tour would not have compelled clubs to release players for the fixtures. With the UK training tour shelved, the Senegal friendlies are expected to provide coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew an opportunity to assess players, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign. The matches are also expected to support Nigeria’s long-term preparations toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Senegal are considered a strong regional opponent, with observers expecting their physical and organised style of play to provide Nigeria with a competitive tactical test across both fixtures. The Super Falcons, widely regarded as the most successful women’s football team in Africa, will be aiming to fine-tune their squad as they pursue another continental title.

Feature, National

My Dream Dangote: A Vision of Ambition, Entrepreneurship, and Legacy

By Abubakar Sidi Akibu  In a continent where millions of young people continue searching for opportunities amid economic uncertainty and social limitations, one young entrepreneur has chosen to transform inspiration into vision and ambition into purpose. For Abubakar Sidi Akibu, entrepreneurship is not merely about wealth creation. It is about building institutions, creating opportunities, inspiring future generations, and contributing meaningfully to Africa’s economic transformation. His forthcoming book, My Dream Dangote: The Journey of Vision, Ambition, and Legacy in Africa, reflects the mindset of a determined young African who believes greatness can emerge from the continent and compete globally through discipline, consistency, patience, and strategic thinking. At the center of the book lies the towering inspiration drawn from Aliko Dangote, whose remarkable rise from businessman to globally respected industrialist continues to motivate millions of young Africans. Read Also: Umar Idris Shuaibu: The Journalist Redefining Culture, Ethics, and Public Service in Nigeria According to the author, Dangote’s journey reshaped his understanding of success, leadership, and long-term vision. “His story proved that greatness is not determined by background or circumstances but by vision, courage, consistency, and commitment,” Akibu explained in the manuscript’s opening chapter. The book presents a motivational reflection on entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and the power of dreaming beyond temporary limitations. It also captures the realities many young Africans face while striving to build meaningful futures amid uncertainty and limited opportunities. Structured across fifteen chapters, the publication explores themes ranging from discovering purpose and understanding business principles to leadership, discipline, failure, influence, and legacy building. Through personal reflections and entrepreneurial insights, Akibu narrates how his interest in business development gradually evolved into a larger vision of building impactful institutions capable of creating employment and long-term value for society. As the founder of A+ AROMAS NIGERIA LIMITED, the author explained that his vision extends beyond personal achievement. He believes true success should be measured not only by financial accomplishments but also by influence, contribution, and the ability to inspire others. The book equally seeks to encourage young Africans not to abandon their ambitions because of fear, criticism, poverty, or temporary setbacks. Rather, it emphasizes persistence, discipline, patience, and consistency as essential pillars for sustainable success. “Dreams only become reality when belief is combined with action, discipline, and consistency,” the author stated. Beyond admiration for Dangote’s achievements, My Dream Dangote also represents the beginning of the author’s own entrepreneurial vision and long-term aspiration to build globally respected African businesses capable of leaving lasting impact across generations. The work positions itself not simply as a business narrative but as a motivational call for young Africans to believe in their potential, embrace long-term thinking, and pursue purposeful leadership capable of transforming society. For many readers, especially aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa, the message remains clear: greatness does not begin with resources alone. It begins with vision, determination, discipline, and the courage to persist despite obstacles. As Africa continues producing a new generation of ambitious entrepreneurs and innovators, books such as My Dream Dangote may further resuscitate confidence among young people seeking to redefine the continent’s future through enterprise, leadership, and legacy.

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