The Historica Nigeria

2026

Kano, National, Politics

Tinubu Praises Yusuf’s Leadership, Development Strides in Kano at 63

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday, praising his leadership qualities and contributions to the development of the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Governor Yusuf as a leader of integrity, humility and dedication to public service. Tinubu noted that these attributes have been evident in Yusuf’s administration since his election in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), adding that the governor’s leadership has driven notable infrastructural development across Kano State. The President commended the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, saying the move has contributed to improved performance by Kano students in the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Kano Governor Yusuf’s APC Defection Postponed Kano 2027: Deputy Governor Gwarzo, Kofar Mata Emerge as Potential NNPP Candidates “Governor Yusuf’s administration in Kano, the bastion of progressive politics in the North, reflects a renewed commitment to grassroots development and improving the welfare of the talakawa, as championed by the late Malam Aminu Kano,” the statement said. Tinubu also acknowledged Yusuf’s prior experience in public service, particularly his tenure as commissioner overseeing key portfolios in the state, noting that it prepared him for the infrastructural initiatives currently underway. According to the President, the governor has embarked on extensive urban renewal projects, including the construction of bridges and road networks, with at least five kilometres of roads built in each local government area of the state. He reiterated that the education emergency declared by the Yusuf administration has yielded measurable gains, especially in students’ academic outcomes at the national level.

Kano, News

Alhaji Mahe Installs Umar Abubakar as Sarkin Noma in Unguwa Uku

The District Head of Unguwa Uku in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Mahe Muhammad, has turbaned Alhaji Umar Abubakar as the Sarkin Noman Unguwa Uku. Alhaji Abubakar was among the 18 elders recently installed with various traditional titles by the district head during a ceremony held in the area. A renowned farmer and businessman, Alhaji Umar Abubakar is widely known for his deep knowledge and experience in agricultural practices, which he inherited from his parents. He is regarded as a strong advocate of farming and rural productivity within the community. Speaking during the ceremony, Alhaji Mahe Muhammad congratulated all the newly installed traditional title holders and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God. Related: Unguwa Uku District Head Turbans 18 Traditional Title Holders in Kano He emphasised that justice, patience and the willingness to listen to the people were essential qualities for traditional leaders, noting that such virtues would promote peace, unity and development in the community. “Traditional leadership requires patience and the ability to listen to the people at all times. This is what will bring progress and peaceful coexistence in our society,” he said. In an interview with journalists, the newly turbaned Sarkin Noman Unguwa Uku, Alhaji Umar Abubakar, described the occasion as a memorable moment in his life and expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the honour. He also thanked the District Head, Alhaji Mahe Muhammad, for finding him worthy of the title and prayed for divine guidance to enable him serve the people of Unguwa Uku with dedication and fairness.

Kano, News

Unguwa Uku District Head Turbans 18 Traditional Title Holders in Kano

The District Head of Unguwa Uku in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Mahe Muhammad, has turbaned 18 elders with different traditional titles. The turbaning ceremony was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the office of the Hakimin Tarauni, Alhaji Bello Ado Bayero (Dan Lawan Kano). The venue is located along Zaria Road, opposite the Tarauni Local Government Secretariat. In his remarks, Alhaji Mahe congratulated the newly installed title holders and urged them to conduct themselves with humility, fairness and the fear of God. He cautioned them against pride, stressing that traditional titles are positions of service rather than privilege. According to him, patience and the ability to listen to the people are key qualities required for effective traditional leadership. Read Also: Ganduje Graces Historic Installation of Seyi Tinubu in Oyo “Do not be proud of your titles. Do justice to the people you represent. Traditional leadership requires patience and listening, which will promote progress and peaceful coexistence. We pray Almighty Allah guides you to carry out your duties diligently,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the new title holders, Alhaji Umar Abubakar, who was turbaned as Sarkin Noman Unguwa Uku, thanked the district head for the honour bestowed on them. He assured that the newly installed elders were ready to work hand in hand with the people of Unguwa Uku to support peace, unity and development in the community. Those turbaned include Alhaji Ado Ahmad (Mukaddashin Unguwa Uku), Malam Baballe Musa (Sardaunan Unguwa Uku), Ibrahim Ja’afaru (Turakin Unguwa Uku), Aminu A. Sale (Makaman Unguwa Uku), Malam Zubairu Ataye (Sarkin Yakin Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Sale Ado (Sarkin Kasuwar Unguwa Uku), Yakubu Shehu (Sarkin Dillalan Unguwa Uku), Said M. Said (Sarkin Kira Unguwa Uku) and Malam Adamu A. Gano (Sarkin Malaman Unguwa Uku). Others are Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad (Sarkin Noman Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Sule Inuwa (Sarkin Baka Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Sani Shanono (Sarkin Gini Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Muhammad A. Rotimi (Sarkin Yorubawa Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar (Wamban Unguwa Uku), Alhaji Garba Sadauki (Garkuwan Unguwa Uku), Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman (Magajin Garin Unguwa Uku), Zakari Garba (Sankiran Unguwa Uku) and Dayyabu A. Abdullahi (Sarmin Dawa Unguwa Uku). The ceremony attracted community leaders, family members and well-wishers, who described the exercise as a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and grassroots administration in the area.

Kano, Politics

Kano Advisers Urge Political Maturity, Reaffirm Loyalty to Governor

The Kano State Special Advisers’ Forum has called for restraint, maturity and responsible conduct among political actors amid the evolving political atmosphere in the state. In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Idris Salisu Rogo, the forum said politics, by nature, allows for differing opinions and alignments, but stressed that political engagement must be guided by respect, decorum and a shared commitment to the peace and progress of Kano State. The advisers cautioned political appointees, party members, supporters and the general public against the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, threats and the disclosure of private communications, noting that such actions undermine public trust and distract from governance. According to the forum, Kano State has a long-standing tradition of political awareness and civility which must be preserved, especially at critical moments in the state’s political journey. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Unchecked Sand Mining Threatens 300-Year-Old Farming Community in Kano Cervical Cancer Claims One Life Every Two Minutes, UN Says The Special Advisers’ Forum reaffirmed that the Executive Governor of Kano State remains the leader of the government and holds the ultimate authority on political direction and decision-making. It pledged its loyalty and alignment with any political decisions taken by the governor in the interest of the state and its citizens. The forum also expressed collective support for the governor’s ongoing efforts in promoting good governance, people-oriented policies, infrastructural development, social welfare programmes and reforms aimed at improving the lives of residents. It said the achievements recorded across key sectors under the governor’s leadership were visible and should be safeguarded and strengthened. The advisers urged all stakeholders to place the interests of Kano State above personal sentiments or political rivalries, calling for constructive, responsible and patriotic engagement. They emphasized that unity within government and mutual respect among political actors are essential for stability, effective governance and the realization of the administration’s development agenda. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, internal cohesion and responsible communication in support of the governor’s leadership and the broader development objectives of Kano State.

News, Niger

Military Drone Crashes in Kontagora Amid Ongoing Security Operations

A Nigerian military combat drone has crashed in the Kontagora forest area of Niger State, raising fresh concerns over aerial military operations in the North-Central region. The unmanned combat aircraft reportedly went down on Friday, though the cause of the crash has not yet been established. A photograph obtained by reporters shows the wreckage of the drone lying in a forested area, with no visible signs of explosion. Sources familiar with the incident said the drone crashed without detonating. However, it could not be independently confirmed where the aircraft was deployed from or the specific mission it was undertaking at the time of the crash. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has not issued an official statement on the incident. The Niger State Government has also yet to react. Read Also: Cervical Cancer Claims One Life Every Two Minutes, UN Says 18,000 benefit from Mangal’s free Eye care in Katsina APC Remains Dominant Ahead of 2027, Says Yilwatda The development comes amid heightened security operations across parts of northern Nigeria, where aerial surveillance and combat drones are increasingly deployed in counterinsurgency and anti-banditry efforts. Meanwhile, a separate incident has drawn attention on social media, where a video circulating online shows some individuals, suspected to be herders, handling what they claimed were fragments of an unexploded munition in Jabo community, Sokoto State. In the video, the men, speaking in Hausa, were seen sitting around a metallic object, touching and mocking it, while making remarks perceived as dismissive of foreign military power. One of the individuals was heard urging others to display courage while praying that the object would not explode. The origin and authenticity of the object displayed in the video could not be independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation linking it to any foreign or local military operation. Security experts have repeatedly warned civilians against handling suspicious or unexploded objects, noting the serious risk such actions pose to lives and property. (Platinum Post)

Health, News

Cervical Cancer Claims One Life Every Two Minutes, UN Says

The United Nations has reiterated that cervical cancer is both preventable and curable if women have proper access to screening, vaccination and timely treatment. In a statement issued on Friday, the UN noted that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, adding that January is observed annually as Cancer Awareness Month to draw attention to prevention and early detection. Cervical cancer is a reproductive cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 660,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide in 2022, while about 350,000 died from the disease. UNICEF, the UN children’s agency, warned that the illness claims the life of a woman every two minutes. The UN explained that nearly all cases of cervical cancer are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly common virus transmitted through sexual contact. While most HPV infections clear naturally, persistent infection with certain high-risk types can lead to abnormal cell growth and eventually cancer. Read Also: Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Sensitises Kura Communities on Clean Water and Sanitation UN Slashes 2025 Humanitarian Aid Appeal Amid Deepest Funding Cuts on Record 18,000 benefit from Mangal’s free Eye care in Katsina The WHO stressed that cervical cancer remains one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer when detected early and managed effectively. However, unequal access to prevention, screening and treatment continues to drive higher rates of infection and death in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia. To address the challenge, 194 countries in 2020 launched a global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer. November 17 now marks World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. The WHO said the strategy outlines three key targets to be achieved by 2030: vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against HPV by age 15; screening 70 per cent of women with high-performance tests by ages 35 and 45; and ensuring that 70 per cent of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment. The organisation estimated that achieving these targets could prevent 74 million new cases of cervical cancer and avert 62 million deaths globally by the year 2120.

National, Politics

APC Remains Dominant Ahead of 2027, Says Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed concerns about the future of the ruling party beyond the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the APC has the structure, leadership depth and resilience to endure. Yilwatda made the assertion on Friday while appearing on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, amid growing debates over leadership succession within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the survival and stability of the APC are not dependent on any single individual, noting that the party existed and functioned effectively before Tinubu became president and has continued to do so under his leadership. He recalled President Tinubu’s instrumental role in the formation of the APC ahead of the 2015 general elections, as well as his leadership of the reconciliation committee established by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 to address internal disputes within the party. Yilwatda said Tinubu’s intervention at the time helped to unify warring factions and significantly contributed to the party’s victory in the 2019 general elections, despite Tinubu not occupying any executive office then. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection Kano Governor Yusuf’s APC Defection Postponed Kano Politics: Ganduje’s Leadership Remains APC’s Strongest Asset He added that Tinubu would remain an influential figure within the APC even after leaving office, describing him as a national leader whose political experience, network and strategic insight would continue to be valuable to the party. The APC chairman also dismissed claims that the party is losing ground in the North ahead of the 2027 polls, citing the outcome of the August 2025 by-elections as evidence of sustained support. According to him, the APC recorded victories in several northern states, including Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, Kogi and Niger, losing only one House of Assembly seat during the exercise. Yilwatda said the results reflect the party’s acceptance across different regions, religious groups and ethnic communities, stressing that the APC remains the most dominant political party at the grassroots level nationwide.

Kano, Politics

Kwankwaso Stands with NNPP as Rogo Renews Political Allegiance

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has no involvement in any reported plan by the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and some of his close associates to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Supporters of the movement have clarified that Kwankwaso remains firmly committed to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), symbolised by the book, and has neither endorsed nor participated in any discussions regarding a political realignment. In response to the ongoing speculations, residents of Rogo Local Government Area have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty and allegiance to Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing him as a symbol of progressive politics and people-oriented leadership. Read Also: Kano Governor Yusuf’s APC Defection Postponed The community, under the leadership of Engr. Haruna Ibrahim Rogo, PhD, MNSE, emphasised that Kwankwaso’s political ideology continues to resonate strongly with grassroots supporters, particularly among those who identify with the principles of social justice, inclusiveness, and development-driven governance. They called on members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement to remain united and steadfast within the NNPP, stressing the importance of cohesion as the political landscape continues to evolve.

Kano, Politics

Kano Governor Yusuf’s APC Defection Postponed

The highly anticipated defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been postponed. Sources close to the governor confirmed that the official defection, originally scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026, has now been rescheduled to Monday, January 12, 2026. Earlier, report says that Governor Yusuf would formally join the APC on January 5. However, a highly placed source, who requested anonymity and was present at a meeting between the governor and Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on Friday, disclosed that Governor Yusuf requested additional time. Read Also: APC Eyes Control of 30 States as Governor Yusuf Considers Defection The source explained that Yusuf aims to engage with a few remaining state legislators and other key stakeholders who have yet to fully align with the proposed political move. Kano, historically regarded as a major hub of northern Nigerian politics, has been abuzz with speculation over the governor’s impending defection. The delay has drawn attention from political analysts, as it could influence the balance of power in the state. (Platinum Post)

Humanitarian, Katsina

18,000 benefit from Mangal’s free Eye care in Katsina

About 18,000 vulnerable patients with various eye ailments in Katsina, have benefited from free eye care services and surgeries sponsored by the Mangal Foundation, since its establishment in 2016. A member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr Hussaini Kabir, disclosed this on Friday during the commencement of the 2025 last-quarter eye surgery exercise at the Katsina Eye Centre. Kabir explained that about 7,000 people benefitted in 2025 alone, cutting across Katsina State, neighbouring states, and even parts of the Niger Republic. According to him, the foundation began screening beneficiaries about two weeks ago, during which many patients received free drugs and medicated eyeglasses. Read Also: Mangal funds N257m medical care for 21,000 Vulnerable patients Arewa Health Promotion Initiative Sensitises Kura Communities on Clean Water and Sanitation 112 Qur’anic Schools join formal education system in Katsina – UNICEF Kabir added that those requiring surgery had their entire hospital stay fully covered, adding that about 2,000 patients were screened during the ongoing last-quarter exercise. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, describing the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility. “Our aim is to complement government efforts and ease the healthcare cost burden on the most vulnerable, especially those struggling to meet basic needs,” he said. An ophthalmologist at the centre, Dr. Ahmad Hamza, revealed that many patients were diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma, conditions that often require surgical intervention. He emphasised the importance of regular eye check-ups, noting that early detection helps prevent permanent vision loss caused by silent eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. One of the beneficiaries, Malam Yusufa Usman, said he had suffered vision problems for over two years but could not afford surgery. “For the past two years, I could not see clearly, but today I have undergone the surgery and I am hopeful my sight will be restored. “I pray that Almighty Allah rewards the Mangal Foundation for this kind gesture. I hope other wealthy individuals will emulate this act,” Usman said. Another beneficiary, Aisha Muntari from Bakura village, shared her experience while waiting to be taken into the theatre. Muntari said she developed eye problems about a year ago and had almost lost hope before learning about the foundation’s intervention, expressing confidence that her vision would soon be restored.

Scroll to Top