The Historica Nigeria

Author name: The Historica Nigeria

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.

Education, National, News

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Student Safety as 47 Unity Colleges Reopen

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of students and the continuity of education nationwide, following the reopening of all 47 Unity Colleges earlier this month. In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government disclosed that academic activities have fully resumed in the affected schools, with security measures strengthened within and around the campuses. “Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations,” the ministry said. The ministry assured parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government. Read Also: Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Nominees One-Party State Allegations Baseless, APC Governors Tell Nigerians Kano State Polytechnic Takes Step Toward University-Affiliated PGD Programmes The government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy in school environments across the country. “The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment,” the statement added. The ministry emphasized its determination to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar, recognizing education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges. The ministry expressed appreciation to parents, school administrators, and students for their cooperation, patience, and support, while reiterating its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable, and uninterrupted education system nationwide.

National, News

Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Nominees

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 64 ambassadorial nominees, comprising 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors. Among the career ambassadors confirmed are Arewa Esther (Oyo State), Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun), Ramat Omonbolale (Lagos), Monica Okechukwu Enebechi (Anambra), Adams Jane Basset (Cross River), Mohammed Lele (Bauchi), and Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna). The non-career ambassadors confirmed include Ajimobi Florence (Oyo), Sulola Akande (Oyo), Uguwanyi Ifeanyi (Enugu), Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom), Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun), Jerry Manwe (Taraba), Reno Omokri (Delta), Ibas Ibok-Ette (Cross River), Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Kano), and Abas Braimah (Edo). Read Also: Alaafin to Install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland This development brings the total number of confirmed nominees to 67, including three previously confirmed non-career ambassadors. The confirmation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally, with the new ambassadors taking up their positions soon.

Kano, News

Kano Governor, Commissioner Kibiya Bag Humanitarian Excellence Award

The Centre for Human Rights and Charity Development Association (CHRCDA) has conferred an Award of Excellence on Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Alhaji Adamu Ali Kibiya, in recognition of their humanitarian interventions across the state. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, anipr, Director of Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication. The award presentation took place on Thursday at the office of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, where the Director General of the association, Comrade Auwal Jibril Maifada, said the honour was in appreciation of the duo’s commitment to programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the people of Kano State. Maifada said since the inception of the present administration, several roads have been rehabilitated, a development he noted has boosted economic activities and reduced travel time through improved vehicular and pedestrian movement. He also highlighted Governor Yusuf’s compassion toward women, children and other vulnerable groups, describing it as a major factor behind the award. According to him, the governor’s prompt and empathetic response to public concerns has endeared the administration to the people. The CHRCDA Director General further cited the settlement of outstanding death benefits and gratuity backlogs as clear evidence of what he described as the governor’s humane and considerate leadership style. Read Also: Abba Kabir Yusuf Reaffirms Commitment to One Kano Agenda, Calls for Unity and Collective Action Maifada also commended the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs for complementing the governor’s efforts through the implementation of various humanitarian programmes across the state, in line with the objectives of the association. Responding on behalf of the ministry, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Alhaji Adamu Ali Kibiya, expressed appreciation to the association for finding them worthy of the recognition, describing the award as a motivation to intensify humanitarian interventions. He said the presence of a leader with integrity and people-oriented leadership qualities such as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a blessing to Kano State, noting that the governor’s leadership approach has continued to yield positive results. The commissioner added that recognition of effort serves as encouragement, assuring that the ministry, in collaboration with the state government, would continue to expand humanitarian programmes for the benefit of the people.

Anambra, News

Court Sets Bail Conditions for Ex-Labour Minister Ngige

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarimpa has granted bail to former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, who is standing trial over alleged financial misconduct. Ngige is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts valued at about ₦2.2 billion. The alleged offences are linked to gifts reportedly received from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023. In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Mariam Hassan ordered that Ngige be admitted to bail on the same terms as the administrative bail earlier granted him by the EFCC. Read Also: One-Party State Allegations Baseless, APC Governors Tell Nigerians The court directed the former minister to provide a surety who must be a director-level officer and own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Justice Hassan also ruled that since Ngige claimed his international passport was misplaced, the surety must deposit his own international passport with the court. The passport will be released only after Ngige produces a replacement for his own. The judge adjourned the case to January 28 and 29 next year for the commencement of trial.

National, News, Politics

One-Party State Allegations Baseless, APC Governors Tell Nigerians

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, describing such allegations as unfounded and misleading. Chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, stated this while briefing journalists after a meeting of progressive governors in Abuja. He said the growing strength of the APC is a reflection of public confidence in the party’s performance rather than any attempt to weaken opposition parties. Uzodimma said the increasing number of governors joining the APC demonstrates Nigerians’ approval of the policies and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the party’s appeal lies in its commitment to delivering prosperity and good governance across the country. He described the APC as a united and vibrant party focused on serving the people, noting that its expansion is driven by the results of governance and reform initiatives rather than political coercion. The PGF chairman urged Nigerians and members of the political class to embrace peace and collaboration, stressing that national progress can only be achieved through collective effort. He noted that the APC now has about 28 governors, including the newly admitted Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, which he said further underscored the party’s growing influence. Read Also: Yilwatda Visits The Progressive Institute, Pledges Support for Think Tank Uzodimma said Nigerians were increasingly showing confidence in the APC and President Tinubu’s administration, citing ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and improving citizens’ welfare. He highlighted initiatives such as the student loan scheme, which he said ensures access to education regardless of financial background, as well as the expansion of the national health insurance programme to improve healthcare access. The governor also pointed to improved government revenue, increased oil and gas production, and gradual economic recovery as indicators that the country was on the right path. Uzodimma expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the reforms being implemented by the current administration are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and supportive of the process.

Abuja, News, Politics

Yilwatda Visits The Progressive Institute, Pledges Support for Think Tank

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, visited The Progressive Institute (TPI), the party’s think tank and resource centre, and pledged his support for the institution. During his first official engagement with TPI, Yilwatda commended the Institute’s leadership and staff for their dedication to building a strong intellectual foundation for the party. He praised TPI’s independence and professionalism, saying it was a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Yilwatda outlined the Institute’s role in stabilizing the party, deepening internal democracy, and promoting politics based on ideas, research, and ideology. He also shared ongoing engagements with the European Union, particularly in research and conflict management, and expressed confidence that such collaborations will further strengthen TPI’s global relevance. Read Also: APC Chair Yilwatda Hails Ganduje as ‘Co-Chairman’ of Party The APC National Chairman pledged to support TPI with land acquisition, in a location accessible to the international community and other stakeholders, with the goal of developing the Institute to international standards as a reference point for political research, training, and thought leadership. TPI is expected to play a critical role in guiding the party’s strategic decisions through research capacity, opinion polling, and policy analysis. The Institute has been engaging with key sectors of society, including academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector, to build structured relationships and promote the party’s agenda.

Abuja, News

Wike Reinstates Suspended FCT Officials

Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reinstated Dr. Danlami Hayyo as Mandate Secretary for Education and Mr. Michael Ango as Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS). The reinstatement follows their suspension in November and December, respectively, due to alleged acts of indiscipline. Dr. Hayyo was suspended on November 25 after a memo directing government schools in Abuja to shut down on November 28 circulated without approval, citing security concerns. The FCT administration denied issuing such a directive. Mr. Ango’s suspension on December 5 had no official reason given. Read Also: Promotion of Tinubu’s ADC Shelved After Intervention by Retired Army Chiefs ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC Alaafin to Install Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland The Historica Nigeria reports that Wike warned that acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated among FCTA officials and directed both officials to resume duty immediately. The reinstatements follow satisfactory resolutions from the probes and aim to restore efficiency in key sectors.

National, News

Farouk Ahmed Resigns as Tinubu Names New NMDPRA Boss

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has tendered his resignation. The development came barely 24 hours after allegations of corruption were levelled against him by President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote. Also resigning is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the resignations in a statement on Wednesday, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated new chief executives to replace them. According to Onanuga, President Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA. He said the nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry, expressing confidence in their capacity to provide effective leadership in the sector.

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