The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Sport

WAFCON: Nigeria, Morocco Book Semi-Final Spots

Nigeria and Morocco became the first teams to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following impressive victories in Friday’s quarter-final clashes. The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered a five-star performance to dismantle Zambia 5-0, reaffirming their dominance on the continent. Osinachi Ohale set the tone for the rout just two minutes into the game, nodding home from a well-delivered free-kick. Esther Okoronkwo doubled the lead before Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-0 cushion at halftime. Read Also: Barau FC Arrives Asaba for NNL Super Eight, Targets NPFL Promotion There was no let-up after the break as Oluwatosin Demehin and Folashade Ijamilusi each found the net, sealing a resounding victory for the nine-time African champions. With the win, Nigeria sets up a semi-final date with the winner between Senegal and South Africa, who face off in another quarter-final fixture. Elsewhere, host nation Morocco kept their title hopes alive with a solid 3-1 triumph over Mali. Ibtissam Jraidi was the star of the show, scoring a brace, while Kenza Chapelle added a third to wrap up the win. Aissata Traore converted from the spot for Mali, but her goal was nothing more than a consolation. The Atlas Lionesses will now await the outcome of the Ghana vs Algeria tie to determine their semi-final opponents.

Kano, News

ICPC to Arraign KANSIEC Chairman Over Alleged N1bn Money Laundering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign the Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), Professor Sani Lawan Malumfashi, over alleged laundering of more than N1 billion. Two other senior officials of the Commission, KANSIEC Secretary, Anas Muhammed Mustapha, and a Deputy Director in the Accounts Department, Ado Garba will also be arraigned. All three are scheduled to appear before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, July 21, 2025. According to a statement issued on Friday by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the anti-graft agency’s investigation revealed that the accused persons allegedly conducted unlawful cash transactions between November and December 2024 in violation of financial regulations and anti-corruption laws. Read Also: ‘We Lost a Titan’ — Tinubu Pays Condolence Visit to Dantata Family Court filings indicate that under Malumfashi’s leadership, KANSIEC transferred a total of N1.02 billion from its Unity Bank account to a private firm, SLM Agro Global Farm, which reportedly had no formal engagement or contract with the Commission. The defendants claimed the funds were intended to be converted into cash to pay ad hoc staff who participated in Kano’s local government elections, and that the entire amount was later returned in cash to KANSIEC. However, ICPC’s investigation found otherwise. “The defendants argued that the transfers made to SLM Agro Global were intended to raise cash for payment of ad hoc staff. They claimed the firm returned all such funds to KANSIEC in cash. But the investigation showed a different narrative,” the statement read. Bakare explained that a letter from the defendants to the Manager of Unity Bank, Zoo Road branch in Kano, requested a transfer of N59.4 million, accompanied by a cheque of the same value and a list of 468 Electoral Officers and 42 Assistant Electoral Officers, complete with their bank details for direct payments. The bank reportedly honored the request, and all listed beneficiaries received their payments through the banking system. “The claim that electronic transfers would have been too slow for paying ad hoc staff was found to be a mere conjecture, a smokescreen to conceal corrupt practices and a weak justification for money laundering,” Bakare stated. The ICPC also raised concerns over the alleged misappropriation of N20 million reportedly budgeted for a verification team assigned to screen candidates across Kano’s 484 Wards and 44 Local Government Areas. The Commission revealed that, contrary to the stated purpose, all candidate screenings were conducted at KANSIEC’s headquarters in Kano, with candidates bearing their own transport costs. “Although the 2024 election budget (mistitled as ‘Operation Budget 2025 Elections’) provided N20 million for a team to conduct candidate verification across the state, the entire exercise took place at KANSIEC’s office in Kano. The team never travelled, and the candidates appeared at their own expense,” the statement added. Yet, the third defendant reportedly told ICPC investigators that the full N20 million was disbursed in cash to KANSIEC members who formed the screening team.  

Kano, National, News

‘We Lost a Titan’ — Tinubu Pays Condolence Visit to Dantata Family

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a titan of integrity, humility, and generosity, whose life was dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following the President’s condolence visit to the Dantata family in Kano on Friday. During the visit, President Tinubu said Alhaji Dantata embodied the highest values of public service and human compassion. Read Also: Kano Gets Major Slots in Tinubu’s New Appointments The renowned industrialist passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Dubai at the age of 94 and was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” the President said. President Tinubu recalled the counsel and prayers he received from Alhaji Dantata during the 2023 presidential election campaign. “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere,” the President noted. He praised the late elder statesman for his unwavering honesty, compassion, and generosity, describing him as a man who lived for others. “If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” he said. The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire nation. “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed. President Tinubu also offered prayers for peace, strength, and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning the departed elder. Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his compassion and unwavering support during the mourning period. He recalled that following the elder statesman’s passing, the President dispatched a high-powered federal delegation to Saudi Arabia, led by the Minister of Defence, to attend the funeral rites. The Governor also led a state delegation, alongside his Jigawa State counterpart, to join the federal delegation at the burial in Medina. “The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support. We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful,” Governor Yusuf said. He commended the President for previously sending the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and another federal delegation to condole with the family before personally taking time to visit despite his demanding national schedule. “We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria,” the Governor added. The eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, thanked the President for honouring the family with his presence and support. “Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough. You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend. “We witnessed your relationship with him before you became President. We saw how you engaged with him during his lifetime and reacted to his demise. On behalf of the family, we thank you wholeheartedly,” he said. Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata assured the President that the family would uphold the values and legacy of their late patriarch. “We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria,” he said. Among those who accompanied the President on the condolence visit were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Also present were the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a nephew of the late Aminu Dantata; elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai; and businessman Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.

Kano, National, News

Kano Gets Major Slots in Tinubu’s New Appointments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of prominent Kano-born lawyer and politician, Sunusi Musa (SAN), as Chairman of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR). The appointment is part of a broader wave of leadership changes aimed at revitalizing key federal agencies. This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Thursday. Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is widely known for his active role in legal advocacy and politics, especially for representing All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidates in Kano and Kaduna States in several high-profile legal battles. Read Also: Ganduje Bows Out with Legacy of Political Impact, Party Growth, and National Reach A graduate of Bayero University, Kano, where he earned his law degree, Musa also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Master’s degree in Legislative Drafting from the University of Benin. He rose to national attention in 2018 when he led the Nigeria Consolidation Ambassadors Network (NCAN), the group that raised N50 million to purchase a presidential nomination form for then-President Muhammadu Buhari. In the same announcement, President Tinubu named Muhammad Babangida as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture; Lydia Kalat Musa as Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA); and Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano) as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). Also appointed is Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa (Kano) as Chairman of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Other key appointments include: – Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu (Sokoto) as Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) – Sanusi Garba Rikiji (Zamfara) as Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) – Mrs. Tomi Somefun (Oyo) as Managing Director of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) – Dr. Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria (Kaduna) as Executive Director of the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) According to the presidency, the appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to merit, regional balance, and institutional efficiency, aimed at repositioning strategic government agencies for improved service delivery.

Entertainment, News

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Marries Fourth Wife

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has taken a fourth wife, identified as Hiqma. The private wedding ceremony was held last Saturday in Abuja, with only close family members and allies in attendance. Read Also: When Dr. Ganduje Opened the APC Doors to Nigeria’s Top Politicians The development was confirmed by Bello’s third wife, Hafiza, who shared the news via her Instagram account. Posting a video from the ceremony, she expressed gratitude and welcomed the new bride into the family. “Alhamdulillah, our family just got a little bigger! A warm welcome to our new family member, Mrs. Hiqma Yahaya Bello,” she wrote.

Education, Kano, News

ADUSTECH Senate Reappoints Deputy Vice Chancellors

The Senate of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil, has approved the reappointment of the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellors for another two-year term. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, following the university’s 122nd Senate meeting held on Wednesday, and chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai. Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano According to the statement, the Senate unanimously resolved to renew the appointments of Professor Ado Muktar Bichi as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) and Professor Nouruddeen Bashir Umar as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), having expressed satisfaction with their performance. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Musa Tukur Yakasai, congratulated both DVCs, describing their reappointment as a reflection of their dedication and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities over the past two years. He urged them to continue rendering selfless service toward the growth and development of the university.

Kano, National, News

Tinubu Set to Visit Kano Today on a Special Mission

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to visit Kano today to condole with the government and people of the state, as well as the family of the late elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. According to the statement, the president’s visit is a demonstration of national unity and a mark of respect for both the people of Kano and the enduring legacy of the late industrialist and philanthropist. Read Also: Tinubu Renames University After Buhari Governor Yusuf called on residents to receive the president with warmth and maintain orderliness, in line with Kano’s tradition of hospitality and reverence for leaders. Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away recently, was widely regarded for his contributions to commerce, philanthropy, and national development. His legacy of service and generosity impacted countless lives across Nigeria. The state government said necessary security and logistical arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and dignified visit.

Kano, News

Governor Abba Yusuf Says 85% of Campaign Promises Delivered

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that his administration has fulfilled 85 per cent of the promises made to residents since assuming office two years ago, leaving just 15 per cent to be completed in the remaining half of his tenure, Daily Trust reports. The governor made this known on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of his new Chief of Staff, Dr. Sulaiman Wali Sani; Director General of the Special Services Directorate, Major General Sani Muhammad (rtd); and 11 Special Advisers. “I’m happy that when I reviewed our polling point last week, all the promises we made to the people have been executed 85%. So we have just 15% left to deliver in the next two years,” Governor Yusuf said, citing an internal evaluation presented to the State Executive Council. Read Also: UNICEF, KASPA Forge Stronger Ties to Improve Social Protection Outcomes in Kano He added that new initiatives would soon be introduced to further improve the lives of Kano citizens. “We are bringing in new programmes and practices that will, by the grace of Allah, continue to positively impact the people of the state. And we cannot do it alone, we must work together,” he stated. The governor also urged the newly appointed officials to uphold transparency and accountability. “If there’s a problem, don’t just investigate blindly, speak up directly. That is why you are here,” he said. “Be especially prudent with the limited resources entrusted to you. Ensure justice and discipline in their utilisation.” He concluded on a personal note, saying: “This is my little advice to you. God willing, you will give it your best. There’s no one among you I don’t already know.”

Environment, Kano, News

Kano Assembly to Probe ALGON Chair Over Alleged Farmland Seizure in Tudun Wada

The Kano State House of Assembly is set to investigate allegations leveled against the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government and Kano State ALGON representative, Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yusha’u, following reports of alleged farmland seizure in the Gurfa Forest area. According to a report by Freedom Radio, the move follows a petition submitted by a group of farmers who accused the local government leadership under Hajiya Sa’adatu of forcibly taking over their farmlands located in Tudun Wada Local Government Area. The Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, confirmed the development after receiving the petition presented by a human rights and justice advocacy group on behalf of the affected farmers. Read Also: Bappa Gaya Assumes Administrative Leadership of Sumaila Local Government Speaking during the session, the group’s leader, Sa’id Bin Usman, said the land dispute had generated significant tension in the area. “People are living in fear and confusion. The farmers have been cultivating these lands for years, but now they are being forced out without any proper explanation or compensation,” Sa’id said. Some of the affected farmers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, voiced their frustration. “We are just ordinary farmers. All we want is to be allowed to work on our land in peace,” one said. Another added, “This land is our only source of livelihood. If they take it from us, where do we go?” The farmers expressed hope that the House of Assembly would intervene and ensure justice. “We trust the Assembly will hear our voices and act in fairness,” one farmer said. Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yusha’u currently serves as Chairperson of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State chapter. She is also the only female among the 44 local government chairpersons elected in October last year under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). (Kano Times)

Maiduguri, National, News

Tinubu Renames University After Buhari

President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, in honour of a prominent Nigerian leader. The announcement was made on Thursday during an expanded session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The special meeting was convened as a tribute to the late statesman. Read Also: Buhari Laid to Rest Amid Tears, Tributes in Daura “Before we take the prayers in honour of his memory, with this special session of the Federal Executive Council (expanded), can we adopt the naming of the University of Maiduguri with a new name: Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri,” President Tinubu said at the conclusion of the session.

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