The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Kano, News

Ibrahim Waiya Extends Eid Greetings to Governor Yusuf, Calls for Unity Among Muslim Community

By Abdu Saidu The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has extended warm Eid greetings to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Muslim Ummah, urging continued unity and peaceful coexistence across the state. In a statement, Waiya described Eid as a defining moment in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing sacrifice, discipline, and spiritual renewal following the completion of Ramadan. He encouraged Muslims to carry forward the lessons of the holy month by fostering tolerance, compassion, and understanding in their daily interactions, emphasizing that these values are vital for societal harmony. The commissioner reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to transparency and effective communication with the public, ensuring that citizens remain well-informed on government policies and initiatives. Read Also: Ganduje Performs Ramadan Lesser Hajj Waiya also commended Governor Yusuf’s leadership, noting the ongoing efforts to drive development and enhance the welfare of residents across the state. He further urged citizens to continue supporting government programs, stressing that collective responsibility is key to achieving sustainable progress. The statement concluded with prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as Muslims join in the celebration of Eid.

National, News, Religious

Sultan Declares Friday as Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr in Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Chairman of the Committee and Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, said no report confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal was received from committees across the country on Wednesday, March 18, the 29th day of Ramadan. He stated that Thursday, March 19, would therefore be observed as the 30th day of the holy month of Ramadan. Read Also: NSE Kabuga Branch Supports Nasarawa Children’s Home, Plans Career Guidance Initiative Following the report, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Friday as Eid-el-Fitr. The Sultan felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, offering prayers for Allah’s guidance and blessings. He urged Muslims to sustain prayers for peace, unity, and national development, adding, “May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.” He also wished all Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Humanitarian, Kano, News

NSE Kabuga Branch Supports Nasarawa Children’s Home, Plans Career Guidance Initiative

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kabuga Branch, has extended humanitarian support to the Nasarawa Children’s Home in Kano, as part of efforts to assist vulnerable children and complement government initiatives. Chairman of the branch, Engr. Dr. Gambo Haruna Yunusa, said the benevolent gesture was aimed at supporting the children while reinforcing the association’s commitment to social responsibility. He explained that the intervention followed an earlier assessment visit to the facility, during which the management highlighted their most pressing needs. According to him, the branch provided items worth over N600,000, covering six major areas identified as critical for the smooth running of the home. Dr. Yunusa noted that the NSE remains committed to community development through impactful initiatives, in line with its core values. Read Also: NSE Kabuga Branch Inducts 132 Graduate Engineers, Pledges Support for Professional Growth Nigeria Must Integrate Innovation, Policy, and Research for Growth — Bindir Pantami, Bugaje Call for Skills Reform, Energy Solutions at BUK Engineering Conference He further disclosed that the branch had engaged with the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Amina Abdullahi Sani, on plans to organize a career guidance programme for children at the facility. The initiative, he said, would focus on enlightening students about opportunities in engineering, admission requirements, and potential support mechanisms for those who meet the criteria. “As a society of engineers, we encourage young people to pursue engineering courses, as the country and the state continue to require skilled professionals in the field,” he added. Speaking after receiving the items, Amina Abdullahi Sani expressed appreciation to the NSE Kabuga Branch, describing the gesture as timely and impactful. She noted that the donation would significantly support the welfare of the children and complement the efforts of the Kano State Government. The Commissioner, who said the visit coincided with her inspection of Sallah preparations at the facility, assured that the donated items would be judiciously utilized. She also called on philanthropists, corporate bodies, and other professional associations to emulate the gesture, describing it as both a social responsibility and a commendable act of charity. Amina Abdullahi Sani further disclosed that the children’s home operates separate storage systems for government supplies and donations, ensuring proper management and accountability. She added that the state government has concluded arrangements to provide Sallah items for the children to enable them celebrate the festive period comfortably, noting that additional provisions, including livestock for meals, are already in place to ensure they feel included like their peers. The benevolent visit was attended by executive members of the NSE Kabuga Branch, including Prof. Muhd Shuaibu Abubakar, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Bayero University Kano, and Professor Aaron Aboshio, among others.

International, News, Religious

Shawwal Crescent Not Sighted in Saudi Arabia; Eid-el-Fitr Set for Friday

The Haramain Sharifain has announced that the crescent for the month of Shawwal 1447 AH was not sighted in Saudi Arabia today, confirming that Eid-el-Fitr will be observed on Friday, 20th March 2026 in the Kingdom. The declaration marks the official end of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, as Muslims prepare for the Eid festival, a time of prayers, charity, and family gatherings. The sighting of the Shawwal crescent determines the start of Eid in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar. Read Also: Kano Govt Tightens Eid Durbar, Suspends Key Activities Over Security Concerns Religious scholars have encouraged the faithful to continue reflecting on the lessons of Ramadan and engage in acts of kindness, generosity, and community support as the Eid celebrations approach.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Tightens Eid Durbar, Suspends Key Activities Over Security Concerns

The Kano State Government has announced strict guidelines for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr Durbar, citing credible intelligence reports of planned attempts to disrupt peace during the Sallah celebrations. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the government said the decision was taken after consultations with the Kano Emirate Council and security agencies. The government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Kano’s cultural heritage but stressed that maintaining law and order remains its top priority. According to the statement, the traditional Hawan Idi procession will proceed under strict regulation, led by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, from the Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa within the Emir’s Palace. Read Also: Emirate Crisis Nears Resolution, Kano Govt Says However, several major Durbar activities have been either modified or suspended. Hawan Nasarawa will hold in a modified format without horseback displays, while Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau, and Hawan Dorayi have been suspended for this year’s celebration in the interest of public safety. The government directed all security agencies to intensify surveillance and enforce strict compliance with the new measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the festivities. Residents were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and to avoid spreading unverified information, while cooperating fully with security personnel throughout the Sallah period. The state government also commended security agencies for their continued professionalism and reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

National, News, Politics

Tinubu Orders Political Appointees to Resign Ahead of 2027 Elections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the polls. The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana, stated that the directive applies to all categories of presidential political appointees intending to participate in party primaries or contest for elective offices. Those affected include ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the president, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of federal government parastatals, agencies, commissions, and government-owned companies. Read Also: FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-el-Fitr Celebration According to the circular, all affected officials are required to submit their formal resignation letters through the Office of the SGF not later than the stipulated deadline. The President said the measure was necessary to ensure compliance with electoral laws, promote transparency in the political process, and guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants. He urged all concerned officials to adhere strictly to the directive, reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes. The directive comes amid ongoing preparations for the 2027 general elections following the release of the electoral timetable by INEC.

National, News

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, signifying the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government. The Minister extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of Ramadan, urging them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the fasting period. Read Also: Ganduje Performs Ramadan Lesser Hajj He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation. Tunji-Ojo further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, while reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, the statement noted that although the Ramadan crescent had yet to be officially sighted, Muslims across the world were awaiting its confirmation to mark the end of the fasting period for the year 1447 AH. It would be recalled that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, had earlier declared the commencement of Ramadan on February 18, 2026.

Abuja, National, News

Tinubu Meets Sultan of Sokoto’s Delegation in Abuja

President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday received a delegation representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting, described by officials as a private engagement, lasted for less than 30 minutes and forms part of ongoing consultations between the Presidency and traditional as well as religious leaders across the country. The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was represented at the meeting by the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar. Details of the discussions between the President and the delegation were not disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Read Also: Tinubu Redeploys Permanent Secretaries in Federal Civil Service The visit came only days after President Tinubu hosted traditional and religious leaders from across the country for an interfaith Ramadan and Lenten breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa. Sources within the Presidency said the meeting was part of a series of engagements the President has been holding with key national stakeholders on matters of public interest. In recent weeks, Tinubu has also held consultations with prominent figures including former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. Speaking after his own meeting with the President on Saturday, Gowon expressed confidence in the administration’s efforts to address the country’s challenges, noting that the government is making efforts “all round” to tackle issues affecting Nigeria’s political, economic and security sectors. The Sultan of Sokoto remains one of the most influential traditional leaders in Nigeria and serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in the country through the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Sunday’s visit further highlights the continued interaction between the Presidency and influential traditional and religious institutions, particularly during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons.  

Business, National, News

Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Announce Fresh Price Hike on Products

Two major brewing companies in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc have announced plans to increase the prices of some of their products, citing rising operational and input costs. The companies disclosed the development in separate notices issued to their distributors, explaining that the adjustments became necessary due to prevailing economic conditions affecting the cost of doing business. In a letter dated March 13 and signed by John Oloche Ademu, Zonal Business Manager (West), Nigerian Breweries said the new prices would take effect from March 20. The company stated that the adjustment would affect selected stock-keeping units (SKUs), which are used by businesses to identify and track products in their inventory systems. Read Also: Cooking Gas Prices Drop Across Nigeria as Supply Improves Nigerian Breweries produces several alcoholic beverages including Star Lager, Gulder, Legend Extra Stout, Heineken, Goldberg, Life Beer and Star Radler. Its non-alcoholic beverages include Maltina, Amstel Malta, Fayrouz, Climax Energy Drink and Malta Gold. The company said all fully funded and confirmed orders placed in its system before March 20 would still be processed at the existing prices. Similarly, Guinness Nigeria Plc also notified its distributors of a planned price increase affecting selected products across its categories. In a separate notice dated March 14, the company said the new price structure would take effect from March 27. Guinness Nigeria explained that the adjustment was driven by prevailing economic realities that have significantly increased the cost of operations. The company added that fully funded orders entered into its system before March 27 would still be delivered at the current prices.

Kano, News

Kano Govt Merges Higher Education Ministry with Education Ministry

Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the merger of the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to strengthen coordination and accelerate reforms in the state’s education sector. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Sunday. According to the statement, the newly restructured entity will operate as the Ministry of Education, with a specialized Directorate of Higher Education established within the ministry to oversee tertiary education activities in the state. The directorate will be headed by a Permanent Secretary and supported by the necessary personnel to ensure effective supervision and management of higher education institutions. Read Also: Ganduje Performs Ramadan Lesser Hajj Salihu Sagir Takai and Kano’s Succession Debate Support APC Move or Face Sack, Kano Governor Warns Commissioners, Appointees The statement added that under the new arrangement, agencies previously under the defunct Ministry of Higher Education, including the Kano State Scholarship Board, will return to the Ministry of Education. State-owned universities and other higher education institutions will also be supervised by the new Directorate of Higher Education. The restructuring forms part of the state government’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the education sector, eliminating duplication of responsibilities, improving policy coordination across all levels of education, and reducing the cost of governance. Governor Yusuf noted that the reform is designed to enhance efficiency, accountability and the overall quality of education administration in the state. He reiterated that his administration remains committed to implementing far-reaching reforms that will revive the education sector and secure a brighter future for younger generations. Consequently, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Office of the Head of Service have been directed to ensure the immediate and seamless realignment of the affected ministries and their respective departments.

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