The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Kano, News

Kano Launches KANFEST to Promote Cultural Unity and Economic Growth

The Government of Kano State has announced the maiden edition of KANFEST (Kalankuwa), a grand festival of arts and culture designed to celebrate the state’s rich heritage, creativity, and identity. This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, who said the festival will take place from October 25th to 27th, 2025, at the Kano Trade Fair Complex, under the coordination of the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam. According to the statement, the event will serve as a melting pot of tradition and creativity, bringing together artists, cultural groups, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and around the world. Read Also: Waiya Celebrates Sen. Kwankwaso, Describes Him as a Visionary Leader and Builder of Men Themed “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future,” KANFEST represents the state government’s firm commitment to preserving cultural values, promoting creative innovation, and building bridges between the past and the future. The festival, Waiya said, is part of the government’s broader strategy to use culture as a tool for peace, unity, tourism, and economic growth. The people of Kano are proud custodians of history, and during these three days, history will come alive in Kano. Guests will have the unique opportunity to see, taste, and feel Kano’s soil, and to experience the state’s finest cultural traditions on one stage. Highlights of the festival will include wrestling the old Kano way, showcasing traditional strength and valor; Majema tanning artistry revealed, celebrating Kano’s global reputation for leather craft; Dukawa leather craftsmanship, where innovation meets tradition; and the feature, all tribes, one stage, reflecting unity in diversity. Waiya described KANFEST as more than just entertainment, noting that it represents a cultural rebirth that honours heritage while empowering the future. He added that the festival aims to revive Kano’s cultural identity, create opportunities for cultural industries, and attract investment into the state, transforming it from festival to foreign direct investment. As we open our doors to the world, I call on everyone within and outside Kano to join us in this cultural movement, the statement added. Let us show the world that Kano remains the cradle of Hausa civilization, a land of proud people and proud heritage, where culture connects communities and inspires tomorrow. He concluded by affirming that indeed, the world is coming to Kano through culture.  

Education, News

ASIA Group Chairman Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree

The Chairman and Founder of ASIA Group of Companies, Alhaji Sani Isah Abubakar, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Excellence – Honoris Causa) by the British American University in recognition of his contributions to entrepreneurship, leadership, and humanitarian service. The honorary award was presented during a grand event on Thursday, organized by ASIA Group in Kano, which attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, business leaders, and public figures from across the country. This was contained in a statement by his media aide, Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, made available to The Historica on Wednesday. According to the statement, the event was held to celebrate Abubakar’s remarkable achievements and his impact on Nigeria’s business and social landscape. Read Also: Northwest University Kano Appoints Professor Aisha Garba Habib as Acting Vice Chancellor Attendees described the occasion as a convergence of faith, excellence, and purpose, honouring a man whose career reflects integrity, hard work, and a deep commitment to national development. In his acceptance remarks, Alhaji Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Almighty and dedicated the award to the staff, partners, and supporters of ASIA Group. “Alhamdulillah, the event was highly successful. This honour is not mine alone; it belongs to every staff member, partner, and supporter of ASIA Group. Together, we are building a legacy of enterprise, empowerment, and service to humanity,” he said. The statement noted that ASIA Group has grown into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and diversified conglomerates, with investments spanning trade, manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and community development. It added that the company remains committed to creating employment, empowering youths, and supporting sustainable development initiatives across the country. The company also expressed appreciation to all guests, media partners, and the people of Kano for their support, adding that the recognition would further strengthen its drive to promote innovation and inclusive growth. “This milestone is only the beginning,” Abubakar added. “ASIA Group will continue to serve with sincerity, vision, and purpose — for the progress of Nigeria, for Africa, and for humanity.” ASIA Group of Companies, headquartered in Kano, is one of Nigeria’s leading business conglomerates operating on the principles of integrity, enterprise, and community impact.

Health, Humanitarian, News

KHETFUND Conducts Post-Funding Verification of Key Interventions at School of Health Technology Bebeji

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) delegation has paid a working visit to the School of Health Sciences and Technology, Bebeji, for a post-funding verification of critical interventions aimed at strengthening healthcare service delivery and health education infrastructure across the state. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Fund’s spokesperson, Farouk Isa Musa, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen. The statement noted that the post-funding verification exercise underscores KHETFUND’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the sustainable impact of funded projects. The key 2025 regular interventions funded by KHETFUND at the school and verified by the team include the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment, repair and rehabilitation of a 36-seater school bus, and financial support for the accreditation of National Diploma and Professional Diploma programmes. Read Also: DMCSA Clears ₦102m Debt, Raises Capital to Over ₦377m in Kano Speaking during the visit, which took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Dr. Zahraddeen, represented by the Head of Accounts, Abdulmalik Kabir, disclosed that the Fund had, on February 19, 2025, released the sum of ₦5.788 million to the School of Health Sciences and Technology, Bebeji, for the purchase of modern laboratory equipment aimed at enhancing students’ learning capacity. She further revealed that the Fund financed the repair of a 36-seater bus for the school at a cost of ₦1.59 million, which was disbursed on April 28, 2025. In addition, KHETFUND released ₦4.17 million on August 15, 2025, as financial support to the school for accreditation of its National Diploma and Professional Diploma programmes — a move that enables compliance with standards set by relevant regulatory bodies. “This verification exercise reflects our dedication not just to funding, but to results. We are proud to see these interventions yielding tangible benefits for our communities. Our mission is to ensure that every naira invested translates into improved health outcomes and institutional growth,” Dr. Zahraddeen stated. She assured residents of the state that KHETFUND will continue to monitor and evaluate its funded projects to guarantee value for money, promote best practices, and ensure sustainable development in line with the policies and programmes of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. In his remarks, the Principal of the School of Health Technology, Bebeji, Suleiman Abdullahi, appreciated KHETFUND’s interventions, noting that the procured laboratory equipment had been installed and were already in use. He further stated that the repaired school bus is now operational, facilitating safe and timely transportation of students and staff for academic and field activities. He also confirmed that the National Diploma and Professional Diploma programmes have now received full accreditation, thereby broadening access to professional health training in Kano and beyond. KHETFUND is a government agency established to mobilize and manage financial resources for the improvement of healthcare services in Kano State. Led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, and guided by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, KHETFUND supports health MDAs, public health facilities, and state-owned health institutions to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all residents.

National, News

ASUU Suspends Two-Week Warning Strike, Gives FG One-Month Ultimatum to Conclude Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its two-week warning strike, granting the Federal Government a one-month grace period to finalise the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and resolve other lingering issues affecting the nation’s public universities. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the suspension followed constructive engagements with the Federal Government and crucial interventions by the National Assembly. Piwuna explained that the union had declared the warning strike on October 13, 2025, after the government failed to respond to repeated appeals to address long-standing issues relating to the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and the welfare of university lecturers. Read Also: Kukah Warns Against Labeling Nigeria a Country of Concern, Cites Tinubu’s Inclusive Leadership “When we gathered here about 10 days ago to painfully declare a warning strike, it was a decision that left us with no other choice. The government had ignored our repeated overtures to address issues critical to the survival of Nigeria’s public universities,” he said. According to him, following the commencement of the strike, the Federal Government re-engaged ASUU through a committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, which met with the union’s representatives on October 16 and 18 to review the government’s response to the draft renegotiated agreement. The ASUU president noted that although not all issues were resolved, the meetings recorded significant progress compared to earlier stages. Piwuna also commended the interventions of the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and Labour, as well as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, whose mediation efforts, he said, rekindled hope for lasting peace in the university system. He disclosed that after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held between October 21 and 22, 2025, ASUU reviewed the developments and resolved that the warning strike had achieved part of its goal, particularly by compelling the government to return to the negotiation table. “While noting that more work remains to be done, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to allow for a conducive atmosphere for further engagement,” Piwuna stated.

National, News, Plateau

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Bernard Doro as Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting the screening and confirmation of Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The letter, which was read on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, was subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and report. Read Also: Tinubu Nominates Dr. Bernard Doro as Minister From Plateau State The Historica Nigeria reports that Doro’s nomination follows the emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. Yilwatda had previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. It will be recalled that President Tinubu on Tuesday announced the appointment of Dr. Doro as a new minister from Plateau State.

Katsina, News

Katsina, UNDP train officials on climate security

The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has begun a three-day capacity building workshop for selected government officials. The workshop, which began in Katsina on Tuesday, was held with the state’s Bureau of Statistics to enhance participants’ knowledge of security, peace, and climate resilience. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised through the Norwegian Climate Security Project to strengthen the Bureau’s institutional capacity. Read Also: Katsina distributes wheelchairs, learning kits to 500 out-of-school children The Statistician General of the state, Prof. Saifullahi Sani, said the training comes at a crucial time when accurate data is needed to understand climate and conflict impacts. He said the knowledge gained would improve participants’ ability to collect, analyse and use data for better planning, and develop evidence-based solutions to emerging challenges. According to him, climate change and conflict remain pressing issues with far-reaching effects on communities across Katsina and beyond. Sani noted that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events are worsening tensions and posing fresh threats to peace and security. He added that Katsina had witnessed the damaging impact of climate change and conflict but also the resilience of its communities in facing such adversity. He urged participants to harness that resilience and determination to build a peaceful and sustainable future for the state. Sani also said Katsina ranked top in the 2025 sub-national climate governance index due to its heavy investment in data systems and clean energy. He commended the UNDP for its support, expressing confidence that the training would contribute to a more resilient and peaceful Katsina State. The Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Malik Anas, said the training marked another step toward achieving sustainable development and resilience in the state. Represented by planning officer, Fatima Abdulaziz, Anas said the training would help directors of planning and research gather and process accurate data for government use. The UNDP representative, Mr Adamu Musa, said the intervention aimed to enhance staff competence in modern data software, quality assurance, and data interpretation. He added that the initiative has improved the Bureau’s ability to generate credible, evidence-based data to support policy formulation and climate security planning in the state. (NAN)

News, Religious

Kukah Warns Against Labeling Nigeria a Country of Concern, Cites Tinubu’s Inclusive Leadership

The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has cautioned against renewed moves to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, warning that such action would undermine peace efforts and embolden extremists.Kukah made the appeal on Tuesday in Vatican City during the unveiling of the Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom. In his address, Kukah said that while impunity and persecution still persist in parts of Nigeria, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated genuine signs of inclusion that should be encouraged rather than sanctioned. Read Also: Trump’s Adviser Dismisses Allegations of Christian Genocide in Nigeria “Acts of impunity still persist, but it is my view that redesignating Nigeria a Country of Concern will hurt the initiatives we are working on with the current government,” Kukah said. “Designating my country, Nigeria, a Country of Concern will only make our work in the area of dialogue among religious leaders in our country and elsewhere with the Nigerian state even harder. It will only increase tensions, sow doubt, open windows of suspicion and fear, and simply allow the criminals and perpetrators of violence to exploit,” he added. The Catholic Bishop’s remarks come amid renewed debate over whether Nigeria should be reinstated on the U.S. State Department’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations. The designation, first made in 2020 under former U.S. President Donald Trump, was later removed by President Joe Biden in 2021—a decision that has continued to attract both praise and criticism from international observers and religious groups. Kukah urged foreign powers, especially the United States, to support Nigeria’s ongoing peace-building efforts rather than impose punitive measures that could derail dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities. He noted that the Tinubu administration has taken deliberate steps to rebuild trust through inclusive governance, appointments, and gestures that promote unity. “The President and the Vice President are Muslims, yet Christians have not felt alienated,” he said, noting that “the Chief of General Staff of the Nigerian Army, the Director of State Security Services, among others, are Christians,” and that “the President just appointed a Christian as the leader of the ruling party.” According to Kukah, these steps, though not perfect, represent “confidence-building measures aimed at inspiring citizens’ sense of belonging.” In contrast, he accused the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari of worsening interfaith relations and enabling extremist ideologies through divisive policies and appointments. “The last eight years of the Buhari administration marked the worst phase in the history of interfaith relations in Nigeria,” Kukah said. “That administration gave oxygen to jihadists by virtue of its policies, which overtly favoured Islam and northern Nigeria.” He expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria, though still struggling with insecurity and social division, could recover through Tinubu’s inclusive approach if supported by local and international partners. “Our situation is far from perfect. We are still in a bad place, but there are signs of a government willing to listen,” the cleric concluded.

Kano, Politics

Waiya Celebrates Sen. Kwankwaso, Describes Him as a Visionary Leader and Builder of Men

Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has joined millions of well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the birthday of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE, describing him as a true statesman, visionary leader, and one of the most admired political figures in Northern Nigeria and the nation at large. This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on behalf of himself, his family, and the entire staff of the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs. Waiya praised Senator Kwankwaso’s outstanding contributions to nation-building and his enduring legacy in public service, noting that his visionary leadership continues to inspire millions. He commended the former governor’s transformative impact on Kano State through landmark infrastructure, educational and economic reforms, and his unwavering commitment to empowering youths from underprivileged backgrounds through scholarship and mentorship initiatives. Read Also: Governor Yusuf Hailed for Justice-Driven Leadership and Compassionate Governance “Your unmatched record as a two-term governor, Minister of Defence, and national leader continues to shape the political consciousness of our generation,” the statement read. “You have built people, inspired by your leadership style, and institutionalized a political ideology rooted in selfless service, discipline, and compassion for the common man and humanity.” Waiya further expressed his gratitude for Senator Kwankwaso’s mentorship and encouragement, describing him as a leader who has nurtured and supported young people in governance and leadership. He prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon Senator Kwankwaso, asking for good health, wisdom, and strength for the leader to continue his service to humanity and the nation.

National, News

FAAN Unveils Integrated ISO Policy to Strengthen Quality, Safety, and Sustainability Standard’s

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an Integrated ISO Policy designed to deepen quality assurance, operational safety, and environmental sustainability across all Nigerian airports. The policy was unveiled on Monday by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources and Administration, Dr. Luqman Emiola. Speaking during the unveiling, the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, highlighted that the new ISO Policy was part of FAAN’s broader commitment to institutionalizing a culture of service excellence. She explained that the audit-driven policy aims to measure FAAN’s performance in maintaining quality operations, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. Read Also: Barau Jibrin Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Quality Healthcare, Inspects Seven Projects at AKTH According to her, the policy integrates two global standards—ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS)—into a single operational framework. Through this initiative, FAAN seeks to ensure consistent quality service delivery, enhance operational safety, and adopt sustainable practices across all airports under its management. Management disclosed that the Authority has achieved about 70 percent completion of the certification process, with external auditors expected to arrive in November to assess compliance and address identified gaps. FAAN targets full ISO certification by December 2025. In his goodwill message, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, commended Mrs. Kuku and the FAAN management team for their commitment to improving service delivery and operational standards. He reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to embedding quality and sustainability principles in its operations, pledging continued support until full certification is achieved. Mrs. Kuku, represented at the event, emphasized that the ISO Policy reinforces FAAN’s operational principle that “if it is not documented, it is considered not done.” She explained that the new policy provides a standardized framework for internal audits and guides all directorates to ensure compliance with FAAN’s commitment to excellence, environmental stewardship, and safety. FAAN reiterated its dedication to aligning Nigeria’s airports with international best practices by ensuring safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations. The Authority also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment, supporting host communities, and providing a conducive workplace for staff. In his closing remarks, the General Manager, Special Duties, appreciated FAAN management for their consistent support, describing the ISO initiative as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s aviation industry that will enhance safety and operational efficiency. The ISO, which stands for the International Organization for Standardization, is a global body that develops and publishes international standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across industries worldwide. FAAN’s adoption of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 demonstrates its commitment to achieving world-class airport operations and sustainability practices.

Feature, National, Politics

APC Consolidates Strength Across Nigeria Ahead of 2027 Elections

As Nigeria steadily approaches the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to tighten its grip across the country’s six geo-political zones, emerging stronger and more coordinated than ever. The ruling party’s growing dominance is reinforced not only by the wave of defections from opposition governors but also by the institutional strengthening championed by visionary leaders such as Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and current Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). In recent weeks, several governors elected under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the APC, citing disunity, lack of ideological direction, and leadership crises within the party. These defections have further consolidated APC’s foothold across regions — particularly in the South-East and South-South — where the PDP once enjoyed strong influence. One of the most significant political shifts occurred in Enugu State, where Governor Peter Mbah, alongside members of his State Executive Council, officially joined the APC. Barely a day later, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri resigned his PDP membership, signaling a major setback for the opposition and a widening acceptance of the APC’s reform-driven governance style. Related: APC Hits Back at Daily Trust, Labels Editorial “Biased and Reckless” Beyond electoral strength, the APC’s growing institutional maturity can be credited to reforms introduced under the leadership of Dr. Ganduje, whose tenure as National Chairman marked a strategic turning point for the party. Among his most notable initiatives was the establishment of the APC Progressive Institute (TPI) — a think tank designed to build intellectual capacity, strengthen internal democracy, and drive policy innovation within the party. The TPI serves as a research and policy center that develops data-driven ideas to guide national and state governments under the APC. Through this platform, party members, public officials, and emerging political leaders are exposed to structured training in governance, political communication, and sustainable development strategies — aligning the party’s ideology with Nigeria’s long-term growth and democratic consolidation. Read Also: Ganduje’s Achievements Still Define Kano, Despite NNPP’s Attempts to Erase Them Political observers note that such forward-thinking initiatives have transformed the APC into more than just a political party — it has evolved into a policy-driven institution capable of shaping Nigeria’s future through ideas, reforms, and inclusive governance. Currently, the APC controls 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, with a dominant presence in both the North and South. In the South-West, it maintains a solid base in Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, and Ondo states. The South-East, once seen as a stronghold of the opposition, now boasts APC-led governments in Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States. In the South-South, the party has made significant inroads with Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River under its fold. In the North, the APC’s dominance remains unshaken. It commands control of nearly all states in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central, including Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Benue, among others — a testament to its widespread appeal. Analysts agree that the APC’s current strength is not accidental but the result of deliberate political engineering, internal restructuring, and strategic inclusiveness initiated by leaders like Dr. Ganduje. His role in institutionalizing political education through the Progressive Institute continues to serve as a model for long-term party sustainability and governance innovation. With a sitting president, a majority in the National Assembly, and dominance in most state governments, the APC enters the 2027 election season as the defining political force shaping Nigeria’s direction. The party’s expanding structure, ideological clarity, and commitment to development-oriented governance make it a formidable institution, far beyond the reach of fragmented opposition parties. As many political watchers observe, the APC today represents not just a ruling party — but a forward-looking movement anchored on progressive ideas, institutional learning, and national stability. Umar Idris Shuaibu is a public affairs analyst and Ganduje loyalist from Kano.

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