The Historica Nigeria

Author name: Umar Idris Shuaibu

Environment, Kano, News

Kano Commissioner Urges MDAs to Prioritise Climate Response in Budgets

The Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to dedicate at least one percent of their annual budgets to climate response projects. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director of Public Engagement at the Ministry of Environment, Maryam Abdulqadir, on Monday, September 1, 2025. Dr. Hashim made the call during the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) development session held in Kaduna State. The forum was organised by the Kano State Ministry of Budget and Planning to strengthen fiscal planning and ensure sustainable development across the state. Read Also: Kano Cracks Down on Unsafe Handling of Hospital Wastes The Commissioner explained that climate change poses a significant threat to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability, stressing the need for proactive measures. He noted that setting aside a climate reserve within government budgets would provide Kano State with the flexibility and resources to respond swiftly to emergencies such as flooding, drought, and other climate-induced shocks. The session, which marked the official commencement of preparations for the 2026 budget, was attended by members of the State Executive Council, legislators, directors of MDAs, and representatives of civil society organisations. Dr. Hashim reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to building a climate-smart and resilient Kano. He added that the government is determined to embed environmental sustainability into its governance framework while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of citizens. He also urged stakeholders across all sectors to embrace climate-conscious practices, strengthen collaboration, and contribute actively to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for Kano State.

Abuja, Kano, News

FCT Minister of State Mourns Passing of Head of Service Grace Adayilo

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden death of the FCT Head of Service, Pastor Mrs. Grace Adayilo. In a statement, Dr. Bunkure described Adayilo’s passing as a painful loss not only to the FCT Administration but also to the Nigerian public service and the nation at large. She hailed the late Head of Service as a distinguished administrator, seasoned technocrat, and dedicated public servant who discharged her duties with professionalism, humility, and commitment. Read Also: Photos: Oyetola Hosts Ganduje in Talks on Nigeria’s Growth Agenda “Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, especially at this critical time when her wealth of experience and wisdom were most needed to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT,” the Minister said. On behalf of her family, Dr. Bunkure extended condolences to Adayilo’s immediate family, colleagues, and the entire staff of the FCT Administration, praying for God to grant her eternal rest and give all those affected the fortitude to bear the loss. She added that Adayilo’s memory would continue to inspire a life of selfless service and dedication to the nation.

Abuja, National, News

Photos: Oyetola Hosts Ganduje in Talks on Nigeria’s Growth Agenda

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday received the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), H.E. Dr. Umar Ganduje, CON, during a courtesy visit to his office. Their discussions centered on national development, with particular emphasis on enhancing security across Nigeria’s waterways and fostering political collaboration to drive sustainable growth and stability. Read Also: Abba Ganduje Distributes Over 1,000 Solar Lights to 38 Wards in Kano Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, progress, and economic prosperity for the country.

Kano, News

Kano Lawmakers Pass Fresh N215bn Budget to Fund New MDAs, Projects

The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday passed a supplementary budget of N215.3 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. The approval followed the adoption of a request sent by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and read during last week’s plenary session presided over by Speaker Jibril Falgore. Presiding over the sitting, Falgore said the assembly had carefully reviewed and debated the supplementary appropriation before passing it into law. He assured that the legislature would ensure proper oversight of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to guarantee judicious use of the funds. Read Also: ICPC, EFCC Probe Kano Governor’s Aide Over Alleged ₦6.5bn Fraud “The House will continue to monitor the implementation of the supplementary budget to make sure that the money allocated is used strictly for the purposes intended,” the Speaker said. The Majority Leader, Alhaji Lawan Husseini (NNPP–Dala), explained that the supplementary budget was necessary to cater for newly established MDAs not captured in the original appropriation. He added that part of the funds would be channelled towards school renovation, infrastructural development and urban renewal projects. With the passage, Kano State’s 2025 budget has now risen to over N935 billion. The original budget, tagged “Budget of Hope, Human Capital, and Economic Development,” was presented to the House in November 2024 at N719.8 billion. Of that amount, N457.08 billion, representing 64 per cent, was allocated for capital expenditure, while N262.67 billion, representing 36 per cent, was for recurrent expenditure.

News, Niger

Governor Bago Dissolves Cabinet, Retains SSG, Others

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has dissolved the State Executive Council. The announcement was made on Monday during a council meeting at the Government House, Minna. Addressing members, the governor thanked them for their service and contributions to the growth and development of the state, wishing them success in their future endeavours. Related: Bago: Even If I Sell Niger State for Development, It’s Nobody’s Business Bago, however, clarified that some key aides would retain their positions. Those exempted from the dissolution include the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, and other principal officers directly attached to his office.

Kano, News, Security

Kano Police Declare New Offensive Against Crime, Recover Arms, Arrest 107 Suspects

The Kano State Police Command has introduced a new security initiative, Operation Kukan Kura, to enhance community policing and combat crime through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced the initiative during a press briefing on Monday. He said the operation aligns with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promote community-centered policing. According to him, the initiative is designed to encourage public participation and foster collaboration with security agencies, leveraging residents’ roles as the “eyes and ears of the Police” across the state. He noted that similar strategies had previously yielded positive results, particularly in curbing thuggery, locally known as Fadan Daba, in Kano. Read Also: PSC Approves Promotion of Senior Police Officers Across Ranks Bakori highlighted the Command’s achievements in August, disclosing that 107 suspects were arrested for various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and theft. Items recovered include an AK-47 rifle, seven fabricated guns, 11 live rounds of ammunition, motor vehicles, motorcycles, cows, cutlasses, knives, and large quantities of illicit drugs. He further stated that in 2025 alone, the Command had recovered hundreds of dangerous weapons and significant quantities of narcotics. While commending officers for their efforts, he said digital tools and technological innovations had also boosted police operations in the state. Bakori pledged that the Command would continue to introduce new strategies to stay ahead of criminal elements and maintain peace. He also thanked residents and the media for their vigilance and support. “The willingness of our people to share information has greatly enhanced our operations and strengthened our capacity to safeguard the state,” he said. The Commissioner urged residents to promptly report crimes or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.

Abuja, News

FCT Head of Civil Service, Grace Adayilo, Passes Away at 58

The Head of Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Grace Adayilo, has died. Adayilo reportedly slumped in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, and passed away shortly after. The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed. Her passing was confirmed in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Anthony Odey, who described it as a great loss to the FCT Administration and Nigeria as a whole. Read Also: FCTA Elevates 49 Deputy Directors After First-Ever CBT Promotion Exam Appointed on October 6, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, Adayilo made history as the first-ever Head of Civil Service of the FCT and the first woman to occupy the position. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, where she earned respect for her dedication and professionalism. She was an indigene of Abuja, marking another milestone as the first native of the capital city to hold the prestigious office. Adayilo’s last official assignment was on Thursday, August 28, 2025, where she represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the G7 Security Meeting in Abuja. Her sudden death has thrown the FCT civil service and wider public sector into mourning, with tributes expected from colleagues, leaders, and residents who admired her trailblazing role in public administration.

National, News

House of Reps Denies Plot to Oust Speaker Abbas Amid Lawmakers’ Grievances

Discontent is reportedly growing in the House of Representatives following allegations that some lawmakers are plotting to move against Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over claims of being denied certain privileges. The grievances, which have largely played out on lawmakers’ WhatsApp platforms, center on complaints of exclusion and neglect. Some lawmakers alleged they were sidelined in a recent National Assembly recruitment exercise, where 785 new staff were reportedly hired without their knowledge. Frustration has also mounted over delays in payments to contractors handling constituency projects, with some members accusing the leadership of poor transparency and favoritism. They warned that the non-payment of contractors could hurt their chances of re-election in 2027. Read Also: El-Rufai Accuses Kaduna Governor Uba Sani of Sponsoring Political Violence In addition, some lawmakers faulted what they described as the poor performance of the national budget, its selective implementation by the executive, and the worsening insecurity in the North. However, the House leadership has dismissed reports of a plot against the Speaker. In a statement on Sunday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi described the reports as “misleading and sensational,” stressing that informal exchanges on WhatsApp cannot be mistaken for official caucus resolutions. Rotimi clarified that the recruitment exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent statutory body, and not by the House leadership. He added that Speaker Abbas had already directed the Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the process. “Contrary to insinuations of an impending showdown, the House remains united under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions,” Rotimi said. He further explained that delayed contractor payments were a nationwide challenge, not peculiar to constituency projects, and that the Appropriations Committees were already engaging the Minister of Finance to clear outstanding 2024 obligations. Rotimi stressed that the 10th Assembly has sustained unity despite Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, with consensus-building as its hallmark. The House is expected to reconvene on September 23 after its annual recess.

Business, National, News

Union Bank Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s oldest and most respected financial institutions, has officially completed its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s banking sector. The announcement followed the final approval of the transaction by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), bringing to a close a process that began in 2021 with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement. In a statement, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aluko, described the merger as a strategic move to consolidate the bank’s market position and strengthen its service delivery. Read Also: ICPC, EFCC Probe Kano Governor’s Aide Over Alleged ₦6.5bn Fraud Under the arrangement, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets. The combined entity will continue under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust ceases to exist as a separate institution. With a network of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by upgraded digital platforms, the bank said it is well-positioned to provide enhanced value across retail, SME, and corporate segments. The merger, according to the bank, combines Union Bank’s heritage with Titan Trust’s innovation to drive financial inclusion and sustainable growth. Union Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, described the merger as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey, and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers. By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.” Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bayo Adeleke, added: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.” The bank assured customers that their accounts and services remain unaffected by the merger, with an accelerated rollout of improved digital solutions. Union Bank said the consolidation not only strengthens its competitive edge but also underscores its ambition to deliver a modern, inclusive, and customer-focused banking experience.

News, Zamfara

15 Drown, 3 Missing as Villagers Flee Bandit Attack in Zamfara

Panic turned to tragedy in Zamfara State on Friday when a canoe overloaded with fleeing villagers capsized in Gummi Local Government Area, killing at least 15 people, while three others are still unaccounted for. Residents of Danmaga, Tungar Maigunya, Nasarawar Kifi, and nearby communities had rushed to escape advancing bandits by crossing a river in the only canoe available. Eyewitnesses said the vessel, meant for 16 passengers, was overcrowded as desperate villagers scrambled to board. Read Also: Zamfara Rep. Renovates 80 Cemeteries as Constituency Project “The canoe was already full, but two more women jumped in, afraid they would be left behind. That was when it overturned,” recalled Malam Bashiru Gago Yan Kifi. Local volunteers recovered 12 bodies on Friday and three more the next day. The victims, including eight women, three infants, and four youths, were buried in a mass grave after funeral prayers. Search efforts are still ongoing for the missing. “This is a double tragedy for us—bandits attacked our homes, and in trying to escape, we lost even more lives,” said Alhaji Muhammadu Chigari, village head of Nasarawar Kifi. Confirming the incident, Zamfara State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa, condoled with the affected families and said the government is taking urgent steps to support the communities.

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