The Historica Nigeria

  • thehistoricanigeria01@gmail.com
Edit Template
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram
Hot News
Barau FC Hammer Chanji FC 4–0, Storm Kano FA Cup Final

Barau FC Hammer Chanji FC 4–0, Storm Kano FA Cup Final

The Irresistible Nominee: Recording the Massive Turnout at the House of Assembly – By Hon. Lamin Sani

The Irresistible Nominee: Recording the Massive Turnout at the House of Assembly – By Hon. Lamin Sani

Garo’s Nomination Reflects Yusuf’s Vision for Stability, Continuity in Kano

Garo’s Nomination Reflects Yusuf’s Vision for Stability, Continuity in Kano

Oluremi Tinubu Launches ECoN in Kano, Targets Innovation-Driven Growth

Oluremi Tinubu Launches ECoN in Kano, Targets Innovation-Driven Growth

Kano Lawmakers Conclude Screening of Deputy Governor Nominee Garo

Kano Lawmakers Conclude Screening of Deputy Governor Nominee Garo

Kano: 44 LG Artificial Inseminators Back Garo

Kano: 44 LG Artificial Inseminators Back Garo

APC Ex-Councillors Back Garo’s Nomination, Commend Gov Yusuf

APC Ex-Councillors Back Garo’s Nomination, Commend Gov Yusuf

Ranchers Bees Return to NPFL After 16-Year Absence

Ranchers Bees Return to NPFL After 16-Year Absence

2027 Elections: PDP Faction Opens Sale of Forms, Female Aspirants Get Waiver

2027 Elections: PDP Faction Opens Sale of Forms, Female Aspirants Get Waiver

Tinubu Points to Past Errors in Power Sector as Blackouts Persist

Tinubu Points to Past Errors in Power Sector as Blackouts Persist

National

Feature, National

Dapo Segun and His Traducers: Plumbing the Limit of Idiocy

/

Over the past few weeks, there has been a well-orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Chief Financial Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Dapo Segun, by persons and groups masquerading as civil rights activist and anti-corruption crusaders. They started with press statements calling for the investigation and arrest of Segun over his role in the failed refinery rehabilitation exercise. When that failed to achieve their evil desire of tainting the man’s image, they changed their modus operandi to organizing protest rallies to drive home their demands. Upon the failure of that strategy, they have moved on to the next level of instituting a law suit to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and arrest Segun. On a superficial level, the campaign appears to be a crusade against corruption and a call for probity in the society. But a closer look at the people behind the groups and the narratives they have put forward for their actions would reveal a motley of mendacious hirelings carrying out the bidding of a master who is driven by motiveless malignity to either pull him down or force him to acquiesce to their evil game of blackmail. Bereft of concrete facts, the organizers of the campaign under various aegis such as Forum of Forensic Investigation Lawyers have come up with narratives insinuating that Segun was being shielded from investigation and arrest because of his ethnic affiliations, and that as the man who supervised the refinery rehabilitation exercise as Executive Vice President, Downstream, he ought to be the main focus of investigative searchlight. Related: NNPC Wins Appeal as Court Overturns Araraume Judgement For a group that is purportedly made up of lawyers who have an interest in forensic investigation, it borders on idiocy for them to carry out a campaign of this sort without verifying their claims. For instance, they claim that Segun supervised the refinery rehabilitation exercise and NNPC’s acquisition of OVH. But it does not take any special investigative skill for anyone with even half a brain to know that the refinery rehabilitation kicked off in August 2021 with an 18-month period to complete the first phase which is the Old Port Harcourt Refinery. By the time Segun was appointed EVP Downstream in September 2023, the first phase was almost winding down. Therefore, to accuse him of awarding the contract and supervising the rehabilitation of the refinery is nothing short of delusion. The other alleged crime for which the group wants the EFCC to investigate Segun is the acquisition of OVH. This is yet another example of fishing for an excuse to demonize the CFO. The Forum of Forensic Investigation Lawyers once again failed to bring their skills to bear on their jobs as they did not know that the OVH acquisition was concluded in October 2022, almost a full year before Segun was appointed as EVP Downstream in September 2023. Read Also: China Nears Breakthrough With Humanoid Robot Housing Artificial Womb The EFCC has been investigating the refineries and all those who allegedly mismanaged the rehabilitation contract. There are reports about huge funds supposedly meant for the refinery rehabilitation found in the accounts of certain persons under the investigative radar of the anti-graft agency. That Segun’s name has not been mentioned in connection with that is because the EFCC investigators have not found anything incriminating on him or around the period he served as EVP Downstream. What these amoral groups really want to achieve by their latest gambit of going to court is to unnerve the CFO to the point that he would give in to their blackmail. But they would fail, just like they failed in their previous strategies. This is because the CFO maintains a clear conscience, and a clear conscience fears no accusation. Ben Ekori, a social commentator and public affairs analyst, wrote this piece from Lagos.

National, News

Ganduje Condoles APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Over Mother’s Death

/

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended condolences to the party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, following the death of his mother, Madam Lydia Yilwatda. In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje described the late Madam Lydia as a devout and virtuous woman whose life was dedicated to God, family, and community. Read Also: Ganduje’s Statesmanship Beyond Kano Borders He said her exemplary values are evident in the leadership qualities of her son, who currently leads the affairs of the ruling party. “The passing of a mother is one of life’s greatest pains. On behalf of my family, associates, and supporters, I extend heartfelt condolences to our National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the entire Yilwatda family,” Ganduje stated. According to him, Madam Lydia will be remembered for her moral uprightness, selfless disposition, and the role she played in nurturing generations of responsible citizens. “While her death is a great loss, we are consoled by the fact that she lived a fulfilled life of impact and service,” the former governor added. Ganduje urged the bereaved family to take solace in her enduring legacies and called on APC members nationwide to stand in solidarity with Yilwatda during this period of mourning.

National, News, Plateau

APC Plateau Mourns Passing of National Chairman Yilwatda’s Mother

/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has expressed deep shock over the death of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. In a statement signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary of the APC in Plateau State, Shittu Bamaiyi, the Party described her passing as not only a personal loss to the National Chairman but also to the entire APC family in Plateau State and Nigeria at large. The statement noted that Mama Lydia’s death was particularly painful and devastating to her children, as it occurred at a time when her counsel and prayers were most needed. Read Also: Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Elder Statesman Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim at 88 Describing her as a devoted Christian and respected women leader in the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), the Party said: “The deceased was virtuous, humane, and humble. Together with her late husband, Reverend Toma Yilwatda, she made immeasurable contributions to strengthening the Church in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Plateau States.” The APC added that Mama Lydia left behind an indelible mark through her life of service and the accomplishments of her children. “The consoling record is that the deceased left behind an accomplished legacy, which is manifested in her children,” the statement read. The Party further described her death as a huge loss not only to the Yilwatda family but also to the Church, the Women Fellowship, and Plateau State. While extending its condolences to Professor Yilwatda and his family, the APC prayed for the repose of Mama Lydia’s soul. “While sharing with Professor Yilwatda in this moment of grief, the Party prays God to grant the late Mama’s soul eternal rest,” it stated.

National, News

TPI Trains Imo LG Officials on Public Sector Governance

/

The Progressive Institute (TPI), the official think tank of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has concluded a three-day training on Public Sector Governance for principal officers of the 27 Local Governments in Imo State. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Wale Abideen, Head of Media and Strategic Communication of the Institute. The retreat, themed “Enhancing Local Government Governance for Sustainable Development,” was declared open by the Executive Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, on Wednesday, 13th August, at the Sam Mbakwe Hall in Owerri. It ended on Friday, 15th August, 2025, with the presentation of certificates to participants. Related: Why Kano APC Backs Ganduje, Declares Him ‘Undisputed Leader’ of the Party Declaring the program open, Governor Uzodimma charged the participants to be good ambassadors of the APC in their respective local governments and wards. He warned officials against indiscipline and corruption, urging compliance with law and order as well as dedication to service. He emphasized that his administration would not condone “diaspora local government officials” and directed council chairmen and councillors to reside within their communities. “As local government officials, you’re expected to live within your communities. You must be able to relate well with your community leaders, traditional rulers, youths, and ordinary citizens in your community to determine what their needs are and act on them accordingly. All chairmen must live within their local government and the councillors must reside within their wards. This is a must; hence I have tasked security agencies to monitor you,” Governor Uzodimma stated as he hailed The Progressive Institute for the quality of the training. The Director General of The Progressive Institute, Lanre Adebayo, Ph.D, thanked Governor Uzodimma for fulfilling a promise he made at the inauguration of TPI in September 2024. Read Also: Tinubu Hails Ganduje’s Leadership, Commends Role in Establishing APC Progressive Institute “I would like to express my profound gratitude and admiration to Your Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for your visionary leadership and commitment to the development of Imo State,” Dr. Adebayo said. According to him, “The retreat is a collaborative effort between The Progressive Institute and the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Imo State, and we are honored to have such a distinguished group of guests to grace this occasion. Today, we have a total of 575 participants, comprising key officials from 27 local government areas of Imo State, including Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, LG Secretaries, Treasurers, Directors of Personnel Management, Councillors, and Supervisory Councillors.” The participants were trained in eight critical areas: Public Procurement, Public Financial Management, Public Service Rules, Public Policy Process and Communication, Public Sector Ethics and Anti-Corruption Legislation, Law Making Process at the Local Government Level, Revenue Generation Strategies, and Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects. The three-day continuous training featured thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing the officials’ understanding of Public Sector Governance in line with progressive ideology.

Kaduna, National, News, Plateau

Son of Late Kano Military Administrator, Colonel Wase, Appointed GOC 1 Division

/

Major General Abubakar Sadik Muhammad Wase has been appointed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna. In a congratulatory post by Plateau Watch, the platform wrote: “Congratulations to one of our own, Major General ASM Wase, on his appointment as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna.” Read Also: Ganduje’s Statesmanship Beyond Kano Borders Major General Wase is the son of the late Colonel Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase (1948–20 June 1996), a Nigerian military administrator who governed Kano State under General Sani Abacha’s regime from December 1993 to June 1996. Colonel Wase tragically died in a plane crash on June 20, 1996, while on his way to Jos from Kano. At the time of his father’s death, Abubakar Sadik Wase was serving as a lieutenant in the Nigerian Army. His elevation to the prestigious position of GOC 1 Division, nearly three decades later, has been described as a mark of dedication, resilience, and a continuation of his family’s legacy of service to Nigeria.  

National, News

Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Elder Statesman Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim at 88

/

Nigeria has lost one of its most enduring political figures, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who passed away at the age of 88. A towering presence in journalism, diplomacy, business, and politics, his death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s public life. The news of his passing was conveyed in a statement signed by seasoned journalist Bashir Idris Ibrahim, who described the late elder statesman on his verified Facebook page as “a journalist, diplomat, business tycoon, philanthropist and politician.” His career spanned decades and touched nearly every facet of Nigeria’s development. In 1979, Ibrahim played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s Second Republic. As leader of the Plateau delegates, alongside Abdullahi Adamu and Saleh Hassan, he nominated Shehu Shagari as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) presidential flagbearer. Despite Shagari’s eventual victory, Ibrahim declined to serve in the administration, a decision that underscored his principled approach to politics. Read Also: Nigeria Loses Former Agriculture Minister Audu Ogbeh at 78 His political journey was deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s founding fathers. He was a close associate of Malam Aminu Kano, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, and JS Tarka during the First Republic. His influence extended into the Fourth Republic, where he emerged as one of the pioneer leaders and financiers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 1998 until 2007. He later parted ways with the party following a disagreement over President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial third-term bid. Ibrahim’s commitment to democratic ideals was evident during the PDP primaries in 2003. Nigeria Tracker recalls that he served as campaign manager for Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme in his contest against President Obasanjo. During live updates from Eagle Square, Ibrahim openly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries, showcasing his fearless advocacy for transparency and fairness. Beyond politics, Ibrahim was a passionate supporter of Nigerian football. In 1974, he made history by hiring Brazilian coach Lopez to manage Mighty Jets, becoming the first Nigerian to bring in a foreign coach. He also sponsored future coaching legends Ismaila Mabo and Garba Okoye for training in Hungary in 1976, laying the foundation for Nigeria’s football development. Ibrahim’s connection to Nigerian history was profound. He often shared vivid recollections of the First and Second Republics with striking accuracy. His close relationship with the late Umaru Dikko was both personal and historical; he once revealed that Dikko was born in his hometown of Wamba, now in Nasarawa State, where Dikko’s father served as a judge under the Native Authority. Until mid-2023, before illness slowed him down, Ibrahim remained a living archive of Nigeria’s political evolution. His sharp memory, principled voice, and commitment to truth earned him respect across generations. Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim’s passing leaves a significant void in Nigeria’s political and cultural landscape. His legacy will endure through the institutions he helped build, the leaders he mentored, and the ideals he consistently championed.  

National, News

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for August 16 By-Elections

/

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has ordered the deployment of 20,850 officers and men to ensure a hitch-free conduct of the by-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, in 16 constituencies across 12 states of the federation. This was contained in a statement signed by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, who noted that all State Commandants in the affected states have been adequately briefed with emphasis on professionalism, respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights, and commitment to ensuring peaceful elections. Prof. Audi assured the public of the Corps’ readiness to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials, and monitor the entire election process in synergy with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election duty operations. Read Also: Polytechnic Union Threatens Strike, Gives FG 21 Days to Meet Demands He reiterated that the by-elections would be conducted under adequate security, free from any form of hitch, and urged eligible voters to turn out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice as an expression of their franchise and fundamental rights. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the elections will be held to fill two senatorial seats, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies. NSCDC personnel have been directed to collaborate with other security agencies in Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and other states where the polls will take place.

National, News

Tinubu Unveils New Leadership for Nigerian Television Authority

/

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new management team for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). A statement stated that the President approved the appointment of veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster. Other key appointments include Katsina State’s Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited. Read Also: Tinubu Nominates Ummasalma Rabiu from Kano, Louis Odion to FCCPC Pedro, a Lagos native, is an accomplished media entrepreneur and consultant with nearly three decades of leadership experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East. A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, Pedro also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London. In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), which became one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in more than 40 countries. His career includes leading roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters. Notably, he helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Education, National, News

Polytechnic Union Threatens Strike, Gives FG 21 Days to Meet Demands

/

Public polytechnics across Nigeria may soon be thrown into another round of industrial unrest as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued the Federal Government a 21-day deadline to address lingering issues affecting the sector or face a possible shutdown of academic activities. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the union’s leadership, ASUP President, Comrade Shammah Kpanja, accused the government of insincerity and reneging on commitments to address key issues affecting staff welfare, accreditation processes, and other unresolved matters. Kpanja expressed strong opposition to the continued decision by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to outsource the accreditation of polytechnics to private companies, despite earlier assurances to halt the practice. He alleged that many of the firms contracted lacked the competence for such tasks, with some registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under unrelated sectors such as farming, business consultancy, or medical services. Read Also: ABCOAD Secures NBTE Accreditation for 11 ND, HND Programmes The union also accused the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) of failing to release the circular for payment of the Peculiar Academic Allowance, a key provision in the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement and lamented its removal from the national budgeting template. On discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders, Kpanja faulted the Federal Government for stalling the approval of a dual mandate structure designed to end the disparity between HND and degree qualifications. He said this inaction was perpetuating long-standing bias against polytechnic graduates. Other grievances listed by the union include the non-payment of 25/35 per cent arrears from the 2023 salary review, the delayed release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention, non-payment of promotion arrears in several state-owned polytechnics, some dating back to 2019 and the unresolved CONTISS 15 arrears which have lingered since 2014. ASUP also criticised the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) for what it described as a “non-committal disposition” to genuine dialogue and for failing to act on resolutions from previous negotiations. “The continued delay and non-approval of a dual mandate structure has facilitated discrimination against polytechnic education and its products,” Kpanja warned. “If our demands are not addressed within 21 days, the union may have no choice but to declare a trade dispute and withdraw the services of our members across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide.” With the ultimatum counting down, stakeholders fear another disruption to academic activities in the nation’s technical education sector if a resolution is not reached.

National, News

NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over PENCOM Board, Alleged Diversion of Workers’ Funds

/

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to properly constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) or face industrial action. The labour body also accused the government of diverting workers’ contributions in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, describing the move as illegal. In a communiqué issued after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, and signed by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, the union described the delay in forming the PENCOM board, alongside what it called “alarming developments” in the NSITF, as an attack on workers’ rights. Read Also: FG Begins Second Phase of Wage Award Payments to Civil Servants The communiqué condemned the alleged diversion of 40 per cent of workers’ contributions, the government’s claim of ownership of the NLC headquarters, and moves to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would give the government full control over workers’ funds. “The CWC warns that these actions represent a direct assault on the rights of Nigerian workers and on the principle of tripartite governance recognised by international labour standards,” Ajaero stated. According to him, the NLC is demanding that within seven working days, the Federal Government must return all diverted NSITF funds, fully constitute the PENCOM board as required by law, and provide the NLC with a comprehensive status report on pension funds. “If these demands are not met within the stipulated period, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” Ajaero warned.

Scroll to Top