The Historica Nigeria

News

Kano, News

YouLead Programme Produces Young Entrepreneurs in Kano

Fifteen young Nigerians have successfully completed a youth leadership training programme organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in Kano. The graduation ceremony, held at CITAD’s office, marked the conclusion of the first batch of the Youth Leadership Development Programme (YouLead), designed to equip young people with entrepreneurial and leadership skills to combat growing youth unemployment. Speaking at the event, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z. Yau, explained that the programme was developed in response to the high rate of youth joblessness. Read Also: NBTE Team Assesses Eleven Programmes at Audu Bako College of Agriculture “We are here to witness the graduation of the first batch of the YouLead programme, where 15 young participants received intensive training and incubation support to develop their business ideas—whether in the private sector or in social enterprise,” he said. Engr. Yau noted that the trainees also participated in internship placements with various organisations to gain practical experience and understand workplace dynamics. “For us, the gain is that this idea is working. When we began, they came daily for lectures as if they were in a classroom. We recognized their unemployment status and offered transport support to encourage participation,” he said. He reiterated that CITAD’s support does not end with graduation. “We will continue to monitor their progress, provide guidance, further training, and link them with opportunities such as business grants.” Some of the graduates shared testimonies of how the programme transformed their lives by helping them acquire skills and start earning independently. Habiba Usman Hassan, one of the graduates, now runs a small restaurant offering traditional dishes. “Before this programme, I didn’t even think of starting something on my own,” she said. “Now, I not only cook and sell, but I also feel proud when people call me ‘chef’ in the neighbourhood.” Another participant, Auwal Ibrahim Adamu, has launched a small bakery and is already gaining recognition in his community. “It started with just a little flour,” he said. “Now, people wake up early to wait for my bread. This training changed my life.” The YouLead programme aims to empower youth with practical knowledge, entrepreneurship guidance, and leadership exposure to build a more self-reliant and productive generation.

Education, Kano, News

Kano Government Announces 3rd Term Vacation Date for Schools

The Kano State Government has declared Friday, 25th July 2025, as the official commencement date for the third term vacation across all day and boarding public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state. Parents and guardians of students in boarding schools have been advised to arrange for their wards to return home in the early hours of Friday. Read Also: Reps Push Bill to Ban Public Servants from Using Private Schools, Hospitals This was contained in a statement issued by Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, Director of Public Enlightenment at the State Ministry of Education. According to the statement, boarding students are expected to resume on Sunday, 7th September 2025, while day students are to return on Monday, 8th September 2025. The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure total compliance with the approved resumption dates, emphasizing that disciplinary action will be taken against any students who fail to comply. Dr. Makoda also expressed gratitude to parents and the good people of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the Ministry. He wished all pupils and students a successful and hitch-free holiday.

National, News

Shettima Hails Wife Nana as ‘Anchor in the Tide’ on 50th Birthday

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima, as a stabilizing force and enduring source of strength as she marked her 50th birthday on Tuesday. In a heartfelt message posted on his verified Facebook page, Shettima reflected on their life journey together, praising her unwavering support through life’s many challenges. “On this special day, I celebrate you, the woman who steadies me when I stagger, the love that has weathered every storm,” the Vice President wrote. Read Also: A New Chapter Begins: Celebrating the Appointment of Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator “You have been my calm in chaos, my anchor in the tide, my miracle in motion. Through time and through distance, you have stood as my balance and my blessing,” he added. He concluded the emotional tribute with a note of lasting affection: “Happy birthday, my dearest wife. I would choose you in this life and in every life to come. Still, always, and forever.” Mrs. Shettima currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a national social intervention programme chaired by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Environment, Kano, News

A New Chapter Begins: Celebrating the Appointment of Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator

In what many have described as a timely and well-deserved elevation, the appointment of Malam Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as the new Project Coordinator for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Kano State has sparked joy and renewed optimism among staff, stakeholders, and colleagues alike. As a Corps Member currently serving under this groundbreaking World Bank-supported initiative, I write on behalf of my fellow team members, young professionals, field officers, and support staff whose daily interactions with Malam Aminu have given us firsthand insight into his leadership style, work ethic, and genuine commitment to sustainable development. Before his appointment, Malam Aminu served as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the project, a role in which he distinguished himself through his discipline, precision, and results-driven approach. His ability to listen, coordinate, and motivate has endeared him to both senior colleagues and field-level teams. Read Also:  Aminu Gidado Yusha’u Appointed Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator The ACReSAL project, a collaborative effort involving the World Bank, the Federal Government, and 19 northern states including the FCT, aims to address pressing climate challenges, particularly in semi-arid regions. The role of a Project Coordinator in this context goes beyond office administration but requires vision, integrity, patience, and technical know-how. In Malam Aminu, we are confident these qualities converge. For many of us, especially youth corps members, his rise is not only inspirational but a reminder that merit and hard work still speak volumes. We have watched him closely always early, always thoughtful, and consistently calm in navigating complex project dynamics. We are grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for endorsing this forward-looking appointment, and to Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, the immediate past coordinator and now Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, for his guidance and mentorship that paved the way for a smooth transition. As Malam Aminu Gidado Yusha’u assumes this new mantle, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. May this role be a launchpad for even greater contributions to climate resilience and community development in Kano State and beyond. On behalf of all corps members and colleagues at ACReSAL Kano, we pledge our support and look forward to a productive and impactful journey ahead. Written by Fatima Abdullahi Malle.

National, News

Reps Push Bill to Ban Public Servants from Using Private Schools, Hospitals

The House of Representatives has passed for first reading a bill seeking to ban public and civil servants, including their immediate family members, from patronising private schools and healthcare facilities in Nigeria. The bill, titled the Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, was sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State. According to Hon. Ogah, the proposed law is aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s education and health systems, strengthening public institutions, and eliminating conflicts of interest in governance. He stressed that public officers should only access the same services they provide for the general population, arguing that this would create direct accountability and force improvements in service delivery. Speaking to journalists after the bill’s introduction, Ogah described it as a “turning point in the history of our nation,” lamenting that many public officials routinely bypass the poor state of public schools and hospitals by opting for private and foreign alternatives often funded by taxpayer money. Read Also: Aminu Gidado Yusha’u Appointed Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator He cited shocking statistics, including the $1 billion Nigerians spend annually on foreign medical care and the $38.17 million spent on foreign education in just the first quarter of 2024 alone. Ogah also referenced how the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly spent $29.29 billion on medical treatments abroad in eight years, despite Nigeria allocating over N1.3 trillion to healthcare in the 2024 national budget. Drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s founding fathers like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa—who all attended public or mission schools—Ogah argued that reliance on public institutions fostered national loyalty, growth, and self-reliance. He noted that the continued neglect of public schools and hospitals is a direct result of elite detachment, as those who make decisions about national development do not experience the failures of the system firsthand. “If we have begun the process of fuel subsidy removal, we must also enforce this bill,” Ogah stated, emphasizing that true reform requires sacrifice and commitment from those in positions of power. The lawmaker concluded by calling on fellow legislators, the media, and civil society to support the initiative and help drive a public campaign with the hashtag #PromoteOurSchoolsAndHealthcareServices, aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s failing public institutions.

Kano, News

Kano Government Announces Foreign Master’s Training for Doctors, Nurses in Critical Specialties

The Kano State Government has unveiled a foreign Master’s training programme for qualified doctors and nurses in key medical specialties where local expertise remains limited. The initiative, aimed at enhancing clinical capacity and improving healthcare outcomes across the state, was announced in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda. According to the statement, the government will sponsor training in 19 specialized fields, including dermatology, nephrology, intensive care medicine, dialysis care and technology, kidney transplant surgery, and pediatric surgery. Read Also: Kano Government Upgrades Dabai Community Hospital, Extends Operations to 24 Hours Other areas covered include psychiatry, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), interventional cardiology, interventional orthopedics, interventional radiology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, cancer care nursing, oncology, ophthalmology, prosthetics, ophthalmic nursing, dialysis nursing, and dialysis biomedical engineering. “This is a significant opportunity for our medical workforce to acquire advanced knowledge and clinical skills that will directly translate to improved patient care across Kano,” Dr. Nagoda stated. “We are specifically targeting areas of medicine that are critically underserved in our health system.” To be eligible, applicants must be doctors or nurses with at least a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in a relevant field. Interested candidates are required to submit a formal application addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, along with relevant academic credentials and supporting documents. “Only eligible applicants will be shortlisted for interviews. This is a strictly merit-based programme designed to uplift the standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State,” Dr. Nagoda reiterated. The deadline for application submission is Monday, 28th July 2025.

Environment, Kano, News

Aminu Gidado Yusha’u Appointed Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as the substantive Project Coordinator for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative in the state. ACReSAL is a collaborative project between the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the 19 northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is designed to address environmental degradation and promote climate resilience across semi-arid regions of the country. Yusha’u’s appointment follows the elevation of the former Project Coordinator, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, who was appointed earlier this year as a commissioner and member of the Kano State Executive Council. Related: Kano Environment Ministry Begins Early Desilting, Moves Toward Waste Management Reforms In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, described Yusha’u’s appointment as well-earned, citing his professionalism, commitment, and prior contributions to the project. “Your appointment comes as no surprise, considering your dedication and consistent hard work. I am confident in your capacity to drive progress, align with His Excellency’s vision, and ensure the project achieves its objectives,” the statement read. Dr. Hashim wished him success in the new role and expressed optimism about the project’s future under his leadership. Until his appointment, Aminu Gidado Yusha’u served as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Kano ACReSAL Project. He is an alumnus of Science College, Dawakin Tofa, and holds a degree in Geology from Bayero University, Kano. He has also completed several postgraduate programmes relevant to his field.

Kano, News

Kano Government, CSOs Partner to Reclaim Communities from Crime and Youth Violence

In a bold step to tackle the rising menace of phone snatching, drug abuse, political thuggery, and other criminal activities across Kano State, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Government to building strong partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as critical allies in restoring security and social order. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, on behalf of the Ministry. The Commissioner spoke during a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement with CSOs held at the Mambayya House, noting that the meeting came at a time when Kano is grappling with increased reports of violent crimes, especially phone snatching and street thuggery perpetrated by youth under the influence of drugs and frustration. “These acts are gradually eroding public confidence, discouraging mobility, affecting school attendance, and ultimately threatening the socioeconomic future of our state,” the statement added. “We are not here to point accusing fingers, but to collectively chart a proactive and community-driven way forward.” Read Also: Waiya Urges LG Information Officers to Uphold Professionalism in Public Service Waiya disclosed that the government has designed a strategic initiative known as the “Safe Corridor,” aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and youth restiveness in the state. “The government believes that lasting solutions can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and collaboration. That is why we have convened this important engagement with civil society actors who remain closest to the grassroots and understand the real pulse of our communities,” the Commissioner said. During the interactive session, participants drawn from over 75 Civil Society Organizations identified key root causes behind the growing wave of insecurity. These include family instability, declining parental responsibility, widespread lack of youth empowerment, and the scourge of drug addiction. They also cited religious and cultural decline, weakened community vigilance structures, and gaps in law enforcement as critical challenges requiring urgent, holistic action. As part of the way forward, participants recommended a range of people-centered interventions. These include parental and family reorientation, revitalization of rehabilitation centers for victims of substance abuse, and the creation of toll-free hotlines for anonymous reporting of criminal hideouts. Other proposals centered on intelligence-led security operations, public sensitization through drama, community media, and influencers, as well as stronger collaboration with religious institutions to reinforce moral and ethical values.

National, News

PSC Approves Promotion of Senior Police Officers Across Ranks

The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of several senior officers across various ranks in the Nigeria Police Force, in a move aimed at strengthening leadership within the security agency. In a statement released on Monday, the PSC announced the promotion of 12 Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. Additionally, 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police were elevated to the rank of substantive Commissioners, while 27 Assistant Commissioners of Police were promoted to Deputy Commissioners. The Commission also approved the promotion of 145 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners, which included general duty officers and specialists such as those in the Airwing, medical doctors and dentists, pharmacists, lab scientists, physiotherapists, and nurses. Others include priests and aircraft engineers. Read Also: Paramilitary Recruitment Resumes as FG Fixes Portal Glitches Twenty-nine Superintendents of Police, all specialists in areas such as Info-Tech, Works, and AFIS, were also promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police. The Commission further approved the promotion of 38 Deputy Superintendents (Specialists) to Superintendents. Those promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police include Johnson Oluwole Adenola, CP Oyo State; Ako Benedict Gabriel, CP Anti-Fraud; Ahmadu Tijani Abdullahi, CP Jigawa; Emmanuel Adegbola Aina, acting AIG Intelligence; Omolara Ibidun Oloruntola; Hassan Abdu Yababet, CP Police College Jos; Bretet Emmanuel Simon, CP Taraba; Enyinnaya Inonachi Adiogu, CP FCID Gombe; Aminu Baba Raji, CP Special Unit, FCID Alagbon; Mohammed Mu’azu Usman, CP Eastern Ports, Port Harcourt; Festus Chinedu Oko, acting AIG DLS Department; and Ronke Nurat Okunade, Special Fraud Unit FCID Annex, Lagos. The Deputy Commissioners promoted to Commissioners include Uduak Otu Ita, Sheikh Mohammed Danko, Charles Ezekwesiri Dike, Nnana Oji Ama (DC Intelligence FCID), Gabriel Onyilo Eliagwu, Abiola Reuben Olutunde, Yakubu Useni Dankaro, Michael Adegoroye Falade, Aina Adesola, and Umar Ahmed Chuso. Others are Emefile Tony Osifo, Innocent Ilogbunam Anagbado, Musa Mohammed Sani, Victor Avwerosuo Erivwode (DC SEB, FCID), Omoikhudu Philip, and Sylvester Edogbanya. According to a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the 27 Assistant Commissioners promoted to Deputy Commissioners include Shehu Idris, David Adio Alalada (acting DCP Admin, Enugu Command), Dalhatu Basher, Hamzat Tambai, Abdulkarim Nuhu (Area Commander, Port Harcourt), Olufemi Akinwale Akinola, Sani Fudaiku Kura, Yakubu Isah, Isa Abubukar Adamu, Sunday Omonijo, and Sunday Akinlolu Okunola. Others include Abimbola Shafkat Abdulraheem, Adekunle Murisiku Tokosi, Ibrahim Sumaila Musa, Mohammed Jega Musa, Musa Jibril, Ali Isa Gumel, Dankal Umar Bello, Suleiman Ladi Abdullahi, Suleiman Sade, Ahmed Ataka Tanko, Shehu Aliyu, Ndidiamaka Alifi Oguamalam (Police College Ikeja), Magawata Mode, Adedeji Adeniyi, Bello Zaurah Tukur, Mohammed Muntari Mati, and Mohammed Ajose. Among the Chief Superintendents promoted to Assistant Commissioners are Zubairu Maina, Olufikayo Abimbola Fawole, Stephen Olusola Olatise, Buhari Abdullahi, and Akaniyere Etuk. Others include Lateef Jaiyeola (CSP Admin, Force Education), Agbemoroti Clement Oloruntoba (acting ACP Admin, Zone 17 Akure, former DPO Bode Osi Olaoluwa, Osun State), Magaji Kabomo Mohammed (IGP Monitoring Unit), Chinedum Aniagbaso (ICT, Force Headquarters), Abdullahi Mohammed Deba (Gender Unit, Force Intelligence), Mohammed Sani Idris (Commander SPU BASE 7, Abuja), Barau Dalhatu Bafarawa (FCID), and Ugwuodo Chika (Homicide Section, FCID Abuja). Others include Adeoye Benjamin Oyekunle (acting ACP X Squad, Akure, Ondo State Command), Sani El-Mustapha (CRU, Force Headquarters), Sani Mohammed Babainna, and Olabode Olawole (Airwing Unit). The promoted officers underwent examination and interview sessions conducted by the Commission. DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Chairman of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Police Matters, coordinated the promotion exercises and presented the report for plenary consideration and approval. PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu reiterated that the promotion examinations are now a permanent part of the Commission’s process, aligning with global best practices. He urged officers to be committed to their responsibilities or risk being exited from the Force. He congratulated the successful officers and reiterated the need for them to rededicate themselves to national service.

National, News, Politics

Muhammed Babangida Denies Rejecting Appointment as BoA Chairman

Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, and made available on Monday. Babangida also debunked earlier reports circulating online which claimed he had turned down the appointment. He described the claims as false and malicious, saying they were deliberately fabricated to mislead the public and smear the image of the Tinubu administration. Read Also: Kano Gets Major Slots in Tinubu’s New Appointments “We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the Federal Government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence placed in him,” the statement read in part. The statement further assured the public that those responsible for the misinformation would be investigated and brought to book. “We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” it added. The statement reiterated with a call on Nigerians to remain discerning and verify information from credible sources. Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic roles recently approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across critical government institutions.

Scroll to Top