Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria Archives

Coups, Counter-Coups and the Cost to Nigeria

Umar Idris Shuaibu / January 31, 2026

On Monday, January 26, 2026, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters confirmed that it had concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot uncovered in the previous year, announcing that several military officers were found culpable in an attempt to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement issued by the military high command, the Armed Forces disclosed that 16 officers were indicted for attempting to subvert Nigeria’s democratic government in October 2025. The officers are expected to face prosecution before a court martial in accordance with military laws and regulations. The arrests were first made public in October 2025, when security agencies announced the detention of some officers over acts described as insubordination and breaches of military conduct. At the time, authorities stopped short of confirming a coup plot. However, subsequent reshuffles within the top military hierarchy fueled speculation and renewed public debate over Nigeria’s security and democratic stability. Nigeria and the History of Military Coups Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced a series of military coups and attempted coups, particularly between 1966 and 1993. These interventions profoundly shaped the country’s political structure, civil-military relations, and national cohesion. Read Also: Between Discipline and Dissent: Musa Bamaiyi and the Burden of Command Promotion of Tinubu’s ADC Shelved After Intervention by Retired Army Chiefs Military to Try 16 Officers Over Alleged Plot Against Tinubu Govt Although Nigeria has enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, memories of military takeovers remain deeply ingrained in the national consciousness. The First Coup: Nzeogwu (1966) Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu is widely regarded as the central figure behind Nigeria’s first military coup, carried out on January 15, 1966, barely six years after independence. The coup led to the collapse of the civilian government and the assassination of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and several senior political leaders. Following the coup, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power. His administration, however, lasted only six months before it was overthrown in a counter-coup in July 1966. Nzeogwu was arrested and detained in various prisons before being released during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 by Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He later died in combat on July 29, 1967, during fighting in Nsukka, present-day Enugu State. The July 1966 Counter-Coup: Murtala Muhammed The July 1966 coup, led by General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, is often described as a retaliatory response to the January coup. The upheaval brought General Yakubu Gowon to power. Murtala continued his military career without sanction and later emerged as Head of State following the bloodless coup of 1975. His tenure was cut short when he was assassinated during a failed coup led by Bukar Suka Dimka on February 13, 1976. The 1975 Bloodless Coup On July 29, 1975, General Yakubu Gowon’s government was overthrown without bloodshed while he was attending an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Uganda. The coup was announced on national radio by Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba. The transition installed General Murtala Muhammed as Head of State and Olusegun Obasanjo as his deputy. Several officers who later became prominent national figures including Theophilus Danjuma, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, played key roles in the transition. Joseph Garba later served Nigeria as a diplomat, becoming Permanent Representative to the United Nations and, in 1989, President of the UN General Assembly. He died in 2002. From Babangida to Abacha In August 1985, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came to power through another bloodless coup. His eight-year rule ended amid widespread unrest following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest. After Babangida stepped aside, an Interim National Government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan was installed in August 1993. Barely three months later, General Sani Abacha seized power in November 1993. Abacha ruled Nigeria until his sudden death on June 8, 1998. His demise paved the way for General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who initiated a transition programme that culminated in the return to democratic governance on May 29, 1999. Democracy and the Lessons of History Since 1999, Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted democratic rule, with military coups becoming a distant memory. However, the alleged 2025 coup plot has rekindled national reflection on the importance of safeguarding democracy, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening trust between civilian authorities and the armed forces. Analysts and public administrators argue that Nigeria’s long history of military intervention serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve democratic governance, a system that demands vigilance, accountability, and collective commitment from both leaders and citizens alike.

National, News, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Kidnapped Nigerians Now Left to Die in Captivity as Poverty Deepens – Islamic Cleric

Umar Idris Shuaibu / January 31, 2026

Nigerian Islamic scholar and President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, has raised serious concerns over the country’s worsening security situation, warning that kidnappings for ransom have degenerated to a tragic level where abducted victims are left to die in captivity when families are unable to raise demanded sums. Dr. Bashir made the remarks in an extensive interview with BBC Hausa monitored by ‘The Historica Nigeria‘, where he linked the grim development to widespread poverty, which he said has crippled traditional means of raising ransom and left many families helpless. According to him, the kidnapping crisis has assumed a frightening dimension, with abductors abandoning captives once ransom negotiations collapse. “Kidnappings and abductions for ransom continue, and the situation has now reached a point where, when people are abducted and no ransom is forthcoming because poverty has become widespread, the victims are left to languish in captivity until they die in that condition,” he said, describing the situation as deeply distressing. Security Failure, Call for Government Action The cleric identified insecurity and the protection of lives as the most critical challenge confronting Nigeria today, noting that strong complaints have been raised over deteriorating security conditions across several states. He said the failure of the state to adequately protect citizens has reached unacceptable levels, calling on government at all levels to urgently rise to their constitutional and moral responsibilities. Read Also: Terrorism Won’t End With Bombs, Gumi Cautions Nigerian Govt Tinubu: My Wife Is a Pastor, I’m a Muslim — Yet We Live in Peace Jos Muslims Say Over 4,700 Members Killed Since 2001 Crises “The most critical issue confronting the country is security and the protection of lives. Strong complaints were raised about the deteriorating situation across many states,” he said. Dr. Bashir stressed that the protection of lives, property and human dignity is a duty imposed by both the Nigerian Constitution and divine responsibility, adding that such protection must be carried out without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. Genocide Claims Rejected Addressing international claims alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria, Dr. Bashir dismissed the narrative as false and misleading, insisting that available evidence shows Muslims have borne the brunt of insecurity-related casualties. He said data gathered and disseminated globally by relevant bodies contradicts claims that violence is targeted at a single religious group. “The claim that genocide is being carried out against a particular segment of Nigerians is not true,” he said, adding that Muslims have suffered the greatest losses in mass killings linked to insecurity. While acknowledging that the Federal Government has officially rejected genocide allegations, he urged authorities to consistently reinforce this position with concrete actions to end violence nationwide. Beyond Military Solutions Dr. Bashir cautioned against relying solely on military force to address insecurity, advocating a combination of approaches, including reconciliation with armed groups willing to renounce violence. However, he warned that reconciliation must not undermine justice or accountability. “Security challenges should not be addressed only through military means but also through other approaches, including reconciliation with those willing to lay down their arms,” he said, stressing that any such process must be firmly anchored on justice and fairness to victims. He also urged Islamic scholars to intensify prayers and guide society towards repentance, citing Qur’anic teachings that calamities often result from human actions. Tax Amendments, Budgeting Under Fire Beyond security, the SCSN President expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s economic direction, particularly proposed amendments to tax laws, which he said betrayed assurances given during public consultations. According to him, religious leaders were disappointed that amendments meant to protect the poor were altered after public hearings, raising constitutional concerns. He questioned the authority behind the changes, arguing that they undermined the legislative process and imposed undue burdens on vulnerable Nigerians. Dr. Bashir also criticised persistent problems in Nigeria’s budgeting system, including budget padding and misplaced priorities, noting that allocations that could reduce poverty, improve education and strengthen healthcare are often neglected. He observed that previous budgets have not been fully implemented, yet new ones continue to be proposed without tangible improvements in citizens’ living conditions. Electoral Commission Controversy In one of his strongest interventions, Dr. Bashir called for the removal of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, accusing him of partisanship over public comments relating to genocide claims. He argued that such statements contradict the Federal Government’s official position and undermine public confidence in the electoral process. “As a senior government official, this puts him at odds with the government’s stance. This amounts to a betrayal of the state,” he said. Dr. Bashir warned that elections conducted under such leadership would lack credibility, insisting that Nigeria needs an electoral umpire who is neutral, impartial and free from vested interests. He reiterated that leadership is a sacred trust, urging citizens to take voter registration and participation seriously and to vote based on integrity and accountability rather than sectarian or party loyalty.

Africa, International, National, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

2025 in Memoriam: Nigerians and Global Icons Who Left a Lasting Legacy

The Historica Nigeria / December 27, 2025

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano As 2025 gradually draws to a close, Nigeria and the global community reflect on the passing of several influential figures whose lives and works shaped governance, religion, business, traditional institutions, and public service. From revered Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to political leaders and senior public servants, the year witnessed the end of notable eras and the departure of voices that left lasting imprints on society. Below are some of the prominent personalities who passed away in 2025, beginning with Nigerians before notable non-Nigerian figures. Sheikh Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi (68) — Islamic Scholar Prominent Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Idris Abdul’aziz Dutsen Tanshi, passed away on April 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Widely respected for his scholarship and principled religious teachings, the cleric played a significant role in Islamic discourse and community engagement across northern Nigeria. Alhaji Aminu Dantata (94) — Business Icon and Philanthropist Renowned Kano-born businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, died on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94. A towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector, Dantata’s decades-long business career spanned construction, manufacturing, and commerce. Read Also: KASSOSA Mourns Business Icon Aminu Dantata, Describes His Death as a Great Loss Beyond business, he was known for his quiet philanthropy and support for education, health, and social welfare initiatives. Former President Muhammadu Buhari (82) Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. A former military Head of State and two-term civilian president, Buhari was a central figure in Nigeria’s political evolution, known for his anti-corruption stance and disciplined leadership style that shaped national discourse for decades. Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (90) Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was thrown into mourning following the death of the Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. His reign, though brief, was marked by dignity, adherence to tradition, and a deep commitment to the cultural heritage of Ibadanland. Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (91) On the same day, July 13, 2025, Ijebuland also lost its paramount ruler, the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91. One of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers, Oba Adetona was widely respected for his forthright views, modern outlook, and contributions to education and development in Ogun State. Emir of Gusau, Dr. Ibrahim Bello (71) The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, passed away on Friday, July 25, at the age of 71 after a protracted illness in Abuja. The 16th Emir of Gusau, Bello ascended the throne following the death of his father on March 16, 2015. A seasoned civil servant, he rose to the pinnacle of his career as a Permanent Secretary during his service in the old Sokoto and later Zamfara State, and went on to serve as Emir for over 10 years, leaving behind a legacy of administrative experience and traditional leadership. Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Gomo II) (81) The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (retd.), passed away in London on August 17, 2025, after a brief illness. A former military officer and respected traditional ruler, the late emir combined military discipline with traditional leadership, earning admiration within and beyond his domain. Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase (69) Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69. During his service in the Nigeria Police Force, Arase rose through the ranks and later served as IGP, contributing to internal reforms and security operations during a challenging period for national policing. Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (retd.) (86) Former Chief of Staff to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Major General Abdullahi Adangba Mohammed (retd.), passed away on 5th November at the age of 86 at his residence in Kaduna. Fondly known as Adangba, the Ilorin-born officer also served as Military Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State between 1975 and February 1976 during the Murtala Mohammed administration. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi (98) — Leader of the Tijaniyya Movement One of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic leaders, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 98. As the spiritual head of the Tijaniyyah movement, his influence spanned generations, shaping religious thought, scholarship, and spiritual guidance across Nigeria and beyond. Kano Loses Two Serving State Assembly Members On December 24, 2025, Kano State mourned the tragic passing of two serving members of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Sa’ad Ungoggo, representing Ungoggo Constituency, and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who represented Kano Municipal. Their deaths marked a painful moment for the state legislature and underscored the fragility of public life. Notable Non-Nigerian Figures Who Passed in 2025 Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh (82) — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti and Head of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, passed away in Riyadh on September 23, 2025, at the age of 82. A globally influential Islamic authority, he played a central role in shaping religious rulings and discourse within the Kingdom and the wider Muslim world. Raila Odinga (80) — Former Prime Minister of Kenya Veteran Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Kochi, India, following a cardiac arrest. Widely regarded as a symbol of democratic struggle in Kenya, Odinga’s political career spanned decades of advocacy for reform, pluralism, and constitutional governance in East Africa. As the curtain gradually falls on 2025, the deaths of these figures serve as reminders of the enduring impact individuals can have on society. Their legacies rooted in leadership, service, faith, and commitment to public good continue to shape conversations and memories long after their passing. For Nigeria in particular, the year marked the loss of voices that once guided governance, commerce, spirituality, and tradition, leaving behind lessons for generations yet to come.

Kano, News, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Police Yet to Release Dan’uwa Rano After Petition by Kano Government Official

Umar Idris Shuaibu / October 19, 2025

The popular broadcast journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq, widely known as Dan’uwa Rano, remains in police custody following his arrest on Saturday in Kano metropolis by officers from the Zone 1 Police Command, an arrest reportedly carried out without the presentation of a valid warrant. The detention followed a petition filed by Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director-General of Protocol to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who accused the journalist of defamation over reports aired on Dan’uwa Rano TV, an online platform. Sources close to the investigation told reporters that the police have insisted Dan’uwa Rano must produce “Malam Imalu,” a fictional character featured in one of his YouTube programmes titled Letter from Imalu, before any consideration for his release. Related: Kano CSOs Protest, Demand Accountability Over Alleged N6.5bn Fraud Court and investigation documents earlier reviewed and published by Daily Nigerian revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have linked Abdullahi Rogo to the alleged diversion of more than ₦6.5 billion in public funds. The funds were reportedly channelled through companies such as H&M Nigeria Limited, A.Y. Maikifi Petroleum, and Ammas Oil and Gas Limited, using fictitious contracts and currency conversions through bureau de change operators. According to the reports, ₦1.1 billion has already been recovered, while a Federal High Court in Kano ordered the forfeiture of ₦142.2 million linked to Rogo to the ICPC. Read Also: Military Refutes Coup Allegation, Reassures Nigerians of Stability Before his detention, Dan’uwa Rano told journalists that the police accused him of operating without a valid license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and running an unregistered media company. He described his arrest as an attempt to intimidate the press and suppress free expression in Kano State. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the journalist’s arrest was carried out without due legal procedure, as no warrant was presented at the time of his apprehension. He was taken directly to Zone 1 Police Headquarters for questioning and has since remained in custody under what sources describe as “administrative orders.” Reports indicate that Dan’uwa Rano may remain in detention until at least Monday, when he is expected to be arraigned before a magistrate court in Kano. ‘The Historica Nigeria’s’ repeated attempts to reach Zone 1 Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Bashir, have been unsuccessful, with calls going unreturned as of the latest update.

Feature, Kano, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Why Government Administrations Need to Appoint Competent Media Managers

Umar Idris Shuaibu / October 19, 2025

In every thriving democracy, communication remains the vital bridge between the government and the governed. A visionary administration understands this and invests not only in physical infrastructure and policies but also in credible, professional media management. Competent media managers are essential to shaping narratives, clarifying intentions, and safeguarding an administration’s image against misinformation and public misinterpretation. Recent developments in Kano have once again brought this issue into sharp focus, particularly following the arrest and interrogation of popular broadcast journalist, Ibrahim Ishaq, widely known as Dan’uwa Rano. The journalist was reportedly questioned over alleged defamation and the operation of an online television channel without a valid license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The episode was uncalled for, as it created unnecessary tension within Kano’s media space and raised legitimate concerns about press freedom and the government’s handling of criticism. Instead of fostering dialogue and responsible engagement, the decision to subject a journalist to police grilling appeared reactive and heavy-handed, an avoidable situation if a robust communication framework were in place. Related: Police Grill Journalist Dan’uwa Rano Over Petition by Kano Official Rogo Equally, the entire scenario was uncolourful, a distraction that did little to boost public confidence in the administration. In a digital era where perception influences governance as much as performance, the absence of proactive communication can easily lead to reputational damage that even well-intentioned policies cannot undo. Governments must therefore recognize that the media is not an adversary but a critical partner in nation-building. A competent media manager interprets government policies clearly, communicates decisions responsibly, and provides accurate information swiftly, ensuring that facts are not overtaken by rumours or propaganda. The issue of defamation allegedly raised against the journalist brings a more fundamental question, “did the alleged act truly occur, or is this an attempt to silence accountability? According to an earlier report by Daily Nigerian, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered over ₦1.1 billion from Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director-General of Protocol at the Kano State Government House, as part of its investigation into alleged misappropriation of public funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is also said to be probing related transactions linked to fictitious contracts and alleged diversions of public funds through corporate and personal accounts. Read Also: ICPC, EFCC Probe Kano Governor’s Aide Over Alleged ₦6.5bn Fraud However, the Kano State Government has strongly denied these corruption allegations, describing them as politically motivated. In a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the government dismissed the reports as “a work of fiction aimed at tarnishing the image of government officials.” The situation now rests in the court of public opinion. Citizens, who are ultimately the judges of governance, will continue to assess those entrusted with managing public affairs, measuring words against actions, and promises against performance. The unfolding episode in Kano offers a vital lesson for all levels of government, the the need for strategic communication and competent media management cannot be overstated. Professional media handlers not only manage crises but also prevent them. They uphold transparency, maintain trust, and build bridges between leadership and the people. In the end, governance thrives not only on policies and projects but also on the confidence born out of clear, honest, and timely communication. When governments fail to manage information effectively, they risk losing both credibility and the trust of those they are meant to serve. Umar Idris Shuaibu is the publisher ‘The Historica Nigeria’ and writes from Kano.

Kaduna, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

A Quiet War on Our Soil: How Aid, Chemicals, and Banditry Are Strangling Northern Nigeria’s Ginger Heartland

Umar Idris Shuaibu / October 11, 2025

Once upon a time, the reddish-brown soils of Southern Kaduna stretching through Kachia, Jaba, Kagarko, Jere, Kwoi, Kagoro, Kafanchan, and extending into parts of Nasarawa and Plateau States, were symbols of pride and prosperity. In these lands, ginger was more than a crop; it was a culture, an inheritance, and a lifeline that defined entire communities. For decades, Nigeria ranked among the world’s top producers of ginger, with farmers from this region supplying industries from Lagos to London. The spice’s rich aroma and high oil content made it a global export brand and a source of economic pride. Today, that legacy stands on the brink of extinction. What began as an effort to “improve” local production has turned into a quiet war fought not with bullets, but with seeds, chemicals, and dependency disguised as aid. When “Aid” Becomes a Curse In the late 2010s, international development agencies, including USAID, launched a “ginger quality enhancement” programme across Kaduna State. The initiative promised higher yields through the distribution of hybrid seeds and foreign agrochemicals designed to boost export quality. At first, optimism filled the air. Farmers embraced the programme with hope for a better future. But within a few planting seasons, disaster struck. Related: Fixing the Forgotten Crisis: Solutions to Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Conflict By 2023, a devastating fungal outbreak, Proxipyricularia zingiberis had wiped out more than 90 percent of the harvest across the ginger-producing belts. From Kachia to Jaba, farmlands that once flourished turned into barren fields. Leaves turned yellow, rhizomes rotted underground, and the region’s agricultural pride vanished almost overnight. Read Also: Beyond the Headlines: The Untold Truth behind Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Clashes “I planted the seeds they gave us,” recalls Ibrahim Musa, a lifelong farmer from Kagarko. “The next year, everything died. They said it would help us and now we have nothing.” A bag of ginger that once sold for ₦50,000 now costs between ₦700,000 and ₦800,000 if it can even be found. Local ginger, once Nigeria’s golden spice, has been replaced in the market by bland imports from Asia. What was meant to be assistance has become a curse. Economic Sabotage in Slow Motion The collapse of ginger production has unleashed far-reaching economic consequences. Ginger was not just a cash crop; it was a livelihood that supported tens of thousands of households and powered an informal export chain worth billions of naira. Today, entire communities have been thrown into hardship. Farmers have abandoned their fields, youths have migrated to cities, and families are trapped in cycles of debt. Some have turned to maize, beans, or millet that is less profitable but safer crops. Government officials now speak of “crop rotation,” “organic regeneration,” and “disease surveillance.” But many wonder where that urgency was when the crisis began. Why was there no investigation into the imported seeds and chemicals? Why did no one take responsibility for the collapse of an entire agricultural ecosystem? What was supposed to be development assistance now appears to have crippled one of Nigeria’s most valuable export commodities. Aid or Dependency? The Kaduna ginger tragedy exposes a deeper problem, the blind faith in foreign “aid” models that erode local resilience. When Nigerian farmers cannot plant without imported seeds, when our soils depend on foreign fertilizers, and when local varieties are replaced by hybrids that destroy biodiversity, then our sovereignty is under threat. Not all aid is altruistic. Sometimes, it is dependency disguised as development, a subtle form of control that keeps nations perpetually reliant on external “assistance.” The North’s Struggle: Soil, Seed, and Survival Across northern Nigeria, the collapse of ginger is part of a wider tragedy. Banditry and kidnappings have driven farmers off their lands. Herders can no longer move cattle freely. Rural markets have grown silent. Food insecurity deepens as violence, environmental degradation, and misguided aid policies combine to weaken local resilience. From Kachia to Kafanchan, once-bustling farmlands now lie in silence, overrun by weeds. Every hectare lost whether to disease, chemicals, or insecurity which is a blow to Nigeria’s agricultural backbone and to its food security. “This is not coincidence,” said a local agricultural analyst Harande Isa in Zonkwa. “Destroy the soil, scatter the herds, close the roads then a proud people become dependent. That’s how control begins.” A History Worth Defending Ginger farming has deep roots in northern Nigeria’s history. During the colonial era, the British recognized the exceptional quality of Kaduna’s ginger and integrated it into export routes through the railway network to Lagos. By the 1980s and 1990s, the Kachia-Jaba axis had become the heartbeat of West Africa’s ginger trade, producing some of the world’s most potent varieties. The industry financed education, built homes, and sustained families for generations. Must Read: Food Waivers Threaten Northern Agriculture, Says Wali Today, that golden heritage faces extinction under the weight of poor policies, weak regulation, and foreign dependency. The Lesson The ginger crisis is not just about a crop but about control, sovereignty, and survival. Food security is not only the ability to eat but the freedom to grow what sustains a nation. If Nigeria cannot protect its farmers, its soil, and its markets, then no amount of imported aid will save it. For the North, what our state Governors need to focus on is protecting the soil is as vital as defending the borders. The real war is not fought only with guns and bombs, but with seeds, policies, and silence. Because the truth is simple, the war is already here. And it is being fought in our farmlands, in our markets, and in our hunger.

Politics, Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

Rivers State Set for Thanksgiving Service to Mark Transition to Democratic Governance

Umar Idris Shuaibu / September 13, 2025

Rivers State is set to mark a new chapter in its political history with an interdenominational church thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, as part of activities signaling its transition from emergency rule to democratic governance. The event, according to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, is designed to bring together leaders, citizens, and critical stakeholders to reflect on the state’s journey so far and to seek divine guidance for the years ahead. The thanksgiving will take place at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with guests expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m. Read Also: How Governor Yusuf Moves to Empower Local Councils With Financial, Administrative Freedom Those invited include permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of state security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, board members, captains of industry, and other key figures in the state. The statement further disclosed that Rivers State Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. For many, the thanksgiving service represents more than a religious gathering. It is a symbolic moment of closure and renewal — an opportunity for Rivers State to turn the page on emergency rule and embrace the promise of democratic governance.

Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

How Governor Yusuf Moves to Empower Local Councils With Financial, Administrative Freedom

Umar Idris Shuaibu / September 13, 2025

As the debate over grassroots governance deepens across Nigeria, Kano State has stepped into the spotlight with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf backing a bill that seeks to give all 44 local government councils full autonomy. Though the announcement was first made earlier this week, the development continues to generate attention as part of the governor’s broader effort to reposition governance at the local level. The move reflects a growing debate on how much independence Nigeria’s local councils should enjoy in managing their resources and shaping development in their communities. Governor Yusuf gave his support during the 31st Executive Council meeting at the Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City, where the council approved the transmission of the bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration. Read Also: How Kano’s Separated Twins Journeyed From Surgery to an Emotional Homecoming If passed into law, the legislation will empower all 44 local government councils in Kano with both financial and administrative independence, enabling them to manage funds directly, execute projects without bureaucratic delays, and make decisions tailored to their people’s needs. Governor Yusuf stressed that local government autonomy remains essential for good governance, accountability, and faster development at the grassroots, describing the reform as a necessary step in deepening democracy in Kano. He also expressed confidence that members of the State House of Assembly would rally behind the bill, which he said aligns with the overall interest of the people. For many observers, this push for local government autonomy could mark a turning point in how governance is experienced in Kano, with ripple effects for grassroots development across Nigeria.

Weekend Digest with The Historica Nigeria

How Kano’s Separated Twins Journeyed From Surgery to an Emotional Homecoming

Umar Idris Shuaibu / September 13, 2025

It was an emotional homecoming this week as Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, welcomed back the conjoined twins, Hassana Hassan Isa and Hussaina Hassan Isa, following their successful separation surgery in Saudi Arabia. The twins, who were joined at birth, had been airlifted to Saudi Arabia in October 2023 for a delicate and highly complex operation fully sponsored by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After 23 months of intensive medical procedures, rehabilitation, and special care, Saudi doctors announced the success of the separation. Governor Yusuf, who personally escorted the twins and their family to the airport nearly two years ago, was on hand once again to receive them at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport. The emotional ceremony was attended by officials of the Saudi Consulate General in Kano, family members, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the children’s safe return. Read Also: Ex-Hisbah Commanders Accuse Kano Govt of Politically Motivated Dismissal Expressing deep gratitude to the Saudi authorities, Governor Yusuf described the outcome as “a divine testimony and a new beginning for Hassana and Hussaina.” He further pledged that the state government would sponsor the children’s education from kindergarten to university, while also empowering their family with sustainable means of livelihood to ensure the girls’ proper upbringing. “This is a moment of tears of joy for Kano State, Nigeria, and humanity at large. We remain indebted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this life-saving intervention,” the Governor said. The return of Hassana and Hussaina closes a remarkable chapter of resilience, hope, and international cooperation — a story that has touched hearts in Kano and beyond.