Renowned Adire Artisan, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, Dies at 90

By: Michael Mike

A prominent traditional tie-and-dye artist and respected community figure, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, has died at the age of 90.

She passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, at her residence in Ile Toki, located at No. N1/506 Balogun Ibikunle Street, Ayeye, Ibadan. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites.

Widely known by her popular nickname, “Sikira Aladire,” the nonagenarian built a reputation for excellence in the traditional Yoruba art of Adire (tie and dye). She began her training in the craft in the mid-1950s, during Nigeria’s pre-independence era, and went on to become one of the most recognized artisans in her community.

Her intricate patterns and culturally inspired designs drew admirers from far and near. Historical accounts from family members indicate that colonial officials and foreign visitors frequently visited Ile Toki to purchase her fabrics, contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a hub for high-quality tie-and-dye production. Some of her products were reportedly exported abroad, showcasing the artistic heritage of Ibadan and the wider Yoruba culture.

Beyond her craftsmanship, Grandma Sikira was described as a devout Muslim and a custodian of Yoruba traditions. She was also known for her love of Apala and Dundun music, often entertaining neighbors with her graceful dance steps at social gatherings.

Family members said she remained committed to her faith, family, and community throughout her lifetime, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and service.

She is survived by her children — Late Sarah Alimi, Abibat Alimi, Suleiman Azeez, and Latifat Balogun — as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and other extended family members.

The 7-day Fidau prayer is scheduled to hold at 12 noon on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her residence in Ile Toki, Ayeye, Ibadan.

Family members prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for her shortcomings and asked that she be granted Al-Jannah Firdaus.

Renowned Adire Artisan, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, Dies at 90

World bank boss commends Zulum for massive investment in education

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Mathew Verghis, has commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his massive investment in the education sector which to him is the very foundation for development.

He described Borno as a State of resilience, history and long term scholarship which is why he is not surprised that education has become a front burner investment which has come to stay.

The World Bank boss made the remark during the commissioning of the Maimusari primary and junior secondary school Mairi on Monday in the presence of the Governor and several dignitaries who witnessed the occasion.

Dr Verghis noted that the commissioning of 104 mega schools so far in the state is a continuation of the legacy and scholarship that has been associated with the renowned Kanem Borno Empire.

Verghis called on the students to ask questions to enable them make progress and “dream” very well to get to the very essence of seeking for an education which is the reason for being in school.

Earlier, the World Bank boss had commissioned some legacy projects executed by the administration of Governor Babaganda Zulum before arriving Mairi in jere council area.

The projects, comprising a flyover bridge, three state-of-the-art mega schools and three dual-carriageway road projects, represents Zulum’s giant strides in Borno’s post-insurgency urban renewal and human capital development agenda.

He stated during one of the events that, “We have seen today many of the programmes that Governor Zulum is leading and where the World Bank is supporting, and we are proud to do that and will continue to do so.

“We will continue to work with the government of Borno State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the communities and families who are the true architects of this country’s future.

“These schools are more than buildings; it is a testament, it says to every young person in this community, your future matters, it says to every girl who was told that school was not for her, we disagree, it says all this to every family that has endured hardship and anxiety and uncertainty.” said Verghis.

The newly commissioned educational facilities included the 30 classrooms Government Secondary School, Maimusari, Mairi; the 30 classrooms Mega Primary School, Maimusari and the Classrooms Command Secondary School, Maiduguri.

Other projects commissioned were the West End flyover bridge, the 1.53 km Sultan Mainalari Dual Carriage Road, the 2.3 km Bursari Dual Carriage Road and the 2.4 km Shehu Sanda Kura Dual Carriage Road.

Responding, Zulum highlighted some of the milestones achieved by his administration, including equitable access to quality education, infrastructure and urban renewal, economic growth and efforts on climate change.

He stressed that “Today’s commissioning of Maimusari Junior Secondary School, Mairi, alongside other mega school facilities, represents a major achievement in our education recovery and expansion efforts. These modern 30 classroom mega schools are designed to provide equitable access to quality education, particularly for orphans, vulnerable children, and those affected by conflict.

“The urgency of these investments is reflected in findings from the World Bank-supported Recovery and Peace Building Assessment, which revealed that over 5,000 classrooms were destroyed, leaving approximately 2.2 million children out of school at the peak of the crisis.

“In response, our administration has constructed 104 new schools and rehabilitated 2,931 classrooms and related facilities. These interventions have reduced the number of out-of-school children by over 70 per cent, bringing the figure to fewer than 800,000, while school enrolment has increased to over 1.4 million children as at December 2025.

“To sustain school enrolment and retention, particularly among children from vulnerable households, our administration has implemented comprehensive support measures since 2019. These include the provision of over 20 million exercise books, 2 million textbooks, 1.5 million sets of school uniforms, 700,000 school bags, and other essential learning materials.

“In addition, our school feeding programme supports approximately 50,000 pupils annually, while the distribution of 10,000 bicycles has improved access to education for students in rural communities. These interventions reflect our unwavering commitment to removing barriers to education and ensuring that no child is left behind.

“In response to the large number of out-of-school youth who have exceeded conventional school age, our administration has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway for skills acquisition and economic empowerment. We have established five Vocational Enterprise Institutes, three Second-Chance Women and Girls Skills Entrepreneurship Schools, and reactivated nine vocational training centres across the State.

“In addition, we have undertaken reforms to modernise the Tsangaya education system while preserving its rich heritage. As part of this initiative, we are establishing Higher Islamic Colleges in each of the 27 local government areas, with 20 already completed, alongside the introduction of basic literacy, numeracy, English Language proficiency, ICT, and technical and vocational skills to equip learners with competencies relevant to today’s world.

“Beyond education, our administration continues to invest significantly in critical infrastructure to support urban renewal and economic growth. Today, you commissioned 7.44 kilometres of dual carriageway, 14.86 kilometres of drainage infrastructure, and our third flyover bridge.

” In total, we have constructed four flyovers, with another currently underway, alongside approximately 412.603 kilometres of roads and 108.97 kilometres of drainage systems across the State.” said the Governor.

World bank boss commends Zulum for massive investment in education

NEMA Provides Relief to Banditry Victims in Kebbi as Communities Struggle to Recover

By: Michael Mike

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the distribution of emergency relief materials to victims of recent banditry attacks in Kebbi State, offering support to families displaced by a wave of violence that has unsettled parts of the state.

The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, flagged off the exercise in Birnin Kebbi, targeting affected residents in Shanga, Yauri and Bunza Local Government Areas. She said the intervention followed a detailed assessment of the affected communities to identify their most pressing needs.

Over the past weeks, suspected bandits reportedly launched coordinated attacks on several villages across the three local government areas. Residents were forced to flee as homes were burnt, food stores destroyed and livelihoods disrupted. Local authorities confirmed casualties and displacement, with many families seeking refuge in neighbouring communities and temporary shelters.

The attacks form part of a broader security challenge confronting parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out raids on rural settlements, targeting civilians and farmlands. In Kebbi, the violence has compounded existing socio-economic pressures, particularly for farming communities that depend on seasonal harvests for survival.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Umar conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the affected families and the Kebbi State Government. She noted that the relief materials—including food items, bedding and other essential supplies—were provided to cushion the immediate hardship faced by victims.

According to her, the response aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises prompt humanitarian assistance and citizen welfare. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations impacted by insecurity and other disasters.

Representing the Emir of Gwandu, the Wazirin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, commended the Federal Government and NEMA for what he described as a timely and compassionate intervention. He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items while praying for lasting peace in the affected communities.

Also speaking, the Wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir, said the support would help restore hope to displaced families and ease the burden on host communities.

The distribution exercise is part of ongoing efforts by NEMA to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of insecurity and strengthen support systems for crisis-affected populations across the country.

NEMA Provides Relief to Banditry Victims in Kebbi as Communities Struggle to Recover