News
Renowned Adire Artisan, Grandma Sikira Adunni Aladire, Dies at 90
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
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
