Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Police Command has mobilised 4,000 personnel to ensure security for the two-day campaign visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Yola, scheduled for today and tomorrow.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Akelere Shinaba, disclosed this in Yola on Monday while addressing newsmen.
Shinaba said various units of the police, including Bomb Squad, Mounted troop, Police Dog and a detachment of Mobile Police from Enugu, had been mobilised for the presidential campaign visit.
“We are going to be civil, courteous but very firm in the discharge of our duty.
“We are not out to intimidate anybody but we will deal with anyone who tries to foment trouble,” Shinaba said.
He advised the public to cooperate with the police and other security operatives that would direct them on moving in and out of Ribadu Square, venue of the campaign rally, to avoid incidents such as stampede.
The Commissioner also assured journalists of unfettered access to cover Jonathan’s presidential campaign.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has approved the implementation of 27.5 per cent allowance for teachers in the state and local government employ, one year after some states had implemented.
Following agreement reached between the national body of the NUT and the 36 governors, the latter had agreed to pay the 27.5 per cent in the allowances of teachers as from January 2010.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service, Establishment and ServiCom Matters, Alhaji Hudu Yunusa, in Bauchi yesterday.
The statement said that government had approved the new allowances and incentives for teachers in secondary schools in addition to the already existing Teachers Salary Scale (TSS).
“The allowances include the 20 per cent Inducement, 10 per cent Rural, Examination/ Supervision, 10 per cent Learning Society and five per cent Responsibility.
Others are the five per cent Hazard, five per cent English, 10 per cent Mathematics and 10 per cent Science Courses Allowances,” it said.
Benue
Chief Obadiah Ando, the Minister of Water Resources, has laid the foundation stone of a N17 billion multi-purpose earth dam in Otobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.
Ando said on the occasion that the dam, billed for completion in two and a half years, had the capacity to supply 30 million cubic metres of water.
He said the hydro-power component of the dam had the capacity to generate five megawatts of electricity for the people of Otukpo and its environs.
“The Otukpo multi-purpose dam is designed to supply water to several communities and irrigate 2,000 hectares of land downstream of the dam,” the minister said on Monday.
He said the Federal Government had committed a lot of resources to the development of dams and irrigation projects nationwide to boost economic activities ensure food security and enhance the wellbeing of the people.
FCT
Justice Hussein Baba of the FCT High Court yesterday in Abuja threatened to send out any lawyer who is “shabbily” dressed.
Baba, who expressed his disappointment at the way some lawyers appeared in court, said there was an urgent need for change in the dress code of lawyers in Abuja.
“I will not tolerate counsel who dress shabbily to court. You are supposed to wear your white stiff wing collar with bands hanging down the front of the neck.
“You are also supposed to wear either a black double-breasted suit or with a waist coat if single-breasted or a black coat and waist coat and grey pin striped trousers.
“These are the basic things you were taught in Law School. This is a High Court. Your appearance matters here,” Baba said.
Meanwhile, Baba has fixed May 8 for judgment in a murder case filed against an accused, Paul Owolo, by the State (Ministry of Justice).
Katsina
The Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA) has released N2.7 million to the families of 11 passengers who died in a recent accident involving one of its buses.
Presenting cheques totalling N1.7 million to the second batch of seven families in Katsina on Tuesday, the General Manager of the authority, Alhaji Sirajo Makera, said four families had earlier received N1 million.
He explained that each deceased passenger’s family received N250,000 being part of the insurance scheme entered between the authority and an insurance company for the safety of passengers.
The manager said the payment was not meant to compensate the families of the deceased, but was a palliative measure.
Kebbi
Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State has promised to provide more amenities to the people of Gwandu Local Government Area if re-elected.
The governor, who is the PDP flag bearer in the April election, made the pledge while addressing party supporters in Gwandu on Monday.
“The provision of 20 kilometres of roads in this area would be executed during my second tenure,” he said.
He said in the last four years, N820million was spent on the provision of a new General Hospital and township roads.
“The hospital was provided at N685million while N135million was spent on roads. “If you elect me in April 2011, my focus would be on improvement of amenities for better living conditions as well as youth empowerment.
“Job opportunities would be created to promote self reliance,” he added. He appealed to youths in the area to shun politics of violence and money.
Kogi
Workers in Kogi began an indefinite strike on Monday to protest alleged government refusal to fulfill agreements on the payment of allowances to them, labour said.
A statement, issued by Abdulsalami Ojanaun, on behalf of NLC and TUC in Lokoja yesterday, described the strike as a last resort by the workers.
Labour recalled that the issues in dispute were the same on which government and labour agreed last year but that the government had reneged its part of the bargain.
The statement recalled that the government issued a circular on February 17, stating that “Federal circulars not adopted or domesticated would not apply in the state.”
The workers are demanding the payment of salary relativity to core civil servants and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to health workers.
Lagos
Doctors in federal hospitals in Lagos on Monday embarked on strike in sympathy with their striking colleagues in Lagos State Government-owned health institutions.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) last Friday directed doctors in all federal hospitals, apart from those in the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), to join the strike.
The NMA said the strike, beginning from Monday, was in support of their colleagues in Lagos State hospitals, following the refusal of the state government to meet their demands.
Doctors in the state hospitals on October 4, 2010 began a strike to press for the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a reduction of tax and the re-instatement of a dismissed colleague. Our correspondent, who visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, and the Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, on Monday reports that there were no doctors to attend to patients in the two institutions, and only nurses were available at the psychiatric hospital.
A nurse at the psychiatric hospital, who elected to remain anonymous, said that the doctors were not around, adding, “we have only nurses and nurse assistants working in the hospital today and we are doing the work of the doctors,” she said.
It was discovered that resident doctors also abandoned their duty posts at the LUTH, leaving only nurses and consultants to attend to patients.
Plateau
Eight residents of the Tin Mines Quarters, Jos, have appeared before a Kabong Upper Area Court for alleged conspiracy and unauthorised entry into some houses without the manager’s consent.
The accused persons are Musa Silas, Pam Chuwang, Chuwang Silas, Yohanna Davou, Challom Sho, Mrs Kachallom Silas, Gyang Pam and Rwang Chollom.
The manager of the quarters, Mr Charles Abeh, told the court that the accused persons broke into the houses without his knowledge.
He claimed that the accused persons conspired and broke into two houses which were locked after the tenants who lived there had left. Abeh said that since 1980, he had been managing the quarters which were given to him by the Amalgamated Tin Mines of Nigeria to handle.
He told the court that the accused persons claimed they had been given the right to move into the houses by the Consolidated Tin Mines Association which, he said, lacked the right to do so.
“I have every document to show that I am still the manager of the houses. “My Lord, I am here to move the motion for the suit; the motion is supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit.
Sokoto
Ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan’s scheduled campaign visit to Sokoto State today, about 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to provide security in the state.
Alhaji Adeola Adeniji, the state Commissioner of Police, told newsmen in Sokoto on Monday that an operational order had been issued to the officers and men, to provide effective security network during the presidential visit.
He said the command had evolved a system that would enhance the security situation during and after the visit.
He said the command expected reinforcement from Kebbi, Zamfara and katsina states to effectively cover the state.
The Commissioner called on politicians to eschew violence, warning that any one caught in the act would be prosecuted.
“Sokoto state is one of the peaceful states in the federation and a formidable security mechanism has been put in place to sustain the tempo,” he said.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government is to disburse a N178 million as grants to women associations in 17 local government areas to empower them.
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam announced this yesterday at Yusufari town in Yobe while inspecting some projects.
He said the amount would be released next week to the local government councils through their Committee of Trustees set up by the chairmen of the councils.
According to him, the objective of the grant is to improve the income of rural women, especially in agriculture and livestock farming as well as encourage them to participate in politics.
Gaidam added that “we all know how our mothers suffer to keep the family, especially in this difficult time.”
The governor said that the money would be disbursed in accordance with the committees’ recommendations, which must be based on peculiarity needs and job description.
“Under the arrangement, each group from a ward will receive N1 million as grant,” Gaidam said.
He said that last year, the government bought and distributed sewing, tailoring and baking machines as well as computer sets to 500 youths in the state.
The Head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive forensic science infrastructure, warning that the nation’s ability to investigate and solve crime is being hampered by lack of scientific data and systems.
In his inaugural lecture titled, “Man: Fearfully Different, Wonderfully Made,” delivered as part of the 207th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university, Prof Oladipo highlighted that while no two individuals are exactly the same, the country currently lacks the robust systems needed to collect and manage biological and anthropometric data that could support criminal investigations.
He explained that the natural variations among humans — from fingerprints to physical measurements — form the foundation of personal identification in forensic work. These biological differences, he said, are essential for distinguishing one person from another, especially in the context of criminal investigations where clarity of identity can mean the difference between justice and impunity. Without this scientific foundation, he argued, law enforcement agencies lack a critical tool in the fight against crime.
Experts have noted that Nigeria’s forensic science capacity has historically lagged behind needs, with only a few forensic facilities available and many law enforcement agencies struggling to access or use scientific evidence effectively. One review of the state of forensic investigation in Nigeria found that outdated facilities and limited adoption of modern forensic methods have left many cases unsolved or poorly investigated, even as crime rates rise across the country.
In Lagos, efforts to improve forensic capabilities have focused on DNA analysis, with the Lagos State DNA Forensic Centre — the first of its kind in West Africa — providing critical support for criminal investigations and helping to identify human remains, link related cases, and assist with paternity testing. However, such initiatives are yet to be replicated at a national scale, leaving many regions without access to these vital scientific tools.
Prof Oladipo’s lecture went beyond academic theory to propose concrete actions. He called for the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science responsible for creating and managing a nationwide anthropometric and forensic data bank. This repository, he stressed, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track crime, assist law enforcement agencies, and improve the administration of justice by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and legal processes.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research and training in forensic science. Many Nigerian universities currently lack the funding and infrastructure to offer complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs in areas such as forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigation, a gap that forces aspiring experts to rely on collaborations with institutions abroad. By fostering a research-friendly environment and securing greater support from both government and private sectors, Nigerian institutions could produce homegrown experts capable of advancing forensic science in the country.
Awareness of forensic science’s role in criminal justice remains low among the general public and even among some security professionals. Studies have shown that a significant portion of Nigerians are unfamiliar with basic forensic concepts or the existence of tools such as DNA profiling and national forensic databases — tools that are common features of criminal justice systems in countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Prof Oladipo also urged regular training and retraining programs to keep forensic practitioners updated with evolving scientific methods. According to him, continuous professional development is critical in a field where technological advances — from biometric databases to digital forensic tools — are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved.
The lecture was attended by academics, students, and professionals drawn to the intersection of science, identity, and justice, all of whom heard the professor make a compelling case for scientific innovation and institutional reform as central to Nigeria’s effort to contain crime and strengthen its justice system.
The event not only showcased Prof Oladipo’s expertise in human anatomy and forensic psychology but also positioned forensic science as a strategic national priority — one that could bring clarity to investigations, support victims and their families, and ultimately enhance public safety across Nigeria.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
