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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Igbo community in Bauchi on Monday inaugurated an 11-member executive officers to run the affairs of the association.

   The  executive members were inaugurated following an election on Sunday.

The new officials include, Mr Hitler Umesiri as President-General while Mr Di Nkwacha and Mr Chukuta Chidi would serve as vice president and secretary, respectively.

In his remarks, Umesiri said the newly-elected officers would work towards promoting unity and project positive image of Igbo community in the state.

 

Benue

The General Manager, Benue Environmental Sanitation Agency, Mr Akpa Ediga, has warned Makurdi residents against refuse dumping into drains.

   Ediga told newsmen on Tuesday in Makurdi that the act of dumping refuse into water canals caused flooding, especially whenever it rained.

Ediga said that the agency was not resting on its oars in clearing the drains but appealed to residents to support the efforts toward ensuring a clean and safe environment for all.

He said that such refuse heaps were responsible for flooding and traffic congestion during the rainy season.

 

Borno

One person was killed after gunmen attacked Benisheikh police station, near Maiduguri, on Sunday night, the police said in a statement on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police in Borno, Alhaji Bala Hassan, said in the statement that the gunmen launched an attack at the station around 7p.m but were repelled by policemen on duty.

“When the situation became tense, a reinforcement was sought from the crack unit close by. The attackers were repelled but they used a rocket launcher to attack the building, which destroyed part of the structure,” Hassan said.

He said the attackers also hit an armoured car with the launcher destroying the windscreen.

 

FCT

A cross section of indigenes of Galadimawa village in Abuja have alleged plans by a private property developer, Mesotho Nigeria Ltd., to eject them.

the leader of the Concerned Indigenes in Galadimawa, Mr Solomon Donaye,  made this known in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the company and the village head, Chief Tanko Zhnimko, had approached some of them to come for compensation.

“We have refused to be compensated owing to the fact the government has agreed to properly resettle and compensate us.’’

 

Ekiti

A Non-Governmental Organisation in Ekiti, Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE), has expressed concern over the neglect of the rural areas in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The body said that the rural dwellers should have been considered in the litany of sensitisation programmes being organised by government and private bodies on preventive measures that could curb the spread of the dreaded scourge.

The coordinator of the body, Mr Oluwafemi Julius, made the statement in Imesi-Ekiti while distributing relief materials to some people living with HIV/AIDS.

 

Gombe

Some residents of Dule-Falam community in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State have appealed to the state government to check the indiscriminate packing of sand in the area for construction purpose.

Some farmers, who spoke to newsmen in Gombe, said that the practice by truck drivers had led to serious erosion and the washing away of their farms.

One of the respondents, Alhaji Sale Tinka, said that erosion had disrupted his plan to develop the area into a farm house to supply cow milk and other farm produce.

Tinka also said that some cows had died and that several complaints to the government on the matter had not yielded any good result.

 

Kadunaa

Workers of tertiary institutions in Kaduna State on Monday suspended their two-week-old strike.

  The Chairman of the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions, Mr Abashiya Aniggo,  directed his colleagues to resume work immediately, saying the suspension followed the intervention of the state House of Assembly and other stakeholders.

Aniggo commended the legislature, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, and other patriotic citizens for their mediation.

The Majority Leader of the House and chairman of the adhoc mediation committee, Mr David Umar, commended the leadership and members of the union for their respect, maturity and understanding in suspending the action.

 

Kano

Two persons, a man and a woman, suspected to be lovers, were found dead inside a car in the premises of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

     The Public Relations Officer of the Hospital, Alhaji Aminu Inuwa, told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the man, Sani Aliyu and the woman, Nadiya Abdu were found dead in the hospital’s premises.

He said they were discovered at about 6.30 p.m. on Monday.

Inuwa said that the car in which they died was parked around the Power House parking lot of the hospital and that they were found after their corpses had started decomposing.

 

Kwara

The Kwara Government has spent N1 billion on water reticulation of Ilorin metropolis to end the shortage of water supply.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Idris Abubakar,  said this on Monday at an inter-ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry in the past one year.

According to him, pipe laying network of Ilorin metropolis is near completion while other phases of the water reticulation will be completed by the contractor to ease water problem in the state.

He also said that all water works in the state had been rehabilitated, while 40 boreholes had been sunk in the three senatorial districts to meet the government agenda of water provision to the people.

 

Lagos

Two women, suspected to be drug traffickers, have been arrested in Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The agency’s spokesman, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement, in Lagos on Tuesday.

The statement said that the suspects, who are between ages 24 years and 25 years, were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

It said that one of the suspects, who claimed to be a hair stylist, was caught with one kilogramme of methamphetamine hidden in her inner wear.

 

Nasarawa

Nasarawa State Teachers’ Service Commission has ter-minated the appointment of three secondary school teachers in the state over financial improprieties.

   This is contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Kana on Monday in Lafia.

The statement said the teachers were found to be collecting salaries from the state ministry of education as well as various local governments.

According to the statement, the affected teachers are Alaku Obile, from Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Lafia, found to be collecting salary from the ministry and Doma Local Government, and Musa Danladi of Government Resettlement Secondary School Ukya-Toto.

 

Ondo

Market women in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to the state government to intensify efforts at developing the rural communities in the state.

The Leader of Ilaje Market Women, Mrs Bamijoko Akinyemi, said  in Igbokoda on Tuesday that more development was needed in rural areas to reduce rural-urban drift.

She said that some communities in the state were yet to feel the impact of the ‘caring heart’ of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko.

“For us in Ilaje, our case is different as we have felt his impact through the “Ise Takun Takun” as he has built the best among the standard markets for us. “We are proud to say that we have benefitted immensely from the administration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko,’’ she said.

 

Ogun

The Ogun Government on Monday directed the proprietors of illegal schools to register with the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on or before July 31.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Segun Odubela in Abeokuta.

Odubela said the State Government would seal their premises if the school owners failed to comply with the directive.

He noted that a recent survey revealed that no fewer than 1000 schools had been operating illegally in the state.

 

Oyo

The Oyo State Government says the ban placed on the activities of the NURTW in the state is still in force.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Bosun Oladele,said this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the end of the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Ibadan.

Oladele said that anything done in the name of the union in any of the garages in the state was illegal.

This, he said, was because the white paper on the report submitted by the panel which investigated the crisis in the union had not been released.

The commissioner warned those parading themselves as the new executive members of the union to desist from doing so, adding that government would deal decisively with anyone found to be threatening the existing peaceful atmosphere in the state.

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UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

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The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has conferred the Award of Digital Academic Promoter on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arrowconn Group, High Chief (Dr.) Emeka Ezekwe, for his philanthropic gestures.
Chief Ezekwe received the philanthropist award during a landmark technical workshop organised by the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, recently.
Making the presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, said the award was in recognition of Ezekwe’s philanthropic contributions, academic support, and dedication to human capital development, hailing his commitment to bridging industry and academia.
Ezekwe who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, delivered a keynote address at the event with a theme: “Technicalities and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business and Education.”
In his address, Ezekwe described the current AI surge as a civilizational shift rather than a mere technological upgrade.
He compared AI’s rapid trajectory to past innovations like electricity, computers, the Internet, and mobile phones, which he said, progressed from luxuries to necessities.
“AI is reshaping value creation, knowledge sharing, and decision-making at unprecedented speed. It has moved from experimentation to execution, powering business forecasting, academic research, digital learning, and strategic decisions,” he said.
The business mogul, however, warned that in business, delays lead to losses, while in education, irrelevance spells failure.
“AI is no longer optional, it is a necessity,” he declared.
Ezekwe highlighted the critical AI skill gap, driven by curriculum lags, limited training, and fear of the unknown, but stressed the bigger danger which is exclusion.
“Those who master AI will shape markets, education, and policy; those who lag will be shaped by others,” he said.
The Arrowconn Group boss also outlined AI’s practical advantages for businesses —including data-driven strategies, smarter investments, scalable customer insights, and competitive edges for SMEs.
In education, he clarified that AI empowers rather than replaces teachers, enabling personalized learning, efficient lesson planning, assessment support, and accelerated research.
He advocated a shift from rote memorization to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while preserving human strengths in engagement, judgment, and collaboration.
Ezekwe urged ethical AI development, warning that “technology without values is dangerous,” and called on institutions like UNIZIK to update curricula, train educators, promote interdisciplinary work, forge industry partnerships, and produce graduates who are solution providers in an AI-driven world.
The workshop also marked the unveiling of the maiden edition of the UNIZIK Journal of Business Education and Entrepreneurship, reinforcing the department’s push for scholarly innovation in AI applications.
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Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

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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.

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UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

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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.

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