Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government, has released about N10 million to sensitise nomads across the state on the need to allow their children to acquire Western education.
Chairman Bauchi State Agency for Nomadic Education, Alhaji Umar Mustapha , disclosed this on Tuesday in Bauchi in an interview.
Mustapha said the agency was established by the incumbent administration in the state to cater for the educational needs of pastoralists, fishermen, nomads and immigrant farmers.
He expressed satisfaction with the increase in the number of primary schools for nomadic pupils and said that the number increased from 233 some few years ago to 245 this year.
Benue
The Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Benue, Mr Anum Iho, said on Tuesday that the welfare of teachers in the state would soon be enhanced.
Iho stated in Makurdi while addressing teachers at the Makurdi Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) that he had already initiated discussions with appropriate authorities towards enhancing the teachers’ package.
The chairman said that, being a teacher; he would take up the challenges of the sector with urgency, urged primary school teachers to always channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities through dialogue.
Also, the Education Secretary of Makurdi LGEA, Mr Godfrey Torgeri, commended the state governor for appointing a teacher as the head of the board.
Borno
The Shehu of Borno, on Tuesday renewed call Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, on the Boko Haram sect to dialogue with the government to end the violence in parts of the country.
Ibn Garbai made the call at the opening of a capacity workshop for Local Government Hajj Fare Collectors in Maiduguri.
“Let me add my voice to the numerous appeals to our brothers in the Jama’atul Ahlis Sunnah Lida’awati Wal Jihad by well meaning Nigerians. “They should seek the course of peace and harmony in the months ahead and beyond.’’
Ibn Garbai pointed out that Islam did not encourage violence in any form. “The bedrock of Islam is peace and this great attribute of our religion must not be overlooked.
“I am appealing to our brothers to stop the acts of violence and come forward for dialogue if they wish to seek redress on any issue.”
Gombe
A consultant haematologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, Dr Ahmed Girei, has advised intending couples to ensure they go for genotype test before planning marriage.
He gave this advice during the World Sickle Cell Day commemoration in Gombe.
“It is important for intending couples to know their genotype so that they will not produce children who are carriers. “People should be aware that sickle cell condition is an inherited disorder and is in existence.’’
Girei advised people to seek the necessary information to enable them take precautionary measures, noting that for those that inherited the gene, it was possible to live a normal live with proper care.
According to the consultant, sickle cell is not curable but there are measures that patients need to take to limit the crisis and complication.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapters of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atul Nasir Islam (JNI) on Tuesday appealed to residents of the state to be calm “no matter the provocation or agitating passion’’.
Addressing a joint news conference in Kaduna, the organisations also called on the residents to be law abiding and not to take the laws into their hands.
The conference was addressed by the chairmen, Rev. Samuel Kujiat and Alhaji Ja’afaru Makarfi of CAN and JNI, respectively.
The chairmen also told the residents that they would render account of their deeds before God, urging them to cooperate with government and security agencies to restore peace.
Kogi
The Police in Kogi have arrested four persons for allegedly exhuming a corpse for ritual purposes at a cemetery in Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government of Kogi.
Briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Lokoja, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Katsina, said the suspects were arrested on June 7 by the command’s ambush squad at the cemetery after exhuming the body.
He said his men laid ambush for the alleged ritualists and watched them “desecrate the serenity of the environment” as they exhumed the body.
Katsina said the suspects were in the process of dismembering the head when policemen swooped on them.
Kwara
A labour activist, Mr Emmanuel Aiyeoribe, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to prosecute those involved in the oil subsidy scam in the interest of the masses.
Aiyeoribe, former Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara chapter, said in Ilorin that the report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee was unique.
He said it should be separated from the bribery allegation leveled against Rep. Farouk Lawan and others. “The Federal Government should separate the issue of subsidy scam from the bribery allegation in the interest of the Nigerian masses and justice.
Lagos
A former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), on Tuesday said that good leadership would sustain Nigeria’s existence in the face of security challenges.
Agbakoba, also a rights activist, said that providing dividends of democracy would avert religious and ethnic clashes among Nigerians.
He spoke against the backdrop of continued bomb attacks on churches in some northern states of the country.
“Until the leadership ensures that Nigerians partake in the dividends of democracy, terrorism, kidnapping, robbery and other vices will thrive. “There is the need for governments to make sure that Nigerians are provided with good education, adequate and free medicare. “This is the only way to prevent a revenge of the people,’’ he said.
Plateau
Justice Ambrose Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Jos, Tuesday reprimanded lawyers who appeared before him and expressed regrets that standards had fallen “abysmally low.”
“Some lawyers who come to this court are not worthy to be addressed as lawyers because they mess up cases with their very poor knowledge of even basic processes. “Sometimes, I have to be a teacher for things to move smoothly; this is not good for the law profession to which I also belong,” Allagoa lamented.
The judge said that only “very few solicitors” were serious with the profession.
Sokoto
Secretary of Aliyu Magatakarda Advocacy Group (AMAG), Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, on Tuesday called on members of the National Assembly (NASS) to come up with more stringent laws that would end the senseless killings of Nigerians in some parts of the country.
Yabo said in Sokoto that the NASS should also ensure adequate provisions for the purchase of modern equipment and up-to-date training for security agencies to ensure they could more effectively tackle the current crime situation in the country.
He was of the view that a better trained security force would be able to map out strategies that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in planting bombs in some parts of the country.
Yabo said that as representatives of the people, time has come for them to work out security modalities that would guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
Taraba
The Deputy Chairman, Taraba chapter of the PDP, Alhaji Danladi Shehu, on Tuesday called on political appointees and elected representatives of the people to commit their earnings into the well-being of their communities.
Shehu said in Jalingo that a situation where politicians stayed away from their constituencies only to resurface during campaigns was not encouraging.
He added that restiveness in some of the communities nationwide was due to unfulfilled promises by the political class.
Shehu said it would not take much for politicians to create jobs such as vulcanising, carpentry, bricklaying and farming to keep youths in their communities.
He said governments at all levels must also wake up to their responsibility of meeting the challenges of development by providing the required basic infrastructure and social services.
Zamfara
The Zamfara Government has voted N50 million to upgrade facilities and renovate dilapidated structures at the College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences at Bakura.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Malami Yandoto disclosed this on Tuesday during a facility inspection visit to the college.
Yandoto said that the college would continue to attract the attention of the state government to stand the test of time.
He said that the college remained one of the lasting and virile legacies of the late premier of the defunct Northern Region, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, adding that the state government had prioritised agriculture as the mainstay of the state economy, adding that it would provide facilities that could assist farmers to imbibe mechanised agriculture.
“The government would do everything possible to provide facilities that could transform our farming,’’ he said.
The commissioner said that provision of standard facilities at the college would enhance better learning of modern agricultural techniques and open more grounds for technical training of extension workers.
He said that the knowledge would be imparted to rural farmers by the extension workers so that agricultural production in the state would triple while the local economy could grow fast.
Yandoto said that some of the facilities that would be renovated included classroom blocks and students hostel while laboratory and research equipment would be upgraded.
The Provost of the College, Malam Umaru Muhammad, commended the state government for coming to the aid of the institution.
He promised to make use of the facilities for high quality teaching and learning.
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.
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