Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State said that the recent attack on Ganye had created distrust among the people of the area.
Nyako, who was speaking when he visited the affected town to sympathise with the Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, at his palace, urged the residents to be security-conscious and live in peace with one another.
The governor recalled his inability to resolve a water problem in one of the technical skills acquisition centres in the state because of insecurity.
He explained that after liaising with the Bauchi State Government to bring in some Chinese experts to address the water problem, the foreigners could not come to Adamawa.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has called on Christians in the state to emulate the preaching of Jesus Christ, which teaches peace, honesty and love for one another.
In his Easter message to the people in Bauchi, Yuguda urged them to bury their ethnic, religious or political differences and live in peace and harmony with one another.
He appealed to the people to continue to pray for an end to the current security challenges that had bedevilled some parts of the country.
The governor said that the period was being observed to remember Jesus Christ, who paid the supreme price in order to save souls.
Yuguda also called on Christians to use the Easter celebrations as sober reflection and self-evaluation towards relating with the Creator and their fellow men.
Benue
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dominic Ajones, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for granting state pardon to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other Nigerians.
Ajones who made the commendation in an interview in Makurdi, Wednesday said that not all the president’s actions were politically motivated, adding that the presidential pardon to the former governor was in the overall interest of Nigerians.
“Not all the decisions of the president are politically motivated; the idea of granting state pardon to people is a way of emulating Christ Jesus who despite our numerous sins died for our sins.
He said that section 175 of the 1999 Constitution empowered the president through adequate consultations with the National Council of State (NCS) to grant pardon to individuals who had suffered convictions.
FCT
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders have adopted a template of etiquettes and regulations for this year’s hajj.
A meeting on the matter, attended by officials of NAHCON, state pilgrims welfare boards and travel agencies at the National Mosque in Abuja, Wednesday agreed on sets of guidelines for the smooth operations of this year’s hajj.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, said that some of the key areas agreed upon in the guidelines include conduct of pilgrims and activities of flight operators during the exercise.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Mohammed Sani,commended NAHCON for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive strategy.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Army said it was retraining its soldiers on weapons handling to enhance their efficiency in tackling security challenges in the country.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Garba Wahab, said this while speaking to journalists during the Range Classification Training for soldiers in Kaduna Thursday.
Wahab said the retraining would also enable the military personnel to prevent any mishap or accidental discharge while carrying out their duties.
According to the commandant, all soldiers are expected to undergo physical, medical and weapon handling training annually to ascertain their capability.
The GOC also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the soldiers at the retraining camp, assuring the public of the army’s resolve to tackle any security breach during Easter.
Kogi
An Okene High Court in Kogi State, last Thursday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Head of Service (HOS) and the Accountant-General.
Justice Sunday Otu, who issued the bench warrant in Okene, said the three government functionaries had persistently ignored the court summons to appear before it.
He said the HOS, Mr Moses Atakpa; the Attorney General, Mr Joe Abrahams and the Accountant-General, Mr Paul Audu, refused to implement the court’s judgment of May 14, 2012 ordering the re-absorption of 346 state civil servants sacked illegally in 2009.
It held that the affected workers had genuine documents of employment and were legally employed by the state government.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government said it would soon introduce contributory pension scheme as part of the government’s drive to enable workers to enjoy stress-free post retirement life.
Governor Abdulftah Ahmed gave the indication in Ilorin when he received the management of Leadway Assurance Plc, led by its Managing Director, Mr Hassan Odukale.
Ahmed noted in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, that the scheme had been problematic for the country and its civil servants for a long time.
He said that the contributory scheme would not only ensure that workers contributed towards their retirement but also removed post retirement uncertainties and described the scheme as the future of effective pension administration in the country.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has banned all traditional rulers in the state from residing outside their domains in the interest of peace and progress of their people.
The ban followed the motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Godiya Akwashiki (PDP-Nasarawa Eggon West).
The bill to regulate the movement of the state traditional rulers passed the third reading after the adoption of the motion. Akwashiki said that the law would ensure that all traditional rulers resided and presided over issues within their chiefdoms.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State last Thursday swore-in Justice Fati Lami Abubakar as the acting Chief Judge of Niger.
Abubakar’s appointment followed the exit of the Chief Judge, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, who proceeded on retirement, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.
Aliyu said the appointment and consequent swearing-in of Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge of the state was in conformity with the powers vested in his office under Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
Ogun
The acting Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Saburi Adesanya, said the institution would recall 120 lecturers retrenched in 2009.
The institution had in 2009 retrenched 962 teaching and non-teaching staff.
The Vice Chancellor said this in Ago-Iwoye Thursday at a news conference to mark the beginning of the 22nd convocation ceremony of the university.
Adesanya said the process of recalling some of the lecturers became imperative due to the shortage of academic staff at the institution.
He said that new lecturers would also be employed to address the problem of under staffing.
Oyo
The Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Habitat has vowed to continue demolishing illegal structures as well as buildings under high tension lines in the state.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Modupe Omonigbeyin, said in Ibadan on Thursday that government would not relent until there was total compliance.
The permanent secretary, who expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far by residents, said they still needed to be encouraged.
“ Before now, Ibadan for example, had the reputation of being the dirtiest city in the country. This is why Governor Abiola Ajimobi embarked on the Urban Renewal Project,’’ she said.
Plateau
The League for Human Rights, based in Jos has demanded N100 million compensation from the Nigerian Army over the alleged “extra-judicial killing” of a 26-year-old NYSC member.
Making the demand in a statement issued in Jos, Wednesday, the group alleged that the corps member, Wagley Dauda, was shot dead by a soldier at NASCO Area of Jos on February 16.
The Director of the organisation, Mr Nankin Bagudu, who signed the statement, said the brutal murder of Dauda at about 11a.m. on the fateful day was done by soldiers of the STF who mounted a checkpoint in the area.
Bagudu noted that efforts to see the STF Commander over the incident had been futile as he had directed the bereaved family to the driver of the cab in which Dauda was killed, claiming that the STF had nothing to do with the death.
Yobe
The Chairman, Coalition of Political Parties in Yobe, Malam Umar Kukuri, said that eight political parties had indicated interest to contest the local government council election in the state in June.
Kukuri, who is also the state chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu, that the parties indicated interest to field candidates in the election during an interactive forum organised by the state electoral commission which was attended by the parties.
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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