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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Commandant of the Adamawa State Internally Displaced
Persons Camp, Mr Abdulmumini Jauro, yesterday said about 1,300 people have been registered at the camp.
Jauro said this in an interview with newsmen at the Bajabure refugee camp in Girei Local Government Area.
The commandant, who is a member of Nigerian Red Cross society, said nine pregnant women were among the displaced persons.
“We have so far registered over 1,300  people who escaped from attacks in Madagali, Michika and Mubi North and South Local Government Areas of the state,” Jauro said.
He said among the refugees are 162 students of the federal polytechnic and Adamawa State University, Mubi, who are indigenes of Taraba State.

Benue

A traditional ruler in Benue State, Chief Hillary Ikyima,
has taken over the land which Mbakyaa and Dzev communities of Shangev-ya, have been fighting over.
He also called on the state government to urgently send in surveyors to cordon the disputed area in order to avoid further clashes.
Ikyima made the call yesterday when he led clan heads and other stakeholders of the area to initiate a peace meeting between the people at Imande village.
The traditional ruler, thereafter, directed all parties involved in the crisis which was said to be as a result of the gains of the forest reserve on the land, to immediately vacate the area or be handed over to law enforcement agents.
Secretary of Kwande Local Government Council, Rev. Akpaegh expressed satisfaction with the action of the traditional ruler, while pledging the commitment of the council to work closely with the traditional institution to ensure lasting peace.
FCT

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has dispelled
rumours about his defecting from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor made this known at the end of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja yesterday where the national chairman of LP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu also stated that Mimiko’s attendance at the NEC meeting puts paid to reports that he has dumped the LP. He further said he would step down as the party’s chairman and not seek re-election, having served as chairman since 2004.
At the end of the NEC meeting, Governor Mimiko in a terse response to reporters’ question about his defection said: “It is all rumours and I do not react to rumours.”

Gombe

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar,
has called on people of the state to pray against a re-occurrence of the recent flood disaster.
It was gathered that the flood which followed a heavy rainfall, claimed six lives and destroyed over 100 houses in Gombe metropolis.
He also cautioned them to desist from any action that could block waterways.
The emir spoke yesterday when he went round the town to commiserate with the bereaved families and inspect the damage caused by the flood.
Speaking through the Yeriman Gombe, he advised the people to always keep their environments clean.

Jigawa

Jigawa State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil
Defence Corps(NSCDC) yesterday said it has recovered 196 out of the 202 permanent voters cards stolen in Malam-Madori Local Government Area.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr.Muhammad Gidado.
He said after the command issued a statement on the missing cards in Tanukutaru ward, Gandun Sarki polling unit of Malam-Madori Local Government Area, three suspects were arrested.
He added that after investigation, 196 cards were recovered by the detectives. He maintained that the remaining six will soon be recovered.
Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has
called for the suppression of religious extremism of all kinds, saying most reasons given for it ends at achieving personal or group interests, thereby creating division, encouraging violence and retarding development.
Receiving the management team of Darul Iftar, an Egyptian institute led by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ashraf Salama, in Kaduna, Yero advised Nigerians to understand the true teachings of their religions to enable them promote unity and peaceful co-existence.

Kano

The Kano State chapter of the committee of leaders of
the legacy parties, ACN, ANPP, CPC, which merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied a resolution to support the aspiration of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for the presidency next year.
A report had last week claimed that the state’s elders committee of the APC was backing the governor to contest for the presidency.
But the leaders of the defunct parties in a statement said they were not aware of any elders’ committee of the APC in the state.
The terse statement signed by Alhaji Musa Umar (ACN), Garba Bala of the defunct CPC and Mallam Muktar Kwaru from the defunct ANPP, said the endorsement was “far from the truth”.
It said the two signatories of the purported communiqué were not members of the legacy parties, but members of the Kwankwasiyya group and therefore could not speak for the legacy parties.

Katsina

Five local government councils in Katsina State have
been dragged before the North-west zonal office of the Tax Appeal Tribunal sitting in Kaduna by the Federal Inland Revenue Service over tax evasion.
The councils were accused of not paying  Withholding and Value Added Tax for three years.  Counsels representing the FIRS, Barrister Nasambo Mohammed and Barrister Raji Mukhtar, told the tribunal that the five local government councils namely: Mani, Batsari, Dutsi, Daura and Baure, collected tax and refused to remit same to the appropriate authority.
Counsel representing the five local government areas, Barr. A. A. Ibrahim, asked the tribunal for more time to allow the parties negotiate out-of-court settlement.
Chairman of the tribunal, Bashir Abdullahi Albasu, then adjourned the matter to October 15, 2014.
In the same vein, Kaduna Polytechnic and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria have opted for out-of-court settlement in their tax evasion cases brought against them by the Kaduna State government.
Kogi

Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, FMC,
Lokoja, Kogi State, Dr. Gbadebo Eleshin, yesterday, said the centre would appeal the suspension of four  of its doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Last week, the Medical and Dental Council suspended Dr. Temitope Gabriel Onile for three months, while     Drs Nzurumike Charles Nanna, Danmusa Adamu Ochala and Omotayo Oluwa Damilola were each suspended for six months.
At a briefing, Eleshin said the suspension was carried out “in error by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The suspension was issued to the four doctors as a result of a pregnant woman whose time of delivery went beyond the Expected Day of Delivery, EDD, which was admitted for observation. When her condition eventually defied normal delivery and induction, and it was discovered that the woman’s uterus had ruptured, the doctors quickly prepared her for caesarean session, to save the mother and the baby, but both gave up the ghost on the way to the theatre as a result of complications.”

Lagos

The Lagos State government says it has not decided on
the recent directive by the federal government that schools across the country should resume on September 22.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr  Jide Idris,  said this while addressing newsmen on the Ebola virus.
He said  the issue was before  the  State Executive Council and that government would soon make a pronouncement on whether schools in the state would resume on the date or not.
The federal government recently reversed resumption date of schools nationwide to September 22 from the earlier date of October 13.
The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, while announcing the reversal in Abuja, said the government shifted the date backwards, because the virus had been significantly contained.
Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State says the way
the federal government is treating the issue of insurgency is not comforting.
The governor who spoke while commissioning vehicles donated to the state police command by the MTN foundation, said: “Nigerians are tired of excuses; we want to hear good news. We want to hear something positive. If Nigeria can win a civil war and win the war against militants in the Niger Delta, I wonder why it cannot overcome insurgency”.
He accused the government of being soft in its approach to the matter.
“The federal government needs to change its attitude towards insurgency; it needs to give our security agents all that they need to fight the war and win. I believe we have the capacity to win this war and defeat the agents of darkness,” he said.
He lamented that the way the matter was being handled at the moment was causing fear among the populace.
Wamakko also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with prayers and useful information.

Governor  Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenir from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar 111 for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-Union in Sokoto, recently.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenir from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-Union in Sokoto, recently.

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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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