Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Representative of Chief of Defence Staff, Brig.-Gen. Lym Hassan, Representative of Chief of Army Staff, Brig.-Gen. Ams Anyalechi, Representative of Defence College Commandant, Brid-Gen. MM Mshelia and Representative of I-G, DIG Mamman Tsafe, at the strategic stakeholders meeting on Pastoralist and Sedentary Farmers Conflict in Nigeria, in Abuja, recently.
Bauchi
National President of Diabetes Association of Nigeria
(DAN), Dr Mohammed Alkali, has urged government at all levels to check the activities of traditional medicine sellers who claim to have cure for diabetes ailment.
Making the call in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi, Alkali noted that some of these sellers had been doing incalculable damage to diabetic patients.
He said that the claim by some of them that they had cure for diabetes was misleading and amounted to gambling with the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, apart from giving concoctions that compound the condition of their victims, the claim of having cure also encourages the patients to abandon their drugs.
Alkali, who is also the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, observed that most patients that had fallen victims of such deceit were often rushed to hospitals when their condition had become hopeless.
FCT
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Olusegun
Odebunmi (Oyo-PDP) has assured Nigerians that the legislature would ensure effective implementation of the 2016 budget through its oversight function.
Odebunmi, who is Chairman, Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values of the house, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the 8th National Assembly would synergise with the executive in the implementation of the budget.
“The leadership did its best to make sure that the budget was passed as planned.
“The delay in the budget is affecting us economically and I believe once it is signed by the President, most of our challenges will be addressed.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government has inaugurated a 15-member
advisory council to advise the governor on the exercise of prerogative of mercy.
The Public Relations Officer in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Isma’il Ibrahim, said that the council was inaugurated by the SSG, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir.
Ibrahim told newsmen in Dutse that members of the council were advised to discharge their duties with probity and fear of God.
The spokesman quoted Abdulkadir as saying that the council’s function was to advise the state governor on the exercise of his prerogative of mercy as conferred on him by section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Kaduna
A total of 500 people have benefited from the free medical
services offered by the Nigeria Air Force in Kaduna to mark its 52 years anniversary.
Our correspondent reports the free medical outreach project targeted the Afaka community in Kaduna metropolis.
Air Officer Commanding the NAF Base in Kaduna, AVM Ahmed Alkali, said the gesture was to enhance civil/military relations through mutual interaction.
Alkali, who was represented by Air Cmdr. Bello Garba, noted that the relationship between the Air Force and the host community had been very cordial for years.
Kano
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has again called on Nigerians
to exercise patience as the Federal Government is doing everything possible to address the current economic situation in the country.
Osinbajo made the call when he visited the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II in his palace.
Our correspondent reports that the vice president was on a working visit to the state.
Osinbajo stressed that the Buhari-led administration was committed to transforming the living standard of Nigerians.
According to him, the Federal Government is doing everything possible to overcome the challenge soon.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said six
primary school teachers died in a road accident on Dutsinma- Katsina road.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Alhaji Abdu Bagadawa, said that the accident victims were from Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He stated that the accident, which involved 12 passengers, claimed the lives of six on the spot.
The sector commander said five people sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Dutsinma General Hospital.
Lagos
A 31-year-old man, Emmanuel Joel, who allegedly obtained
N370,000 from one Timothy Akpan on the pretext of assisting him to buy a tricycle, has appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Joel, a resident of Ajegunle area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretences.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Tony Etibeh, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in September 2015 at No. 60, Ile Film, Amukoko, Apapa, Lagos.
He said that the accused collected N370,000 from the complainant, with a promise to purchase a tricycle for him.
Elibeh said that the accused, instead of buying the tricycle, converted the money to his personal use.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, said it had arrested
members of a six-member ‘one chance’ syndicate, that use commercial vehicles to rob passengers around the Mararaba-Keffi axis of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawal Shehu, told newsmen in Lafia that the suspects, including a nursing mother, were arrested on April 3, following a report by a victim, one Ibrahim Yelwa.
Shehu said the victim had boarded a Golf III car with registration number BR 170 RSH from Area One junction in the FCT en-route Keffi with five occupants on board.
According to him, as they continued the journey, one of the passengers, whom he later discovered to be a member of the gang, started complaining that the space in the vehicle was too tight.
Ogun
The Ogun House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment
to initiate relevant legislative bills that would lead to sustained collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders to promote healthy society.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the state’s chapter of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) in Abeokuta, led by its Chairman, Rev. Christopher Ogunupebi.
Adekunbi assured that genuine non-governmental organisations would continue to enjoy the support of the state legislature.
Osun
The Osun Government has directed the closure of all
unregistered private hospitals and related health institutions across the state until they are properly updated and registered.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr Akinyinka Esho.
Esho also directed all registered clinics and convalescent homes to report at the ministry to re-affirm their status within seven days.
He said that the state government had resolved to review the activities of all private hospitals and other health facilities in order to ensure proper health care service delivery in the area.
Plateau
The Plateau State House of Assembly Committee on
Works and Housing is to sanction erring contractors handling road projects in the state.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr Salleh Shehu, made the announcement after inspecting the construction work on the Katako-Jingre road in the Bases local government area of the state.
Shehu expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the 31-kilometre road.
“It is disappointing that this road project, contracted over three years ago, has not yet been completed.
“Government saw the need to cushion the suffering of the people within this locality because they are mostly farmers.
Sokoto
The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has upheld the decision
of the Kebbi High Court which reinstated the deposed Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mustapha Jokolo.
The appellate court also ordered that all his salaries and entitlements for the 10 years that he was not on the throne be paid to him.
The incumbent Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar, had appealed against the judgment of the lower court, which reinstated Jokolo.
In a unanimous judgment, the three judges of the court led by Justice Tunde Awotoye, held that the deposition of Jokolo by the then governor contravened Sections 6 and 7 of the Chiefs Appointment and Deposition Law of the state.
“It was because the governor neither made an inquiry into the allegation against the emir nor consulted the state’s council of chiefs before arriving at his decision.
“The former governor’s action had contradicted Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The deposed emir was not given a fair hearing before he was dethroned and as such the decision was null and void,’’ the court held.
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.
-
Politics3 days agoSenate Urges Tinubu To Sack CAC Boss
-
News3 days agoAmend Constitution To Accommodate State Police, Tinubu Tells Senators
-
News3 days agoDisu Takes Over As New IGP …Declares Total War On Corruption, Impunity
-
Business3 days ago
President Tinubu Extends Raw Shea Nuts Export Ban To 2027
-
Business3 days ago
Crisis Response: EU-project Delivers New Vet. Clinic To Katsina Govt.
-
Business3 days ago
President Tinubu Approves Extension Ban On Raw Shea Nut Export
-
Sports3 days ago
NDG: Rivers Coach Appeal To NDDC In Talent Discovery
-
Business3 days ago
Fidelity Bank To Empower Women With Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills, HAP2.0