Nation
THE STATES
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Binta Bello (right), presenting prizes to the best dancers, during the ministry’s party with children from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, as part of activities for the 2016 Children’s Day celebration at New Kichingoro in Abuja on Wednesday. With her is the Ministry’s Director of Child Development, Mrs Georgette Azogu (left).
Adamawa
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in
Damare, Adamawa State, is currently hosting no fewer than 152 lactating mothers, 97 pregnant women and 68 unaccompanied children, among other displaced persons.
Manager of the camp, Mr Nurudeen Musa, disclosed this when Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Abdul-Azeez Nyako, visited the camp recently.
He said that the camp was established in 2014 and had so far hosted about 14,000 displaced persons.
The manager said that of this number, only 2000 IDPs were now remaining in the camp as a result of the improvement in the security situation in the North East.
In his remarks, chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Sen. Nyako, assured the displaced persons of commitment of governments to their safe return home.
Nyako said government was concerned about their plight and would continue to equip its agencies to carter for their welfare.
Borno
The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has warned
people against indiscriminate felling of trees to protect the environment.
The National Coordinator, Sustainable Development Programme of Lake Chad Basin, Alhaji Bale Bura, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Bura also urged people to respect environmental laws that sought to protect the environment or risk sanctions.
“Much has been done in past years to mitigate environmental degradation, but some individuals still continue with the evil practices,“ he said.
He said that the only panacea to desert encroachment was “to plant more trees and stop cutting them.
Ekiti
No fewer than 9,000 Nigerian students are currently
studying in Malaysian universities, the country’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lim Juay Jin, has said.
Jin disclosed this in Ado Ekiti at the Afe Babalola University during a visit.
He spoke at a programme tagged “Diplomatic Talk”, organised by the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy of the university.
Jin said that the affected Nigerians chose to study in Malaysia because they realised that his country was “one of the top tertiary education destinations in the world”.
He said that the students were studying at all levels of education including undergraduate, masters as well as doctorate levels.
The envoy attributed the development to availability of facilities, affordable fees, friendly learning environment, quality tutors, good governance and stable economy.
Gombe
Gombe State Police Command has confirmed the death
of one Baba Jigawa, aged 75, who was found hanging in a provision store at Gombe Timber market.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmed Usman, told newsmen in Gombe that the incident occurred on Monday.
“He was found hanging; photograph of his remains snapped and investigations are still ongoing”, he said.
Usman said the body was taken to the Specialists’ Hospital Gombe, where Doctors confirmed that he had passed on.
According to him, efforts have been intensified to get to the root of the matter.
Jigawa
Farmers in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa
State have commenced planting for this year’s farming season.
Our correspondent in Dutse observed that farmers yesterday went to their farms with different farm implements to till the land and plant crops.
The correspondent also visited many farming communities, and found that farmers were busy planting on their farms.
In Dundubus village, a farmer, Malam Ahmad Umar, was together with his children harrowing and planting at the same time.
Umar said that he was planting after he had earlier cleared and applied local manure on the farm.Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has
called on parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children to enable them become useful members of the society.
He gave the advice at a meeting of Northern Muslims Religious Leaders Forum on Primary Health Care, held in Kan recently.
The Forum had as its theme, “Strengthening the Capacity of Religious Leaders on Maternal and Child Health.”
He said there was urgent need for parents and guardians to take up the challenge in view of the prevailing moral decadence, especially among youths.
“Lack of proper upbringing of children is one of the challenges facing the society today.
“Parents and guardians have a herculean task because if children grow up without proper education and upbringing, they can engage in social vices”, he said.
Lagos
A philanthropist, Mr Dawodu Olatunji, says adequate
provision of healthcare remains the best dividend of democracy from governments.
Olatunji made the assertion in an interview with newsmen at a free malaria test and drugs outreach, tagged “Health is Wealth” at Solomon Hall, Mushin, Lagos State.
Olatunji, who sponsored the programme said that such dividends of democracy were exemplified by the government of the then Western Region led by the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.
He said that health should be one of the cardinal programmes of any people-oriented government.
“When I was growing up, I was one of the beneficiaries of the free health programme and education sponsored by the then old Western Region Government.
Nasarawa
Two motorcyclists, Musa Badamasi and Yusuf Ibrahim,
have appeared in a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Nasarawa State, for allegedly belonging to a gang of robbers.
Badamasi, 28 and Ibrahim, 23, of Orange Market, Mararaba, were arraigned on a three-count charge of belonging to gang of robbers, public nuisance and making atmosphere noxious to health.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, told the court that on May 20, a team of police surveillance squad led by Sgt. Joseph Emeka, attached to ‘A’ Divisional Police Headquarters, Mararaba, arrested the defendants.
Adaji said that while the police were on patrol, the defendants were found at a hideout at Orange Market, Mararaba, often being used by armed robbers.
Niger
The Niger State Government said it would focus more
on developing the free trade zones in the state to attract more investors to the state.
Governor Abubakar Bello, who disclosed this when he declared open the 14th Niger National Trade Fair, said that the zones were those of Banana in Borgu Local Government Area and Minna Airport trade zones.
According to Sani, the free trade zones will woo investors to invest in agriculture and solid mineral development.
He said that his administration would embark on new partnership with the Federal Government and private sector to enhance economic development of the state.
“We are going to revisit every legal avenue for the diversification of revenue and resources; we will explore and strengthen all existing agencies.Osun
The Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) has called
for the establishment of the Bureau of Statistics in Osun State to coordinate the collection of statistics in the state.
The President of the association, Dr Mohammed Tumala, said this in an interview with newsmen
“We recommended to the state to establish a State Bureau of Statistics so that the Bureau can be held responsible for coordination.
“We recommended to the state that it should motivate the staff responsible for the collection of statistics because over time, staff members of the department of Planning, Research and Statistics both at state, national and local government levels have seen their posting as very punitive”.
Oyo
The Oyo State Tertiary Institutions Staff Retirement
Age Bill 2016 scaled its second reading during the plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly
Our correspondent reports that the bill was initiated by the Speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo and co-sponsored by Mr Afeez Adeleke (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/APC) and Mr Oyeleke Oyatokun (Afijio/APC).
The bill seeks to increase the retirement age of academic and non-academic staff of state-owned institutions, from 60 to 65 years.
Speaking in support of the bill, Mr Gbenga Oyekola (Atiba, APC) said that when passed into law, the bill would raise staff morale and improve the quality of academic work in the institutions.
“We do not have to belabour this issue; a federal law raising the retirement age of polytechnic and university workers was signed by former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, last year.
“Domesticating that law will serve the interest of the people of the state.
“The law will encourage research and motivate workers to aspire to the peak of their careers,” he said.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says his
administration is determined to slash its N1.7 billion wage bill before the end of May, this year.
Lalong disclosed this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja recently.
He said that the reduction of the wage bill would be achieved through the removal of ghost workers already uncovered in the state’s payroll system.
The governor said that a lot of the ghost workers were uncovered after the introduction of the Biometric Verification Number.
He said that with the removal of the non-existent workers, the N1.7 billion state’s wage bill would be slashed to accommodate the genuine civil servants in the state.
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.
-
Politics5 days ago
2027: NIGERIANS FAULT INEC ON DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP REGISTER DIRECTIVE
-
Politics5 days ago
LP Crisis: Ex-NWC Member Dumps Dumps Abure Faction
-
Politics5 days agoUmahi Dismisses Allegations On Social Media, Insists On Projects Delivery
-
Environment5 days agoLAWMA Director Says Sweeping Reforms Have Improved Waste Collection
-
Politics5 days ago
NATASHA ELECTRIC VEHICLES INITIATIVE IN KOGI CENTRAL
-
Sports5 days agoAbia Not Sure To Secure continental Ticket
-
Politics5 days ago
IT’S A LIE, G-5 GOVS DIDN’T WIN ELECTION FOR TINUBU – SOWUNMI
-
Sports5 days ago
La Liga: Yamal Records First Career Hat-trick