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THE STATES
Adamawa
The African Union Commission has commended the Federal
Government for proper management of the more than two million Internally Displaced Persons in the North East.
Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union Commission, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, made the commendation during an inspection visit to Malkohi IDPs camp in Yola recently.
Abdullahi, who led the officials of the commission to the camp, said that they were impressed with the way and manner Nigerian government was actively intervening in all aspect of humanitarian assistance to the IDPs.
“I have travelled to many parts of the continent but this is the only place (Nigeria) I find government at federal and state levels are actively intervening in all aspects of assisting and helping the IDPs.
“This is very unique for the Nigerian government”, she said.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has announced the 2016 Hajj
fares for all intending pilgrims in the state.
Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, Executive Secretary, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announced the fares in Bauchi in an interview with newsmen.
Hardawa said that the state government has approved N1,028, 68.92 as minimum fare, N1, 077, 318.92 for medium fare and N1,175, 818. 92 as maximum fare.
Hardawa said that all intending pilgrims from the state had already made minimum deposits of N850, 000.
He said that intending pilgrims wishing to pay for the minimum fare would pay a balance of N178,068.92, while those wishing to pay for the medium and maximum fares are expected to pay N227,318.92 and N325,818.92 balance respectively.
Hardawa said that all the intending pilgrims were expected to complete payment in their respective registration centres before the end of Ramadan Fast to enable the board complete necessary arrangements.
Borno
The Nigerian Army, said it relocated the 2nd Commanding
Officers’ Workshop from Enugu to Maiduguri to further enhance its operations against Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East.
The Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, and Logistics, Nigerian Army Headquarters Army, Abuja made the clarification at the closing of the workshop in Maiduguri.
“The workshop was supposed to be held in Enugu, but in the wisdom of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), we decided to relocate it to Maiduguri.
“This is because we want to apply ourselves to the anti-insurgency operation that we are conducting here,” Umaru said.
He expressed optimism the participants would add value to the anti-terrorism war at the end of the workshop.
“The set of officers are from 82 Division in Enugu and its environs.
FCT
The Federal Government has announced the dissolution
of the Executive Management of Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria Limited.
Notice of the dissolution is contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Babachir Lawal, in Abuja.
He then directed the Managing Director of the company, Mr James Olotu, to handover immediately to Mr Chiedu Ugbo, who had been appointed as Acting Managing Director of the company.
According to the SGF, all Executive Directors of the company and the General Manager, Audit, are to handover immediately to the most senior officers in their respective departments.
Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the
Nigerian Army headquarters had adopted holistic approach in addressing the infrastructural decay in its barracks and other institutions across the country.
Buratai said this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after inaugurating two newly built blocks of hostels for students of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State.
He said the infrastructure gap in the barracks would require consistent intervention over a period of time for the situation to improve.
Buratai said the present Army command under his watch had embarked on massive renovation of existing structures as well as the construction of new buildings to ameliorate the situation in the barracks.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has announced the portfolios
of the seven newly appointed members of the StateExecutive Council that were sworn-in last week.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Press secretary to the governor, Abubakar Dakingari and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, Alhaji Maigari Abdullahi Dakingari is Commissioner of Higher Education ; Alhaji Abubakar Besse, Commissioner forYouths and Sports and Alhaji Zailani Yauri for Budget and Economic Planning.
Others are, Alhaji Umar Usman Kambaza,Commissioner for Health ; Alhaji Musa Kalgo, Information and Culture ;Alhaji Muhammad Gado, Environment and Alhaji Garba Dandiga, Ministry of Agriculture.
Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has renamed the
Kogi State University, Ayangba , after the late first civilian governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu.
Bello announced the change in the name of the 15- year-old university during a statewide broadcast to mark his victory at the state governorship election petition tribunal.
He said that naming the university was the ultimate honour that could be done to the memory of the late colourful politician who ruled the state twice as the civilian governor from 1991 to 1993 and 1999 to 2003.
Audu himself established the university in 2001 and named it Prince Abubakar Audu University but his successor , Alhaji Ibrahim Idris changed the name to Kogi State University in 2004.
Justifying his decision to restore the university to its original name, Bello said that Audu laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the state.
Kwara
A cleric, Rt. Rev. Philip Adeyemo, has called for the election
of a leader with high humility and genuine spiritual intent as the next president for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Adeyemo told our correspondent in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that the need for a leader who could not be easily subjected to unwarranted external influence informed the call.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the incumbent CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, ends in July paving way for the election of a new leader.
Adeyemo, who is the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran Diocese, Kwara State, noted that anybody who aspired for any position must be spiritually, ethically and theologically sound.
He decried the situation where CAN administration was polarised along political affiliations and undue government interference contrary to laid down rules and regulations.
According to him, such a person should have nothing less than two-third of churches in Nigeria under its close supervision and should be a disciplined man who can pass the “temptation of money’’.
Lagos
The Comptroller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command
of the Nigeria Customs, Lagos, Mr Benjamin Aber, has urged officers of the command recently trained by the military to bring to bear on their jobs the skills acquired.
Speaking on the four-week just concluded capacity building training for 65 officers of the command, Aber noted that the training would enhance the officers’ jobs.
Aber told our correspondent that the training would help to sharpen the skills of the command’s enforcement officers.
“The officers were trained on weapon handling, assembling and range to enable them to combat smugglers’ activities.
“Since I resumed at the KLT command, I introduced a format to make the command the best that others will emulate,” he said.
Niger
The Niger State House of Assembly, has dismissed
insinuations that it is a rubber stamp of the executive arm of government in the state.
The Speaker, Ahmed Marafa, made the statement in Minna while speaking to newsmen on the activities of the Assembly in the past one year.
Marafa said the House was made up of legislators with conscience and high integrity, adding that nobody was interfering with or controlling the affairs of the House.
“In our one year in office, we have proved beyond reasonable doubt that the eighth legislature is an assembly with a difference.
Ogun
The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). has arrested two members of a syndicate which specialises in pipeline vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The command also recovered a total of nine vehicles and seven motorcycles from the suspects as well as 3,000 jerry cans in an operation at Oluwo-Ifote village in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the two male suspects were aged 33 and 21.
It was gathered that other members of the syndicate fled when NSCDC operatives stormed a thick forest in Oluwo-Ifote where fuel was being scooped from a vandalised NNPC pipeline.
Plateau
A Jos High Court has granted bail to Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, a
former governorship aspirant in Bauchi State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on Thursday arraigned Adamu before Justice Yakubu Dakwak of State High Court II on charges of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
Also charged along with Adamu was his company, Solid Unit Nig. Ltd, for allegedly collecting the sum of N23, 431, 000 from one Olajide Olaleye, for the supply of iron ore and zinc which were not delivered.
The prosecution counsel, Mr Banjamin Manji, told the court that the action of the accused contravened section 8 (a) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Law of 2006.
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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