Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

September 14, 2016

FCT

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency
(NOA), Mr Garba Abari, says tapping into the positive features of the youth population would enhance the nation’s development.
Abari said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He noted that the youths under the age of 35 constituted between 16 and 62 per cent of the country’s population, adding that there were varieties of talents which could be tapped for the advancement of the nation.
Statistics quoted to have put the youth between 16 and 62 per cent population and below the age of 35, thus making Nigeria a country of very young people.
“In this younger population is energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, they are curious to know what is happening around the world.
Jigawa

The Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has warned Private Guards Companies (PGCs) operating in the state not to sell or lease their licences.
The State Commandant, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Dutse.
Durumin-Iya said the warning became necessary to check quackery among the PGCs operating in the state.
He said that the licenses were only issued to registered PGCs, adding that the “Licenses are not transferable”.
“In line with the NSCDC mandate of monitoring, regulating, supervising, registering, training and licensing Private Guards Companies (PGCs), licenses are issued to only registered companies”, he said.

Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has inau
gurated the Kaduna State Treasury Single Account (TSA) Operations Manual.
This is contained in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the manual was presented at the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) West Africa workshop on TSA implementation in Lagos.
It said that the manual contained records of the experience of Kaduna State in implementing the Treasury Single Account, which it commenced last year.

Kano
The Kano State Fire Service has concluded arrange
ments to train 80 additional staff on fire fighting to enhance the performance of the service.
The Director of the service, Alhaji Mohammed Rilwan, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
“We will train our staff on modern method of fire fighting,” Rilwan said.
According to him, 47 staff are undergoing training at the Fire Service Training College, located at Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of the state.
“They will be passing out of the training in two weeks time,” he added.
Katsina
Katsina

Two suspected secret cult members have allegedly
stabbed to death an 18-year-old SS II student, Abdullahi Muhammad, in Katsina.
An eye witness told newsmen in Katsina that the deceased was killed by suspected miscreants identified as“Kauraye’’.
The eye witness said the deceased was killed at about 9.30 p.m. in front of his family compound for his refusal to give his cell phone to the assassins.
Family sources said that the two killers came on a motorcycle and asked the deceased to release his phone to them.
The source said that when the deceased refused to comply, the hoodlums stabbed him in the neck with a knife.
According to the source, the victim slumped and the suspects picked the phone and zoomed off immediately to an unknown destination on their motorcycle.
Kebbi

Residents of Gesse Phase 1, a community in Birnin
Kebbi, have appealed to the Kebbi State government to construct additional drains and waterways in the area to prevent flood.
The ward head of the area, Alhaji Auwalu Argungu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Argungu recalled that a recent three-hour downpour destroyed houses, foodstuffs and livestock in the community, although no life was lost.
He also said that past administrations in the state had pledged to construct roads, drainages and waterways in the area but did not actualize those pledges.
The ward head said that a permanent solution was needed to address flooding in the area, adding “the magnitude of the problem was beyond communal effort.’’

Kogi

The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a new
300 joint security outfits dedicated to fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Jerry Omodara said in a statement in Lokoja that the outfit is code named “Operation Total Freedom”.
Omodara who inaugurated the outfit on behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello said that members of the outfit were drawn from the police, the army, the navy and the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Our correspondent reports that the state government recently handed over 114 patrol vehicles to the various security agencies in the state.
According to him, the stage government would provide the outfit with communication equipment to ease communication flow among its members.
He said that the state government had also worked out issues relating to stipends and other welfare for the outfit’s personnel.

Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved
the extension of the tenure of elected executives of Offa Local Government Council to November 10.
The approval was sequel to a request by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Dr Ali at plenary.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the chairman and councillors expired last Friday.
The tenure of other 15 council chairmen in the state would, however, expire on November 10.
The motion for tenure extension of the Offa council executives was moved by the House Leader, Hassan Oyeleke, and seconded by Saheed Popoola, who represents Ojomu-Balogun Constituency.
Niger

The Unilever UK has invested N7.5 million in the construc
tion of borehole and a business outlet in
Dabara community of Suleja local government area of Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the managers of the project, Technoserve Sunlight Water Centre (SWC), donated 40 water carts and 50 number 160 litres of water containers to the community for the launch of the project.
Technoserve Market Consultant for the SWC, said that the project was part of the initiatives to engage business solutions in resolving the water challenges of rural people.
Our correspondent reports that Unilever UK works in collaboration with TechnoServe in Nigeria to provide a strictly private-sector approach to solve the water access problem in communities across the country.
Oyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State com
mand, says it apprehended 1,818 traffic offenders in the state in August.
The state’s sector commander, Mr Yusuf Salami, told the newsmen in Ibadan that the offenders committed 2,040 offences in August.
He said that 553 offenders were arrested for not using their seat-belts while driving, making it the most prevalent offence committed. “Other offenders include 531 riding motorcycles without wearing crash helmets and 321 driving with expired or worn-out tyres ,’’ he said.

Plateau
Poultry farmers in Plateau State say they record low pa
tronage and experience hike in the price of feeds in recent times.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr John Dasar, spoke to newsmen in Jos.
“This period is, indeed, tough for us; the sale is low, while cost of production is high; government must step in to help us,’’ he said.
He attributed the low patronage to the poor purchasing power of most families occasioned by the worsening economic situation nationwide. He explained that low patronage had also led to an excess in supply of poultry products, particularly eggs, compared to the demand.
Sokoto
The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA),
says flood and windstorm displaced no fewer than 7, 290 people and destroyed many farms in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, between April and September, 2016.
The agency’s Head of Sokoto Zonal Operations Office, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, told newsmen in Sokoto that the twin disasters affected 17 local government areas in the three states.
According to him, a total of 3,309 houses were also destroyed in the three states. Muhammad said Sokoto recorded the highest cases, with 14 local government areas affected.
He listed the areas as: Tangaza, Dange-Shuni, Gudu, Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Bodinga, Wamakko, Wurno, Gwadabawa, Binji,Kebbe, Kware, Rabah and Sabon-Birni.

Nation

UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

Published

11 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Nation

Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

Published

12 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Nation

UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

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.