Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Borno State chapter of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) has warned drivers against picking passengers along the highways but at designated motor parks.
It said this was to avoid bad elements that could cause havoc from boarding their vehicles.
The state Chairman of the union, Malam Bello Maduganari, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Maduganari said all commercial transport operators and drivers must also ensure proper checks of both passengers and their luggage at various motor parks before embarking on any trip.
Ekiti
A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced to four
years imprisonment, a 51-year-old husband of four wives, who unlawfully possessed 26.5kg of marijuana.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo sentenced Akindele Oso without an option of fine, after he pleaded guilty.
”The defendant was shown all exhibits tendered to the court by the prosecution, and he confirmed signing them without objection.
“I have listened to the submission of the prosecutor and the plea of guilt by the defendant in the open court. The defendant is found guilty as charged.
FCT
An FCT High Court will deliver judgement in the alleged
murder of Remigius Nzekwe in a date to be communicated to the counsel.
The judge, Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo, made this known when the parties adopted their final written addresses.
Aladetoyinbo said the date of the judgement would be communicated to the parties.
The prosecuting counsel Mr. S.M. Labaran while adopting his final written address, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
But Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Ehi Uwaifoh, prayed the court to discharge the defendants.
Gombe
Gombe State Government in collaboration with United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday, commenced skill acquisition training for 264 women and youths in the state.
The training is part of efforts by the administration of Governor Ibrahim DankwamNAbo to provide livelihood skills and support for youths and women in the state.
The 264 beneficiaries will be trained in Plumbing, Plasta of Paris (POP), Solar Power Installation, Tailoring and Fashion Design.
Speaking at the commencement of the training, the Commissioner of Economic Planning, Alhaji Danladi Mohammed, said the governor had made skills acquisition and empowerment a priority of his administration.
Jigawa
No fewer than 150 less privileged children in Hadejia,
Jigawa, have benefitted from an education support programme initiated by an NGO, Association for Advancement of Women in Nigeria (ASSAWIN).
The Programme Manager of ASSAWIN, Mrs Ameachina Chinelo, told newsmen in Hadejia that the organisation had been providing the education support in the last two years.
Ameachina said that the NGO distributed school uniforms, bags, shoes books and other instructional materials to the children selected from 20 primary and junior secondary schools in the area.
She said that the gesture was to encourage enrolment and retention in school.
Katsina
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Funtua, Katsina
state, has established Human Rights help-desks to increase the people’s access to legal services in the area.
The NBA Chairman, Malam Aminu Garba, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Funtua.
Garba said the branch had also designed legal aid clinics for litigants, adding that the clinic would be manned by lawyers on National Youth Service Corps scheme and supervised by senior lawyers.
The chairman said the scheme would be of immense benefits to both corps members and the litigants.
Kwara
A factional Chairman of the PDP in Kwara, Mr Sunday
Fagbemi, has led some of his sympathisers to take over the party’s secretariat on Asa Dam Road in Ilorin.
Members of the party, who are loyal to the Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of PDP, had stormed the secretariat early in the morning amid wild jubilation.
The jubilant PDP supporters were sighted carrying placards with various inscriptions affirming Fagbemi’s leadership.
Speaking with newsmen at the secretariat, Fagbemi said his executive committee members remained the authentic leaders of the PDP in the state.
But in his reaction, the Publicity Secretary of the Oyedepo-led executive of the PDP, Mr Rex Olawoye, insisted that Oyedepo remained the authentic state chairman of the party.
Lagos
The Provincial Coordinator in charge of the Children Church
of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Rekiya Iletu, has urged mothers to spend quality time with their children.
Iletu, who made the plea in an interview with newsmen at the Musical Concert of the Lagos Province 15 of RCCG, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos, said that sexual abuse was on the increase, adding that parents had the responsibility to educate their children on the dangers of sexual abuse.
“The economy is tough, parents are busy trying to get means of livelihood for these same children that are being neglected. They should spend short but quality time with their children”.
Iletu said that to avoid sexual abuse, parents should create the awareness from age four.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has said that its continued
monthly briefing on Federal allocations to local government councils in the state is to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Lafia.
According to him, transparency and accountability is the watchword of Gov. Tanko Al-Makura’s administration in order to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to the citizens.
“Let me make it clear that the essence of the monthly briefing of allocations to the local government is to ensure transparency and accountability in the process of governance in the state and in the interest of peace and national development.
Niger
The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) in Niger State has said that it
was taking proactive measures to prevent any attempt of jail break in the state.
The prisons in the state currently have 1,500 inmates.
The Comptroller of Prison in the state, Mr Baba Gana, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna.
Gana that the prison service along with other security agencies had put in place security measures against any unforeseen circumstance.
He said that well armed security personnel had been deployed to effectively manage the prisons at Kontagora, Bida, Minna old prison, New Bussa, Agaiye, Lapai, Kagara and Minna new prisons.
Osun
Members of the National Association of Nigerian
Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have expressed concern over the shortage of nurses and midwives in public health facilities in the country.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Abdulrafiu Adeniji, expressed the concern at the 6th quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the association in Osogbo.
The conference has as its theme: “Nursing Education in Contemporary Nigeria System; Issues and Challenges.’’
Adeniji said it had become imperative for the government to address the issues of acute shortage of nurses and midwives to guarantee adequate health service delivery.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government says it is committed to the
implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it has with its workers on payment of salaries.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Toye Arulogun, said this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
Arulogun was reacting to speculations that the state government had decided to be paying 50 per cent of salaries to workers, including the 50 per cent of the six months salary arrears owed.
The commissioner, who dismissed the speculations, said “ government still stands by the last MoU which is to be paying the workers based on the allocation it receives.’’
Sokoto
The Education Secretary in the Sokoto North Local Gov
ernment, Alhaji Mustapha Ladan, has called on politicians and wealthy persons to support the state of emergency in the education sector.
Speaking with newsmen in Sokoto, Ladan said that the situation called for the support of all stakeholders in the sector.
“The aim of the emergency on the education sector will be achieved if stakeholders, teachers and the entire people are fully committed to the programme,’’ he said.
He called on politicians and wealthy individuals to emulate a member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bala Hassan, who renovated three primary schools in Sokoto North Local Government.
Plateau
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry sitting in Jos has
reserved ruling in a memo submitted by Njin Gyara against former governor of Plateau, Jonah Jang.
The Chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Udah, reserved the ruling to a date to be communicated to the parties after hearing them on Tuesday.
Gyara, a former deputy director, Plateau Ministry of Finance, had filed a petition against Jang for dismissing him in office for refusing to sign a cheque of N112 million contract.
He alleged that he was suspended from office in 2012 after he refused to sign the said cheque, which he said, did not follow due process.
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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