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THE STATES

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Borno
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has pledged to provide an ambulance and other vital equipment at the medical clinic at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno, to enhance the welfare of the IDPs.
NCFRMI’s Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri on Sunday.
Umar-Farouq commended the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) for setting up the clinic, saying it had lived up to expectations.
“We have seen the clinic provided by NAF and they are doing well; we are going to augment their activities by providing some support.
“The clinic requires an ambulance as well as some few equipment at the radiography department, we will provide support in these areas,” she said.

Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has laid the foundation stone for the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of 2 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia Local Government Area of the state had been the military formation in Southern Kaduna.
Speaking at the occasion, Buratai said the army was committed to peace and security in all parts of Nigeria.
He said the need to find lasting solution to incessant herdsmen/farmers crises rocking Southern Kaduna in recent times necessitated the setting up of the base.
Buratai urged Nigerians to learn to co-exist peacefully, adding “we need each other”.

Kano
Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, last Saturday conferred degree on 3,212 undergraduates and 31 post-graduate students during its 4th combined convocation.
Prof. Shehu Musa, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, who announced this at the ceremony said 3, 212 students, comprising three sets of students from 2012 to 2015 graduated at the convocation.
“It is gratifying to inform you that the university graduated three sets of students from 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015 academic sessions.,’’ Musa said.
He urged the new graduates to use the knowledge acquired from the university to make significant imprints on the country and the world.
“We urge the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves,’’ he said.

Kebbi
The 1 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Kebbi State has celebrated the 2016 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) to mark the end of year successful end of training and operational activities.
The Tide source reports that the event was marked by officers, soldiers and their families with varieties of activities that included tug of war, cooking, cultural dances, songs as well as mini Durbar by the Gwandu emirate horsemen.
The colourful event, sponsored by the Diamond Bank, also featured cultural dances by the Tiv, Yoruba and Kalagu musicians, the NYSC cultural dance troupe as well as presentation of awards of honour to distinguished friends and well wishers of the soldiers.
The debate with the topic “Public Schools are Better Managed than Private Schools”, was won by Miss Jamila Usman of the Nigerian Army Primary School, Dukku Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.

Kogi
Rev. Sunday Oladeji of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lokoja, has urged Nigerians to stop making inflammatory statements that could jeopardise the peace of the nation.
Oladeji, who spoke in his sermon “Peace of a Nation” in Lokoja last Sunday, said peace brings unity among nations.
He noted that most of the crises among Christians and Muslims in the country was as a result of preachings amongst religious leaders and urged leaders to always watch and guard their utterances.
Oladeji noted that if there was love among religious faith, the nation would be more at peace with each other and there won’t be room for any form of crisis among faith.
He prayed God to help Nigeria move stronger out of every challenge it was facing, stressing that with prayers and supplication peace would return to the nation at large.
Oladeji said  the church had been praying for the nation so that every agitation for breakup would seize and God himself would intervene in the affairs of the nation.

Kwara
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Solomon Oloyede, has appealed to his people to ensure prompt payment of their taxes to accelerate development of the area.
Oloyede, who is also the chairman of Isin Traditional Council, made the appeal during a stakeholders meeting in Oke-onigbin, a nearby town to the council.
The Tide source reports that the periodic meeting organised to foster development within the council areas, attracted traditional rulers and community leaders from within and outside the council.
Oloyede said the call for prompt payment of taxes was to assist the government in its developmental programmes, especially at the grassroots.
He noted that most of the communities were in dire need of development in the areas of health, education, rural road network and human capital development.

Nasarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) , says it has trained 1,977 unemployed persons in Nasarawa State to become self-reliant since the inception of the programme in the state in 2012.
The state NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Dauda Idris-Wase, disclosed this last Saturday to The Tide source in Lafia.
He said that the beneficiaries had been trained and graduated in different skills acquisition programmes.
Idris-Wase said that the agency organised different skills acquisition training free of charge in order to empower unemployed persons and enable them to contribute their quota to national development.
“NDE came into existence in 1986, saddled with the responsibilities of training people, especially the youth and women, in different skills acquisition programmes in the country.

Niger
The Niger State Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control, of the  State Ministry of Health, Dr Hauwa Kolo, has advised youths and adults to steer clear of non-organic diets to avoid cancer.
Kolo, who is also the Head of Accident and Emergency Unit at the General Hospital Minna, gave the advice in an interview with The Tide source in Minna on Saturday on the sideline  of the World Cancer Day with the theme: “We can, I can’’.
She said that though the cause of cancer was not known but had associated factors with genetically-made foods.
“Some foods such as processed red meat and salt-preserved foods can increase the risk of developing cancer. Vegetables, fruits and food high in fibre can reduce the risk of cancer,’’ she said
Kolo said there were many kinds of cancer and advised women should to endeavour  to do breast examination every month..

Ondo
Gunmen last Sunday morning shot dead Corporal Michael Olujimi, a policeman attached to the Okitipupa Police Division in Ondo State.
The Tide source reports that the policeman, who was still battling for his life, was found in a pool of blood around 5:30 am, gasping for breath, before he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the town.
It was also gathered that the policeman left his home early to resume duty but the gunmen opened fire on him and took off immediately.
One of the sympathisers, who preferred anonymity, told The Tide source that the gunmen mistook the policeman for someone else and opened fire on him.

Osun
Osun State Police Command, has arrested four suspected armed robbers and recovered two locally made pistols from them.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Odoro, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Osogbo last Sunday.
According to the statement, the police arrested a suspect, Anibi Kabiru, at 2:40am, on Saturday in Ile-Ife, on a black spot.
Odoro said the suspect had confessed to have sold three locally made pistols to members of a robbery syndicate during interrogation.
She explained that the police further arrested three members of the robbery syndicate, namely: Waheed Oladipupo, Adeyeye Ojo and Yemi a.k.a Small, following the information given by the first suspect, Kabiru.
The PPRO said the police had begun investigating the suspects and recovered two locally made pistols.

Plateau
The Parish Priest, of Church of Assumption, Chongo Pyongyang, Jos, Rev. Fr. Philip Jamang, has urged Christians to be light of the world.
Jamang gave the advice in a homily in Jos last Sunday.
He said that Christians should live lifestyles worthy of emulation, lifestyle that would portray a positive difference in the society.
“As followers of Christ who is light himself, we must let this light shine anywhere we go. The world is full of darkness with less value for human lives and evil being the order of the day.
“So, we are called upon, as Christians to shine our light in the society so as to save the world from decay and total collapse.
“If we shine our light, violence and killings in our society will be a thing of the past. Let us transform the world with our Christian values,” he said.

Taraba
The Permanent Secretary, Taraba  State  Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yero, has called on traditional rulers to support the state government’s initiative to restore peace in the state.
Several communities in the state were embroiled in clashes early in the year and several deaths are recorded with loss of property.
Yero told newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday that the royal father’s active role was crucial to government’s resolve to tackle the current insecurity.
“I want to call on our traditional rulers who are the custodians of peace, culture and general way of life to support Governor Darius Ishaku’s peace move for a better society.
“I want our royal fathers to revert to the old ways of monitoring strangers in their communities so as to check criminality,” he said.

Yobe
Yobe State Police Commissioner, Abdulmalik Sunmnu, has confirmed that 2,000 Policemen would be deployed to the 17 local government areas of the state to maintain law and order during the forthcoming LG polls in the State.
Sunmonu told newsmen in his office arrangements had been concluded for the deployment of the 2000 Policemen to provide security for the polls scheduled to hold by February 11th.
He said the deployment was  in line with standard which says “at least three security agencies per polling unit”.
The Police boss said arrangements were in top gear by the Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

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UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

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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.
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Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

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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.

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UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

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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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