Nation
THE STATES
Ondo
Governor Olusegu Minimko is to be honoured by the people of Ondo town during this year’s Ekimogun day celebration.
The event will take place at the Oba Adesanoye civic centre, Ondo state and unlike part editions, Miniko is sole awardees this year, a statement said, Tuesday.
According to the organisers: The 2009 Ekimogun Day celebration has been specially dedicated to Mimiko to appreciate and honour God for his election as the indigene even to become governor of the Sunshine State since its creation in 1976.
Ekimogun Day is a yearly event which started since 1987 as special day set aside by the Ondo people to celebrate their common heritage, industry and achievements.
Oyo
The Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) has invited a campaign for a special salary scale for its members in the service of state government nationwide.
The union also said that ongoing labour’s demand for N52,000 minimum wage will not affect its campaign for the special salary scale.
This was disclosed by the national president of the union, Comrade Shuaib Mohammed, at the delegate’s conference of the Oyo State Council of union in Ibadan at the weekend.
New members of State Executive of the union at the conference.
His comment came as the new Oyo State Council chairman, Comrade Kehinde Oporiude, called on aggrieved members to return to the fold.
Just as medical workers, teachers and others deserve special salary scale, Mohammed said members of his union deserved special pay in view of strategic role they perform in government service delivery.
Mohammed also described the wide desparity between the salary of permanent secretaries and directors in various state ministries, saying it is a clear case of imbalance.
The union leader said a situation where permanent secretaries earn over N400,000 while their fellow directors a paltry N80,000create a feeling of cheating and dissatisfaction among senior government workers.
Ekiti
All the six South West Governors and prominent traditional rulers will meet again to fashion out means of collectively developing the zone Governor Olusegun Oni is hosting other members of the council next Tuesday at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
The meeting which at one time or the other had had in attendance the Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo and chairman of traditional councils of states of the south west will at this gathering set out the modalities and programmes that can allow the political and natural rulers of the zone create a common pattern of development that would, at the end, become a vital contribution to the growth of the country.
According to the coordinator of the council, Alao Adedayo who is also the publisher of Alaroye Group of Newspaper, attempt to always bring the royal fathers together with the governor is borne out of the desire to ensure that the leaders come together, plan together and work together for the development of Yoruba land, irrespective of their political or religious differences.
Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adAbubakar has frowned at mass failure of examination organised by the West African Examination Council (WAEC0 and National Examination Council (NECO) for students across the country and urged the federal government to reintroduce the Teachers Colleges and reorganise the National Teachers Institute (NTI).
The Sultan made this call in Sokoto to during his address to the nation in the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Alhaji Abubakar described the situation is very disturbing, “we have taken note of the mass failure of students at this year’s WAEC and NECO examinations. The situation is disturbing and we are calling on the federal government to find out reason for this.
“Since we are optimistic that the problem might not be unconnected to the failing standard of primary education in the country, w e therefore appealed to the Federal Government to reintroduce Teachers College and the re-organisation of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in order to improve the quality of education.
Plateau
A businessman, Alexander Ejukorlem has petitioned the Pleateau State Police Command over the alleged invasion of his house by some gun wielding policemen who supervised the removal of roofing zinc, doors and other fittings they carted away.
Mr Ejukorlem alleged that the policemen numbering 14 and who claimed to be citing on instructions invaded his company’s premises located at No. 26 Jengre Road in the afternoon of October 27 to carry out the action.
“The men were fully armed intimidated all the residents of the premises and ordered everybody out of the premises. They were in company of some men and boys who we did not immediately know their identity.
“The boys climbed the roof under the watchful eyes of the policemen and removed the zinc, doors windows netting, burglary proof electrical cables, fitting and other items of the property where we lived with my brothers and officers of the company” the petition said.
Abuja
The conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the presidency over comment that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adu is full committed to the implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais committee report.
Special Advisers to the president on media and publicity, Mr olusegun Adeniyi on Sunday last week in a publication on pages of newspapers not (The Nation) captioned “who is afraid of the Uwais Report? Said even before the enactment of the enabling legislation on electoral reforms, President Yar’Adua has clearly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the reform agenda.
His words: “But it would appear that with his conceptions about the Uwais Report (which many of the critics have not even bothered to read) the public is being misled into believing that this government is not committed to electoral reform. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“This same report has been placed in its entirety by the President before the National Assembly which clearly is not a rubber-stamp institution.”
CNPP furious about this in a statement recalled that contrary to the twist from the presidency, the Uwais Report against the rules of the both chambers of the National Assembly did not accompany the seven tepid Executive Electoral Bills adding that it shows clearly that the presidency handled the Uwais Report with a “long spoon.”
It said in the defence of president Yar’Adua’s demonstration of practical commitment to Electoral Reform. Adeniyi rolled out series of court ordered bye-elections conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but failed to note that the retention of Professor Maurice Iwu as an axe-man, after his record of gross misconduct in the 2007 sham elections is less than honourable.
Niger
The Anglican Bishop of Bida Diocese, Right Reverend Jonah Kolo, has blamed the fall in moral and academic standard in public schools on the forceful take over of missionary schools over thirty years ago by government.
Making a call for the return of such schools back to the original owners, the clergyman said that for the on-going reform in the education sector to produce the desired result, concerted efforts should be made to revive the moral and academic standard of students from our schools.
Kolo who was speaking in Minna ahead of today’s thanksgiving service to round off the 10th anniversary of the Diocese, maintained that it was time for the government to shed off some of the self inflicted burden on itself, by returning schools owned by the missions to the original owners.
Aside from these, the Bishop also observed that most of the schools taken over by government are in bad shape.
He said, “government has a lot to cater for; hence the attention given to these schools have failed to produce the desired result. Let government handover the schools back to the church.”
The Bishop attributed the current intervention of the church in the establishment of schools from primary to tertiary levels to the deplorable condition and standard of the sector.
Kano
Statement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, Alhaji Sidi Ali has said that the war against corruption in Nigerian cannot be left to the government alone.
Alhaji Ali who said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano, also called on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill.
According to him, government need the collective effort of all to prosecute the war against corruption, stressing that until this is done, the situation will continue to remain the same.
“Government is prosecuting corruption but with the individuals that are put in leadership, is difficult to know what is in the heart of somebody.
“The government cannot prosecute itself, the government appoint people and these people have to go by government,” he said.
The PDP chieftain, also denied that there is division between the Northern Union (NU) and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), stressing that the ACF which is the apex organisation in North is a cultural organisation and it non political.
“In his word, I am a member of the Northern Union, I am also a member of the ACF, and I can tell you that there is no division.
“The ACF that we all belong to, is a cultural organisation and non-political. However, with the Northern Union, we failed that there not much action you can do without politics.”
Kwara
It will amount like covering the moon with the palm of the arm for some state governments to implement the new tax regime in Nigeria, as many are yet to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people.
The chairman of the Northern Union, Dr Olusola Saraki has stated, just as he said the northern union was toying with the idea of making the group have national spread.
The strongman of Kwara politics, who told reports in Ilorin, the state capital said the issue of taxation has become imperative to engender more positive growth in the economy, lamented that with poor performance from some political leaders, it will be difficult to implement the policy.
On his opinion on the agitation for the creation of more states and local government area, he said it would be difficult to create new states and councils under a democratic dispensation more so as the Nigerian federalism was not the type practiced elsewhere across the globe.
Lagos
Nigeria has been urged to gear up for the post-oil era if the country wants to continue to be relevant in the scheme of things globally.
This is the subject of the lecture delivered recently in Lagos and organised by leadership watch in collaboration with science medicine research institute based on the United States.
The lecture tagged: Nigeria in a post oil era delivered by a team of American based Nigerian investors, with representatives of government in attendance said that Nigeria is reminded that these are the last days of the oil era.
The guest speaker, Dr Alphonsus Ekwerike said Nigeria has a lot of other things to offer the world outside oil.
“Nigeria in a post oil regime will be a vibrant era because a door will be opened for the people to go into innovations.
“Oil is not the only mineral we have in this country. We have other minerals, we have solid minerals” he said.
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.
