Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Alhaji Yahaya Jalam, the Bauchi State Commissioner or health has pleaded with health workers to ensure judicious distribution and effective utilization of drugs provided by government in public hospitals across the state.
Jalam made the call recently in Bauchi during the de-briefing of the mosquito net distribution exercise.
The Tide’s correspondent recalled that the government had, in 2008, introduced free medical treatment and food supplement scheme for children under the ages of five and for pregnant mothers in its hospitals.
The Scheme was designed to enhance health care delivery and reverse the trend of high maternal and infant mortality rate in the state.
FCT
Ustaz Musa Muhammad, the Chief Imam of the Abuja national Mosque, has called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace and stability of the nation.
Muhammad made the call in Abuja in an interview with newsmen shortly after the juma’ at prayers.
He urged Nigerians to intensify their prayers “as the country marches toward the 2011 general elections”.
Muhammad stressed the importance of Juma’ at prayers and urged Muslims to take advantage of it to supplicate to God for their needs and ask for forgiveness for their sins.
Kaduna
Farmers in Zaria and its environs have expressed concern over the delay in the supply of fertiliser for this year’s farming season.
An investigation conducted by The Tide’s source in Zaira revealed that farmers have already started clearing their farmland in preparation to commece farming.
Alhaji Aliyu, Africana a farmer in the area, told the source that the commodity usually arrive late when farmers had already resorted to other althernatives.
“Most of us do not wait for fertilizer procured by the government; we source for the commodity from the black market.
“Nevertheless, I want to appeal to the state government to expedite action and ensure availability of the commodity in good time”, Africana said.
Kogi
The Kogi State government has commenced the implementation of the white paper on the crisis in Ebira land, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has said.
Ohikere told newsmen in Lokoja, that the move was to find lasting solution to the crisis in the area.
According to him, government has commenced the banning of masquerade outing in Ebira land in line with the recommendations of the white paper.
The law banning masquerades came into being during the first civilian administration in the state.
Ohikere said that government had equally granted permission for the setting up of a vigilance group to check questionable movements and behaviours, especially in Okene and other suburbs.
He said that names of identified persons, who were behind the crisis had been submitted to the security agents for necessary action.
The commissioner also told our source that government was considering “hosting a broad-based economic summit, to enable experts do a brain-storming on various social and economic issues capable of turning around the economy of the state for good.
Lagos
The Acting General Manager of the National Theatre, Lagos, Alhaji Yusuf Atai said about N6.5 billion would be needed to renovate the edifice.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen Atai said the national monument has become decrepit following several years of neglect.
“The National Theatre is like a village, so it requires huge amount of money to maintain. The facilities and buildings are in a deplorable state,” he said.
According to Atai, since 1976 when the structure was built by the Bulgarian contractors, no major renovation had been done to keep the building in shape.
“In the master plan, the instruction left by the contractors was that renovation should be done on the structure after 10 years, but for over 34 years now, no major renovation has been done”.
Niger
A High Court in Minna has ordered that the suspended Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council in Niger, Alhaji Ali Kagara, be reinstated.
In his judgment, Justice Aliyu Maiyaki ruled that “the appointment and swearing-in of the Acting Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council is declared “null and void.”
“He should vacate the office of the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Council forthwith.
“The defendants are also ordered to reinstate the plaintiff to the office of the executive chairman of Rafi Local Government Council forthwith and pay to him all his emoluments for the period he was unlawfully removed from office”, the Judge ordered.
Reacting to the judgment, Kagara expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the judgment and the judicial system for upholding his fundamental rights.
Oyo
A dietician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Mrs Iyabode Alabi, has advised Nigerians to consume more water as against soft drinks and processed fruit juice.
Alabi, the head of Department of Dietetics, told newsmen Ibadan that “many Nigerians consume more soft drinks because we attend social parties a lot.”
She further said: “Water transports nutrients from the body into the cell and allows free bowel movement.”
“Soft drinks do not contain any other useful nutrients to the body, their sugar content is high and also contain high caffeine.
“Caffeine is a stimulant which increases the body’s nervous activities, so it is not good especially if you are hypertensive or have stomach ulcers.”
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.
