Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
An Adamawa High Court presided over by Justice Bamare Bansi, has ordered the Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) to pay Adamawa revenue board N73.71 million as tax.
The sum was tax that accrued to Savanah Sugar Company, Numan, in Adamawa between 2002 and 2008 when BPE bought over the company and later resold it to Dangote Group of Companies.
Under the agreement, BPE was to inherit all liabilities of the sugar company and offset same before re-selling it to Dangote.
Records made available to newsmen at the Sugar Estate in Numan, revealed that BPE failed to offset the liabilities when it sold the company to Dangote in 2008.
Benue
The Benue State House of Assembly has passed 25 out of 36 bills it received in two years, the Speaker, Mr Terseer Tsumba, has said.
Tsumba made this known while addressing newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday at the ongoing accountability briefing to mark the three years administration of Gov. Gabriel Suswam.
Out of the 36 bills, 35 were sponsored by the executive and one was sponsored by a lawmaker.
According to him, the sixth assembly which commenced business on June 4, 2007 had within the period lost two members of staff.
Bauchi
A political group, IBB Democratic Coalition (IDC), has called on Gen. Ibrahim Babangida not to relent on his determination to contest the 2011 presidential election.
The group, rising from its maiden meeting in Bauchi on Friday, therefore, called on Babangida to quickly tour the 36 states of the federation.
A communique signed by the coordinator of the group, Alhaji Bello Arabi and Malam Ibrahim Bello, Secretary, said that this would enable Babangida to unfold his agenda for Nigerians.
The group also said that it was committed to the sustenance of democratic rule.
Ekiti
The Ekiti Government has donated 200 teak and melina seedlings to Irele-Ekiti Community in Ikole Local Government Area of the state to boost its tree planting campaign.
The campaign was organised by an NGO, the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Church of Ekiti Diocese.
Making the donation in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Forestry, Prince Olatunde Olatunji, said the gesture was “in line with the state government’s policy of encouraging communities engaging in tree planting exercises for economic and environmental purposes”.
Gombe
No fewer than 646,700 expectant women and children below age five are to get free longer lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets from the Gombe Malaria Control Booster Project (MCBP).
Dr Abel Arnold, the MCBP Project Manager, said in Gombe on Tuesday that more than one million of such nets would be given out during the forthcoming Nets Distribution Exercise scheduled for June 16 to June 19.
Arnold said at a one-day workshop organised for journalists in Gombe on the role expected of them in the fight against malaria that the use of the nets was one of the ways of preventing malaria, especially among pregnant women and children.
He expressed regret that due to ignorance on the part of most people, especially the grassroots, the nets had not been put to proper use “even when they are being provided free of charge.
Jigawa
The pioneer chairman of the PDP,Chief Solomon Lar, has expressed happiness on the return of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the party.
Lar stated this on Friday in Dutse during the inauguration ceremony of nine housing units built by the Jigawa Government.
The houses were dedicated and named after the then G9 which metamorphosed to G18 and later to the 34 who formed the PDP.
Lar said that Atiku never left PDP, adding that it was PDP that left him.
“I am happy to see Atiku here; he is back to his home, PDP, of which he is one of the founding members and he will remain permanently with PDP’’ Lar noted.
Kaduna
Gov Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State said on Friday that the government would establish three fertiliser blending plants in its three Senatorial districts.
Yakowa said this during the launch of fertiliser sales for the farming season at Awai Village in Soba Local Government Area of the state.
He said that when established, the blending plants would enhance the availability of the commodity at all times and at cheaper rates.
“This is a clear indication of the administration’s drive toward the development of the agricultural sector of the state.
Katsina
Some towns in Katsina State have been facing acute water shortage since the past two months, although the state government has purchased three drilling rigs.
Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the capital, Katsina and other towns, including Daura, Malumfashi, Mani, Kankia and Dutsin-ma were worse hit by the problem.
The situation has resulted in borehole owners and water vendors making brisk businesses in major towns in the state.
In the Katsina metropolis, water vendors who purchase the commodity at N100 per truck of 10 jerry cans now sell at N30 per jerry can.
Kogi
The Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday called on the state government to constitute a high-powered disarmament committee to mop-up weapons in the hands of warring youths.
The House made the call at a plenary following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, representing Okene I constituency, in view of violent clashes involving youths across the state.
Bello said that the phenomenon had constituted serious security threat and outright breakdown of law and order “on virtually every nook and cranny of the state for the past four years.”
Kebbi
The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi State, Prof. Muhammad Zayyanu, has called on Gov. Saidu Dakingari to provide social amenities for the people of his emirate.
Zayyanu, who led a delegation of title holders and top functionaries from the emirate on a visit to Dakingari on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, said the emirate lacked good roads and a water supply scheme.
He called for the rehabilitation of the only dam in the area, considering the relevance of water to human beings and animals, adding that such amenities would facilitate rapid development.
The emir expressed regret that in spite of the presence of River Niger in the area, potable water had not been adequately provided for the people.
Dakingari assured the emirate that some amenities would be provided, stressing that he would personally monitor and ensure that bureaucratic matters did not prevent the area from getting the facilities.
Kwara
The Kwara Government has again assured the people of the state of its determination to provide sustainable and affordable houses.
The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Adebayo Ishola, renewed the pledge on Friday in Ilorin.
Ishola spoke at a meeting in his office with Chief Bode Afolayan, the chairman of the firm handling the construction of the estates in the state, and the General Manager of the state housing corporation Architect Salihu Sulieman.
Ishola said that the administration of Governor Bukola Saraki was committed to effective delivery of sustainable and affordable housing scheme in the state.
Lagos
The New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fully implement the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee.
The party also called for the reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the appointment of credible persons into the commission.
The NNPP, in a message to commemorate “Democracy Day” said: “ The voice of the people on electoral reforms must be respected if the nation’s democracy is to survive.”
Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the party’s National Chairman, signed the statement and made available to newsmen in Lagos.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure on Wednesday advised the state government to employ 200 guards to check encroachment in government forest reserves.
The Assembly upheld the recommendation of the House Committee on Agriculture, which had been mandated to come up with solutions into the problem of encroachment in forest reserves.
Oyo
Mrs Omotolani Ogundipe, National President, Prisons Officers Wives Association (PROWA), on Friday attributed the difficulty in sourcing funds for its projects to stigmatisation of ex-convicts.
Ogundipe said this while speaking to newsmen in Ibadan on the sidelines of the inauguration of Oyo State chapter of Prisons Inspectors Wives Association (PIWA).
She said members of the association found it difficult to solicit for funds from philanthropists because the stigma attached to ex-convicts was extended to prison officers and their wives.
Osun
Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun on Saturday urged the opposition to cooperate with his administration to move the state forward.
Oyinlola made the plea while addressing the people of the state in a broadcast to mark the seventh anniversary of his administration in Osogbo.
The Osun Governorship Retrial Tribunal on Friday declared Oyinlola of PDP the validly elected governor of the state in the 2007 poll.
The declaration was based on a petition filed by
Mr Rauf Aregbesola, the AC candidate in the election.
The governor expressed his readiness to work with the opposition if it was prepared to contribute to the development of the state.
He urged all political parties to close ranks to achieve a common goal of developing the state.
Plateau
Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau said his administration would not leave any project uncompleted at the end of its tenure in May, next year.
Jang made the promise in his Democracy Day message to the people in Jos on Saturday, saying: “The era of abandoned projects has come to an end in Plateau.
“Let me assure the people that our administration will complete every project that we started all over the state before the end of my first tenure.
“Some projects were not commissioned this month because Democracy Day is low-keyed but they will be commissioned in October as part of the activities marking Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee.’’
Jang commended Nigerians for imbibing the culture of democracy, which had led to 11 years of uninterrupted civil governance in spite of enormous challenges.
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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