Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Sick persons in Mubi North Local Government of Adamawa now patronise private clinics due to the strike by medical and health workers.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike following disagreement with the state government over wages and improved working conditions.
A check by our correspondent at General Hospital, Mubi, showed that Out Patients Department (OPD), Emergency Unit and medical wards were shut, while some of the patients on admission had left.
The situation had forced residents to rely on the available private clinics for medical services.
One of the affected patients who gave his name as Doctor Makul, told newsmen that he had moved to a private clinic for treatment following the collapse of services at the General Hospital.
Bauchi
Participants at the end of a two-day workshop decried the failure by various levels of government to implement recommendations of various judicial commissions of inquiry on crises in the country.
The workshop organised by the Bauchi State Government had the theme “Fostering Peace in a Multi-Cultural and Multi-Religious Setting”.
The participants expressed the concern in a communiqué made available to newsmen in Bauchi last Friday.
They said that the non-implementation of such reports was partly responsible for the recurrence of such crises.
“Judicial Commissions of Inquiry should be balanced and fair to all sides and their reports should be fully implemented to serve as deterrence and to forestall future recurrence.
“States without such ongoing societal re-orientation programme should emulate the initiative of Bauchi State and establish a similar programme.
Benue
Participants at a two-day sensitisation workshop on sanitation and hygiene have expressed concern over the weak implementation of public health laws due to low political will and inadequate manpower.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop on Friday in Markurdi, the participants also expressed concern over the poor coordination of sanitation and hygiene issues in the country.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ifeoma Charles-Monwuba, National Coordinator of Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council, an NGO, and Peter Cookey on behalf of other participant.
They noted that the challenge had undermined Nigeria’s efforts at achieving the MDGs target in the sector.
More than 100 women were screened for breast and cervical cancer on Saturday in Abuja.
The screening exercise was organised by “Stand up to Cancer Naija”, an Abuja-based NGO, as part of activities marking the 2010 Sister’s Convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mega Parish, Abuja.
Some of the women told newmen that they were initially scared of the test because of the outcome of the result.
Mrs Zainab Mamman said she was initially scared of the screening but was, however, glad that she did the test.
Mrs Isimhanze Margaret said that she was not surprised to find that people were afraid to come for the test, explaining that lack of money to pay hospital bill prevented her from taking the test before now.
“The test is quite cheap here. I paid N1,000 to get the two tests done.
Kano
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is to begin an Intra-city Train Service in Kano the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Sulaiman has said.
Sulaiman disclosed this in Kano when he inspected facilities along the Kano-Challawa-Kano route of the proposed train service, recently.
He said the project was informed by government’s decision to ease transportation problems in the country by using the railway system.
According to him, the new train service will assist in decongesting traffic in Kano city for easy movement of people.
The minister, therefore, advised parents to allow their children to patronise the service.
Sulaiman disclosed that Intra-city Train Service would be introduced in six cities, Kano, Jos Maiduguri, Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt.
He said necessary work had been completed to commence the service in the six towns before the end of 2010.
Kebbi
To check deforestation in Kebbi State, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has intensified its tree planting campaign.
The NESREA Coordinator in the state, Dr Ahmed Kasim, told newsmen on Friday in Abuja that the exercise was part of the campaign to safeguard the environment.
“The tree planting campaign is aimed at improving forest reserve, especially considering t hat trees will help to stem emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants of the earth”, he said.
He said the campaign would be carried out in conjunction with the state government and the NYSC Club.
NESREA, he said, would take the campaign to secondary schools in the state to enable students imbibe the culture of planting trees.
He also stressed needs to carry out tree planting campaigns at local, state and federal levels to boost the boost the stock of trees in the country.
Kwara
The Kwara Government for Friday warned those involved in its FADAMA programme against fraudulent practices.
Governor Bukola Saraki gave the warning in Ilorin while flagging-off the FADAMA III programme.
He said those involved in the initiative should follow the procurement guidelines as well as ensure due process in their transactions.
He said his government had contributed its N40 million counterpart fund for the take off of the programme, adding that 10 councils benefited from FADAMA II.
In his remarks, Prof. Mohammed Yisa, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the ultimate objective of giving agriculture top priority was to ensure food security.
Yisa said agriculture would also help to create employment and attract investors in agribusiness and agro tourism.
He commended the World Bank for providing funds to alleviate poverty in the state.
Lagos
The scarcity and high cost of fresh tomatoes and pepper will linger till the end of the rainy season, Alhaji Haruna Muhammed, Chairman Mile 12 Market Management Committee, has said.
Muhammed told newsmen Friday in Lagos that the scarcity of the commodities was due to the rainy season.
He said that the current scarcity and high cost of food items in the country, was contrary to speculations by some people that it was as a result of the anticipated strike by traders in the north.
He said that the species of tomatoes and pepper currently in the market came from Jos, due to the cold weather in the city.
Muhammed said that other species of tomatoes and pepper were from Ibadan and Ghana, adding that these were the ones that consumers would be compelled to make use of till the end of the rainy season.
Oy Oyo
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos chapter, on Saturday warned of the implications of teachers in Oyo State going on strike over non-implementation of Teachers Salary Scale (TSS).
Our correspondent reports that teachers in Oyo State are on a warning strike to press home their demand for the implementation of the new enhanced salary agreement signed in August 2008.
The Secretary, NUT Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Idris, told newsmen in an interview that the development in Oyo State was regrettable.
“I particularly feel bad about this development because Oyo State is the only state that is yet to implement the 27.5 per cent teachers’ enhancement salary scale (in the Southwest).
“It is unfortunate that the Oyo State Government has not been responsive enough when it comes to teachers’ welfare”, Idris said.
Ogun
The Police in Ijebu-Ode last Friday arraigned a 50-year-old woman, Comfort Okuneye, before an Ijebu-Ode Magistrate’s Court for allegedly failing to produce her son whom she stood surety for.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Temitope Babatunde, told the court that Okuneye had on March 23 at Obalende Police Station, Ijebu-Ode, volunteered to stand as a surety for her son, Bola Okuneye, who was alleged to have stolen N375,000.
Babatunde explained that Okuneye, who pledged to produce the suspect whenever he was needed, signed a bail bond of N400,000.
She explained that Okuneye’s failure to produce her son when he was needed led to her arrest and arraignment in court.
Okuneye, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.
The Defence Counsel, Mr. D.T. Fowodu, told the court to grant the accused person bail on liberal terms since the offence was bailable.
Plateau
The Plateau government has said that there is no going back on the ban on commercial motorcyclists, also known as okada.
A statement on Friday, in Jos, signed by the commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Gregory Yenlong, said that anyone who defaulted would face appropriate sanctions.
The Plateau House of Assembly in May passed a bill prohibiting the use of motorcycles popularly called ‘okada’ for commercial purposes.
A Jos Federal high judgment on Thursday, dismissed a suit instituted by the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) against the state government.
The court dismissed the suit on grounds that it would not stop the enforcement of the law which was enacted pursuant to the powers vested on the state government by the constitution.
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.
