Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, has commended the Senate for re-electing Chief David Mark as its President.
Terzoor told newsmen in Makurdi that the unanimous election of Mark showed that he lived above board in the sixth National Assembly.
He declared: “For Mark to co-ordinate the activities of the Senate for four years without major challenges that could warrant any call for his impeachment showed that he displayed a high sense of maturity in handling issues”.
“It is quite challenging to co-ordinate people with divergent backgrounds without acrimony, Mark has conveniently done that and he deserves commendation”.
FCT
Mrs Mulikat Adeola-Akande has commended women for supporting her during her recent contest for speakership of the House of Representatives.
Speaking in Abuja during an event organised by the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Adeola-Akande said she was surprised at such support.
“I want to say a big thank-you to Nigerian women; they have shown that the 35 per cent affirmative action would be achieved if women support one another”.
“The development of this nation is the responsibility of all Nigerians; God has proved to us that men and women are partners in progress”, she remarked.
She explained that the event which unfolded on the day of the election showed to the world that it was not all about a gender issue but capability.
Kaduna
The newly constituted Kaduna State House of Assembly promised to enact “quality laws” that would improve the lives of the people.
Dr Mato Dogara, the Deputy Speaker, told newsmen in Kaduna that his colleagues had resolved to make a difference in legislation by writing their names in gold.
Dogara said: “We have resolved to pass quality people oriented laws and adopt motions that will fast-track development in the state and enhance the lives of our people.
“This is the covenant between us and the electorate and we pray to God to enable us succeed”.
Kogi
The Kogi State Chapter of the NLC has welcome the state government’s decision to pay the salary relativity of N14,100 to workers in the state.
The State Chairman of the NLC, Mr James Odaodu in a reaction to the government’s approval of the new salary in Lokoja, described the action as great, saying that “it portends a sign of good things to come for workers:
He said that the labour insistence on the payment of N16,000 as pay relativity was dropped when the labour leaders evaluated all options tabled before them for consideration which he said included option to sack some of the workers”.
Odaodu also stated that teachers in the state would also benefit from the new wage, which he said, had now raised the current minimum wage of N6,000 to N14,100.
He, however, called on government not to renege on its promise to commence the payment with effect from June 1.
Lagos
A 24 year man, Sunday Agboola, was in Lagos docked at an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly impersonating a naval officer.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Uche Kalu, told the court that Agboola was arrested on May 29 at about 9.30 p.m. at the railway line, Ijora-Badia, Lagos, impersonating a naval officer.
Kalu said that the accused had been parading himself as a naval officer and harassing residents.
He said that the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 109 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos 2003.
Our correspondent reports that the accused pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.
She adjourned further hearing in the case till June 20.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has set up a task force to devise measures on how to combat the impending flooding in the state.
Amosun said in a statement issued in Abeokuta by Mrs Funmi Wakaka, his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communication), that the step was a proactive measure aimed at containing the expected flooding during the rainy season.
Our correspondent reports that the National Emergency Management Agency, the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and meteorologists have predicted heavy rainfall as from June, resulting in widespread flooding.
They all warned that unless precautionary measures were taken, the resultant havoc might be greater than that of 2010.
The task force consists of permanent secretaries in the state Ministries of Works, Environment and Water Resources as well as the Bureau of Urban and Physical Planning.
Osun
Mr Opeyemi Adepoju, a stalwart of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun, said that the election of Malam Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker, House of Representatives was democratic.
Adepoju told newsmen in Osogbo that the emergence of Tambuwal had shown the workings of “a true democracy”.
Our correspondent reports that the Peoples Democratic Party’s zooning formula failed with the election of Tambuwal as Speaker on Monday.
It was further recalled that the election did not favour the party’s candidate as Tambuwal defeated Mrs Mulikat Akande-Adeola from the South West 252 to 90 votes.
According to him, the PDP zoning arrangement might not have produced the best person for the position.
It would be recalled that Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, PDP National Publicity Secretary on Tuesday, said that the Party might revisit its zoning formula.
Oyo
Mr Gabriel Ibe, the Oyo State Co-ordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has announced that the management of the cops will no longer post corps members to crisis prone areas in the country.
He made the announcement in Ibadan when he led top members of his staff on a courtesy visit to the wife of the state governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.
Ibe said each state coordinator had been directed by the management of the corps to post any corps member to any crisis prone area in the country, adding that the directive would make effect with the next deployment of corps members on July 7.
He noted that the security and safety of lives of corps members had been the major challenge of the scheme.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has called for the establishment of District Council Fund for the traditional institutions to effectively supervise government infrastructure in their domains.
Receiving the traditional rulers in the 19 northern states, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, at Government House, he said such funds would address the pressing needs of the populace.
He explained that the rural dwellers had direct contact with the traditional institutions than local government chairmen and councilors.
Wamakko said the state government would continue to identify with the Sultanate Council, to uplift the welfare of the people.
“We have been operating like a family for the common good of our people.
“We have succeeded in being where we are today based on the support, co-operation and prayers from the royal fathers”, Wamakko said.
Yobe
The Deputy Governor of Yobe, Abubakar Ali, says the new 40-bed mother and child hospital complex will soon be ready, expected to decongest existing facilities at the Damaturu Specialist Hospital.
Ali, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Alhaji Yayaha Barde, explained that government was committed to boosting maternal and child health as well as to reduce mortality rate in the state.
“Government has sustained the free drug programme for expectant mothers, children and road accident victims across the state”, he said.
The deputy governor, who supervises the ministry, noted that “government has rehabilitated all hospitals and clinics and upgraded most facilities in the hospitals to meet the challenges and provide patients with psychological and medical needs”.
Zamfara
The Acting Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Dr Tajudeen Aiyedun, urged aggrieved workers of the institution to put public health above personal grudges and call off their strike.
The workers on Wednesday embarked on an indefinite strike at the end of a two-week ultimatum calling for the immediate removal of Aiyedun.
Our correspondent reports that the strike had forced patients to relocate to other public health institutions inspite of the poor services.
The Joint Health Unions (JHU) of the centre had insisted that workers would not resume duties unless Aiyedun was removed.
Aiyedun, however, told newsmen that the on-going strike by the JHU was a threat to public health.
He said the leadership of the union acted in ignorance of due process concerning the vacation of the medical director at the expiration of a four-year tenure.
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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