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THE STATES
Adamawa
No fewer than 13 families in Shuwa District in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, have been displaced by flood, the Sole Administrator of the Development AreaAlhaji Suleiman Duhu has said.
Duhu told the newsmen that several hectares of farmlands had also been destroyed by floods in Mayo-Wandi and Kirchinga Villages, following a heavy down pour last Thursday.
He said that the rain which lasted for about six hours caused the Kwasagama River to burst its banks, submerging houses and farmlands.
Duhu said that the flood destroyed maize, millet and sorghum plantations and washed away part of the Shuwa-Kwirchinga-Tzuyal access road.
He said that most of the displaced families are now residing with their relatives in the area.
The sole administrator said that the development area would monitor the villages, to ascertain.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State last Friday swore in 16 commissioners and 20 advisers as members of the state executive council.
The immediate past Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Faggo, who lost his bid to return to the House in the April general elections, was among the new cabinet members.
Yugudaalso swore in 19 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen, while the 20th person was absent on health ground.
Shortly after the appointees took the oath of office, the governor said that the commissioners and advisers were chosen on merit.
He said that the cabinet members were personally selected by him unlike in the last dispensation when most of the former commissioners and advisers were imposed on him by his political associates.
Ile-Ife
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has said that ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun, would soon perform open heart surgery.
Chukwu made the statement during an assessment visit to the hospital preparatory to the inauguration of the Federal Government/VAMED projects in the institution.
The minister said the medical team for the surgery had been trained and nearly all the equipment needed installed.
He also said that DNA analysis could be done by both the OAUTHC and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and called on Nigerians to make effective use of the facilities instead of going overseas for medical treatment.
Taraba
The PDP in Taraba has called on residents of the state to show understanding on the delay in filling up the ministerial slot meant for the state.
The Chairman of the party in the state, Dr Abdulmumini Vaki, made the call in an interview with a correspondent on Saturday in Jalingo.
Vaki assured that the state would eventually get its slot.
People of the state through their representatives, unanimously rejected the nomination of the immediate former Minister of Water Resources, Mr Obadia Ando, by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Vaki gave an assurance that Gov. Danbaba Suntai and Jonathan were committed to appointing an acceptable person to replace Ando.
The party chairman also debunked rumours making the rounds that plans were on to impeach the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sani Danladi.
“It is baseless. Mind you, the PDP and the state’s assembly are one family.
Jos
Sen. Gyang Dantong has advised Nigerian leaders to emulate Britain’s handling of the London protests to rid the nation of incessant violence.
“Insecurity and crises are worldwide, but what matters is the way we handle such situations,’’ Dantong told newsmen in Jos on Sunday.
“The perpetrators of the London violence have been arrested, tried and sent to prison, unlike in Nigeria where those arrested were usually freed.
“If anyone had said that London will be insecure today, no one would have agreed, but that is the reality.
“So, you can see that the handling of the violence is the difference; In London, hundreds have been arrested, charged to court and jailed; The rioters have been taken off the streets and away from the society.
Kaduna
A cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Revelation Sanctuary, Barnawa, Kaduna Pastor Chucks Godswill on Sunday urged Nigerian leaders to reposition themselves for selfless service.
Godswill said this while delivering a sermon entitled “Reposition Yourself”, stressing that it aimed at encouraging Nigerians on what seemed hopeless in the nation.
The cleric said that if the leaders repositioned themselves for selfless service, there would be a better Nigeria.
He urged leaders at all levels to work according to what they were called for, stressing that “selfless service
is the only motto to moving the nation forward.’’
Katsina
A 19-year old man, Aminu Usman, was on Friday found dead and hanged on an iron bar in front of the residence of one Alhaji Adis’s in Sha’iskawa quarters in Katsina metropolis.
An eyewitness said that the body of Usman was discovered shortly after the Muslim morning prayers.
The witness said residents of the area were confused as they never heard sounds of struggling from the deceased before his death.
The deceased had taken his pre-dawn meal (Sahur) and washed two sets of clothes few minutes before he was found dead.
The deceased, said to be a secondary school leaver, was described as ‘ ‘quiet’’ and never seen engaged in a fight with anyone.
Kebbi
The coordinator of the Kebbi office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Alhaji Yahaya Fanna, has alerted the public of the sale of sub-standard tyres and other products in the state.
Fanna, who visited the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state,Alhaji Umar Babuga, in Birnin Kebbi, cautioned the public on the purchase of sub-standard products, especially for domestic use.
He solicited the support of the NOA in enlightening the public to be wary of the products they purchased.
He said in addition to sub-standard tyres, torch lights and electric cables were among the sub-standard products sold in the markets.
Lagos
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has said that 80 babies have been delivered since the 59th Annual Convention of the church began on Monday.
Adeboye, who made the announcement at the Redemption Camp on Saturday, said 37 of the babies were boys while 42 were girls.
The pastor, who expressed happiness over the development, said “the boys are catching up with the girls’’.
Delivering a sermon titled “The seven categories of progress,” the clergyman urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ by submitting to Him.
Maiduguri
Hajiya Nana Shettima, the wife of the Borno State Governor, on Saturday presented food items to members of the Muslim Widows and Orphans Association in Maiduguri.
She donated several bags of rice and sugar.
Speaking at the event, Shettima pointed out that the gesture was in fulfilment of Islamic teachings of assisting the needy, particularly during the Ramadan.
“As a woman I always feel touched when I remember the pains the less-privilege go through trying to get food in the current harsh economic situation in the country.
“I decided to make the presentation during the month because Ramadan is a period of sober reflection, repentance and charity.”
Shettima urged widows and those who were yet to be members of the association to register so they could be eligible to benefit from government’s assistance to the group.
Minna
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger last Saturday pledged to sustain the state’s polio-free status for the next 10 years.
Speaking during a one-day sensitisation campaign against polio at the palace of the Emir of Minna, Aliyu said the state would strengthen its primary healthcare system to take proactive action on polio eradication and other routine immunisation.
“We must sustain the efforts of the past two years of a zero polio state and ensure that we achieve the total eradication of polio among our citizenry”, he said.
He called on stakeholders to continue to support the effort to sustain the gains already recorded in the fight against polio and sustain the momentum for the next 10 years.
Osogbo
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Friday assumed the portfolio of Commissioner for Works in the state cabinet, while his Deputy Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, took charge of the Ministry of Education.
The governor announced the appointments during the inauguration of a 14-member cabinet in Osogbo.
He urged his colleague commissioners in other ministries to perform their duties well.
Aregbesolaurged the Commissioners to draw inspiration from the late Chief obafemi Awolowo, the Premier of the defunct Western Region, who belived that his cabinet was one that “any head of government in the world will be proud of”.
Quoting Awolowo, the governor said his team was “a well knit, highly disciplined and fanctically loyal team”.
Yola
The Adamawa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ADCCIMA) has declared that Savannah Sugar Company, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, has no case to answer in the compensation dispute between the sugar company and its host community.
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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