Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa government has spent N10 million on flood and other related disasters’ sensitisation campaign, the Deputy governor, Mr Bala Ngillari, has said.
Ngillari, who received the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, in Yola last Thursday, said the campaign was initiated following the early forecast and warning by NEMA on the possibility of flooding in some parts of the state.
Sani-Sidi was in Yola for the consultative meeting of Heads of States Emergency Management Agencies.
“Adamawa state received the warning early this year and acted immediately through continuous sensitisation of the various communities,’’ he said.
Through this campaign, disaster prone areas took actions that reduced effects and losses in some parts of the state, especially in Guyuk, Numan, Demsa, Lamurde and Yola which were flooded.
Bauchi
Some rural farmers in Bauchi state want a review of the fertiliser distribution system in the state, our correspondent learnt that most of the farmers in some rural settlements on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis were not satisfied with the distribution method being adopted by the state government.
In separate interviews with farmers in those settlements, they told our correspondent that they see the channels through which the commodity was being distributed as unreliable.
They pointed out that the year 2011 has been the worst, in comparison with the problems experienced in previous years.
Malam Babaji Yakubu, a 56-year-old maize farmer in Inkil village, blamed lack of fertiliser for the poor harvest on his farms this year.
Mohammed Muktar of Sabon-Layivillage, noted that the situation should have been better in spite of the problems of rainfall.
Borno
A Borno High Court will on Sept. 30 deliver its judgement in a case involving a house wife who allegedly killed her daughter by setting her ablaze after poisoning her.
The woman, Rebecca Emmanuel, allegedly burnt her seven-year old daughter in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.
Emmanuel was standing trial for alleged culpable homicide punishable with death under section 221 of the Penal Code Law.
The accused was said to have taken her daughter to a bush in Biu where she gave her a bottle of maltina beverage adulterated with poison to drink.
According to the report, the seven-year girl, thereafter, became unconscious after crying of stomach pain.
The girl who later died in the bush was covered up with dry leaves and grasses by her mother who reportedly set her ablaze. However, the judgement of the case which was earlier slated for Sept. 20 was adjourned, due to the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Purtum Ngadda.
FCT
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) says there is the the need for the country to simplify its judicial processes to ensure prompt adjudication of cases.
This was one of the recommendations of the 16th summit of the Group which ended last Thursday in Abuja.
The Group advised “all tiers of governments to simplify judicial processes on election petitions, commercial disputes and other cases in the nation’s judicial system,’’
“There is the need to reverse the culture of impunity by ensuring compliance with existing laws, procedures and regulations,” it said.
NESG urged the government to promote value-based ideologies and to intensify the war on corruption in both private and public sectors.
“Public and private sectors should have the will to allow the system to run effectively through good administration and corporate governance.
“Governments should create a rallying point for citizens to buy-into Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 in order to deliver power, deregulation of downstream petroleum sector and education reform in the next 12 months,” it said.
Kaduna
TheFederal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has decried the spate of indiscriminate parking on the nation’s highways by drivers of articulated vehicles.
FERMA’s North West 1 Zonal Director, Mr Kaboshiyo Avongs, told newsmen last Thursday in Kaduna that many lives had been lost due to indiscriminate parking by mostly tanker drivers.
Avongs recalled that several measures had been taken to tackle the menace of indiscriminate parking to no avail.
He, however, said new measures, including outright impounding of such vehicles, were being contemplated.
Avongs expressed regrets that several discussions held with the tanker drivers union aimed at changing their attitude to indiscriminate parking were not yielding results.
He commended the Kaduna State Government for providing land to build parks for trailers at Tafa in Kagarko Local Government Area and Mararaban Jos in Igabi Local Government Area.
Avongs said the two areas were noted for the high frequency of accidents involving articulated vehicles, adding that the facilities would reduce the rate of such incidents when completed.
Kebbi
The Kebbi House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs is to collaborate with state ministry of women affairs in tackling issues affecting women and children for sustainable development.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Alhaji Garba Bena, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi last Thursday that an enabling environment that included logistics,useful advice and any other relevant observation, would be created for effective performance.
He said the House would address gender issues, especially the intensification and enforcement of the state law which prohibits child labour,stressing that the Law has reduced the menace of child hawking reducing children to domestic servants.
According to him, the law that prohibits stigmatisation against people living with HIV and AIDS is still enforced, stressing that from the available records released by the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) the prevalence of HIV and AIDS has reduced.
Kogi
The newly established Federal University, Lokoja, will formally commence academic activities in January 2012 with 200 students, its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulmumin Rafindadi, has said.
Rafindadi told newsmen in Lokoja that the university will take off at its temporary site with only two faculties – Arts and Social Science with few departments.
He said the faculties of engineering and education would be added over the next two or three years and said that the student population of the university may not be more than 600 at its peak.
He explained that the pioneer students of the university would be selected from the 961 applicants, who made the school their first choice in the last UTME conducted by JAMB,
More than 2,000 other applicants who made the university their second choice would not be consider for admission at all, he explained.
The vice chancellor stated that the university would hold its first post-UTME screening on Sept. 27
.
Lagos
The EFCC in Lagos has arraigned two men before an Ikeja High Court for allegedly defrauding a local government council boss of the sum of three million Naira.
Augustine Nwokolo, 46, and Kalu Emole, 48, were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money with false pretence.
EFCC prosecutor, Mr Kayode Oni, alleged that the duo had conspired to defraud Mr Ezekiel Chukwukwere, Chairman of Nwangele Local Government Council of Imo State.
He said they committed the offence on March 15 in the Egbeda area of Lagos by collecting the sum of N3 million from the council boss.
“The duo claimed that there was a petition against Chukwukwere and that the money was to help him sweep the petition under the carpet at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja,’’ the prosecutor said.
He said Chukwukwere had lodged a complaint with the anti-graft body about a phone call which was made by one Mr Linus, demanding the money from him.
Ogun
A gender specialist, Mrs Funmi Hassan, has decried the high level of discrimination and violence against Nigerian women.
Hassan made the observation last Thursday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, at a two-day leadership skill training for women farmers.
The theme of the training is“Team building and Women Right”.
Speaking on the occasion, Hassan said women’s rights were those human right issues that related to women as the subordinate group in a male-dominated society.
She noted that violence against women was one of the cruel social mechanisms by which women were forced into a subordinate position.
Oyo
The principal of a public school in Oyo State and his deputy (both names withheld) were among those apprehended on Wednesday in Ibadan over illegal collection of fees.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun, announced the arrests at a news conference in Ibadan, saying the task force set up by the education ministry to check the collection of unapproved fees from parents and students took the measure.
She explained that the task force was constituted to make life bearable for parents and guardians, and ensure that the cost of education was affordable.
“The task force proceeded in its task and succeeded in apprehending some principals who engaged in the act.”
Plateau
The Court of Appeal sitting in Jos has dismissed Plateau’s Governor Jonah Jang’s appeal seeking to quash the case of his challenger and Labour Party candidate, Mrs Pauline Tallen.
The Plateau Electoral Petition Tribunal had in its pre-hearing ruling of July 25, 2011, decided in favour of Tallen, while ruling in a case filed by Jang, who had alleged that the LP’s petition against him was not filed on time and should be dismissed.
Dissatisfied with that ruling, Jang appealed against the ruling on the grounds that during the pre-hearing, Tallen willingly withdrew an application, which was the life wire of her petition.
Jang’s counsel, Mr Olu Dundare, had told the appellate court that even though the withdrawal of the application was done with the advice of the tribunal, it was a blunder made by the petitioner, pointing out that it was sufficient ground to invalidate the case.
Sokoto
Sheik Yusuf Alibawa, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, has enjoined prospective pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia to pray for peace, progress and political stability of Nigeria.
Alibawa newsmen in Sokoto last Thursday that the nation was dire need of God’s intervention.
He said that prayers by pilgrims as well as other Nigerians would enable the country to overcome the challenges facing the country, especially on security matters.
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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