Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has stated its commitment to the speedy completion of the Yola Campus of the Nigeria Law School.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Shehu Ibrahim, made this known on Monday in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
Shehu said the male and female hostels as well as lecture theatre in the campus had been completed and furnished.
He lauded the Federal Government for sitting the law school campus in Yola.
Shehu also said that other achievements recorded in the judicial sector within the past four years included the siting of the Court of Appeal, National Industrial Court and the recent approval for a Customary Court of Appeal in the state.
Bauchi
A member of the National Assembly, Malam Aliyu Gebi (CPC), representing Bauchi Central Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, has donated 15 desk-top computers and printers to journalists in Bauchi State.
Presenting the computers to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi Special Assistant to the lawmaker, Alhaji Salisu Sabo, said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise he made earlier.
He said that Gebi held members of the ‘Fourth Estate of the Realm’ in the state in high esteem and was ready to contribute to their progress.
He said the computers would assist in the facilitation of their work as they strive to ensure that democracy succeeded in the state.
Receiving the items, the Bauchi State Chairman of the NUJ, Alhaji Dahiru Mohammed, thanked Gebi for the gesture.
Borno
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, Dr Abubakar Alhassan, has called on Borno government to educate people on the need to donate blood to needy patients
Alhassan , who made the call when Gov. Kashim Shettima paid a Sallah visit to the patients at the medical centre, said that most of the patients admitted in the hospital were suffering from insufficient blood.
“It is very unfortunate that when it comes to issue of looking for people to donate blood to patients in the hospital, they will all disappear as nobody is ready to do that.
“Government should assist in educating and enlightening the people about blood donation to save the lives of the patients,’’ he added.
FCT
The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev Nicholas Okoh in Abuja has charged participants at the Divine Commonwealth Conference to find lasting solutions to emerging social vices in the world.
Okoh, who gave the charge in his message to the conference, said that the church was one of the institutions that could help fight vices such as corruption, drug addiction, immorality and armed violence around the world.
He charged the conference to brainstorm on some of the issues affecting the welfare of Christians around the world.
“We are facing challenging times as Christians in the world today, our people are suffering as a result of the many social vices that have become the order of the day. ‘I challenge the conference to come up with solutions to some of the problems such as corruption which has become a culture in many of our countries,” he said.
Gombe
President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo and the people of Gombe State over the death of the deputy governor, Mr David Albashi.
Sen. Idris Abdullahi, the Minister of Transport, presented a condolence letter from the President to Dankwambo in Gombe on Monday.
The President said he received the news of Albashi’s death with great shock, describing it as a great loss not only to Gombe State but also the entire country.
The President also prayed God to give the governor, the deceased’s family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss.
He thanked the governor for the support he rendered to the deceased when the accident occurred.
Katsina
The Chinese Government has constructed a primary school in Katsina metropolis and donated it to the Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as support for its UBE programme.
The school, which is located along Olusegun Obasanjo Drive in the metropolis, has two blocks of six classrooms, headmaster’s office, two staff rooms, furniture, wall fence, playground, water and electricity supply.
Alhaji Suleiman Dikko, Executive Chairman of the State’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) disclosed the donation in an interview with newsmen in Katsina
Dikko said, “Katsina is one of the four states that benefited from the Chinese assisted project.”
Lagos
Mr. Husitode Moses, the Chairman of Badagry local government, Lagos State, says the council plans to repackage Badagry cultural folks festival to boost tourism in the area.
Moses told newsmen in Badagry that the festival would also serve as source of revenue for the council.
“I am planning to repackage badagry cultural folks festival to ensure that we promote our heritage endowment with a view to deriving economic gains from it”.
He promised to budget more funds and resources for the organisation of the festival in other to attract tourists.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has urged the people to practice agriculture irrespective of their profession in order to boost food production.
Aliyu gave the charge in Minna when the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Bahago and his council of chiefs paid him the Sallah homage.
He directed the state Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers and non-farmers to establish farms to ensure food security.
Aliyu, however, enjoined the citizens to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authority in order to safeguard lives and property.
He commended the peaceful atmosphere in Niger and appealed to traditional rulers to help sustain it in their domains.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has commiserated with his Gombe State counterpart, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwanbo, over the death of his deputy, Mr David Albashi.
Amosun, who expressed his heartfelt condolences, described Albashi’s death as shocking.
“The death of Albashi is quite shocking. He died at a period when his service toward the development of Gombe State under the leadership of Governor Dankwanbo was most needed.”
Amosun prayed for the repose of Albashi’s soul and for the Almighty Allah to grant his family, government and people of Gombe State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Oyo
An Ibadan-based Lawyer, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for equal representation in the membership of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Fegbemi told newsmen in Ibadan that the composition of the NJC ought to be all-inclusive because of its importance in the discipline, promotion and welfare of judicial officers.
He said membership of the council should also not be restricted to certain cadres in the profession, adding that making retired or serving judges members would not curb corruption in the judiciary.
Fagbemi said only credible and respected members of the Bar and the Bench could bring the desired change in the NJC and not years of practice or age.
Plateau
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Plateau on Tuesday, reconciled their differences over NEMA’s claim of rehabilitating one million Jos crisis victims in Bauchi.
The Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi and CAN Chairman in Plateau, Rev. Mwelbish Dafes, at a parley in Jos, blamed “Communication gap” for the crisis of confidence between them over the distribution of relief materials to victims of the crisis.
NEMA and CAN has been locked in a battle over Sani-Sidi’s claim in September that NEMA had complied over one million names of Jos crisis victims in Bauchi with a view to “massively and elaborately” cater for them and their families in line with President Jonathan’s directive.
Sokoto
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on all Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda to ensure its success.
Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, Chairman, Political Committee of the forum, told newsmen in Sokoto that the North cannot afford to be a passive spectator of the agenda.
“The region must be an active participant in the agenda and the crucial Vision 20:2020 of the Federal Government.’’
Gusau, former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, added that “Nigeria is ours and it is our duty to keep it one, united, prosperous and developed. ’’
He further said that keeping Nigeria one was a task that must be done by all well meaning and patriotic Nigerians.
“The president requires the support of all and sundry to ensure the success of the agenda, just like all his programmes and policies,’’
He stressed the need for other regions of the country to understand and appreciate the present predicament of the north.
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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