Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
Stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector have appealed to all tiers of government to make water available to government-owned schools nationwide to avoid premature deaths of students.
The call was informed by the death of three female students in search of water at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
It will be recalled the students fell into a well located in the school premises while trying to fetch water from it.
Eye witness reports showed that the three girls were washing on top of the well, while four others sat on it when it suddenly collapsed.
Adamawa
Adama Beverages Limited, makers of Faro bottled water and juice, has won the 2011 Best Contributing Employer in Human Resources Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Yola zone.
The Area Manager of ITF, Mallam Ishaku Shehu, presented the award to the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Ahmed Jarma, in Yola.
He commended the company for its commitment to staff training in 2011.
Shehu said that such effort in training and re-training of staff by the companies would facilitate better productivity.
He recalled that the ITF was established by Decree 47 of 1971 (now Act) with the responsibility of contributing to training of staff of organisations that remit one per cent of their total pay roll to the fund.
Bauchi
Bank customers in Bauchi State have been groaning over constant malfunctioning of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Bauchi metropolis and environs.
Checks revealed that customers have been having problems with the machines since the use of the machines was made compulsory..
Bank customers complained that the machines were always malfunctioning when their service were needed most, particularly at month ends.
A civil servant with the state government, Malam Usman Damina, complained that the machines always went bad whenever it was a month end.
‘’I can’t understand these machines. No branch of banks that you go to at the end of the month that you will not see long lines of customers. And at the end of the day, the ATMs will pack up. This is frustrating.
Borno
The Borno Government has said that it was working on plans to train 100 graduates of Agriculture and other related fields in Thailand.
A statement from the Government House in Maiduguri said that Governor Kashim Shettima disclosed the plan when he received a team of agriculture experts from Thailand.
The statement, signed by the Special Adviser on Communications, Malam Isa Gusau, said that the training was part of the partnership between the state government and some Thailand-based agro-allied experts.
Shettima said in the statement that the training was part of his administration’s drive to revolutionise agriculture in the state.
“The governor said that the 100 graduates of different fields in agriculture, as well as those of other-related sciences disciplines will undergo a vigorous selection process.”
Jijawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hajia Hauwa Lawal, has said that 1,200 stalls had been allocated to traders in the new Dutse market.
She told newsmen in Dutse that shop owners in the old market were treated fairly by allocating stalls to them before considering new applicants.
The commissioner said the traders had been given up to April 20 to move to the new market.
Lawal said that basic amenities like potable water, electricity and toilet facilities were provided in the market.
She explained that the old market would be converted to central business districts, in line with the masterplan of the state capital.
Kano
Dealers in second-hand clothes in Kano City are currently enjoying high patronage, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveals.
Our correspondent, who visited second-hand clothes market at Kofar Wambai in the Kano metropolis, reports that dealers were seen making appreciable sales.
Several buyers clustered around the traders, selecting clothes they wanted to buy.
Malam Isa Ladan, one of the buyers, attributed the high demand for second-hand clothes to the current economic situation in the country.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged youths to join the nation’s security organisations to restore peace and order in the state.
Yakowa gave the advice while receiving the state indigenes of Batch 20 graduates of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Onne, Port Harcourt, who paid him a courtesy call.
The governor urged the 35 graduates to be dedicated, determined and to work hard in their various places of assignments.
He said more indigenes would be recruited to participate in the next batch of the course to enable the state get more position in the navy.
Yakowa reiterated the government’s commitment towards peace, unity and development and assured them of his support.
Katshina
A former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has donated drugs worth N100,000 to a nomadic community in Aidun Hassan village of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Presenting the drugs, Alhaji Mamman Abubakar said the donation was part of his effort to assist the less-privileged people in the area.
He said the gesture would save members of the community from the dangers of using fake and expired drugs being sold by hawkers in the area.
He also advised the benefiting community to make good use of the assorted drugs.
The former Speaker urged the people to cooperate with the Nursing Officer in-Charge of the village clinic to achieve the objectives.
ed a school, Juma’at mosque and clinic in Aidun Hassan village.
Kogi
The Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, has banned two former public officers in the state from holding public offices for one year for failing to declare their assets.
Those banned are Sumaila Adamu and Sumaila Shuaibu, Special Advisers to Ofu Local Government Chairman in 2007, were banned for refusing to declare their assets after collecting the bureau’s asset declaration form.
The tribunal ordered the ban in Lokoja while trying 40 accused persons in Kogi, who contravened various sections of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charges of non-declaration and submission of the forms within 30 days of issuance.
Lagos
A wood dealer, Molapo Olajuowo, 30, was last week arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of wood valued at N200,000.
The accused, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Philomena Omorogie, alleged that the accused stole one raft containing 13 logs of wood valued at N200, 000 belonging to one Mr Austine Pinrin.
Omorogie said that the accused stole the wood on March 28 at about 1 p.m. at Okobaba area of Ebute Meta, adding that the offence contravened Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Code.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council, Mr Dogo Shammah, has urged journalists to key into the new insurance policy initiated by the national headquarters of the union.
Shammah made the call in Lafia when he led a delegation of the state executive of the union on a condolence visit to the NTA over the loss of one of its staff, Mrs Lois Abimiku.
He said that although death was inevitable for all mortals, its effect on the dependants could be reduced through measures such as the new insurance policy by the union.
He said that two members of the union (Peter Uma of NBS and Lois Abimiku of NTA) died between March and April this year without registering with the scheme.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has called on corporate organisations in the state to support efforts at rebuilding the state.
The governor made the call in Abeokuta when he received the management team of Keystone Bank Plc which visited him.
A statement issued in Abeokuta by the governor’s spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Wakama, quoted Amosun as saying that the state was ready to partner with genuine investors.
The governor, according to the statement, said the partnership should be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, housing and urban development.
Amosun also said his administration had achieved significant improvement in its Internally Generated Revenue, adding that the state was planning to be financially self-sufficient.
Oyo
An Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand in prison of a 21-year-old man, Adetunji Adeyemi, for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl.
Adeyemi was alleged to have raped the girl on April 6 at about 9:45 am at Elebu area of Oluyole, Ibadan.
The police prosecutor, ASP Grace Akinsehinwa, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.
The plea of the accused was, however, not taken.
Chief Magistrate Fatimah Badrudeen adjourned the case till June 4.
Yobe
The Yobe Teaching Service Board has said that teachers posted to remote areas in the state were paid hardship allowance to encourage them to stay in their areas of posting.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Alhaji Maijawa Dawayo, made this known in Damaturu at a news conference.
He said that teachers employed by the board also enjoy responsibility allowance as incentive to boost productivity and commitment to duty.
The chairman noted that 1,478 teachers were manning 40 senior secondary schools in the state, adding that “there are 373 university graduates, 55 HND holders, 810 NCE holders and others. “The board also trained 474 others through in-service to pursue degree programmes in various universities in the country.”
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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