Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has barred all elected and appointed officials in the state from campaigning for his second term in office.
Fayemi gave the order in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday at the special sitting of the state House of Assembly while reacting to the vote of confidence passed on his administration by the house.
He called on them to forget about 2014 for now and join hands with him in tackling the various developmental problems confronting the state.
Fayemi, who rejoiced with the assembly, urged the law makers to continue to embrace constructive engagements in dealing with him and forget about campaigning for him for a second term.
“By the vote of confidence you unanimously passed on me today, you have placed a big burden on my shoulder because we have a lot of work to do for our people now. “However, let us limit the encouragement you are giving me to the level of vote of confidence and forget about second term or 2014.’’
FCT
The Director of Assets Declaration, Code of Conduct Bureau, Alhaji Sani Mohammed, has said that civil servants can declare just their bank accounts in the absence of any tangible assets.
Mohammed, who gave the clarification in Abuja on Thursday in Abuja, said assets must not be tangible and big before they could be declared.
He said that some civil servant often complained that they did not know what to declare since they did not own houses, cars or any other assets that they could declare as assets.
The director described asset declaration, as one of the mandatory duties of civil/public servants contained in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Every public officer shall, within three months after taking office, declare his assets and any officer that fails to comply with this provision of the constitution will be deemed to have violated laws of the land.”
Kaduna
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Transport, Sen. Sahabi Ya’u, says the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) is a path for Nigeria to meet global transport challenges.
He made this known on Wednesday to newsmen after inspecting facilities at the NITT in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Ya’u said the institute had all it takes to transform the nation’s transport system, noting that the Senate would revisit its enabling law for the good of Nigerians and Africans.
“So far so good, the institute is doing very well. All the same, we want to review its law in such a way that NITT can compete favourably with world class transport institutes.”
The lawmaker lauded the contributions of the institute toward ensuring a virile and standard transport system in Nigeria.
The NITT Director-General, Alhaji Aminu Musa-Yusuf, had said that without transportation nothing meaningful could be achieved.
Kebbi
Some Political parties in Kebbi on Wednesday criticised the new fees and guidelines issued by KebbiState Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), for the forthcoming local government polls in the state. The KSIEC had announced September 15, 2012 as date for fresh council elections.
The state Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Alhaji UsmanDan-Gwari, said that the non refundable fees of N150, 000 for nomination forms for the chairmanship position was too much. He said that the N50, 000 fees for the positions of councillors was not acceptable to the party.
Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), observed that women had not been given any special attention in the guidelines.
The state Chairman of Alliance Democracy (AD), Hajiya Hauwa’u Mohammed, Alhaji Boi Isa, called on the commission to provide alternative for voters who had lost their voters cards to enable them cast their votes.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Education Prof. Haruna Wakili, says the State Government will establish sick bays in all the boarding schools across the state.
Wakili said in Dutse on Wednesday that all the sick bays would be equipped and manned by qualified health personnel.
“The sick bays will be established in all the 43 boarding schools we have, where the sick students will be treated,’’ he said.
He said the State Government had approved the school health policy for the well being of its students.
Wakili explained that henceforth any new student admitted into any of the schools in the state would be examined medically to ascertain the health condition of such student.
“The medical tests will enable us to know the history of the student as it is done in tertiary institutions.”
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-makura of Nasarawa State last Thursday naugurated a seven- member commission of enquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of last week’s violent crisis in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka, Al-makura, described as “shocking’’ the hostilities between the Eggon and Alago tribes in the area, which left many dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The governor said that appropriate legal instruments were executed in setting up the commission and gave it 30 days to complete its assignment and submit a report to government.
Responding, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Isah Ramalan (rtd), assured the state government that the members would carry out their assignment diligently, without fear or favour.
He called for the support of the people of the state, especially the affected communities, to facilitate their assignment, aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the incessant crisis in the state.
Osun
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun has described the death of Oba Oladele Olashore, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha as “the end of an era.”
This is contained in a condolence message jointly signed by the party’s chairman, Chief Adelowo Adebiyi and Publicity Secretary, Prof. Moses Awogbade, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
The duo in the statement made available to newsmen said the passage of the traditional ruler was a monumental loss to the state and the country at large.
The ACN chieftains described the late Olashore as one of the nation’s patriots during his life time, adding that his contributions to the country’s financial sector were immense.
“Olashore who until his death was one of the greatest patriots in Nigeria served as a Minister of Finance meritoriously and built a niche for himself in the finance sector.”
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has warned the new caretaker executive of the NURTW in the state against acts of violence and brigandage in the state.
Ajimobi gave the warning on Wednesday when the executive members led by Alhaji Taofik Oyerinde visited his office in Ibadan.
The governor said all acts capable of breaching public peace in the state would be seriously dealt with.
He, however, vowed that government would make the state conducive for every peace loving member of the union to go about his business.
Responding, Oyerinde commended the governor for lifting the ban placed on the union’s activities in the state.
Oyerinde assured government that his members would give necessary support to the restoration programme of the state government by conducting itself peacefully at all times.
Plateau
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Garba Pwul, has asked the Plateau Government to “immediately” conduct elections into the local government councils.
“Governor Jonah Jang must move immediately to democratise the 17 local governments by conducting council polls without further delay,” Pwul said in Jos on Wednesday.
Noting that appointing administrators to head the councils was illegal, he asked the governor to end such illegality as there was no place for Transition Chairman in the Nigerian Constitution.
The Plateau State government on January 18 appointed transition chairmen for the 17 Local Governments after dissolving the elected council chairmen, whose tenure had expired.
Pwul said that the governor should not have dissolved the former council chairmen without conducting a fresh council election and argued that with the Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) in place, there was no need for government to delay the conduct of the polls.
Sokoto
Chairman, Wamakko Local Government Council of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mohammad Kalambaina, said that the council spent about N2.5 million in the renovation of 30 houses in its staff quarters.
Kalambaina told newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday that the project was aimed at maintaining the building structures for optimal use.
He said the administration would continue to accord priority to the welfare of its workers to ensure high productivity.
The chairman called on the workers to reciprocate the gesture by excelling in the discharge of their primary assignments.
Kalambaina called on the people to always live in peace with one another to enable the council provide social amenities for them.
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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