Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, Mr David Iorhemba, has called on Muslims in the state to use the period of Ramadan to pray for peace and security of the state.
Iorhemba made the call on Tuesday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yakubu Imanche, in Makurdi.
He said that there was the need for Muslims to pray for peace because they were in a state of grace in which anything they requested from God would be answered.
The speaker also urged them to sustain the long-existing peaceful and cordial relationship with their Christian counterpart in the state.
Iorhemba enjoined the Muslims to imbibe the teachings and lessons of the period such as self-discipline, kindness and sacrifice so as to attract blessings from God.
Gombe
Students of the Gombe State University on Tuesday
staged a peaceful protest against an alleged plan to remove the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Mahdi.
The students gathered at the school’s premises at around 4 p.m., chanting songs in support of Mahdi.
The President of the Gombe State Student Union, Malam Abubakar Kalafi, said that Mahdi had instilled discipline in both staff and students of the institution.
Kalosi said the vice chancellor had created a conducive atmosphere for learning in the university, adding that the peaceful coexistence in the university was a testimony of his leadership qualities.
The students alleged that a prominent member of the University’s Governing Council was spear-heading the planned removal of the vice chancellor.
Mahdi was appointed vice chancellor of the institution about eight years ago.
Jigawa
The Jigawa government has awarded N22 million contract for the construction of ultra-modern archive and gallery.
The Director, History and Culture Bureau, Alhaji Dan-Iya Uba, said in Dutse on Tuesday, that more than N18 million was earmarked for the construction of the archive while N4 million was set aside for the rehabilitation of its theatre.
He said adequate provisions were made in the 2012 budget to facilitate smooth running of the project.
“The archive will serve as library, documentation and research centre to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of the state. “The renovation of the theatre will also enable the cultural troop and dancers from the state to rehearse and organise plays,” he said.
He added that the state government had concluded arrangement to construct a central gallery to enable all the five emirates present their heritage.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government on Tuesday further relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state from midnight to 5a.m.
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, who announced this during a meeting with the Committee on Inter-Religious Harmony, said this following improved security situation in the state.
Yakowa said the curfew was reviewed to allow free movement throughout the state, adding that the security operatives would continue with their work.
He commended the people for the sustenance of peace and further urged them to continue to cooperate with the security agents and be law-abiding.
The governor also urged them to use the period of Ramadan to pray for peace and progress in the country.
Katsina
Workers of three tertiary institutions in Katsina State
on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike to protest alleged failure of the state government to meet their demands.
The institutions are: Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma and Yusuf Bala Usman College of Legal and General Studies, Daura.
The Joint Consultative Forum (JCF) of the workers unions in a statement issued in Katsina said members of the Academic and the Non academic Staff Unions of the three institutions had joined the industrial action.
The statement was signed by Mallam Tukur Dahiru, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic (ASUP) and five others.
Kwara
The Chairman of the Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara, Alhaji Abubakar Sidiq, has appealed to the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Kaiama-Kishi road.
He said that the road, which links communities in Kwara and Oyo states, would contribute significantly to the economic development of the area.
Sidiq, who made the call in Kaiama in an interview described the present state of the road as deplorable, saying “it is now a death trap”. He said commuters using the road had to contend with potholes and difficult terrain “which usually make plying the road a nightmare”.
Lagos
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Rotimi Olowo, said the House would soon pass a bill that would ensure proper and regular maintenance of public infrastructure in the state.
Olowo told newsmen in Ikeja that the House was working on a Facilities and Maintenance Bill that would ensure scheduled maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and other public infrastructure, as and when due.
Olowo, the chairman of House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, said that the bill became necessary to improve the functionality and life span of the facilities.”If we don’t put in place a maintenance schedule, these public infrastructure would collapse in no time,” he said in Lagos.
He advised Lagos residents to desist from throwing refuse into gutters to avoid blocking the drainage system and prevent flooding.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has expressed its determination to promote cassava production in the state to stem hunger and lessen import dependency.
Governor Umaru Al-Makura said this on Tuesday in Lafia at the inauguration of the Growth Enhancement Scheme for cassava farmers in the state.
Al-Makura, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani-Usman, said that his administration would make the cassava value chain development a priority, to encourage increased productivity among farmers in the state.
He also pledged the government’s commitment to providing farmers with the necessary agricultural input to enhance their productivity.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday asked the state government to tackle the encroachment on land belonging to public schools.
The Assembly gave the directive in Akure during its plenary which followed a motion by Mr Olatunji Dairo of Owo II Constituency.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Dare Emiola, who presided over the session, directed the House Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Committee on Education to convene a meeting with principals of public schools to stop the practice.
Osun
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has called on stakeholders in the education sector to embrace the culture of endowment as a means of funding universities.
Fayemi made the call on Monday at the second convocation lecture of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, entitled: “Repositioning the Nigerian Universities within a Dynamic Global University System; Changes and Prospects.”
The convocation programme, which began with a press conference on Wednesday, is expected to end with the award of degrees today. Fayemi said universities should also explore scholarly resources, particularly books and journals, to promote scholarship.
He lamented the state of libraries in Nigerian universities, saying the situation had constituted one of the biggest impediments to the flowering of ideas and development of world-class scholarship.
The governor also advised universities to source for foreign partners that would help in facilitating access to online publications, particularly journals for scholars and students.
Plateau
The Plateau Government has commiserated with the families and surviving victims of Sunday’s devastating flood in some communities within the Jos metropolis.
The Commissioner for Information, in a press statement on Tuesday in Jos, described the flood as Pastor Abraham Yiljap, “devastating, painful and unfortunate’’.
He recalled with regret that the flood resulted in the death of persons and missing of many others. “Government is saddened by this unexpected natural phenomenon which has brought grief to the people in its wake, “ he said.
Yiljap said that the Governor Jonah Jang had ordered the State Relief Committee to take steps in providing immediate relief for the surviving victims.
He added that the governor had urged all citizens of the state to pray against any situation that would bring further pain and discomfort on the people.
Our correspondent recalls that the flood killed 16 persons and left several others missing with houses and other property worth millions of naira destroyed in its trail.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, on Tuesday said that the State Government had spent N50 million to purchase drugs and medical facilities for its General Hospitals.
Aliyu said the measure was part of the State Government’s commitment to provision of qualitative health care services to the people.
He said the state drug revolving scheme would continue to be accorded priority attention to ensure effective health care delivery in the state.
The commissioner said a committee that would ensure equitable distribution of the drugs and medical facilities had been set up.
The commissioner urged the people of the state to always keep their environment clean to prevent outbreak of diseases.
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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