Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government, has intervened in the dispute
between the newly appointed 35 development area administrators with their
predecessors over who has the right to official cars.
There was a running battle between the newly appointed
administrators, who insisted on having
the official cars from their predecessors.
Declaring government’s position to newsmen on the
development, the Chief of Staff to Governor
Murtala Nyako, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abba, said the out-going
administrators were the rightful owners of the cars, which he confirmed had
been monetised.
Abba, who is also the acting commissioner for information,
said the state government had directed the new administrators who had
confiscated the cars from their predecessors to return them.
He said that the government had also directed those still
hunting their predecessors to desist forthwith.
The chief of staff said, “with this development, the matter
has been settled for good.’’
Jigawa
The Jigawa House of Assembly, passed a bill for the establishment of a
Farmers/Pastoralists Board, the Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Ahmad, said in Dutse.
Ahmad said in an interview in Delta, that the
executive-sponsored bill was aimed at checking the incessant crisis between
farmers and herdsmen in the state.
He commended the administration of Governor Sule Lamido for coming up with the bill
which, he said, would provide lasting solution to the problem of farmers and
pastoralists.
According to him, conflict between the two groups has
minimised since the inception of the present administration in the state.
Ahmad said that the House had also passed a bill to
establish the state Arts Exhibition and Multimedia Censors’ Board.
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged
Christians not to stay away from church activities, particularly at this time
of persecution.
The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN, Rev. Samuel
Kujiyat, made the call in Kaduna recently.
He stressed that the recent developments in the country
notwithstanding, Christians should always strive to propagate the gospel,
adding that if Christians refrained from preaching the gospel, the perpetrators
of the persecution would have an upper hand and be encouraged to commit their
evil plans.
Kujiyat, who spoke at the 19th Synod of the Diocese of
Kaduna, Anglican Communion, however, prayed for God’s intervention and
protection for the Christian faithful.
Kano
The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) and operatives of the
State Security Service (SSS) have in Kano arrested three suspected gunmen at
Gadar Bayero, near Taburawa Kano.
The State SSS Director, Mr Bassey Ettang, announced this
while briefing newsmen. He said the suspects were apprehended during an early
morning raid at a hide out at Tamburawa, a Kano outskirt.
“The operation was carried out based on an intelligent
report of the activities of the terrorists who operate at the outskirts of Kano
now. “We were able to recover some quantities of primed Improvised Explosive
Devices (IEDs) ready for detonation, together with military uniforms used by
the gunmen.’’
Kebbi
The Controller of Prisons in Kebbi, Alhaji Othman Musa, has
com-mended the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Sami, for assisting in the reformation
of minor offenders to be good members of society.
Musa, who gave the commendation in Birnin Kebbi urged
members of the public to emulate the Emir to ensure that prison inmates came
out as better citizens.
He said the nation’s prisons were facing the challenge of
blending their inmates to fit into the society after their jail terms,
considering that some of them felt abandoned by relatives and the society.
“We would strive to erase the stigma placed on the inmates
by the society to prevent them from transforming into hardened criminals,
deviants and social misfits. “The people need to emulate the Emir of Zuru,
Alhaji Sani Sami, who had facilitated the release of minor offenders as well as
assisted them with tools to learn skills that would enable them blend into
society.”
Kogi
The President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS),
Kogi chapter, Mrs Mary Olowosegun, has
advised women to show commitment to politics in order to reflect their real
strength.
Olowosegun newsmen in
Lokoja, that she was disappointed at the low turnout of women aspirants for the
forthcoming local government election in the state.
She said it was the zeal that women aspirants displayed in
politics that would generate financial support for them.
The women leader said that she was planning to have a meeting
with the representatives of the association in the rural areas to help
sensitise the women in the state towards the forth coming local government
election.
Kwara
A cleric, Uztaz Abdulfatah Abiona-Ibrahim, has urged wealthy
Mus-lims in the country to always provide assistance to the poor, particularly
during the last 10 days of the Ramadan.
Abiona-Ibrahim, an Ilorin-based Islamic scholar, made the
call while delivering a sermon at the “A” Division Police Station Mosque in
Ilorin, recently.
He said the call became necessary because of the blessings
attached to the last 10 days of the Ramadan known as the “Night of Majesty.”
The cleric also urged Muslims to ensure that their
Zakatul-fitri (gift) was observed in accordance with the provisions of the
Quran and Hadith. He said the gift could be in form of food stuff presented to
the less privileged.
Ondo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has predicted that the
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would win the October 20 Ondo governorship
election.
Obasanjo stated this
in Akure at a rally organised by the PDP ahead of the election. At the
rally tagged “ Unity Rally,’’ the governorship candidate of the party, Chief
Olusola Oke was handed over the party’s flag.
Obasanjo described Oke as very credible, and urged the
people of the state to vote for him.
“I want to start by thanking our brothers and sisters
outside Ondo State who have come to flag off the campaign to bring PDP back to
the state. “We have a creditable candidate for Ondo State, Olusola Oke is a
good leader that can be taken by his words,’’ he said.
Ogun
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye, says the church has foreign missions in 160
nations of the world.
He disclosed this at the Special Holy Ghost Service which
commenced on Friday night as part of activities marking the 60th Convention of
the Church.
Adeboye said that the church opened branches in 13 countries
in the last one year in addition to the existing 147 nations where the church
operated.
According to him, God expects RCCG to be present in all
nations of the world. He, however, expressed optimism that the goal would be
achieved soon.
Adeboye, who announced that a total of 11,162 weddings were
conducted by the church in the last one year, added that 68 women were
delivered of babies inside the camp ground, venue of the convention.
Osun
Some residents of Modakeke in Osun have commended the state
government for introducing compulsory environmental sanitation twice in a
month.
A resident, Mr Oluwaseun Ajibade, in Modakeke said that the exercise would ensure the good
health of the citizens. “Health is wealth; the basic concept of the bi-monthly
sanitation in Osun is to make people healthier and by implication, prolong
their lifespan,’’ he said.
Ajibade, who spoke during the initial observance of the
sanitation, reiterated that the exercise would promote healthy living among the
citizens of the state.
A resident of the Oke-ola area of Modakeke, Mrs Omolabake
Goriola, commended the government for
the initiative, condemning the manner in which some residents disposed of their
refuse.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government says it will soon begin the payment
of the retirement entitlements of primary school teachers and local government
workers via e-payment.
A statement by the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government
Staff Pensions Board, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, in Ibadan said that the policy was
aimed at checking fraud in the payment of pensions and gratuities.
The state government recently uncovered a N2.6 billion pension
fraud in the board. The interim investigation of the board’s account between
September 2010 and March, 2011, which exposed the fraud, allegedly indicted 10
civil servants.
Ayankojo said that the e-payment would also help to
streamline pension payment, while reducing the troubles usually associated with
the payment of pension.
Taraba
The Proprietor, Beautiful People Driving School, Jalingo, Mr
Francis Ejembi, has advocated proper training for both commercial and private
drivers to reduce the high rate of road accidents on Nigerian roads.
Ejembi, who gave the advice in Jalingo, in an interview said
that most of the road crashes occurred as a result of ‘gross disregard’ for
road signs due to little or no training by drivers.
He said that a well-trained driver would not wait for
officials of the FRSC to tell him to put on his seat belt because he should
know the importance of seat belt to his safety.
“Proper training of drivers is one of the development agenda
of the United Nations Vision 20:2020. “A well trained driver knows that he has
to do routine checks on his vehicle, put on his seat belt and respect the
rights of other road users.
Yobe
The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Patrick Egbuniwe,
has confirmed that gunmen engaged security operatives in a shoot-out at the
Bindigari area of Damaturu.
Egbuniwe said in a telephone interview that the shoot-out
ensued when security operatives went to the area on security patrol.
“Gunmen as usual, have engaged our security operatives in a
shoot-out. “The operation is still on in the area, so we can not confirm
casualties yet. Other parts of the town are, however, calm and security
operatives are on top of the situation,’’ Egbuniwe stated.
Meanwhile, many residents have deserted the streets of the
city for safety.
Six soldiers and one civilian were killed on August 5 in a
suicide bomb attack along Gashua Road in Damaturu.
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.
