Nation
THE STATES
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan, ministers and senators met on
Tuesday night in Abuja on the way forward for the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press
Secretary to David Mark, Mr Paul Mumeh, on Wednesday in Abuja.
It said that at the meeting, which took place at the Apo
Mansion, the official residence of the Senate President, the executive and
legislature agreed that they must work together in the interest of the
citizenry.
The statement quoted President Jonathan as saying that
although the presidential system of government prescribed separation of powers
“our goals and interests are the same.’’
“This interest has to do with the welfare of our people and
the development of our country, adding that the president called for regular
social interactions between the two arms of government to cement the accord and
erase grey areas or misconceptions.
Jigawa
Dabi, a community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa
State, has contributed N2 million to construct culverts and drains as a measure
to tackle flooding in the area.
Malam Muhammad Sa’idu, the Commissioner, Public Complaints
Commission in Jigawa State disclosed this to our correspondent in Dutse on
Thursday.
Sai’du, who hails from Dabi, said that the community had set
up a committee to take census of the affected areas ravaged by flood and
address the problems, adding that members of the committee were expected to
construct culverts and drainage systems in every nook and crannies of the
village to facilitate water passage.
The commissioner said that “lack of drains and culverts are
the main causes of flooding in Dabi which would soon be a thing of the past.”
Kano
The House of Representatives Committee on Works has ordered the contractor handling the
construction of Kano Western by-pass to return to site or face sanction.
The Tide reports that the contractor abandoned the site in
December 2011, shortly before its delivery date, following the deterioration of
security situation in Kano metropolis.
The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Ali, gave
the order in Kano during the committee’s oversight tour of Federal Road
projects in Kano State.
“There is need for you to resume work immediately since the
security situation in Kano has improved.
On the expansion of Kano-Wudil- Shuwari Road, legislator
charged the contractor to expedite action and complete the job on schedule,
according to specifications, within one year.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government says it will fund the corrective
surgery of 70 persons living with physical disabilities as part of efforts to
give them a sense of belonging.
The Senior Special Assistant Alhaji Abdulnasir Argungu, on
Disabled Matters to Governor Saidu Dakingari, said this in an interview with
The Tide in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
He said that the surgery would be performed at the state
owned Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital.
“The corrective surgery of the 70 people living with
disability is expected to commence next month,’’ he said, adding that would
undergo the surgery to enable them to either use crutches or walk with walking
aids.
Kogi
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has
expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its immediate intervention
and release of N17.5 billion as support for flood affected states.
Awoniyi’s appreciation is contained in a statement issued
through his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja on Thursday.
The deputy governor, who was on a visit to flood displaced
persons in Ofu Local Government Area of the state said that the Federal
Government’s intervention was timely.
He also said that the intervention would go a long way in
assisting the state and the flood victims, adding, “though the damage wrecked
by the flood is enormous, we are glad the Federal Government has helped us’’.
The Deputy Governor said that women and children were most
affected by the flood.
Lagos
Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Martins on
Thursday urged the faithful to pray for justice, peace and unity in the
country, as the Catholics begin to celebrate the year of faith.
Martins said this in his homily at the opening ceremony of
the year of faith, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
The Tide reports that Catholics in Nigeria are joining their
counterparts worldwide to celebrate the “Year of Faith’’ to renew their
confidence in the gospel.
The year of faith offered the faithful opportunity to
rediscover the truth of the faith.
Martins urged all Catholics to use the period to pray
specially for God to intervene in the violence in some parts of the country.
Niger
The Niger State College of Education Wednesday matriculated
249 students under its Long Vacation Student programme (LSVP) for 2012 contact
session.
The Provost, Prof. Farouk Haruna, who made this known during
the matriculation in Minna, urged the students to be disciplined and focus on
their studies as no act of examination malpractice would be condoned.
Haruna, who was represented by the Deputy Provost,
Academics, Dr Mohammed Isah-Chado in his matriculation speech, urged the
students to be law abiding and focus on their studies.
He said that 150 cell phones used in examination malpractice
by students in 2011 contact session were confiscated and burnt by the school
authority.
“I urge you to be studious and disciplined as this college
has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, any student caught will be
expelled and shown the way out.
Ogun
The Ogun State Assembly Committee on Local Government last
Wednesday in Abeokuta warned council chairmen against diverting funds meant for
capital projects.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, gave the
warning during the committee’s oversight visit to Ewekoro, Ifo and Ado Odo/Ota
councils.
He said that any money received from federal allocation
through the state government should be used in developing the local government
areas and advised the chairmen to embark on aggressive revenue drive to
increase their internally-generated revenue and avoid depending solely on
federal allocation.
He also advised them to be prudent and transparent in
running the affairs of their councils, and endeavour to carry along councillors
in conducting the affairs of the councils.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government on Wednesday engaged 100 youths in
tractor operation as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.
Governor Olusegun
Mimiko stated this during a training programme for the operators and mechanics
in Akure.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ademola Olorunfemi, who
represented the governor, said that the government was collaborating with
private sector operators to strengthen and improve demand for tractor
operators.
Mimiko said that the empowerment would deepen tractor
service delivery to enhance job creation.
The Federal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Rufus Omakinwa, who
represented the Minister for Agriculture, Adewumi Adesina, said that the
programme was organised to equip the youths with appropriate skills in handling
the tractors.
The Chairman of the Agricultural Mechanic and Machinery
Operators Training Centre, Mr Ladeinde Mabayomije, said the training and
empowerment would boost job creation efforts.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has condemned the kidnap
of wife of the Speaker, Alhaja Muibat
Salam, by gunmen at Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Government area of the state.
In a statement signed by Media Secretary to the House, Mr
Goke Butika, the members expressed the fear that the incident could disrupt the
prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.
According to the statement, for some gun-wielding men to
waylay a woman on her way home from her shop was unfortunate, nauseating and
uncalled for.
It called on security operatives to investigate the incident
to determine whether or not it was politically-motivated.
When contacted for comments, the speaker said he would not
comment on the incident until the circumstances surrounding the kidnap are
known.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government on Thursday said plans were
underway to build an ultra-modern digital library in the state.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Abraham Yiljap,
said this on Thursday in an interview with our correspondent in Jos.
The commissioner said that the issue was extensively
discussed at the last state executive council meeting.
“Governor Jonah Jang has directed that the information
ministry should forward a proposal on the project to his office for
consideration.
“Right now, we are working on that and I am assuring you
that as soon as the proposal is ready, the governor would give his consent in
view of the passion he has for the project,’’ he said.
Taraba
The Taraba State Commissioner for Education, Mr Yakubu
Agbaizo has commended the initiative of a youth corps member, Miss Patience
Toyin, for donating standard library materials to Government College, Jalingo.
The Tide reports that the corps member also donated 50 desks
and constructed a toilet at Government Science Secondary School, Jalingo.
“It is amazing that these donations are coming from a corps
member. Toyin has demonstrated a high sense of patriotism.
Earlier, the state Coordinator of the National Youth Service
Corps, Mr Tumba Freeman, pledged to support any corps member that initiated
projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people.
Earlier, Toyin, said that she initiated the project to
support efforts at imparting quality learning to the students as her
contribution to the growth and development of the community.
Zamfara
A 45-year-old man, Malam Ahmad Kawaye, whose two wives gave
birth to five babies in three days on Thursday received assistance from the
Zamfara State government to enable him take care of the babies.
Making the donation on behalf of the state government in
Gusau, the acting Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala, said the deliveries were
“wonderful and an act of God, who never gives His servants what they cannot
bear”.
Wakkala said the five children, comprising four females and
one male, were blessings from God and an increase in the number of Muslims in
the state.
He said that the state government would continue to support
the family to cater for the babies until they grew older.
On behalf of the government, he donated N100,000, five rams,
20 brocades and five bags each of rice, maize, guinea-corn and millet to the
family.
Receiving the items, Kawaye thanked the government for the
gesture, and said, “we do not have enough words to express our gratitude but we
will continue to pray for this administration for being sensitive to the
yearnings of its people.”
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.
