Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi Commissioner for Information, Mr Mohammed Damina, has said that the government plans to spend N300 million to digitalise two state-own media organisations. Damina made this known in an interview in Bauchi on Monday.
He said that a team from the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had earlier visited the stations and gave professional recommendations on their digitalisation.
“Submissions were made to Gov. Isa Yuguda on the two stations – Bauchi State Television (BATV) and Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC). “Right now we are waiting for his approval as soon as funds are made available to the ministry, we will embark on the project,’’ he said.
Benue
The police in Benue have arraigned two men, Thaddeaus Enemani, and Abubakar Adamu before a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for alleged house breaking and theft. Police prosecutor Daniel Swende told the court that one Timothy Anima, residing behind Modern Market Makurdi, reported the case to the police.
He said the complainant woke up on Nov. 9 to discover that his motorcycle valued at N84,000, which he parked at his residence was missing.
Swende said that during investigation, Enemani of the same address and Adamu of No 39 Udeni Street, North Bank, Makurdi, were arrested and the motorcycle was recovered.
He said Enemani confessed to committing the crime with Adamu, but the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecution said investigation into the matter was still in progress and asked the court for another date for the case to be mentioned. He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 97(2), 353 and 288 of the Penal Code. .
FCT
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama, says government is ready to present a uniform chart of accounts and budget to the three tiers of government for deliberation.
Declaring open a three-day workshop on the roadmap for the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), he said that during the workshop, a draft of the National Standardised Uniform Chart of Accounts, Budget and the General Purpose Financial Statements would be exposed to participants.
Ngama said that the uniform chart would assist in Peer Review Mechanism among the three tiers of government and bring about integrity in the public sector financial reports.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, said his administration had approved the restructuring of the state’s board of revenue to enhance its activities.
Speaking at the North-East Sensitisation Programme on the Tax-payer Identification Number (TIN) in Gombe, the governor said that the state was poised to increase its revenue generation capacity.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Tha’anda Rubainu, said that his administration had signed the state’s Fiscal Responsibility Bill into law.
“The new state’s fiscal law is aimed at improving efficiency of fiscal management especially in the areas of allocation and management of public expenditure. “We want to improve on our revenue collection strategies, manage and control our debt and institute transparency in all our fiscal matters.
Jigawe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on market surveillance in Jigawa to check the circulation of unwholesome water in the state.
The NAFDAC Director in Jigawa State, Mr Kenneth Azikwe, said in an interview in Dutse that the agency had deployed its surveillance teams to its six zonal offices in the state.
Azikwe said that the agency was sensitising producers to ensure proper labelling of their products to guard against adulteration.
The director said that the agency had registered all producers of sachet water in the state and put in place an effective mechanism to ensure compliance with regulations.
“We are geared to see that producers of sachet water maintain good production practices. “We are also calling on people to reject any product or sachet water without NAFDAC registration number,” he said.
Kaduna
The Katsina State Government, says it has engaged 5,000 women to plant Moringa across the state. Moringa is locally known as Zogale.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Ibrahim Shema on Economic Matters, Alhaji Garba Matazu, told newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina that the initiative was part of the government’s women empowerment programme.
He said the women were selected from across the 34 local government areas and were empowered to raise nurseries with a view to setting up plantations in the future.
Matazu said the state plans to export the moringa leaves and oil, which have nutritional and medicinal values.
Kano
The Police Command in Kano State, has warned against the use of knockout and other fireworks in the state.
The warning was issued by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Charge of Sabon- Gari, Mr Shuaibu Bello, a Chief Superintendent of Police, during a stakeholders meeting in Kano.
Bello said the command had observed the rampant use of knockout and fireworks during festive periods in the state.
He advised parents, guardians, religious leaders and ward heads, to caution their children and followers against the trend as the law banning fireworks and knockout is still in force.
The DPO warned that the command would not hesitate to deal with anyone caught.
Kebbi
Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, will spend about N95.7million on fresh and reaccreditation of courses.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said in, Kebbi, that the National Universities Commission (NUC) would conduct the exercise on Nov. 25.
“The accreditation of courses in universities is a national issue and we cannot be an exception. With the release of funds from the State Government, we hope to fulfil all requirements for sustained academic and administrative activities,” he said. He said 10 programmes would be subjected to the re-accreditation process, while four courses would be accredited for the first time.
Zuru commended the State Government for releasing the funds. He said the money had enabled the institution to rehabilitate its infrastructure as well as improve facilities for academic and administrative work.
Kwara
A former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Babatunde Mohammed has canvassed first line charge for the Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils in Nigeria.
He said on Monday that the measure would further deepen democracy and promote good governance.
The former speaker said that the Houses of Assembly under the present dispensation needed to discharge their duties diligently.
Mohammed also called for the abolition of State/ Local Government Joint Accounts as it will accelerate development at the grassroots. He said that the present dispensation had caused some drawbacks on governance at the local government level, noting that non-performance was inevitable.
Ogun
The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has called for constitutional role for traditional rulers as well as the creation of Ijebu State. Adetona made the call during a presentation at the public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in East Ogun Senatorial District, held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun. Awujale said the current constitution had no role for traditional institution, in spite of its important and relevant contributions to the development of the nation. The monarch said before the arrival of the colonial masters, traditional rulers governed and administered their kingdoms and communities. “There is therefore need for a defined role for traditional rulers in our constitution. “This should include but not limited to their respective state and local government areas, without prejudice to whatever national roles they may be invited to play in the interest of the nation.“
Oyo
The Country Manager of Harvest Plus in Nigeria, said Mr Paul Ilona said the organization planned to reach about 1.8 million Nigerian households by 2016 with fortified Vitamin A maize. Ilona in Ibadan on Monday that the programme would reach 25,000 households in the first year.
He said that the plan was to multiply intensively the bio-fortified maize crops so that by 2014, many households would be reached. “Before the end of phase two of our bio-fortification programme, which will continue till 2018, we want to reach out to about eight million Nigerians who should be planting bio-fortified crops. “For now, our areas of focus in Nigeria are cassava and maize, but in the near future we will bring fortified millet.” Ilona said. He said the fortified maize would also complement the nutrients in the diet of the rural poor.
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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