Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The management of NIGAZ company has said that River Kolmari, situated between Bauchi and Gombe States border, is capable of producing 10 Megawatts of electricity for the nation.
A representative of the firm, Mr Andrey Maslov, said this in Bauchi while presenting the feasibility studies the company conducted in conjunction with the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
The feasibility was presented to the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sangir, and other stakeholders.
Sangir said that 25 million dollars (N3.89 billion) was required for the whole project which was expected to be completed within 15 months to 18 months from the date of commencement.
FCT
The Budget Office of the federation has denied issuing any directive to ministries, departments and agencies to ignore the implementation of the 2013 appropriation bill.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Francis Ojiah, Director, Administration, Budget Office, in Abuja.
“We wish to state categorically that this is absolutely untrue.
“At no time since the passage of the 2013 budget and subsequent assent by Mr President, did the budget office issue such a directive,” it said.
Gombe
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, has performed the foundation laying ceremony of the N2.7 billion International Conference Centre (ICC) in Gombe State.
Tambuwal commended Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State for initiating the construction of the centre and other projects executed in the state.
He said the governor’s efforts were in line with the PDP’s manifesto of peace and development.
“You are all aware that Gombe State is the second least in terms of federation allocation but the projects the governor has executed show that there is prudence and accountability in the state,” he said.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State University, Kaduna, last Saturday graduated 1,705 students from 2008/2009 and 2011/2012 sessions.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Barnabas Qurix, announced this during the maiden convocation of the institution.
Ourix said 14 students graduated with first class honours.
He said the candidates graduated from mathematics, computer science, bio-chemistry and other departments.
Kano
The Kano State Government I says a total of 1,600 women were trained in poultry production in the state in the past two years.
The governor of the state, Alhaji Rabi’u Kwankwaso, made the disclosure at the graduation ceremony of the sixth batch of 600 women, who received training on poultry production at the Kano Poultry Institute in Tukui, Kano.
He said the trainees were selected from 16 out of the 44 Local Government Areas in the state, pointing out that the remaining 28 council areas would soon take their turn.
Kwankwaso gave an assurance that the State Government would continue to support beneficiaries of all its empowerment programmes.
Kwara
Dr Emmanuel Ojo of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, has accused Nigerian lawyers of not doing enough in the fight against corruption.
The political scientist told newsmen in Ilorin that lawyers, through frivolous applications, frustrated anti-graft cases in court.
“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is not really helping matters in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“The lawyers manipulate the court system on grounds of technicalities to secure frivolous adjournments, thereby frustrating the polity and encouraging corruption.”
Lagos
Former Chairman, Ikeja branch of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr Chukwuemeka Eze, has called on federal and state governments to strictly enforce the tax laws.
Eze made the call while speaking in an interview with newmen in Lagos.
He said that strict enforcement of the tax laws would encourage compliance and ultimately improve revenue generation in the country.
Eze said that it would be difficult to achieve optimally in terms of revenue generation from taxes when the laws regulating them were not properly enforced.
Nasarawa
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office, in Obi local government area of Nasarawa State, has advised communities in the state to ensure proper maintenance of projects executed in their domains.
The Technical Assistant Officer in the council Mr Ahmed Musa, gave the advice during an inspection of various MDGs projects in the area.
Musa said: “The government has played its part by executing these various projects in order to fight poverty and hunger.
“I urge various communities in this area to complement government’s efforts by safeguarding these projects executed in your communities.
Ogun
Two 100 level students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), were killed last Friday by a hit-and-run motorist currently at large.
An eyewitness account said that the incident happened at about 7.30 p.m. in front of Isolu Muslim High School, Alabata, about a kilometre away from FUNNAB.
The driver of the vehicle, a golden colour jeep, was said to be on top speed and trying to avoid a collision with a vehicle from the opposite direction, when he suddenly swerved and ran into the students, who were said to be returning home from school.
Ondo
The Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, has commended the Ondo State Government for its urban renewal and beautification projects in Akure and other major towns.
Adesida gave the commendation in Akure, while speaking with newsmen.
He noted that the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko had performed creditably in many areas.
The monarch particularly extolled the administration for transforming Akure into a modern state capital.
Adesida, who is the Chriamn of Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, stressed that he was happy that Akure had experienced a remarkable transformation, especially in the area of infrastructure.
Plateau
Women in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State failed to attend the free medical treatment organised by the Special Task Force (STF) maintaining peace in the state.
The medical outreach was organised by the task force as a strategy for creating mutual co-existence amongst the people of the state.
A representative of the women, Mrs Naomi Dalyop, said they refused to avail themselves of the service for fear of being poisoned by the military personnel.
“A lot of women refused to show up here because we were told that the drugs that would be given to us at this free medical outreach would be poisoned.
“So many of us have this notion that if we show up here, we might not return alive to our various homes.
Taraba
The permanent site for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Taraba will soon be ready for commissioning, the site engineer, Mr. Shaba Owolabi, has said.
Owolabi, who spoke on behalf of the construction company handling the project, Eurobel International, stated this on Monday in Jalingo in an interview with newsmen.
He said the project, which began in November 2012, would be handed over to the board by March 23 as scheduled.
Owolabi commended the state’s JAMB coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Ayuba, for her “unflinching support” towards the completion of the project.
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.
