Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has urged people of the state to indulge in writing in order to preserve their culture and tradition for generations yet unborn.
Suswam, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Steve Lawani, made the call on Tuesday in Makurdi during the public presentation and launching of two books.
The books are entitled: “Retirement: Management Challenges and Strategies” and Lessons for a Christian Woman,” written by Mrs Rhoda Tor-Agbidye.
The governor said people’s culture and tradition could only be preserved through books which could be documented for posterity.
FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Sen. Ita Enang (PDP-Akwa Ibom) said the 7th Senate recorded “tremendous achievements’’ from June 6, 2012 when it was inaugurated till date.
Speaking to senate correspondents in Abuja, Enang said that the Senate passed 17 bills, took landmark resolutions, confirmed appointments and carried out effective oversight on the executive and judiciary.
He named some of the bills passed to include; the Terrorism Act Amendment Bill, the Money Laundering Act Amendment Bill, the 2013 Appropriation Bill of the FCT, the State of the Nation Address Bill and Bills establishing 10 universities.
The rules and business chairman hinted that the National Assembly might invoke its veto power on the Nation Address Bill if President failed to assent to it.
Gombe
A Gombe-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Hope For the Lonely, has constructed a maternity home worth N3.5 million in Ponguru village of Billiri Local Government Area of the state.
The Programme Manager of the organisation, Mr Bachama Yusuf said in Gombe on Monday that the project was aimed at reducing the maternal mortality rate in the community.
He said the community was far from the local government headquarters and had neither access roads nor health facilities, hence the need to construct a maternity there.
Yusuf said the organisation constructed the building while the local government would equip it and deploy staff to it adding that by June 27, the organisation would officially hand over the structure to the local government.
Jigawa
The Rector of Jigawa Institute of Informatics, Alhaji Aliyu Kiri, said the school had spent about N168.5 million ocapital projects in the last two years.
Kiri said on Monday in Kazaure that the money was spent on different infrastructure development projects between 2011 and 2012.
He said that the projects executed include the expansion of administrative blocks, purchase of lecture rooms’ furniture, and construction of metal fencing of the institution.
The rector noted that the school was affiliated to Informatics Academic International, Singapore.
Kiri said the institution trained students to specialise on network cabling-copper based system, fibre optic system and integrated voice and message.
Kano
The Kano State Hisbah Board, has arrested a middle-aged man, who allegedly specialises in trafficking of children and selling children at between N30,000 and N60,000 each.
The Director-General of the board, Alhaji Abba Sufi, who made the development known to the in Kano on Monday who said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday by staff of the board in Gwale Local Government Area and had since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Sudi said the suspect was arrested after selling a three-year-old girl at N60,000 to his customer at Rijiyar Lemo quarters in Kano metropolis.
Kaduna
Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State last Monday urged the Nigerian Army to manufacture its equipment and armaments locally.
Yero made this known at the opening ceremony of the Combat Arms Training Week of the Nigerian Army at the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji, in Kaduna.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Aminu Yahaya, said the military could not continue to rely on foreign arms for its operations.
He said that the success of any warfare did not depend on the number of soldiers deployed, rather on the sophistication of training received and the capability to operate modern arms and ammunition.
“Wars today are not only fought in the battle field, many wars are now won or lost from the confines of control rooms; from where men direct sophisticated unmanned equipment to wreck havoc on the enemy side,” he said.
Nasarawa
A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State last Monday sentenced a 22-year-old student, Huseni Sumalia, to four years in prison for stealing a motorcycle.
The convict, of Orange Market Mararaba, was sentenced to three years in prison for theft and one year for trespass.
The presiding judge, Mr Vincent Gwahemba, however, gave the convict the option of paying N10, 000 in fine for theft and N5, 000 in fine for trespass.
Gwahemba, who sentenced Sumalia after he pleaded guilty to stealing the motorcycle, ordered that the sentences should run concurrently.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Jospeh Ahwa , told the court that Yusuf Butus of Aku Village, Mararaba, on behalf of Ayuba Yusuf of the same address, reported the matter at Sani Abacha Police Station on June 7.
Ogun
The Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by the Ogun State Government to look into the crisis that engulfed Ado-Odo community began hearing last Monday at the premises of the Abeokuta High Court.
The state government had on May 8 inaugurated a five-man panel to look into the crisis that occurred in the area between April 13 and April 14.
The crisis led to the physical assault launched on the town’s monarch, Oba Lateef Akanni, and his wife as well as the setting ablaze of his palace by some irate youths.
Speaking at the inaugural sitting, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Elizabeth Osinuga, said the commission had received several petitions on the matter.
According to her, the commission will among others, establish the remote and immediate causes of the crisis.
Osun
The Osun House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed, Justice Adepele Ojo, as the new Chief Judge of the state with a charge to promote justice at all times.
The Speaker of the house, Mr Najeem Salaam, said her confirmation was based on seniority, adding her earlier rejection was because of the pending legal action on the issue.
Salaam urged Ojo to “promote substantive justice over technicality and to allow justice roll down like water and righteousness, like a mighty stream.”
According to him, the judiciary must be united and act as one body to fight crime and corruption and advised him, to work as a team for enthronement of justice and maintain the name of judiciary.
Salaam advised the new chief judge to digitalise the judiciary and cooperate with the state government to move the state forward.
Sokoto
The Vice Chancellor, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, has decried the low level of research funding in Nigeria.
Shehu, said in Sokoto on Tuesday, noted that funding of researches had not been adequately catered for.
He said this trend should be reversed to uplift the quality of tertiary education in the country. “Universities must be able to conduct researches relevant to the society. Such researches should be aimed at providing solutions to the problems in the society,” he added.
Shehu, however, stressed that researchers in the universities should not solely depend on the government for research funding, but should seek additional funding from stakeholders.
He said that the university lecturers should tap their myriad of sources of funding of researches locally, nationally and internationally.
Taraba
The Taraba State Government has directed that only genuine local government workers should be paid the 18 per cent minimum wage.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alhaji Bashir Marafa made this known in Jalingo on Tuesday.
Marafa announced government’s directive at the inauguration of the committees for the payment of the minimum wage, urged the committees to justify the enormous resources spent in the biometric staff verification of the 16 Local Government by discharging their duties without or favour. staff to show understanding during the exercise and report all grievances to the committees’ chairmen for appropriate action.
The state Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Mark Ishaku, commended the state government for fulfilling its promise on the implementation of minimum wage for the local councils and warned the committees against dishonesty in their duties, saying that the NLC would monitor their activities.
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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