Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

November 1, 2013

Adamawa

The Coordinator of Subsidy Reinvestment and Em
powerment Programme (SURE-P) in Adamawa State, Alhaji Salihu Yunusa, said that the Federal Government had allocated 3,000 slots to the state in the Graduates Internship Scheme of SURE-P.
Yunusa said this in Yola while speaking at a one-day sensitisation session organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
He said that the session was organised for the invited and registered companies and organisations that were based in Adamawa to educate them on how to participate in the scheme.
“The Federal Government has allocated 3,000 slots to unemployed graduates in the state under the SURE-P scheme,’’ he said.

Borno

The Joint National Association for the Physically Chal
lenged Persons (NAPCP) has appealed to Borno State Government to appoint one of its members as a special adviser in the state.
The Chairman of the association, Malam Umar Mohammed, made the appeal at a news conference in Maiduguri recently.
Mohammed said the gesture would create a better environment for members of the association in the state.
“We wish to thank the state government for its assistance to the less privileged, especially during festivities like the month of Ramadan and Sallah.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV and
AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) says it will train 30 laboratory scientists on malaria control measures.
The Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr Abdulazeez Manga, told the newsmen in Bauchi that the training would further ensure that the various tests were designed to identify different mosquitoes that caused malaria.
Manga said that plans were on to set up an insectory at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi.
He said that the agency would also distribute 3.5 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in 2014 to further protect residents against the disease.

Benue

The Benue State House of Assembly has ordered Mr
Simon Iwar, a former Chairman, of Gwer Local Government, and two other officials to refund N1 million to the coffers of the council.
The order followed a report of the House Committee on Public Accounts which considered the interim report of the Auditor General for Local Government on the council’s accounts from 2008 to 2012.
The other affected officers of the council are Mrs Regina Odangla, the Director General, Service and Administration, and the Protocol Officer, Mr Joseph Orya.
The House of Assembly, at a plenary in Makurdi, directed the affected officers to refund the money within three weeks and tender evidence of payment to the committee.

Ekiti

Two men, Ojo Omoniyi and Segun Fadipe, aged 25
years each, appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing satellite television decoder and laptop.
Police prosecutor Sgt. Ebenezer Ewuola told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 25 at Adebayo Street, Ado-Ekiti.
Ewuola said the accused broke into the house of one Adeleye Akingbaso and stole the items which also included one cell phone, one tin of Glucose D, one tin of Nescafe and N130,000.
He added that the offence contravened sections 390 and 411 of the Criminal Code, cap C 16, Vol. 1, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
FCT

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre
(CISLAC), an NGO, has urged Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals (MDAs) to implement budgets as approved by the National Assembly to avoid breach of Procurement Act.
The Executive Director of CISLAC, Malam Auwal Rafsanjani, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
“ We call on various MDAs to implement their budgets as approved by the National Assembly and released by the Federal Ministry of Finance to avoid breach of the procurement act.
“ We have to learn to go by the Medium Term Strategy which clearly spells out how the MDAs are supposed to implement their budgets, ‘’ Rafsanjani said.

Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed the
Kwara Signage and Advertisement Agency Amendment Bill.
The bill, which was sent to the House by Gov. AbdulFattah Ahmed , was passed after the House adopted the report of its Committee on Development, Youths, Sports and Information.
The committee, in its report, recommended that a new agency be put in place and should be supervised by the state Ministry of Information and Communications for effective performance.
The report also recommended that members of the agency should meet once in two months on how to carry out its assignment.

Katsina

Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State says 5,000
unemployed youths have received skills training at the Katsina Youth Crafts Village, since its establishment in 2009.
Shema said this in a message delivered by his Deputy, Abdullahi Garba to the 2013 graduation ceremony of trainees of the centre.
The governor said the centre was established by the state government to train unemployed youths on various skills to be self employed and address the problem of youth restiveness.
He said that youths from the 34 local government areas of the state as well as Borno and the neighbouring Niger Republic benefitted from the training.
Nasarawa

A Director in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Agricul
ture and Natural Resources, Dr Emmanuel Sunday, has urged veterinary experts to embark on regular monitoring of abattoirs.
Sunday made the call in Lafia during the inauguration of new officials of the Nigeria Association of Animal Health and House-Boundary Technology from all the local government areas of the state.
He said that constant monitoring of abattoirs would ensure the sale of wholesome meat in the state.
“If every member of the association would sit up and discharge his duties properly, it would go a long way in restoring the lost confidence of meat consumers in the state.’’

Niger
The Niger State Development Company (NSDC) says
it will partner with the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in the areas of Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The company’s Head of Investment Services, Malam Ahmed Kuta, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Musbau Akanji in Minna.
Kuta said the company was making efforts towards strengthening the state economy through key investment initiatives and strategic partnership.
He said the company was collaborating with the university based on its track record in research and academic excellence.

Osun
The police in Osun State have arraigned a 32-year-old
woman, Ganiyat Ogunride, before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of N15,000.
The prosecutor, Insp Abiodun Fagboyinbo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Thursday at about 10.00 a.m. at Agunbelewo area of Osogbo.
Fagboyinbo said the accused entered the house of one Adeleke Sakirat without her consent and stole N15, 000 from her room.
He said the offence committed contravened sections 412 and 390 of the criminal code, Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2003.
Oyo
A 35-year-old man, Moses Ogah, was arraigned be
fore an Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku over a N1.25 million fraud.
Ogah was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.
The prosecutor, Insp Aliu Samad, told the court that Ogah and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit the crime.
Samad alleged that Ogah fraudulently obtained the sum from one Michael Idowu.
He said the accused obtained the money under the pretence of selling a 2012 model Sienna bus to Idowu, adding that the accused converted the money to his own use.

Plateau
The Commissioner for Information and Communication in Plateau State, Mr Abraham Yiljap, said the state government had mapped out strategies to prevent further spread of cholera in the state.
Yiljap, while briefing newsmen in Jos, said the measures would assist in the prevention of further spread and outbreak of other communicable diseases.
“Since the unfortunate incident in Namu village, more steps had been taken to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure that those who were hospitalised received appropriate medical attention.
“We have decided to provide clean and safe drinking water in Namu and other parts of the state to check the spread of the disease.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (middle), laying the foundation stone for International Institute of Journalism in Abuja, yesterday. With him are National President, Nigerian Union of Journalist, Malam Mohammed Garba, Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, NUJ Deputy President, Mr Rotimi Obamuwagun and Chairman, Building Committee and Board of Trustees, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe

Nation

UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has conferred the Award of Digital Academic Promoter on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arrowconn Group, High Chief (Dr.) Emeka Ezekwe, for his philanthropic gestures.

Chief Ezekwe received the philanthropist award during a landmark technical workshop organised by the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, recently.

Making the presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, said the award was in recognition of Ezekwe’s philanthropic contributions, academic support, and dedication to human capital development, hailing his commitment to bridging industry and academia.

Ezekwe who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, delivered a keynote address at the event with a theme: “Technicalities and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business and Education.”

In his address, Ezekwe described the current AI surge as a civilizational shift rather than a mere technological upgrade.

He compared AI’s rapid trajectory to past innovations like electricity, computers, the Internet, and mobile phones, which he said, progressed from luxuries to necessities.

“AI is reshaping value creation, knowledge sharing, and decision-making at unprecedented speed. It has moved from experimentation to execution, powering business forecasting, academic research, digital learning, and strategic decisions,” he said.

The business mogul, however, warned that in business, delays lead to losses, while in education, irrelevance spells failure.

“AI is no longer optional, it is a necessity,” he declared.

Ezekwe highlighted the critical AI skill gap, driven by curriculum lags, limited training, and fear of the unknown, but stressed the bigger danger which is exclusion.

“Those who master AI will shape markets, education, and policy; those who lag will be shaped by others,” he said.

The Arrowconn Group boss also outlined AI’s practical advantages for businesses —including data-driven strategies, smarter investments, scalable customer insights, and competitive edges for SMEs.

In education, he clarified that AI empowers rather than replaces teachers, enabling personalized learning, efficient lesson planning, assessment support, and accelerated research.

He advocated a shift from rote memorization to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while preserving human strengths in engagement, judgment, and collaboration.

Ezekwe urged ethical AI development, warning that “technology without values is dangerous,” and called on institutions like UNIZIK to update curricula, train educators, promote interdisciplinary work, forge industry partnerships, and produce graduates who are solution providers in an AI-driven world.

The workshop also marked the unveiling of the maiden edition of the UNIZIK Journal of Business Education and Entrepreneurship, reinforcing the department’s push for scholarly innovation in AI applications.

Nation

Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Nation

UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

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.