Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The proposed Kafin Zaki dam in Bauchi State, is to be
re-designed to accommodate the interests of communities in Yobe and Jigawa states.
Vice President Namadi Sambo stated this in Bauchi during the North East Zonal Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan, who authorized the re-designing of the dam, had also directed that work should commence on the project.
Sambo also said that the completion of another dam in Taraba, the Mambilla Hydropower project, would transform the North East sub-region.
Benue
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen, have attacked some vil
lages in Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing over 19 people and abducting others in the process.
It was gathered that more than 15 people, including women and children were whisked away by the gunmen to unknown destination.
Sources say the gunmen also razed houses and destroyed farmlands during the late night invasion.
The council chairman, Stephen Dutse, said the attackers invaded the villages of Olegaje, Ogumogbo, Ejuma and Ogbagaji, the headquarters of the local government.
FCT
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said it
would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Arrow of God.
The National Vice President of the association, Danja Abdullahi, told newsmen in Abuja that the event would come up on April 3 in Abuja.
He said that ANA resolved to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Achebe’s novel “because Chinua Achebe was a hero in the literary world, besides being a worthy son of Nigeria.
“This year marks the golden anniversary of the publication of the novel, Arrow of God, by Chinua Achebe, his third novel after Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease.
Jigawa
The Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State
is targeting immunisation of 121, 000 animals against various diseases within four weeks, the Chairman, Malam Muhammad Bundai, said recently.
Bundai gave the assurance while inspecting animal vaccination in Birniwa.
He urged Fulani herdsmen to present their animals for vaccination to check outbreak of diseases and improve animal health.
The chairman said that the council had provided logistics support to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.
Kaduna
The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of
Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Kaduna State, has approved the appointment of three acting directors to substantive positions.
The approval is contained in a statement issued by the institute’s Chief Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr Paul Mshelizah in Zaria.
The statement quoted Mshelizah as saying the decision was taken at the 19th meeting of the council held in Zaria, Kaduna State on March 28, chaired by its Chairman, Mr Olusola Akanmode.
The new appointees are Alhaji Sule Bello, who is now the institute’s substantive Registrar, Mr Uzoma Ugoke, who becomes the Director, Library and Information and Mr Femi Jemirin, now the institute’s Director, Consultancy Services.
Kano
Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,
has declared that the ongoing National Conference would end up as another talk show, as it was meant to waste government’s fund.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in Kaduna recently, he wondered why a whopping N7 billion was budgeted for the conference, while only a paltry N2 billion was given to three North-Eastern states grappling with terrorism and insurgency.
Kwankwaso stated that the President, Goodluck Jonathan, hurriedly organised the conference because he was short of ideas on how to run the country.
He alleged that the motive behind the confab was to open old wounds with a clear intent to cause confusion in the polity.
Kwara
A lawmaker, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim, says the pres
ence of “too many old people’’ at the National Conference may be a negation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s good intention of convening it.
Ibrahim, who said this in Ilorin, recently, told newsmen that the ongoing National Conference was a laudable event which had too many old people as delegates.
The lawmaker, who was inaugurated as Honorary President of Mess Committee of the Nigeria Navy School of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara said the timeliness of the conference was apt.
Lagos
Some residents of Ejigbo in Alimosho Local Gov
ernment Area of Lagos State have urged the state government to provide an efficient network of drains in the area.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they said that functional drainage channels would give room for easy flow of waste water into the canals.
“In Ejigbo, most homes don’t know where to discharge waste water because there is no functional drainage system.
“So, what happens is that the water is discharged in the compounds and you know this can cause health problems.
Ogun
A member of the Ogun State House of As
sembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, has urged delegates to the National Conference to put the interest of the nation first in all their deliberations.
Elemide, (APC-Odeda), made the call in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen
The lawmaker said that the outcome of the on-going national conference would only be meaningful if the interest and future of the nation were put into consideration in all issues to be discussed.
He stated that lack of love for one another had been a major factor affecting development and growth of the country.
He added that Nigerians should love one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The legislator noted that Nigeria would be a better place if the fear of God, love and honesty were allowed to reign supreme at the conference.
He, however, urged the leadership of the country to ensure that the views of Nigerians were not subverted at the end of the conference.
Ondo
The Chairman of Ondo State Cocoa Revolution
Implementation Committee, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, says cocoa produced in the state for chocolate production, has received world certification and recognition.
Oyebade told newsmen in Akure, that the product had already been presented to the partnering firm overseas, Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate firm, Netherland.
“We taught our cocoa farmers how to improve the quality of their cocoa, through proper fermentation.
“Our partners have taken our sample and are satisfied with it. I am proud that our effort has yielded good results. We want to reproduce chocolate from our own cocoa” he said.
Zamfara
The National Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Bodejo, has called on Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, to convene a nationwide meeting of Fulanis.
Bodejo made the call in Gusau while conferring the title of Sardaunan Fulani on Shema.
He explained that such a meeting would help to find lasting solutions to problems involving Fulani and others in the country.
“If a meeting is convened by a personality like the Katsina state governor, I am very certain that the truth about us will come to light’’, Bodejo said.
L-R: Former President Shehu Shagari, Deputy Governor of Kano Stae, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduji, an Activist, Dr Junaid Mohammed and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Saleem, at the 75th National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abuja last Sunday. Photo: NAN
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.
