Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
G
overnor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has
sworn in the new Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ambrose Mammadi.
Nyako urged the new acting chief judge to endeavour to reinvigorate the state judiciary by ensuring justice for all and sundry in the state, at the ceremony in Yola.
He said that the swearing-in was timely and important considering the present situation people in the state found themselves.
“The state government is doing all it can and very careful to avoid unnecessary tribal, religious or political tension for the development of our people.
Bauchi
T
he Bauchi State Technology Incubation Centre,
said it would train women in different skills to enhance their source of income.
The Manager of the centre, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, said this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Mohammed said that the training would commence with 20 women from Bauchi Local Government, while other women from 19 local government areas of the state would be co-opted in due course.
She said the training was an essential tool for achieving the goals of gender equality in the society.
FCT
T
he Senate President, David Mark, has pledged to
remain a pan- Nigerian in spite of all the challenges.
Mark also pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to the service of God and humanity.
He made the pledge at a church service to mark his 66th birthday at the St. Mulumba Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, recently.
The senate president said he was not celebrating the birthday with any fanfare because of the current insecurity in the country, adding that such a mood was unhealthy for any celebration.
“I will remain a pan-Nigerian and work for a nation where peace, love, development and unity reign as a binding principle.
Gombe
T
he number of people bitten by snakes has increased
in Gombe State in the last three weeks due to the hot weather, a health official, Dr Abubakar Balla, has said.
Balla, who is in-charge of snake bite treatment centre at Kaltungo Hospital, told newsmen in Gombe that there was over 70 per cent rise in the number of cases reported to the hospital.
According to him, the hospital now receives an average of 20 cases daily as against six it was receiving three weeks ago.
This, he said, had raised the number of victims currently receiving treatment at the hospital to 119.
Kwara
T
he Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr
Ambrose Aisabor, has urged traditional rulers in the state to shun partisan politics in order to achieve effective administration of their domains.
Aisabor gave the advice during a courtesy call on the Aloffa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada, at his palace in Ilofa, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara.
He said the traditional rulers could only play the role expected of them satisfactorily if they were not involved in political activities, as fathers of all.
“The act of securing of lives and property should never be an exclusive preserve of the law enforcement agencies to achieve the desired result.
Kaduna
T
he Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has said it had trained
500 residents of Kaduna State on dispute resolution.
The Director- General of the council, Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel, disclosed this at a media briefing in Kaduna, recently.
She said that the training was held across the three senatorial districts under the council’s ‘Access to Justice For the Poor (AJFP)’ programme, sponsored by the Japanese Social Development Bank and the World Bank.
Bob-Manuel said the training had offered the participants, alternative means of settling disputes without recourse to violence.
Kogi
G
overnor Idris Wada of Kogi State has promised to
utilise the expertise of personnel at the College of Agriculture, Kabba, towards achieving the state’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
Wada was quoted as saying this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and the college which is affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Wada, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, described agriculture as the pivot of his administration’s programme.
The statement said that the governor expressed his administration’s resolve in ensuring that the state became the food basket of the nation and that jobs were created through agriculture.
Lagos
T
he traditional ruler of Isolo in Lagos State, Kabiru
Agbabiaka, has called for the revival of self-help culture by communities toward enhancing national development.
Agbabiaka told newsmen in Lagos that the culture of executing projects through communal efforts was becoming extinct.
“The culture of implementing communal projects in the past by the people had helped to facilitate national development.
“We should go back to that period when the people contribute to the development of their communities.
Ondo
A
U.S.-based firm, SPAGnvOLA Chocolatier LLC,
has lauded the Ondo State Government over the quality of the cocoa beans produced in the state.
Our correspondent reports that SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier, a chocolate firm, is partnering with the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution Implementation Committee on the production of chocolate in the state.
The firm’s President and Founder, Mr Eric Reid, in a letter he addressed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko in Akure, observed that the quality of the cocoa beans was comparable to the ones from other West African countries as well as Central or South America.
Ogun
A
member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr
Oludaisi Elemide, has urged the Federal Government to continue to accord priority to security of lives and property.
Elemide told newsmen in Abeokuta that the acquisition of latest military hardware and provision of welfare benefits for military personnel would restore peace in the North-East Zone.
He said Nigerians were worried about the security situation in some parts of the country, particularly in the North-East Zone.
Elemide also called on the military to evolve more proactive measures to curb the menace of insurgents.
Oyo
S
achet water producers in Ibadan have called on the
Federal Government to prevail on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to refrain from collecting a N25,000 laboratory test fee imposed on them.
The Production Manager of Clover Pure Water Factory, Mr Aderemi Ojo, told newsmen in Ibadan that the fee was unnecessary.
He said that the fee was only meant to provide NAFDAC with a mobile processing laboratory.
” The idea is to upgrade NAFDAC’s system of water screening.
” With it, on-the-spot screening of water samples would be carried out right in our factories without having to send these samples to their offices.
Sokoto
P
resident Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, over the death of his brother, Alhaji?Bello Maiwurno.
Our correspondent reports that Vice-President Namadi Sambo delivered the condolence message on behalf the President.
Jonathan said the death of Maiwurno was a great loss to the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, his family, the people of Sokoto State and the country.
Speaking earlier,?Abubakar thanked the president for sending a high-powered delegation to Sokoto to commiserate with his family.
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.
