Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Con
gress (APC ), Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has promised enabling environment for Nigerian youths to excel, if elected president on February 14
Buhari gave the assurance at the APC Presidential campaign rally held in Yola last Monday.
He said a World Bank statistic indicated that 60 per cent of Nigerian citizens were under thirty three years and were jobless.
“Sixty per cent of Nigerian citizens are youths who have no job opportunity,” Buhari said.
According to him, the top priority of his government, if elected, was to ensure security of lives and property and to create job opportunities for the youth through agriculture and mineral resources potentials.
Buhari said that APC government would bring positive development to the people of Nigeria.
He sympathised with the internally displaced persons in the state and assured them that they would go back to their respective places of abode if the APC formed the government in February.
FCT
The police yesterday arraigned a driver, Ameobi Ndukwe
before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja for allegedly receiving a stolen property.
Ndukwe, 25, who resides at Sabon Lugbe Abuja, was alleged to have bought some clothing materials alleged to have been stolen.
He was arraigned on a one-count charge of receiving stolen property.
The prosecutor, Inspector Usman Owuna told the court that on November 8, 2014 at about 6.25 a.m, one Ms Juremi Shekwoyemi of Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, reported the matter at the Iddo Police Station.
Owuna said that on July 19, 2014 some unknown persons broke into the complainant’s shop and made away with some items which he listed as wrappers, earrings, necklaces among others.
He informed the court that during police investigation, some of the stolen materials were discovered in a tailoring shop owned by one Mohammed Kekere.
Kano
The Kano State Government last Monday said it had
approved N62 million for full take-off of the State Informatics Institute in Kura.
The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Maliki Umar, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting in Kano.
“The council approved N10 million for the continuation of enforcement of law on the streets, as well as decongestion and illegal motor parks in the metropolis.
“The Council also approved N14.9 million for replenishment of operational funds for task force on drugs abuse and illicit trafficking committee.”
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s determination to develop infrastructure in the state as part of initiatives to improve the welfare of the people.
Kebbi
Some traditional leaders of border communities in Kebbi
State, last Monday pledged to promote peaceful coexistence with their neighbours in Benin Republic.
The district heads of Illo, Alhaji Muhammadu Wankoi and that of Kasati, Alhaji Muhammadu Dobvi gave the assurance when Gov. Saidu Dakingari visited Bagudo Local Government area.
The governor was in the area to inspect some projects being undertaken by the state government.
The district heads in their separate remarks said they would encourage their subjects to always portray Nigeria in positive manner and shun anything that would create conflict.
They commended Dakingari for the projects sited in their areas and further urged him to construct new official residence for them and allocate official vehicles to them to enhance their status.
Earlier, the governor said the state government had constructed a new road to link the community with their neighbours in Benin Republic to promote social and economic relations.
Kwara
The Hausa community in Kwara State has accused the
state government of marginalisation in the implementation of policies and programmes.
The head of the community, Alhaji Mukhtar Tawakalitu, told newsmen last Monday in Ilorin that majority of the members of the community were born in the state and deserved to be recognised as indigenes.
“We see Kwara as our state because majority of us were born here, grew up here, do our businesses here and married here,” Tawakalitu said.
He said members of the community had not benefitted from the administration of Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Lagos
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Chief Bola Tinubu, on Monday described the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, as one of the most brilliant minds in financial accountancy.
Tinubu spoke at the APC governorship campaign rally in Ojo area of the state, urging the people to give Ambode their votes in the Feb. 28 governorship election.
He said that Ambode was a credible candidate who should be given the chance to continue with the excellence for which Lagos was noted.
“Today we present one of the most brilliant minds in financial accountancy; one of the most intelligent in financial management.
“He is tested, trusted, capable, visionary and an achiever,” he said.
Tinubu said that Ambode performed well when he was the state’s Accountant-General.
“Lagos State progressed when Ambode was the state’s Accountant-General.
“You need creative, great, visionary leaders and an intelligent government to manage the economy.
“That is why a disciplined Buhari and a visionary Ambode will want to create a better economy for Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Nasarawa
Most Rev. Mathew Audu, the Catholic Bishop of Lafia
Diocese in Nasarawa State, has condemned the alarming rate of divorce in Nigeria.
The clergyman voiced his displeasure in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Lafia.
He said that he was shocked to learn that the rate of divorce in Nigeria had risen to above 30 per cent yearly.
He expressed concern why couples quickly resorted to divorce.
He said that instead of preaching against divorce, some clerics were preoccupied with counselling new and old couples on ways of sustaining their love.
He said that the high rate of divorce was not a good development as the church does not permit divorce since it is forbidden by God.
Ogun
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
yesterday said it had distributed over 672,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ogun State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Timothy Ibitoye, said this in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, during a visit to Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ibitoye said the figure represented 50 per cent of the 1.22 million cards received for the registered voters in the state.
He said eligible voters yet to obtain their cards should be patient as the commission would distribute the outstanding cards before February 14.
Ibitoye, however, warned that the commission would insist on its policy of “no PVC, no voting.”
He said smartcard readers would be used at the general elections for accreditation of voters, adding that no one should be seen with more than one card.
Ondo
The Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue said it gen
erated N13.2 billion from various internal sources in 2014.
Its Chairman, Mr Akinlolu Akinsehinwa. said this yesterday in Akure in an interview with newsmen.
Akinsehinwa said the board recorded success in 2014 because of its repositioning, dynamism and sensitisation.
“We made people see reason on tax payments and the infrastructure provided through tax.”
The chairman re-iterated the board’s commitment to generate more money through tax this year.
“We are looking into all remote areas for coverage and we will come up with some strategies and widen our scope to get more tax.
“At the end, we will get a lot of money and make the collection easy and convenient because tax payment is not meant to make life more difficult but better,” Akinsehinwa said.
Sokoto
The APC gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Aminu
Tambuwal last Monday received 2400 supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) who defected to APC in Kebbi Local Government Area of the state.
Tambuwal received the defectors at the party’s gubernatorial campaign rally held in Kebbi town, headquaters of Kebbi Local Government Area of the state.
He called on the defectors to work towards promoting the lofty ideals of the party in the rural areas.
Tambuwal also called on the youths in the area to shun all kinds of violence by ensuring peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.
He said that the youths were a global catalyst for political development of any society, adding that they should be properly groomed to enable them contribute towards the socio economic and political growth of the country.
L-R: Former Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs Adebisi Sosan, wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the International Women’s Day in Lagos, recently.
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.
-
Politics4 days agoSenate Urges Tinubu To Sack CAC Boss
-
News4 days agoAmend Constitution To Accommodate State Police, Tinubu Tells Senators
-
News4 days agoDisu Takes Over As New IGP …Declares Total War On Corruption, Impunity
-
Business4 days ago
Crisis Response: EU-project Delivers New Vet. Clinic To Katsina Govt.
-
Business4 days ago
President Tinubu Approves Extension Ban On Raw Shea Nut Export
-
Business4 days ago
President Tinubu Extends Raw Shea Nuts Export Ban To 2027
-
Business4 days ago
Fidelity Bank To Empower Women With Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills, HAP2.0
-
Sports4 days ago
NDG: Rivers Coach Appeal To NDDC In Talent Discovery