Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
An expert on guidance and counselling, Mrs Bola Adeniyi,
has urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in order to protect their children against kidnappers.
Adeniyi, who spoke with newsmen on Tuesday in Ikole, Ekiti State, on the recent reported cases of kidnapping of children, stressed the need for adequate protection of underage children.
“Adequate protection of children is the primary parental responsibility of a rational human being with kids and it is imperative for parents to ensure that their young ones are well protected against unpleasant occurrences.
“Loopholes where these agents of satan can use to penetrate into our family such as engagement of strange persons as house maids, drivers and guards should be blocked.
“Hawking by underage children should be discouraged and movement of strange faces around our premises should be reported to security operatives without delay,“ she said.
Gombe
The Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Gombe State has
offered automatic seats to 506 intending pilgrims out of the 1,934 allocated to the state for the 2015 Hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Usman Gurama, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday.
He said that those who got the automatic tickets were declared qualified after the screening exercise of 2014 but were unable to get the slots.
Gurama said that the board had promised to give them slots in this year’s exercise without undergoing another screening.
“ We resolved last year that since the seats were not enough and the people were many, we promised to start with them this year.
“We have gone round to all the local government areas in the state and distributed the bank teller to them,’’ he said.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Command of the Nigerian Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded 232 cases of criminal assault, sexual abuse and other offences in the first quarter of 2015.
The Commandant of the Corps, Mr Muhammad Gidado, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Dutse.
Gidado said the cases also involved debt recovery, family disputes, commercial, communal, land and tenancy disputes.
He said other cases had to do with vandalism, fuel diversion, drug peddling, public nuisance and criminal trespass.
He said some arrests were made through the combined efforts of the command’s detectives.
The commandant said 51 of those arrested had been convicted; seven cases were transferred, while others were still pending.
Kaduna
A Fulani community leader, Alhaji Dodo Oroji has appealed
to the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to address the problems of grazing reserves and stop cattle rustling in order to save fulani herdsmen in the country.
Oroji made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Kaduna.
He said it was important to properly tackle the two problems which had resulted in conflicts, avoidable deaths and loss of means of livelihood to hundreds of cattle breeders cross the country.
Oroji advised the government to devise a new policy to settle the herdsmen in one place, so as to maximally tap the economic benefit of their vocation.
“Once you halt cattle breeders from migrating from one country to another in search of food for their animal and families, you not only ensure their safety but also have the opportunity to tap the vast economic benefits from their occupation.”
Lagos
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture
(LSCAC), on Monday said it would host a Hall of Fame night in the last quarter of the year to immortalise past heroes.
The Director of LSCAC, Mrs Saidat Otulana, told newsmen in Lagos that it was essential to celebrate individuals who were instrumental to the development of state.
Otulana, who declined to mention those to be honoured, said the council would make a burst of each of the heroes and heroines to be honoured.
The director added that the contributions and achievements of everyone to be honoured at the night would be engraved on their burst for future reference.
According to her, among heroes celebrated in the past was Orlando Martins Award Trust Fund, established in 1988 but which, she said, was now moribund.
Nasarawa
Residents of Lafia on Tuesday called for an im
proved synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, to enhance harmony and rapid development of the state.
The forth Nasarawa State House of Assembly was dominated by the PDP with 20 members as against four by APC which produced the chief executive.
The trend has now changed after the 2015 general elections as the APC won 18 seats, leaving the remaining six to PDP in the assembly.
A cross-section of the residents, who spoke with our correspondent including a lawyer, Samuel Simon, observed that the PDP-led assembly’s tenure was characterised by conflict with the executive due to political differences.
Ogun
A 47-year-old man, Solomon Ojo, was on Mon
day arraigned in an Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun over alleged rape of his daughter.
Ojo, who lives at No. 15, Abinuyo St., Ijoko, in Ota, is facing a one-count charge of rape.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Brown, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in 2013 at about noon at his residence.
Brown said that the accused forcefully had carnal knowledge of his daughter (name withheld).
She said that the offence committed contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Revised Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
The Magistrate, Miss Temitope Adebutu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Plateau
The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) on Mon
day said it collected N1.84 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between January and March.
The Chairman of the service, Mr Pam Samuel told newsmen in Jos that the amount fell below expectation.
“If you look at what we generated in the first quarter of this year, it fell short of the N2.18 billion we raked in the corresponding period of 2014,’’ he said.
Samuel blamed the short fall to non-payment of salaries of workers, whose Pay as You Earn (PAYE) accounted for the bulk of the service’s revenue.
The PSIRS chairman, in his analysis, said about N875 million was collected as PAYE and N658 million from Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He said that January recorded the highest collection during the period, accounting for about N838 million of the total amount while February recorded the lowest with N501 million.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has assured
Nigerians that the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will not fail the nation.
‘The APC-led Federal Government under Buhari will strive to meet the expectations and yearnings of Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences,’’ he said.
Wamakko spoke on Monday in Sokoto when the members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state paid him a courtesy visit.
‘’Buhari will ensure social justice, adherence to the rule of law, youth and women empowerment, improvement of security and the power sector.
‘’ All Nigerians will be treated equally and fairly under Buhari; the electorate in the country as well as the international community will find Buhari to be a worthy democratic leader.’’ he added.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government on Monday said it would
offer skills training to 75,000 women in the state, to enhance their economic wellbeing.
Hajiya Balkisu Bungudu, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, said in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.
The commissioner explained that the mass training was in fulfilment of the promises made by Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari to support the women to live productive lives.
She said that the beneficiaries would mostly be widows, divorcess, orphans and other less privileged women in the state.
‘’We will train them in trades like sewing, knitting, grinding, tailoring, shoe making, weaving, fish and poultry farming, pomade making, soap and jelly processing, computer literacy among others.
‘’After the training we will give them capital to start their businesses so that they will take care of themelves’’, the commissioner said.
L-R: NLC Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Chris Uyot, President Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and NLC General Secretary, Comrade Peter Ozo-Esa, during Governor Oshiomhole’s courtesy visit to NLC President in Abuja last Tuesday. 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.
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