Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

President Muhammadu  Buhari (left), receiving letter of credence from the Ambassador designate of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Andrzej Dycha, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday .

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), receiving letter of credence from the Ambassador designate of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Andrzej Dycha, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday .

Adamawa
Members of Adamawa State  House of Assembly have
in Yola passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the House led the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa.
The confidence vote was passed as the legislators resumed from five weeks recess in the wake of speculations of possible change in the leadership of the house.
A letter endorsing the speaker, signed by 23 out of the 25 legislators, was read by Mijinyawa, who later called them one by one to confirm their signatures.
In their respective submissions at plenary, the legislators lauded the leadership of the house for its commitment to transparency.
In his submission, Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC-Mubi South) who chairs the House Integrity Forum, described the speaker as ‘a team player who carries everyone along.’

Bauchi
An Islamic Scholar in Bauchi, Sheikh Abdullahi
Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to entrust the management of Tsangaya schools in the country, to a  Board of Trustees of the schools, for effective performance.
Abubakar told newsmen on Saturday in Bauchi, that poor management of such schools, was making it difficult to achieve the purpose for which they were established.
According to him, the Board should be given powers to handle matters of employment, promotion and discipline of teachers, to enhance efficiency of the students.
He said that it was the dream of the initiators of the schools, to see that the institutions prospered to churn out products that would be helpful to the society.
He expressed optimism that the schools, if managed by the trustees, would open up new window for unlimited progress in Quranic education.

Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded
10 accused persons arraigned before it in prison custody for kidnapping and armed robbery in Ekiti.
They are Solomon Obamuyegun, Oladapo Rachael, Sina Omidirin, Babatunde Balogun, Tope Gabriel, Bose Sade-Ajayi, Felix Omiawe, Damiloa Obamuagun, Shina Omidiran and Owolabi Olanrewanju.
Prosecutor Olasunkanmi Bankole told the court that the accused persons were arraigned on a two-count charge of kidnapping and robbery.
Bankole said that the offence was committed between April and July at Ilogbo-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state.

FCT
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Com
mission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, says,  the standard of Nigerian universities was high in spite of their low global ranking.
Okojie, who said this at the opening of a two-day workshop on African Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project Post-Effectiveness in Abuja, said that the problem with Nigerian universities was low Internet presence.
Nigeria has 10 out of 19 African Centres of Excellence.
According to Okojie, the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) is solving the problem of Internet connectivity in Nigerian universities, saying it will improve global presence of Nigerian universities.

Jigawa
The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
in Jigawa  State says it has strengthened the capacity of no fewer than 53 schools’ quality assurance officers in the state.
The SUBEB Deputy Director, Teacher Training, Alhaji Sani Shehu, made the disclosure to newsmen in Dutse.
Shehu said the training, organised, financed and facilitated by the SUBEB, started on July 27 and ended July 31.
The deputy director added that the beneficiaries included directors and their deputies from the quality assurance, social mobilisation offices and other officers that participated in quality assurance inspection in the state.
The SUBEB Zonal Director, Northwest, Mr Mansur Idris, told newsmen that the gesture was for the beneficiaries to acquire skills which would enable them conduct effective quality assurance in schools.
Kano
The wife of Kano State Governor,  Dr Hafsat Ganduje
, has called on parents in the state to enrol their female children in school to ensure a bright future for them.
Ganduje made the call on Monday during a reception organised in honour of APC women leaders at the Government House in Kano.
She noted that there was a low enrolment of girls in schools, especially in the rural areas.
Ganduje said that it was regrettable that in spite of the efforts of the state government toward promoting female education, many parents were still reluctant to send their wards to school.
She said that the governor was aware of the effective role played by women in his victory and would not disappoint them.
Kwara
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has con
fiscated pirated works valued at over N4 million during a raid on outlet stores selling videos and musical works in Ilorin.
The Head, Ilorin Liaison Office of the commission, Mrs Justina Akinwumi made this known on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the commission in the state.
Akinwumi said that the commission arrested five persons involved in the piracy activities during the raid.
“Nigerian Copyright Commission has zero tolerance for piracy and all the perpetrators of the heinous act will be brought to book,” she added.

Lagos
An Ijaw leader, Mr Regent Youmor, has said the ap
pointment of retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh would facilitate the payment of fees of ex-militants schooling abroad.
Youmor, the adviser of the Ijaw National Congress, Lagos chapter, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on July 28, appointed Boroh as the coordinator of the amnesty programme to replace Mr Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Youmor said that over 3,000 beneficiaries of the programme had been ejected from their various institutions abroad due to non-payment of the fees.

Osun
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Osun State
chapter, says it has started the distribution of chemicals to cocoa farmers in the state in its drive to boost cocoa production.
The association, in a statement issued by its Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees and Zonal  Secretary Oyo/Osun zones, Dr Bola Otunla and Mr John Alalade, said that the chemical distribution was to ensure that the state caught up with other cocoa growing states in the country.
“The state chapter of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria started the distribution of fungicide and insecticide to cocoa farmers in Osun.

Plateau
The Police at Jibilik check point in Pankshin Local
Government Area of Plateau has caught a couple with 81 live ammunition.
DSP Emmanuel Abu, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed the incident to newsmen . Abu, however, said the Divisional Police Officer in the area was yet to give details on the recovery.
The couple, Mr and Mrs Dahiru Haruna, were on their way to Bauchi in an unregistered motorcycle when they were intercepted by the policemen.
A policeman (names withheld) also confirmed the incident to the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Mr Steve Jings, who was on his way on a condolence visit to Chip District.
The policeman said that the couple never wanted to stop for a search.

Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has
pledged that his administration will provide critical infrastructure for the Nigerian Army and assist its officers to enable them carry out their mandate.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, in Sokoto on Sunday.
The statement stated that Tambuwal made the promise on Saturday in Sokoto when he visited the Command Headquarters of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
It stated that the governor said the state government would continue to accord the welfare and wellbeing of men and officers of all security agencies in the state top priority.
“Tambuwal said that Sokoto State had benefited immensely from the activities of the Brigade Command in various ways.
Yobe
Property, farmlands and livestock in seven villages
have been destroyed by flood in Yobe following heavy downpour on Monday night.
Malam Hussaini Ali, one of the victims told newsmen that about 60 per cent of structures in Ngelzarma were swept away by the flood.
“I have lost everything I owned to the flood including my house, livestock and other items,” he said, adding that hundreds of other families have been rendered homeless.
In Gununu and Jajere, our courrespondent learnt that the heavy night rain destroyed homes, submerged farms and swept away livestock.
Alhaji Digima Gana, Chairman Fune Local Government said that the council had set up a committee to provide immediate relief to the victims.
Similarly, Nangere and Budua villages in Nangere Local Government area and Murza and Dachia villages in Jakusko Local Council Area were also affected.

Continue Reading

Nation

UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

Nation

Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending