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THE STATES
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos (left), condoling the widow of Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Mrs Grace Braithwaite, during a condolence visit to Braithwaite’s family in Lagos, recently. With them is Dara Rhodes.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three women
suspected to be “specialists” in child trafficking.
Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi.
He said the suspects were arrested by detectives of the command on March 25.
Mohammed one of the suspects from Plateau, was arrested for selling a 17-month-old baby to a woman from Imo State at the cost of N200,000.
He also said the woman also sold a 14-month-old-baby to another woman, who hailed from Benue, at the cost of N80,000.
He said that the two babies had been recovered.
Borno
The Borno Government has appealed to the Comman
dant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Abdullahi Gana, to employ more youths from the state.
The call is contained in a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.
The statement noted that Governor Shettima made the appeal when he visited Gana in Abuja and appealed that the gesture would help to fill the vacuum left by indigenes of the state who died while serving the organisation.
“Shettima submitted a comprehensive data of about 90 Borno youths who died either through natural causes or got killed in the course of serving the NSCDC to Gana,” Gusau stated.
Ekiti
The National Coordinator, Wireless Application Ser
vice Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) Mr Chijioke Ezeh, has called for favourable revenue share for Value Added Service (VAS) providers in the country.
In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, in Lagos, Ezeh said that the current revenue sharing formula was not favourable to VAS providers.
Our correspondent reports that there is currently a revenue share of 60 by 40 per cent, between the telecommunications network providers and the VAS providers.
He said that such revenue share might run down the businesses of VAS companies, which in turn would affect job creation.
Ezeh called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to look into the area of revenue-sharing among mobile operators and VAS providers in its proposed regulations to guide the sector.
FCT
The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT),
has called on Muslim parents and guardians to inculcate good moral values into their children at infancy.
The Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Sheik Abdullahi Akinbode made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled; “Read Arabic with Ease,’’ Book 1 and 2 ‘ written by Hajiya Amina Abdulganiyu.
He said that it was imperative for parents to expose their children to good virtues at the early stage of their lives to ensure decency in the society.
He said that the failure of some parents to train their children well often produced bad people who became problem to the society.
Gombe
The Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and So
cial Welfare says it has handled 66 cases of child abuse in the past eight months.
Director of Child Development in the ministry, Mr Jenis Maiyamba, disclosed this in Jos at the sidelines of a Child Protection System Strengthening Meeting organised by UNICEF.
He told newsmen that the cases involved rape, drug, abandonment and forced marriages, among others.
According to him, 20 of the cases bordered on sexual abuse and rape, five cases each of drug and physical abuse, four cases each of forced marriage and abandonment and one case of human trafficking.
Jigawa
Buji local government area of Jigawa said it had
screened 27 prospective pilgrims for the 2017 Hajj.
The Information Officer of the council, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Safiyanu said that the council was allotted 27 Hajj seats by the state’s Pilgrim Welfare Board.
He explained that the committee had taken adequate measures to ensure that only indigenes of the council participated in the screening.
The spokesperson pointed out that the gesture was to ensure that only the indigenes were given the seats.
Kano
The Legal Aid Council in Kano said it received no
fewer than 64 cases from aggrieved individuals in February.
The Coordinator of the council in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Umar said 42 of the cases were criminal, while the remaining 22 were civil cases.
He said the council had disposed eight of the criminal cases and nine civil cases, while the remaining were pending in various courts.
“Some of the complainants prefer to solve their cases at our office. Complainants are always encouraged to resolve their cases out of court to ensure amicable solution.”
Kaduna
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partner
ship with a U.S based firm, JAF Technology Solutions, is to train corps members in Kaduna State on use of technology to develop businesses..
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammed Momoh disclosed this while briefing newsmen recently.
Momoh said the NYSC , as the largest body of youth motivators in the country, would train corps members to make them job creators instead of job seekers.
He said that the scheme would partner with genuine individuals and organizations to add value to all corps members.
“The scheme would compliment efforts of the Federal Government to provide employment opportunities for young Nigerian graduates through Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED) programme.
Lagos
The Lagos Police Command has commended residents
of the state for their collaboration in fighting crimes, particularly during the Easter celebrations.
A statement by the spokesperson of the command, SP Dolapo Badmos, stated that the celebration was observed without any major crime owing to the efforts of the residents.
“The Easter celebration period was peaceful and crime free.
“This wouldn’t have been achievable, but for the active partnership between the Lagos state police command and members of the public.
Ogun
A 32-year-old man, Bashiru Azeez, has been docked at
an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly collecting N49,500 under pretence from one Bosede Adebisi.
The accused, who lives at No. 12, Ilo-Awera St., Ota, is standing trial on a one -count charge of collecting money under pretence.
The Prosecutor, Sgt Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 9 at about 4:00 p.m. at Atan Garage, in Ota.
He said that the accused collected N49,500 from one Bosede Adebisi under the pretext to supply seven bags of rice, an agreement he did not fulfil.
Gbesi said that the offence contravened Sections 390 and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.
Oyo
Sen. Rilwan Akanbi (APC-Oyo South), has said that
the 2016 national budget passed by the Senate would ensure rapid economic growth.
Akanbi gave the assurance during a town hall meeting he held with Owala, Temidire, Isokan, Akataapa and Ekerin communities at Owala playing ground, Ologuneru in Ibadan.
He urged the people to be patient with and support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the nation’s dwindling economy would soon be revived.
“The last administration mismanaged so much of our resources not minding the future of the country.
“The president had since the inception of his administration been confronted with transforming the economy.
“He has shown more commitment to rejuvenating the economy and Nigerians would soon smile. I implore you all to give him maximum support in achieving this,” he said.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Plateau has advised citizens to remain vigilant after the Easter celebration which was generally peaceful.
Capt. Ikedechi Iweha, STF Spokesperson, in an interview with newsmen in Jos also advised the people not to let down their guard.
Iweha said that Easter celebration had come and gone but there was still need for the people to be security conscious.
“The people must be vigilant and report any suspicious persons, movement or objects to security agencies for prompt action.
“The STF, on its part, will sustain its efforts toward ensuring that all Plateau citizens stay peacefully with one another,’’ he stated.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Police Command has urged citizens to continue to cooporate with security agencies even after the festive period to sustain the existing peace in the state.
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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