Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Population Commission (NPC) in collabo
ration with UNICEF and European Union has commenced a one-week massive birth registration exercise in Adamawa State.
Flagging-off the exercise in Yola, Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla, assured of the state government’s commitment to the success of the exercise in the state.
Jibrilla, who was represented by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Fatima Atiku, urged parents to come out en mass to register their children.
“The daily registration of our children is indeed very essential as it provides data needed for population estimation, projection and other analytical studies useful for all demographic planning and research in the state and nation as a whole.
Borno
No fewer than 50 children orphaned by the Boko Haram
insurgence have been awarded scholarships in commemoration of the 50th birthday of Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.
Shettima’s Special Adviser on Communication Isa Gusau announced this at a ceremony marking the governor’s birthday in Maiduguri today.
According to him, the scholarship will be funded from donations made by Shettima’s associates at a birthday reception held in honour of the governor.
“The award was sponsored by a group of 30 friends and political associates of Shettima,’’ he said
“Two schools, the Maiduguri Capital School and Bara’Imul Iman Integrated School, both in Maiduguri, were selected for the programme.
FCT
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Garba Abari, has cautioned Nigerians to stop activities that can lead to the blockage of drainage and water ways.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Fidel Agu, the Deputy Director, Press Unit of the agency in Abuja, recently.
According to Abari, the State Directorate and Local Government formations of the agency have been directed to commence public sensitisation to stop the trend.
“The agency is making efforts for massive sensitisation to mobilise Nigerians away from flood prone areas, thereby minimising casualties both at local and state levels.
Kaduna
A medical practitioner, Dr Nuhu Yusuf, has advised Ni
gerians to check their blood pressure regularly to reduce the risk of sudden death.
Yusuf of the Jamik Medical Center gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He said that regular checking of blood pressure was important to avoid stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and sudden death.
“High blood pressure is a silent killer because it often has no symptoms and goes undetected in a high percentage of people.
“Untreated high blood pressure can damage and weaken your arteries. “Regular checking of blood pressure gives you accurate idea of the typical pressure.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government says it would create an
industrial park to boost small and medium scale businesses in the state.
Governor Aminu Masari made the disclosure at a press briefing in Katsina. Masari said the Park would be established along Katsina-Jibia road in Katsina metropolis.
He said the area, when fully developed, would house all industries in the state.
According to him, the government has commenced talks with Skippers Transformers, one of the leading producers of transformers in the world to design a special transformer for the area for electricity transmission.
Kogi
The police said that they had deployed more person
nel to the nine entry points into Kogi State to secure it against kidnapping and robbery during the forthcoming Eid-El-Kabir festival.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Chafe, told newsmen in Lokoja that policemen would also take strategic positions in towns, villages and highways in the state during the period.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has deployed additional 300 policemen to the state to ensure effective policing during the period.
He said that the 25 security patrol vans donated to the state police command by the Kogi State Government had been deployed for joint patrol and stop-and-search operations.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has com
miserated with the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Kayode Abiara, on the death of his wife, Christiana.
The governor, in a condolence message, described the deceased as a woman of virtue who lived her life with the fear of God and was devoted to humanity.
The condolence message was signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, and made available to the newsmen in Ilorin.
According to Ahmed, the prayers of the deceased will be missed given the challenges confronting the country.
Lagos
A 23-year old man allegedly caught with a gun has
been arraigned in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, alongside a friend he claimed gave him the weapon.
Tobechukwu Igwe and his friend, Henry Njoku, 20, both unemployed, are charged with conspiracy and unlawful possession of arms.
They both live at Ebute Meta area of Lagos State. The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, told the court that the offences were committed on August 8, at Ilaje area of Ebute Meta, Lagos. Perezi said that a security guard caught Tobechukwu with the gun and arrested him.
Osun
A security expert, Alhaji Ridwan Hussein, has called
for caution over statements made on sensitive security issues. Hussein, who is the Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in Osun State, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo.
He spoke against the backdrop of statements made by some individuals on security issues in recent times.
Hussein said that such statements were capable of creating unnecessary tension in the country and could hamper socio-economic progress.Oyo
Oyo
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN), Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle, and no fewer than 5,000 participants would attend the 2016 Ministers’ Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso.
The President of NBTS, Dr Emiola Nihinola, said this in Ogbomoso at a press conference to herald the programme.
Our correspondent reports that this year’s edition, billed for between Sept. 12 and Sept. 15, would focus on praying for Nigeria’s prosperity and spiritual renewal of Christians.
“In this year 2016, we expect participants in the neighbourhood of 5,000.
“ We expect church pastors and musicians, Christian educators, evangelists, missionaries as well as denominational and interdenominational workers and officers.
“It is an international conference with participants expected from the 36 states of the country and beyond,” he said.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government says it has procured and
distributed 777 trucks of fertilisers to farmers for the 2016 farming season, in a bid to boost production.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malam Nazif Muhammad, made the disclosure at a monthly news briefing in Jos.
Muhammad said that the figure translated to over 400, 000 bags that were sold to farmers at a subsidised rate.
The commissioner also said that apart from the fertiliser, the state government was committed to assisting farmers with farm inputs.
“Government has sustained this gesture in a variety of ways; for instance, improve seedlings of tomatoes and Irish potatoes were purchased and distributed to farmers at subsidised rates,” he said.
He further said that the state government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greenlands Integrated Agribusiness Limited to set up processing and storage facilities.
Yobe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC)
in Yobe State says it has fully established its presence in liberated communities in the state to encourage internally displaced persons to return home.
Dr Muhammad Fari, Commandant of the corps in the state, told newsmen in Damaturu that his men established their presence after visiting the communities and assessing the situation on ground.
“The NSCDC had already deployed staff to the liberated local government areas of Gujba, Gulani and Yunusari to enhance the return of civil authority in the areas.
“We have a huge responsibility of ensuring the attainment of the mandate of this administration of building peaceful and secured communities across the country”, he said.
Nation
UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism
Nation
Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime
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.
Nation
UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta
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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