Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), last Tuesday, expressed surprise that workers were owed 12 months salaries, and urged the people to “ask questions and demand answers”.
The party, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, said that the state government had no reason to owe workers because it had received monies from “various fronts”.
“Benue has taken loans. It has collected the Paris Club Refunds and received bailout funds from the Federal Government. The regular federal allocations and Internally Generated Revenue have also been coming in.
“In the past two years, much monies have entered the state account; Benue has no reason to owe workers. We must ask questions and demand answers,” former interior minister, Abba Moro, who chaired the meeting, said.
He challenged the people to insist on prudent management of resources to enable government meet its obligations.
Borno
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) last Thursday urged residents of Maiduguri not to panic over spate of aircraft hovering the sky at night in the metropolis.
Spokesman of NAF 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri, Squadron Leader Obi Obassi, said that the flying was part of routine exercise.
Obassi said that the service had intensified training at night time, adding that it was imperative to inform members of the public about the exercise so as to avoid exposing them to fear.
“It has come to the notice of 105 Composite Group, Nigerian Air Force, that residents of Maiduguri are expressing fear over our aircraft that flies at night”, he said.
Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekiti State Command, last Tuesday, said it had destroyed 246 tonnes of cannabis sativa (weeds) in the state.
The Commander of the agency, Alhaji Bage Bamaiyi, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
According to scientists, cannabis sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, is a drug obtained from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant which is smoked or chewed for its psychoactive properties.
It produces euphoria and relaxation whose repeated use may lead to psychological dependence.
He said the command took necessary steps to uncover 17 cannabis sativa farms at Ode-Ekiti, in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State but that the peddlers were not found in their hide-outs.
FCT
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kuje Unit Command, last Thursday, urged school bus drivers in the area to drive carefully and avoid the use of expired tyres to prevent road crashes.
The Kuje Unit Commander Mr Igbogbo Solomon, made the call in an interview with newsmen while speaking on the activities of the unit.
Solomon stressed the need for school bus drivers to adhere strictly to traffic rules to ensure the safety of the children.
He reminded them of the dangers of using expired tyres and the benefits of constant vehicle maintenance.
“There is the need to ensure safety on our roads and ensure that school bus drivers adhere strictly to road traffic rules to prevent road accidents.
Jigawa
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jigawa State chapter, has demanded justice over the alleged killing of a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Dutse by security operatives.
The NBA Chairman in the state, Baffa Alhassan, spoke last Wednesday while reacting to the alleged killing of one Hussaini Andaza by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Alhassan said the use of excessive force by security personnel was totally unacceptable to the association.
He urged the Police and the NSCDC to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to book.
Kogi
Director-General, Kogi State Bureau of Information Services, Mr Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, has offered scholarships to 35 orphans from various communities in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Abdulmalik announced the gesture recently in Ihima, at the grand finale of Ihima Students Union 2017 Spelling Bee, Quiz and Debate Competition.
He said that the scholarship would cover the primary and secondary education of the beneficiaries.
Abdulmalik also announced that he would pay next term’s school fees for all students that participated in the spelling, quiz and debate competitions which he sponsored as a pet project to boost educational growth.
Kwara
The police in Kwara State are on the trail of an Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, who allegedly exhumed the corpse of his late friend for ritual purpose.
The cleric, a resident of Eleran compound in Oloje area of Ilorin and said to be in his 30s, allegedly exhumed the remains of his childhood friend last Tuesday, seven days after his death.
A source, who confided in newsmen said that the community became aware of the development when the odour of the decomposing body permeated the area.
He told newsmen last Wednesday in Ilorin that members of the community had to embark on a search when the odour became unbearable.
Lagos
A 26- year-old man, Okechukwu Mgbemgasa, who allegedly defiled his neighbour’s daughter, was last Thursday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
He is facing a one-count charge of defiling a nine-year-old girl.
The accused is an unemployed man and a resident of Ishashi town, a suburb of Lagos.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Raphael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on July 21, at the residence of the accused.
Donny said that the accused saw the girl in the toilet and took advantage of the situation and defiled her.
“It was the cry of the girl that alerted some neighbours who raced to the scene, and the accused was apprehended.
Nasarawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),Nasarawa State Command, says it has trained over 400 personnel on arms bearing this year to curb activities of vandals in the state.
The Commandant of the corps, Mr Lawan Bashir-Kano, disclosed this to newsmen in Lafia, last Thursday.
Bashir-Kano said that the corps was determined to rid the state of vandals and other criminal elements.
He said the first batch of the arms-bearing personnel were trained earlier in the year in collaboration with the 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
Niger
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar, last Wednesday, inaugurated a storey-building containing 18 units of two bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Minna, Niger State.
Abubakar inaugurated the building at the Air Force base, Minna.
He said that the Air Force had dedicated the facility to late Lance Corporal Tanko DJ who died during operation Zaman Lafiya on April 28, 2016 in the North-East.
“This is aimed at enhancing the morale of Nigerian Air Force officers and men in service.
“This is to assure you that your supreme sacrifice to our fatherland will never go in vain,” he said.
He said that NAF was committed to the well being of its personnel, hence creating enabling environment for their effective service delivery to the country.
Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, AVM Lawal Alooma, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
Osun
An Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court in Osun State last Wednesday, remanded in prison a businesswoman, Uche Portia, with her five-month-old baby, pending the perfection of her bail condition.
Portia, 29, is facing a charge of fraud and stealing.
The Magistrate, Mrs Dorcas Ajiboye, had granted the accused N200, 000 bail with one surety in like sum.
She said the surety must swear to an affidavit of means and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
In addition, the surety must produce three years tax clearance and provide two recent passport photographs.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 16 at Igboye House, Ile-Ife.
Yobe
Senator Mohammed Hassan (APC-Yobe South), recently promised to give N20,000 as scholarship to 880 undergraduates from 44 wards in his constitutency.
Hassan made this known at an interaction with newsmen in Potiskum after the commissioning of various projects.
Hassan, who is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said the beneficiaries would be selected from students studying in different institutions of higher learning.
The lawmaker added that he would also pay the salaries of staff of Mohammed Hassan Arabic and Islamic School in Arikime apart from the provision of uniforms to the students.
Hassan pledged to donate N2.5 million for the rehabilitation of Fatahul Rahaman Islamic School in his constituency, in line with his conviction that education is one of the greatest legacies to bequeath the future generation.
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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