Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Chairman, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria
(CDGN), South-South and South-East chapters, Mr Sele Sele, has urged film makers nationwide to always choose appropriate costumes for their movies to enhance its quality.
Sele told newsmen in Abuja that selecting the appropriate costumes would go a long way in the marketing of the movies.
He regretted the challenges encountered by creative designers in accessing basic government facilities in their profession.
“For instance, if you want to do an action movie, you require guns and uniforms but when you go to the police station, nobody is ready to assist you.
“If you want to shoot a movie at an airport, getting an airport is difficult. These are the kinds of challenges we encounter.
“That is why you don’t see most movies with such story lines; the major challenge is that we don’t have film shops.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has been
elected as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the PDP in the 2015 general Elections.
Our correspondent reports that Dankwambo was elected through an affirmation poll held at the PDP secretariat on Monday in Gombe.
The governor polled 492 votes out of the 504 delegates, while eight votes were invalid and four delegates were absent.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, said the delegates had affirmed Dankwambo as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the party in the 2015 elections.
“Delegates have today given the mandate to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, to contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party for a second term.”
Kaduna
Senator Ahmed Makarfi the senator representing
Kaduna-North Senatorial District, has been returned as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer in the 2015 senatorial election.
Our correspondent reports that Makarfi was adopted as sole candidate after his rival, Umar Faruk withdrew from the contest following consensus arrangement made a day prior to the party’s primary in Kaduna state.
Declaring the result, Alhaji Ahmed Tahir, Chairman, PDP electoral committee said: “Makarfi is the only contestant, however, based on PDP requirement, an election must hold to fulfil such requirement.
Having counted all the votes cast; Makarfi got 333 votes indicating that he polled all the votes cast which gives him the opportunity to become the flag-bearer of PDP.
Katsina
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Repre
sentatives aspirant, Mr Emmanuel Udende, has commended his co-aspirants for stepping down for him to enable him continue with his developmental programmes.
Udende gave this commendation in an interview with journalists in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue.
Our correspondent reports that Udende was presently representing Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum Federal Constituency at the house of representatives.
He further appreciated them for their show of maturity and understanding which had paved way for his emergence as a sole contender for the seat.
He stated that they were not coerced before they withdrew from the race, adding that they withdrew willingly.
Kogi
The Kogi High Court sitting in Koton-Karfe has nulli
fied the May 4, 2013 Local Government Elections conducted in the state by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC).
The judgement was delivered in two hours, eight minutes by Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.
The court issued a consequential order for the council chairmen in the 21 Local Governments to handover the affairs of the councils to the most senior directors.
Omolaye-Ajileye affirmed the contention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the commission was not properly constituted to conduct the election.
It referred to the suit with the State Government, KOSIEC and seven others as co-defendants.
Kwara
Residents of Okuta in the Baruten Local Government
Area of Kwara State have on Tuesday cried out for help over the perennial water shortage in the border community.
A cross-section of the people who spoke with newsmen urged governments at all levels to urgently alleviate their plight .
Malam Aliyu Umar, the Gunubero of Okuta, told newsmen that the waterworks in the community had not been operated in the last three years, to supply it with pipe-borne water.
This, according to the traditional ruler, is due to its network of pipes, which have gone bad.
“Our major problem here is the distribution network, which has gone bad. The pipes have become broken in the last three years and nothing has been done about restoring the network.
Kano
A former governorship candidate of the defunct All
Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the 2011 elections in Kano State, Alhaji Salihu Takai, has won the PDP governorship primary election in the state.
Takai scored 1, 226 votes to defeat three other contestants, while two others withdrew shortly before the exercise began.
Announcing the results yesterday the Chairman of the Election Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, said Alhaji Abba Murtala Muhammed, son of late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, got 144 votes.
Gusau said Mansur Ahmed got 106 votes, while Alhaji Sani Gwarzo scored 24 votes.
According to him, Dr Hakilu Indabawa and Alhaji Mohammed Abacha withdrew from the contest before the commencement of the election.
Kebbi
The Senator representing Kebbi Central, Alhaji Atiku
Bagudu on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is to contest for the state’s governorship position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bagudu, who presented his nomination form at the APC secretariat in the state on Saturday, said that he defected following advice from his associates and supporters.
“I am acting in tandem with advice from supporters, followers and political stakeholders in my constituency,” he said.
The senator said that he was optimistic of clinching the APC governorship ticket in the state but would abide by any decision of the party.
Bagudu, who was accompanied by his supporters to the APC secretariat, appealed to members of the party to give him the opportunity to serve the people.
Nasarawa
Alhaji Yusuf Agabi, winner of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, has called on other aspirants to rally round him, to win the general elections next year.
Agabi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Nasarawa.
He said the victory at the primary was not for him alone but for all the members of the party, adding that it would take a collective effort to make the objective of reclaiming the state from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 to be actualised.
Agabi promised to tackle the security challenges facing the state, if given the mandate in next year’s general elections.
Ogun
The Police in Ogun State have arraigned a 27-year-old
man, Abiodun Bamidele, before an Ota Magistrates’ Court, for breaking into a house and stealing goods worth N371,000.
Bamidele, who resides at No.17, Akinola Street, Awela-Ilogbo, is being tried on a three-count charge of stealing, conspiracy and burglary.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Itaita Ebibomini, told the court that the accused and others now at large, committed the offences on November 26, at Plot 8, Block D, John Olawose Layout, Kuta Onigbongbo Atan,in Ota.
He said that the accused and others at large broke into the house of one Mr and Mrs Adeyemi and stole a Laptop valued at N240, 000 and other valuable goods worth N371, 000.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 390(9), 413 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Revised Law of Ogun State, 2006.
Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud (left) with the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Maje, during his sympathy visit to the Emirate over flood disaster recently.
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.
