Nation
THE STATES
The family of Mr Kayode Ogunlusi in Ayegunle-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Monday lost their children after taking a cassava meal prepared by the family.
Our correspondent reports that five other members of the family, who also ate the cassava meal, are now on admission at the emergency unit of the University of Ado-Ekiti Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
Ogunlusi, the father of the deceased children, who only regained consciousness after receiving medical attention, said the family ate the cassava meal on Sunday night as dinner.
He explained that few hours after taking the meal, two of the children started vomiting, while one became unconscious.
The father, who disclosed that the food was prepared by his wife,
Abosede, said members of the family were later taken to a private hospital in the town for initial treatment by their neighbours.
FCT
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Tuesday called on the federal government to address unemployment as a means of checking insecurity in the country.
Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HURIWA, told newsmen in Abuja that unemployment was the major cause of crime in the country.
He demanded for the establishment of a data collection unit at the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to ensure that accurate record of unemployed youths were kept.
Onwubiko added that paying unemployed youths some stipend would contribute to the fight against crime.
He urged the federal government to implement people’s friendly policies that would create the enabling environment for school leavers and graduates to be gainfully employed.
Kano
Alhaji Ibrahim Yakasai, the Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Tourism and Industries, has advised the Council of Chambers of Commerce to collectively develop the industrial sector to achieve vision 20:20-20.
The commissioner gave the advice on Monday at the opening of the third meeting of the Nigerian Council of Chambers of Commerce in Kano.
Yakasai said Kano State as a pace setter in all aspects of human endeavour, had repositioned it’s economy in spite of the economic meltdown.
He added that a clear testimony was the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the state, adding that it was the driving force for peaceful co-existence and the development of commerce and industries.
Kwara
The Kwara Government said it had so far spent N2.5 billion on the installation of 725 transformers in various communities between 2003 and date.
The Commissioner for Energy, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, said this in Ilorin recently while answering questions from newsmen on the activities of his ministry.
The commissioner said the purchase and installations of transformers by the state government was the highest any government had done for its communities in the country.
Mohammed said that the second phase of the government rural electrification project would commence in the next two weeks with the distribution of transformers to 105 rural communities.
Lagos
Prof. Osita Eze, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) has advocated for capacity development of Foreign Service Officers (FSO) to enable them actualise the country’s foreign policy.
In an interview with newsmen in Lagos, Eze contended that the expertise of the officers was required to reposition Nigeria on the world scene.
“Nigerian government needs to adequately empower, train and retrain FSO to enable them discharge their assignments creditably and promote the country’s foreign policy,’’ he said.
The Director-General said that Nigeria, being the “anchor’’ of the African continent, should strive to create an environment that would enhance her leadership position.
Ogun
Absence of regular medical check-ups and stress have been identified as major causes of the upsurge in premature deaths in Nigeria.
Dr Samuel Adeloye, an Ijebu Ode-based medical practitioner made the observation on Tuesday at a symposium, organised by an NGO, “Save Lives First”.
Adeloye, who noted that most Nigerians were in the habit of working beyond their capacity without regular check-ups, said the situation had led to the untimely death of many.
He explained that the economic situation in the country had forced many to engage in desperate searches for extra income at the expense of their health conditions, describing it as “an unfortunate situation”.
Osun
The Osun Coordinator of NAPEP, Mrs Funmi Akinyemi, said on Monday that a new programme tagged Village Economic Solution had been introduced to create jobs.
Akinyemi who announced this in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, said the programme was designed by NAPEP to assist the less-privileged.
According to her, under the programme, interested youths are expected to form a cooperative societies, to enable them to benefit from the stimulus package.
She said the federal government had provided funds for disbursement to some identified well-organised and serious minded youths as a revolving loan scheme.
Akinyemi said the scheme was different from other conventional government programmes because it was rural people-friendly and targeted at assisting young villagers with skills.
Oyo
The Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture wants 20 per cent allocation to each local government council to be used for agricultural development.
To this end, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Kunle Ishola, told journalists in Ibadan that the ministry had proposed an amendment to the bill on local government matters in this regard.
Ishola said the bill, if passed into law, would make it an offence for any council to divert money meant for agriculture to any other area.
He complained that the fees charged at the federal government’s grain silos located in the Monatan area of Ibadan were too high just as the prices of grains sold there.
Plateau
The Plateau Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba has embarked on a familiarisation tour of police formations in Jos, following the gradual return of peace in the city.
A statement signed by the Plateau Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asp. Mohammed Lerama, said that during the tour, the commissioner would meet and address officers and men of the force.
It noted that the commissioner would also meet with members of vigilance groups and the Police Community Public Relations Committee (PCRC) in the state.
The statement said that Aduba would pay a courtesy visit to important personalities in the police formations, local government chairmen and traditional rulers.
The command appealed to the public to remain calm, maintain peace and to continue to consolidate on the peaceful atmosphere so far achieved in the state.
Yobe
The National Directorate of Employment in Yobe has trained 150 widows, orphans and vulnerable persons on various vocations for self-employment.
The Coordinator, Alhaji Adamu Ba’ aba made the disclosure on Monday in Damaturu during an interview with the newsmen.
He said, the directorate had trained 30 people in rural agricultural development, 50 in sewing, 10 in waste management, 50 in ICT and 10 in interior decorations.
“The graduates in agricultural development have been given loans totalling N2.9 m for livestock farming in cattle, goat, sheep rearing and fish farming,’’ he said.
Adamu noted that, the widows trained in weaving, sewing, shoe and beads making had been given working tools worth N1.9m for the take off of their business ventures.
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.
