Nation
THE STATES
From Left: Senior Special Assistant to President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enag, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Yusuf Lasun, President Muhammadu Buhari and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremmadu, after Presentation of address to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in Abuja last Tuesday
Borno
The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri, Rt. Rev. Oliver Dashe,
has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage in crushing the Boko Haram insurgents in the North- East.
The Bishop gave the commendation in Maiduguri, during a courtesy visit to Brig.-Gen.Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army.
A statement signed by Col. Mustapha Anka, spokesman of the Division, said that Dashe noted that the people of the area had lost many souls due to the insurgency.
He noted that the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents had resulted in wanton destruction of lives and property, as well as disruption of socio-economic lives of millions of Nigerians.
“The Boko Haram terrorists have destroyed homes and rendered many people homeless and jobless.
FCT
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the new
Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 on his coronation.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president.
According to the statement, President Buhari joins the indigenes of Ibadan, the family of the new Olubadan, the government and people of Oyo State in celebrating Oba Adetunji’s ascension to the ancient throne of his forefathers.
President Buhari urged Oba Adetunji to follow in the worthy and commendable footsteps of his predecessors by working diligently for peace and development in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria.
The president also called on Oba Adetunji to do his utmost best, in his new role as the chief custodian of the traditions of his people, to preserve and propagate the admirable culture and customs of Ibadan.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Consumer Protection Committee (CPC)
said it had seized no fewer than 238 fake measuring bowls (mudus) from traders in the last few weeks.
The CPC Chairman, Alhaji Faruk Abdullahi, said this while speaking with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdullahi said the items were seized from the traders in six different markets in the state.
He listed the markets to include that of Suletankarkar, Malammadori, Hadejia, Garungabas and Balangu towns.
The chairman said that the gesture was to check lack of uniformity of measuring bowls in all the markets, adding that the gesture would also provide consumers some protection.
Kano
The Director-General, Kano State Zakkat and Endowment
Board, Alhaji Sufiyanu Gwagwarwa, has paid West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for 104 indigent students who passed their mock qualifying examination.
The benefitting students were selected from Gwagwarwa Quarters in Nasarawa Local Government area of the state.
Gwagwarwa, who presented the receipts to the beneficiaries in Kano said the gesture was aimed at assisting the indigent students from poor families to further their studies.
“The students have passed their mock qualifying examinations conducted in their respective schools, but they don’t have money to register for WAEC examination.
“This is the reason why I decided on my own to assist them because I have been doing it every year,” he said.
Kwara
President, National Council for Women Society (NCWS),
Kwara chapter, Hajia Barakat Atunse, has called for equal opportunity in leadership role for women in Nigeria.
Atunse made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin while marking the 2016 International Women Day celebration.
Represented by Mrs Victoria Moradoye, the Public Relations Officer of the council, the president said that women must partake in policy making of the nation since they were created to nurture the society.
Atunse described the theme for this year’s event, “Pledge for Gender Parity”, as apt as women still undergo discrimination in every sphere of life.
Lagos
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of
Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, has confirmed that the authority is set for the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Certification Audit.
This is contained in a statement issued by FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, in Lagos.
Our correspondent reports that the audit is slated to hold within the month.
The statement stated that Dunoma gave the assurance during his recent inspection tour of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in preparation for the exercise.
It stated that in pursuance of safety and security at the airport, Dunoma inspected the newly acquired security patrol vehicles and also the fire service vans to ensure that they met required standards.
Nasarawa
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Solomon Arase,
appealed to state governments to partner with the Police to provide mass housing for officers and men.
Arase made the appeal in Lafia when he paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State.
Arase who said that retired officers would also benefit from the mass housing programme, added that the collaboration would boost the well-being and morale of the officers.
Arase commended the governor for the cordial relationship with officers and men in the state command.
Responding, Al-Makura assured the I-G of the state government’s continuous support to the Police.
Niger
The Niger Government has automated the process of
assessing and collecting taxes in order to block leakages and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Alhaji Hussaini Ahmed, the Chairman, Niger State Board of Internal Revenue, disclosed this in Minna in an interview with newsmen.
Ahmed, who spoke on the sidelines of the Board’s 2016 budget defence before the Niger House of Assembly Committee on Finance, said the computerisation was in line with best practices.
“We have automated assessing and partially automated collection through Point of Sale (POS), e-payment and other payment channels following dwindling federal allocation.
Osun
A 22-year-old man, Adewole Yomi, has been arraigned in
an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for contempt.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ajayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on October 16, 2015 as well as January 16 and March 8 by refusing to appear in court for a case.
Ajayi said the offence committed contravened the provision of Section 133(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume 11 laws of Osun, 2003.
The defendant, who had no counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Plateau
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that
it would protect their lives and property, tackle corruption and diversify the nation’s economy.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this at the 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Jos.
He said the existence of any government was to ensure the security of lives and property.
He said the country had faced the challenges of ethno-religious violence, armed robbery, rustling, kidnapping for ransom, militancy and violent agitations.
“The most daunting security challenge that we have faced in the past seven to eight years has been the Boko Haram insurgency.
Sokoto
The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State
Command, has arraigned a 40-year-old man, Abubakar Buba, in the Federal High Court, Sokoto, for alleged abduction of the District Head of Wamakko, Alhaji Salihu Barade.
Buba was alleged to have on April 8, 2015, conspired with three other suspects, who are now at large, and forcefully seized Barade at his farm in Wamakko town in the state.
The charges levelled against the accused and the three other accomplices include abducting and detaining Barade, who is also a member of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto and a kingmaker.
Buba and the three alleged accomplices, who were said to have been invited from Niger, were accused of abducting Barade and releasing him only after the payment of ransom.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
Yobe
A member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji
Sabo Garba, has urged corporate organisations to expand the scope of their corporate social responsibility programmes.
He advised corporate bodies to complement government‘s effort at enhancing living conditions of the people.
Garba, who is representing Potiskum/Nangere Federal Constituency, made the call in Potiskum, Yobe, in an interview with newsmen.
“With increased corporate responsibilities, the lives of Nigerians will be improved especially widows and orphans devastated by insurgency in the North East will have a new hope into the future. “
The lawmaker said the collective efforts of government, corporate organisations and philanthropists in providing facilities and opportunities “will improve lives of Nigerians and a better business environment.”
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.
