Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, has
appealed to Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc (YOEDC) to restore power supply to Maiduguri and end the hardship being faced by residents.
He made the call when he received the Manager of YOEDC, Hajiya Zainab Hassan, in his palace in Maiduguri.
Electricity supply to Maiduguri had been paralyzed since May 13, following suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ attacks on the Damboa Power line.
The Shehu said that the continued blackout in the state had crippled economic and social lives.
He added that, “we are appealing to the authorities concerned to please restore electricity supply to the state capital as soon as possible.
Gombe
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
said it arrested 60 drug suspects and seized 434.53 kg of hard drugs in Gombe State from January till date.
NDLEA State Commandant, Mr Aliyu Adole,disclosed this in Gombe State in an interview with newsmen recently.
“We have arrested 60 people within this short period and we removed from circulation 434.53 kg of drugs.
“Out of these numbers of suspects, we got 27 convictions and 34 pending cases at the Federal High Court, Gombe,” he said.
Adole said that currently, four suspects are in the cell awaiting prosecution at the same Federal High Court.
According to him, the agency succeeded in establishing five area commands in the state.
“We have moved to interior settlements where drugs are being planted to ensure that we are able to reduce the business to the barest minimum.’’
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed
Mustapha, said 1,201 officers and men of the command had been promoted to various ranks.
Mustapha disclosed this while decorating the newly promoted officers in Dutse.
He said 11 Deputy Superintendants of Police (DSP) were promoted to Superintendents of Police (SP) and 27 Inspectors were now Assistant Superintendents of Police.
Others were 782 Corporals promoted to Sergents and 381 Police Constables elevated to Corporals, while the promotion result of Sergents to Inspectors was being awaited.
Kaduna
An agrochemical company, Vicampro Farms Ltd., has
called on the Federal Government to invest in mechanised farming to diversify the nation’s economy.
The Secretary and Legal Adviser of the company, Mrs Adediran Adeola, told newsmen in Kaduna that agriculture had gone beyond the use of hoes and cutlasses.
She advised government to invest hugely in mechanised agriculture by deploying modern techniques, to make a meaningful impact in the sector.
According to her, the country will exploit the full benefits of the sector if mechanised farming replaced the subsistence type of agriculture done with hoes and cutlasses.
“I am glad that the government and other state governments noted that agriculture is an untapped goldmine with huge potential for revenue generation and foreign exchange.
Kogi
The wife of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Mrs
Rasheedat Bello, has organised free genotype screening for youths in Kogi State to assist them in tackling the dangers of sickle-cell anemia in marriages.
The screening was done at Crowther Memorial College in Lokoja recetly.
Mrs Bello said her pet-project, KOWYEF, in collaboration with office of the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, organised the programme to celebrate the world sickle-cell day.
She appealed to the youth to know their genotypes before going into marriage, because sickle cell is an unavoidable disease in couples with wrong genotypes.
Kwara
Administrative activities at the Irepodun Local
Government Area of Kwara State have been grounded as the sit-at-home embarked upon by the workers entered its third week.
Our correspondent gathered that the workers had joined their counterpart in other 15 councils across the state to demand payment of their outstanding salaries.
The gate to the council secretariat in Omu-Aran remained under lock and key when our correspondent visited.
The directive for the sit-at-home was said to have emanated from the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The development had adversely affected some applicants seeking to obtain vital official documents from the council.
Some of the applicants, who are mostly youths, were seen lamenting their difficulties outside the council secretariat.
Lagos
As countries of the world marked this year’s World
Refugees Day on Monday, the United State Government has announced its plan to host Leaders Summit in Refugees on September, recently.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, who announced the plan in a statement, expressed his government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the problems currently being faced by refugees.
According to the statement, during the summit, the U.S. will ask nations to make concrete commitments toward expanding the humanitarian safety net and creating more long-term durable opportunities for refugees.
“This year’s commemoration comes at a time when brutal conflicts are forcing record numbers of innocent people to flee and challenging the world to find better ways to protect them.
“The U.S. is determined to find solutions. That is why on September 20, at the UN General Assembly in New York, President Obama will host a Leaders’ Summit on Refugees.
Niger
The Niger State Government has inaugurated the sale of
subsidised grains to residents of its 25 local government areas.
Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, who performed the inauguration in Minna, said that the grains – rice, millet and maize, would only be sold in measurements in order to allow more people to access them and touch the lives of people at the grassroots.
Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, said, “we feel the pains of our people and that is why we make it a priority to embark on the sale of 1,508 tonnes of these essential food items.
“Government has invested heavily on this project and we intend to make it a continuous exercise until the economic situation improves.’’
Ogun
A 64-year-old man, Toyin Fagbenro, who allegedly
collected N1.7 million under false pretence, has been arraigned in an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State.
The defendant, who lives at No. 14 Shilloy Estate, Onigbongbo, Atan, Ota, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 22, 2015 at about 14:00 a.m. at Shilloy Estate, Onigbongbo, Atan, Ota.
Mustapha said that the defendant collected N1.7 million under false pretence on behalf of Shilloy Estate, to supply community electrical transformer. He said that the offences contravened Sections 309, 419 and 509 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
Ondo
The Rebuja of Osooro-land, Igbotako in Ondo State, Oba
Shedrack Gbadebo-Bajowa, has urged Nigerians to always pray for politicians to fulfill all their electioneering promises.
Oba Gbadebo-Bajowa, in an interview with newsmen in Igbotako, Ondo State, said that politicians needed prayers for them to do what was right, especially to the electorate.
The monarch said that no one could depend on his or her own wisdom to do anything right except with the wisdom of God.
“The economic status of the nation calls for serious prayers because whatever happens to the country indirectly affects the states, local government areas and all of us at large.
Osun
A human rights’ activist, Mrs Temitope Awe, has called
on the Federal Government to make more policy statements that will completely make child-trafficking a criminal offence in Nigeria.
She told newsmen in Osogbo, capital of the state of Osun, that such statement should make it an offence for parents to give out their children in trafficking.
Awe, the Executive Director of Girl-Child Rights Awareness Initiative in Africa, charged government to protect and save Nigerian children through proactive legislation that would serve as a deterrent to would-be-offenders. She said the rate at which Nigerian children were being trafficked within Africa and beyond was alarming and scaring.
Oyo
The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Mrs Dolapo Dosumu, has urged Nigerians to embrace peace for the development and advancement of the country.
Dosumu told newsmen in Ibadan that without peace, democracy would be threatened and socio-economic development would be hindered.
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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