Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

July 15, 2016

Borno

The Borno State Environmental Protection Agency
(BOSEPA) says it will partner with a Ugandan firm to manufacture roofing sheets in the state.
Its Sole Administrator , Malam Nasiru Surundi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the roofing sheets would be manufactured from recycled polythene bags and water sachets.
“The Borno State Government is trying to set up a roofing sheet manufacturing plant in Maiduguri.
“ The plant will use polythene waste as its raw materials, thereby converting the numerous water sachets littering the state to wealth”.
According to Surundi, the setting up of a roofing sheet manufacturing plant is aimed at keeping the environment safe and clean.

FCT

A Senior Business Manager with APTECH Nigeria, Mr
Tushar Gupta, has called on the Federal Government to update ICT curriculum in colleges and other institutions.
APTECH Nigeria is a recognised Computer and IT institute in Nigeria, which provides computer education and IT training.
Gupta, who made the call in an interview with newsmen said that Nigerian colleges did not give deep knowledge on ICT applications.
“ICT is a course which students are expected to have in-depth knowledge on the topics that they are being taught.
“In ICT, you need to get intense knowledge on the topics so that the student can work and use the knowledge in life.
“So, without giving the deep knowledge, it is difficult to use and utilise the knowledge gained for day to day activities.”

Jigawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Jigawa State says it has arrested a 25-year-old bricklayer with a 300-meter armour cable suspected to be the property of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, said this while presenting the suspect to newsmen in Dutse.
Durum in-Iya said the suspect allegedly stole the cable in Dajin Gwamna in Gumel Local Government Area of the state.
He said the suspect was arrested by one of the volunteers of the corps operating in the area while trying to sell the cable.
The commandant said the suspect, who confessed to committing the offence, would soon be charged to court.

Kwara

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran,
Kwara State, Mr Segun Abifarin, says popular Christian cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo, is paying 20 teachers N40,000 each monthly to support the education sector.
Abifarin disclosed this in Ilorin during the re-union meeting of the 1981 set of the old students of the school.
He said Oyedepo, the President of Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel, was paying five teachers each in four community schools in Omu Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The principal said Oyedepo believes that government alone could not do everything for its citizenry and enjoined private individuals to support the education sector.
Abifarin said the school was presently under staffed and needed more teachers in core subjects.

Lagos

Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State said that his
administration had earmarked N20 billion to revamp the health and education sectors in the state before December.
Ambode said this during an interactive session at the 2016-second-quarter-town-hall meeting in Badagry.
He said that his administration had commenced a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrading of hospital facilities across the state.
“Modern equipment will be procured to facilitate treatment of patients and we will invest in capacity building of our medical staff.
“We intend to spend over N10 billion on our hospitals across the state before December this year,” he said.

Nasarawa

Some traders and residents of Keffi, Nasarawa State,
have appealed to the state government to reconsider its decision to cut salaries of workers in order to ensure industrial peace.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with our correspondent on Sunday in Keffi.
It would be recalled that on July 4, 2016, the labour unions in the state went on an indefinite strike to protest the downward review of their salaries by 50 per cent.
The respondents said that their appeal became necessary because of the prevailing economic hardship, adding that pay-cut would worsen conditions of workers.
A petty trader, Mrs Sarah Oboh, said that the state government’s action would weaken the purchasing power of the civil servants.
“Our problem is that the strike by workers has been affecting our businesses negatively.”

Niger

No fewer than 250 people have been displaced due to a
clash between Fulani herdsmen and Gwagyi farmers in Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the clash led to the death of four persons and destruction of property in Bara-kuta in Bosso Local Government Area recently.
Director-General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Malam Ahmed Inga, made this known to newsmen in Minna.
He said the displaced people were being resettled in a school in Bosso while reconciliation was ongoing toward returning them to their homes.
“The State Government has established links with the herdsmen and the farmers toward restoring lasting peace in the area to enable the Gwagyis go back to their homes and attend to their farms.

Ogun
The Ado- Odo/Ota Local Government in Ogun State
generated N103.5 million in the first half of the year, the council’s Chairman, Mr Olukayode Idowu-Ojumo, has said.
Idowu-Ojumo, who heads the council’s Transition Committee, disclosed this when the State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs visited the council secretariat as part of its oversight functions.
He said the council received N9.7 million in January, N9.6 million in February, N18.3 million in March while in April it generated N40.6 million.
The council boss added that N14.9 million was raked in May while N10.4 million was earned in June.

Osun

A 35-year-old man, Bolanle Akanda, has been arraigned
before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court over an alleged N200,000 fraud.
The Prosecutor, Insp Taiwo Adegoke told the court that the accused committed the offence on April .2 at about 1. 00 p.m. in Ile-Ife, Osun.
Adegoke said the accused allegedly defrauded one Pastor Oluwasanmi Samuel by collecting N200,000 on the pretext of buying and fixing some aluminum doors in his house.
The offence contravened Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Wole Olaleye, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

Oyo

An Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court has granted a
cumulative total of N5 million bail to five defendants for allegedly hijacking a fuel-laden tanker.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Richard, released the accused on N1million bail each, with two sureties in like sum.
She held that the sureties must also have landed property and be their blood relatives.
She adjourned the case to Aug. 23.
The accused persons, whose addresses are unknown, were identified as Saheed Adeleke (35); Moses Ishaka (33); Opeyemi Habeeb (29); Niyi Samuel (33) and Omotayo Adepemisoye (31).
They allegedly hijacked the Total Oil and Gas company’s tanker, laden with 33, 000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as Petrol, at Olorunsogo area of Ibadan.

Plateau

Seven in every 10 victims of road crashes are youths aged between
15 and 29, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said.
Its Commanding Officer in charge of Jos Zone, Mr Oludare Fadogba, told newsmen in Jos on Sunday that Road Traffic crashes (RTCs) had remained the leading cause of deaths among youths.
The official, whose zone comprised Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States, said that road crashes had devastating effects on Nigeria’s growth and development potentials.
“Road traffic crashes remain a global phenomenon, but they have more devastating effects in the developing countries like ours.

Yobe

The Chairman, Yobe State Pilgrims Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim
Al-Arab, said a total of 2,231 intending pilgrims from the state were set and ready for the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Arab, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu, said the Commission had already carried out successful orientation for the pilgrims and acquainted them with rituals of the exercise.
“The commission has organised educational enlightenment and practical exercises for the pilgrims so that they do not miss out anything and also get value for their money.

Nation

UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has conferred the Award of Digital Academic Promoter on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arrowconn Group, High Chief (Dr.) Emeka Ezekwe, for his philanthropic gestures.

Chief Ezekwe received the philanthropist award during a landmark technical workshop organised by the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, recently.

Making the presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, said the award was in recognition of Ezekwe’s philanthropic contributions, academic support, and dedication to human capital development, hailing his commitment to bridging industry and academia.

Ezekwe who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, delivered a keynote address at the event with a theme: “Technicalities and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business and Education.”

In his address, Ezekwe described the current AI surge as a civilizational shift rather than a mere technological upgrade.

He compared AI’s rapid trajectory to past innovations like electricity, computers, the Internet, and mobile phones, which he said, progressed from luxuries to necessities.

“AI is reshaping value creation, knowledge sharing, and decision-making at unprecedented speed. It has moved from experimentation to execution, powering business forecasting, academic research, digital learning, and strategic decisions,” he said.

The business mogul, however, warned that in business, delays lead to losses, while in education, irrelevance spells failure.

“AI is no longer optional, it is a necessity,” he declared.

Ezekwe highlighted the critical AI skill gap, driven by curriculum lags, limited training, and fear of the unknown, but stressed the bigger danger which is exclusion.

“Those who master AI will shape markets, education, and policy; those who lag will be shaped by others,” he said.

The Arrowconn Group boss also outlined AI’s practical advantages for businesses —including data-driven strategies, smarter investments, scalable customer insights, and competitive edges for SMEs.

In education, he clarified that AI empowers rather than replaces teachers, enabling personalized learning, efficient lesson planning, assessment support, and accelerated research.

He advocated a shift from rote memorization to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while preserving human strengths in engagement, judgment, and collaboration.

Ezekwe urged ethical AI development, warning that “technology without values is dangerous,” and called on institutions like UNIZIK to update curricula, train educators, promote interdisciplinary work, forge industry partnerships, and produce graduates who are solution providers in an AI-driven world.

The workshop also marked the unveiling of the maiden edition of the UNIZIK Journal of Business Education and Entrepreneurship, reinforcing the department’s push for scholarly innovation in AI applications.

Nation

Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

Published

9 hours ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Nation

UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

Published

3 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

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.