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Borno
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two persons with 4,000 sachets of Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RTUF) meant for  malnourished children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
The NSCDC Corps Commandant in Borno, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, told journalists in Maiduguri on Tuesday that the two were arrested at Borno Express Motor Park.
He said “the two suspects will be prosecuted.”
However, one of the suspects, Hassan Sale, told newsmen that they normally bought the RUTF from nursing mothers in the IDPs camps.
He said “I bought this one from Zannari IDPs camp. We usually buy the product at the rate of N30 and sell to customers at N60 in Kano.
“This is the second time I came into Maiduguri; the first was two weeks ago.”

Ekiti
A 37-year-old, Ebube Marvins, who allegedly collected N809, 000 on the pretext of helping a man to transfer to Togo, was on Tuesday brought before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of fraud.
Police Prosecutor Bankole Olasunkanmi told the court that the accused with another man still at large committed the offence on December  9, 2016 in Ado-Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi said the accused obtained the sum of N809, 000 from the complainant, Mr Ishioku Monday, through electronic transfer and transfer same to an agent in Togo through Western Union Money Transfer.
“The accused, however, failed to do so after collecting the money.”
The prosecutor asked for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and assemble his four witnesses.

FCT
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Emmanuel Orker-Jev,  has urged the Federal Government to compensate victims of  herdsmen attacks in Benue.
Orker-Jev, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, said victims were facing difficulties due to the disruption of their sources of livelihood.
He particularly noted that those recently attacked in Buruku were yet to receive any form of support or compensation.
“Unfortunately, nobody has been compensated.

Gombe
A non-governmental organisation in Lawanti village, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State has spent N1.2 million to support 170 Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the village.
The organisation’s Programme Manager, Malam Idris Maigari, made this known in an interview with newsmen  in Gombe on Tuesday.
Maigari said that the organisation supported the orphan and vulnerable children with mattresses, food, school materials and psycho social support to their caregivers.
According to him, the support is continuous and the aim is to give the children a sense of belonging.
He told our correspondent that prior to the establishment of the organisation in 2003, the community had only a dispensary managed by a dispenser.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State chapter of the Nigerian Dental Therapists Association (NDTA), on Tuesday, offered free dental instructions to more than 400 pupils of Fagoji Primary School, Dutse.
The free dental instructions were part of activities by the association to celebrate this year’s World Oral Health Day in the state.
The NDTA Chairman, Mr Awwalu Muhammad,  who led a group of  dentists from Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, told newsmen that they were in the school to educate the pupils on how best to take care of their teeth.
Muhammad advised the pupils to wash their mouth twice a day before eating in the morning and when going to bed at night.

Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has earmarked N476million for the installation of modern street lights on five major roads in Birnin Kebbi.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Ladan, revealed this while inspecting the on-going project in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to him, the streets to be provided street lights are Murtala Muhammad Road, Muhammad Bandi Road,Sultan Abubakar Road,Ahmadu Bello Way and Muhammadu Buhari Way.
“The five roads are in the first phase of the project,and other roads will be provided with street lights as soon as the on-going ones are completed,” he said.

Kano
The Police last Tuesday said they had arrested a fake cripple, who specialised in criminal activities in Kano metropolis.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Zone I, DSP Sambo Sokoto, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
He said the suspect, who posed as a cripple for two years, was apprehended on Monday near the headquarters of Kano Foundation following a tip-off.
Sokoto said the suspect had also been operating as a street beggar before some residents of the area reported the matter to the office of Asst. Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone one, Kano.
“We got the information about the suspect but when our men arrested him, he was found to be physically fit because he doesn’t have any deformity,” Sokoto said.
He said the police had commenced investigation into the matter after which the suspect would be charged to court.

Lagos
Health experts and a cleric have called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the current economic challenges in the country, to check the rate of suicide among Nigerians.
They spoke with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday while reacting to the increasing cases of suicide in the country.
The World Health Organisation reports that every 40 seconds, one person commits suicide somewhere in the world, which tallies to 800,000 suicides annually.
The experts noted that in the last few months in Nigeria, cases of suicide that came to public knowledge had increased and stressed the need for increased government attention in reducing the problem.
Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, identified poverty, high debt, deprivations, unemployment, job stress and insecurity as related to the current economic challenges in Nigeria.

Nasarawa
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday said that its advocacy had drastically reduced the use of potassium bromate by bakers in Nasarawa State.
NAFDAC Coordinator in Nasarawa State, Mr Michael Attah, told our correspondent (NAN) in Lafia that NAFDAC officials paid repeated unscheduled inspection visits to bakeries in the state.
Attah said that the agency would not relax in its campaign against the use of the banned substances until eradication.
“For now, we have not heard of any case of bakers using potassium bromate, which affects the kidney, although I cannot say it has been totally eradicated,” he said.

Osun
34-year-old student of Osun State University, Osogbo, Akanbi David was on Tuesday remanded in Ilesa Prison by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder of his colleague, Amodu Kazeem.
The accused is facing a two count-charge of murder and conspiracy.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, said he ordered the remand of the accused due to the magnitude of the offence against him.
The accused’s plea was not taken by the court.
The magistrate, however, adjourned the case until May 5 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Mireti Wilson, told the court that the accused committed the offense on January 16 at about 5.00p.m., at Oke-Baale, Osogbo.

Plateau
A Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday sentenced a 29-year-old security man, Samson Williams, to three months in prison, for stealing two necklaces and a face-cap valued at N6, 500.
Williams, who resides behind Police Field, Jos, was charged with theft.
The magistrate, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Mafuyai, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the crime and begged the court for leniency.
The convict, in his plea, blamed hunger and the “devil” for his actions.
“It was hunger that made me do it; I was very hungry and wanted something to eat.

Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has approved the recruitment of additional extension workers to increase manpower and expertise in wheat value chain in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam and issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Tuesday.
“Those to be employed are university graduates and holders of national diploma in agricultural science, agricultural economy, crop science and related disciplines.”

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UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

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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.
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Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

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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.

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UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

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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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