Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has called on well-meaning Nigerian women to support government programmes at all levels in order to move the country forward.
Maina made the call in Yola, shortly after she was honoured by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa with Adamawa State Indigenes Award of Excellence on Sunday night in Yola.
“Nigerian women should do their best to contribute towards the development of this great nation.
“It is our responsibility as mothers, to help Nigeria to be strong among nations in terms of economy and stability.’’
She thanked Nyako for his vision and mission in promoting the state, and in particular, supporting women through women empowerment programmes and skills acquisition centres.
Benue
Mr Aondowase Chia, the Benue State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, has advised the outgoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Benue to be good ambassadors of their states.
Chia told newsmen in Makurdi that the NYSC members should also be advocates of peace and order wherever they might be.
He urged the corps members to make maximum use of the vast experience they had gathered during the course of their mandatory service to their fatherland.
The commissioner said that the 2010 batch C passing out ceremony was a low key one because of the security challenges in the country in recent times.
FCT
The Federal Government has solicited the cooperation of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and other Nigerians for successful implementation of the new National Identity Management System rather than politicising the exercise.
Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The CNPP was reported to have opposed to the project on the ground that the INEC recently conducted a similar exercise before the 2011 general elections in April.
Maku said the CNPP’s opposition showed lack of understanding of the need for the proposed identity system which he said would be helpful in the management and operation of several key national institutions and security services.
Gombe
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has condoled with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident that occurred on Thursday in the state which led to loss of lives and property.
During a visit to Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe on Sunday night, Yuguda expressed sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the accident.
“I am here on behalf of myself and the people of Bauchi State to sympathise with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident which occurred whereby a trailer lost control and affected quite a lot of people.
Dankwambo thanked Yuguda and the people of Bauchi State for their concern and prayed God to accept the condolence.
Dankwambo said Gombe and Bauchi were still one and that whatever affected one state affected the other.
Katsina
The controversy over the recently-promulgated law banning preaching in Katsina State has been attributed to lack of adequate consultation before its promulgation.
An Islamic scholar, Gambo Tudunwada made this assertion in Katsina on Sunday at the meeting organised by the state branch of the Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI).
The law was officially dubbed “the Katsina State Religious Education and Preaching Board and for Incidental Matters Law”.
It seeks to regulate religious activities in the state.
Tudunwada said there was no involvement of Islamic scholars from all the Islamic sects in the state.
He said the state government should have invited all the Ulamas to intimate them on its plan to enact such a law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Health System Development Project (HSDP) has donated a hostel and recreational facilities, valued at N50 million to the state school of Nursing.
The project coordinator, Alhaji Umar Zagga, on Monday in Birnin Kebbi handed over the hostel, reading room, volleyball and tennis courts to the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa.
Zagga said the facilities were to enhance academic and social activities in the school, adding that “our efforts at improving health will include provision of health centres in rural areas.’’
He said primary health care centres had been provided by the HSDP in Birnin Kebbi, Bagudo and Gwandu local government areas.
Sambawa, in his address, commended the project for supporting the efforts made to improve health care delivery in the state and promised that the facilities would be used properly.
The head of the school, Mrs Sarah Jubril, said the facilities would be maintained and urged the students to ensure they improved on their dedication to learning and assist in developing the health sector.
Lagos
Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has developed a training programme that would boost entrepreneurial skills and potential, Mrs Helen Jemerigbe, Director, Technical Skill Development Project (NECA), said.
Jemerigbe said during an interactive session with workers in Lagos on Monday that the training would help reduce unemployment.
She said that the training was anchored on entrepreneurship development based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) modules.
Jemerigbe said that NECA, as the sole custodian of the ILO entrepreneurship modules, had a rich pool of accredited master instructors.
She urged companies to assist in training youths to improve their manpower and to address the vocational and technical skill shortage in such areas as building construction, information technology and telecommunication.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Almakura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday flagged-off the construction of a 50 kilometre road network in Lafia.
Almakura said at the ceremony that the project was aimed at ensuring easy flow of traffic and reduce accidents caused by the dilapidated roads in the metropolis.
He gave the assurance that the government would not embark on white elephant projects, adding that any project started would be completed within schedule.
The governor pledged to construct 20 kilometres of road in each of the 13 local government areas and the 16 development areas of the state in 2012.
He noted with dismay that the state had since its creation 15 years ago, suffered serious neglect in infrastructure development and pledged to change the situation.
Osun
Mr Sunday Akere, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, has said that all students of the state-owned university will benefit from the reduction of tuition fees.
Akere said the clarification became necessary following a rumour that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had approved the reduction only for the indigenous students of the university.
The commissioner spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, explaining that the governor’s gesture was for all students of the university.
He said the reduction would enable all parents in the state to train their children and wards in the university.
. Plateau
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says that the one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bauchi camps are from various states and “not from Jos North alone as erroneously reported last week.
“The one million IDPS represented the number displaced people from crises-ridden States of Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Plateau and Bauchi over the years.
Some registers date back to as far back as 2001,’’ NEMA spokesman Yushau Shuaib, told newsmen in Jos on Monday.
Shuaib was reacting to criticisms to a statement by NEMA Director-General Sani Sidi, that IDP camps in Bauchi were hosting one million people.
The critics had rejected the figures, with many particularly critical of claims that the IDPs fled from Jos North Local Government Area because of the protracted violence in Jos.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State has presented a letter of appointment to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, as the pioneer chancellor of Sokoto State University.
Alhaji Muhammadu Tureta, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, who represented the letter on behalf of the governor in Dutse on Monday, said the appointment was in recognition of the emir’s contributions to educational development in the country.
“I believe from my deep conviction that the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, will live up to the task and expectations for what he was appointed for,” he said.
The emir thanked the governor for the appointment and solicited prayers from all and sundry.
Zamfara
The Police have declared Superintendent Ibrahim Bamuche, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State missing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Tambari Muhammed, told newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday that Bamuche left the state for a course in Jos, Plateau in September and had not been seen.
He said a phone call was placed across to his handset which did not respond before a search team was inaugurated to find his whereabouts.
Muhammed said the search team had confirmed that Bamuche’s car was burnt at a spot in Jos, which necessitated the state command to dispatch another search team, led by some squadron leaders.
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.
-
Politics2 days ago
2027: NIGERIANS FAULT INEC ON DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP REGISTER DIRECTIVE
-
Environment2 days agoLAWMA Director Says Sweeping Reforms Have Improved Waste Collection
-
Politics2 days ago
LP Crisis: Ex-NWC Member Dumps Dumps Abure Faction
-
Politics2 days agoUmahi Dismisses Allegations On Social Media, Insists On Projects Delivery
-
Sports2 days agoAbia Not Sure To Secure continental Ticket
-
Transport2 days agoFAAN Announces Pick-Up Points for Go-Cashless Cards
-
Sports2 days ago
La Liga: Yamal Records First Career Hat-trick
-
Sports2 days agoCity Survive Leeds’ Challenge At Elland Road