Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Following series of bombings in neighbouring Yobe and Borno, the Adamawa police command has intensified security measures to protect lives and property of people in the state.
The command’s spokeswoman, ASP Altine Daniel, told newsmen in Yola on Saturday that the command had taken some precautionary measures since the beginning of the Boko Haram crisis.
“Since the beginning of the crisis, we have considered ourselves as one of the states that is very close to these crisis prone states.
“And following the recent happening, we put in measures to make sure that the spillover did not affect us.”
Altine stated that the command had introduced more patrols across the state, especially in the border towns.
Benue
Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly (BHA), has called on his supporters to resist the temptation of causing commotion.
“Nobody should do anything that might be tantamount to violence because if you do that, the law, which is a no respecter of persons, will catch up with you.’’
Tarzoor spoke with newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday, three days after his election was annulled by the Court of Appeal.
“Although I have lost my position as Speaker, I am not going to support violence.”
He stressed that what transpired at the court was purely an act of God and that he has no power to resist the will of God.
FCT
Vice President Namadi Sambo in Abuja on Sunday reassured that the Federal Government was determined to fulfil all its promises aimed at improving the socio-economic status of all Nigerians as enunciated in the Transformation Agenda.
Sambo, who gave the reassurance in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Muslim Ummah across the country, restated government’s commitment in protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.
He, therefore, enjoined all Nigerians to take advantage of this spirituality by ensuring that it served as a rallying point for the continued unity, peace and progress of the country.
Sambo also charged all citizens to always co-operate with government towards the attainment of the collective objective of a greater Nigeria.
“You should be resolute, steadfast and observe the traffic rules and regulations during and after the festivities as Nigeria needs you,” he stated.
Jigawa
As the Muslim faithful across the country celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, the Acting Chief Imam of Dutse Central Mosque in Jigawa, Sheikh Badamasi Tijjani, has called for love and tolerance among Nigerians.
Badamasi,who gave the advice in Dutse on Sunday during his sermons to mark this year’s sallah festivities, admonished the Muslims to always show love to other fellow human beings.
He said that no nation would prosper and develop without love and tolerance among its people.
The Chief Imam also lamented the incessant maiming and killing of innocent citizens across the country and called for concerted prayers from all and sundry for divine intervention.
Badamasi urged Muslims not to consider the celebration as an occasion for merry-making only, but also for sober reflection and rededication of themselves to the service of God and humanity.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged the Muslim Ummah to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to pray for the state and the country ..
In a Sallah message signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Yakowa on Media and publicity, Mr. Reuben Buhari, the governor called for peace and tolerance as well as a positive attitude towards issues affecting the state and the country at large.
He said that only in a congenial atmosphere could the government work toward developing the state.
He expressed optimism that the sacrificial spirit of the Sallah celebration would impact on the lives of the people and transform the state into a peaceful and habitable environment.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government is to give more support to joint security patrol to curtail cases of armed robbery and banditry in the State.
Acting Gov. Ibrahim Aliyu, made this known in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday in his Eid-El-kabir message to the people of the state.
He said that matters related to the security, welfare and peaceful coexistence of the people would be given the priority it deserved.
Aliyu enjoined the people to assist security agencies with necessary information about the undesirable elements in the society for possible arrest and prosecution.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly is to constitute new committees after it resumes from the Eid-EL-Kabir holidays today.
The House has plans to reduce the number of its committees to ensure efficiency.
A lawmaker, who would not want to be named, told newsmen on Sunday that the House leadership decided to reduce the number of committees because in the sixth Assembly, almost all the lawmakers had their respective committees which reduced their commitment to other committees where they served as members.
Niger
Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, in Niger said on Saturday that the institution would remain closed indefinitely.
A memo signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academics), Alhaji Mohammed Ndana frowned at the rumour circulating in Bida that the polytechnic would be reopened on Nov. 14, 2011 and described it as false.
“All students are hereby informed that the school remains indefinitely closed and they are therefore advised to stay away from the school environment in their own interest,” the statement said
It further warmed that any students caught around the school premises would have himself or herself to blame, vowing that security personnel at the school were on alert to arrest anyone violating the order,
Ogun
The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, has emphasised the need for the Federal Government to encourage private initiative, saying that is to promote education in the country.
Adeyemi said this at the 3rd Convocation ceremony of the university.
He noted that the establishment of private universities had strengthened Nigeria’s educational sector, thereby enlarging the scope of choices available to students.
Adeyemi urged the Federal Government to quicken the process of the establishment of its proposed Educational Trust Fund.
Plateau
The Plateau Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has cautioned road users to exercise restraint and care while driving during the Sallah festivity.
The Chief Inspection Officer, Mr. Peter Dajan, told newsmen in Jos that careful driving would reduce accidents which were common occurrences during festivities.
Dajan expressed regrets that many motorists and cyclists gave their vehicles to the under-age, pointing out that such acts encouraged recklessness and led to fatal accidents.
“Many lives have been lost due to underage and reckless driving, these accidents can be averted if extra cautions are taken and if adults desist from giving their vehicles/motorcycles to the under aged children.”
Sokoto
Alhaji Mohammed Sahabi, the Chairman of Tangaza local government in Sokoto State says the administration has earmarked N700,000 monthly for a special social welfare scheme.
Sahabi told newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday that under the scheme, which was introduced two months ago, 10 beneficiaries each were chosen from the Gongono, Gidan-Madi and Tangaza districts.
He said that assorted grains,including millet, maize and guinea corn were bought monthly and distributed to the beneficiaries.
“Part of the money is also being set aside for direct disbursement to the beneficiaries for their petty needs.
“A new set of beneficiaries are being chosen monthly and by so doing, we hope to reach majority of the indigent residents of the area.’’
Yobe
The Yobe Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Sulemon Usman, has confirmed the death of 53 people comprising of 17 security agents and 36 civilians in the bomb attacks in Damaturu on Friday.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday, the commissioner said that bomb explosives, rocket launchers and guns were used in the attack on security outfits, personnel and other public buildings.
He said that the security personnel had also killed seven of the attackers while four other security men that sustained injuries were receiving treatment.
Reports says that armed bombers attacked and destroyed the police headquarters, Anti- terrorist squad base, First bank, Secretariat complex and some churches among others in Damaturu.
Meanwhile, more soldiers have been deployed to reinforce security in the state capital just as the government had imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to curtail movement and to bring sanity back in the metropolis.
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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