Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonna Onu, has described the late Prof. Chinua Achebe as a patriot with uncommon vision.
Onu said that Achebe was “a patriot with an uncommon vision, an intellectual pillar of universal appeal with a distinct literary prowess”.
He described Achebe as an administrator of profound convictions and above all, an illuminating pathfinder, whose works placed him on the mountain top.
The chairman said that Achebe remained tireless in his resolve of showing the way for others to follow and that in his writing, he showed extraordinary skill and ability.
“ As the widely acclaimed father of African literature, his contributions to knowledge will continue to influence the thoughts of many generations yet unborn.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has in-augurated a 14-member committee to study the problems of divorcees in the state.
Inaugurating the committee, Dankwambo decried the high rate of divorce in the state and said the committee’s objective was to facilitate marriages between the divorcees and interested suitors.
He said the high rate of divorce was undermining the family unit in the state.
According to him, government had constituted the committee of eminent persons to examine the whole gamut of the phenomenon and proffer workable solutions.
The governor said the terms of reference of the committee include reviewing the Kano State Zawarawa Committee’s report for a possible adoption by the Gombe government.
Kaduna
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and Senator Joshua Dariye last Saturday commiserated with the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, over the death of his elder brother, Alhaji Umar Idris.
Umar was Dangaladiman Zazzau and District Head of Rigasa in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Tukur and Dariye prayed God Almighty to give the emir and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
While describing Umar as a dedicated, humble, kind and gentle traditional ruler, they advised the emir to accept what happened as the will of Allah.
The PDP National Vice-Chairman, Northwest Zone, Malam Ibrahim Kazaure and the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Mr Nuhu Bajoga, were on the delegation.
Kano
The Kano State Government plans to establish an education trust fund to help in sustaining the state’s education sector, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has said.
Kwankwaso who made this known during a visit to the North-West University’s temporary site at Ado Bayero House in Kano said the fund would guarantee the sustenance of both the State University of Technology at Wudil and the new North-West University.
The governor said the new institution might not stand on its feet without proper funding, adding that the state government had spent about six billion Naira in procuring facilities and infrastructure for the university.
He charged members of staff of the institution to be good examples to the students and guard them against social vices like cultism, drug abuse and inappropriate dressing, among others.
Katsina
The leader of Dutsen-reme women stone crushers in Bakori Local Government area of Katsina, Malama Binta Ibrahim, has solicited for increased government support for the development of their business.
Ibrahim who made the call in Bakori on Saturday said business had attracted public patronage, explaining that they started with 38 members but now had no fewer than 500 women.
She said more women were joining the stone crushing business because of the proceeds from it and other financial gains in the community.
While commending the wife of Katsina State Governor, Hajia Fatima Shema, over her support and visit to the site, Ibrahim called for construction of shades and toilets within the premises.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government last Sunday promised to provide immediate succour to victims of the recent rainstorm that ravaged some parts of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Emergency and Relief Services, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, gave the assurance when he paid a sympathy visit to some Local Government Areas affected by the rainstorm.
One of the areas visited was Omuaran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, where over 50 houses were affected. Abdullahi was conducted round some of the damaged buildings, including the private residence of the vice chairman of the council.
The special adviser was also at IIoffa in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area, where the traditional ruler of the area, Oba Samuel Ogunniyi, solicited government’s assistance to rebuild about 90 houses damaged by the rainstorm.
Lagos
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) last Sunday said that corruption was responsible for a lack of access to clean water by majority of Nigerians.
The Executive Director of the group, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said in an interview in Lagos, that corruption accounted for failure by governments at all levels to provide functional and potable water supply
Mumuni said that majority of Nigerians, especially children, had no access to clean water, in spite of the huge funds being expended yearly by government on water supply.
“Some of the monies being expended on the provision of pipe-borne water across the country are being obviously mismanaged.
“Some Nigerians are being forced to drink contaminated water which causes various diseases and endangers their lives,’’ he added. Mumuni told newsmen that SERAP had filed a suit against the Federal Government, seeking to know how much it had spent on the provision of safe water since the past five years.
Nasarawa
Governor of Nasarawa, State Tanko Al-makura, has commended the Alago ethnic group for their peace initiative.
Al-makura specifically lauded the Alago efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence between them and other tribes in the state
“I enjoin other ethnic groups to emulate the right path taken by the Alago people towards ensuring lasting peace and mutual understanding amongst the different ethnic, cultural and religious groups in the state,” he said.
The governor made the commendation when a 23-member Alago Consultative Committee on Peace and Unity, constituted by the Alago Development Association, paid him a courtesy call in Lafia last Saturday.
Niger
The Registrar of National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Promise Okpala, has expressed delight over the improvement recorded in the final examinations for secondary schools conducted by the council recently.
Okpala made the remarks when he received the Chairman/ Chief Executive of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, in his office in Minna, last Saturday. He said there had been significant improvements in candidates’ performances in the last three years and attributed the development to the Federal Government’s support and commitment to education.
Okpala said the planned partnership between NECO and DAAR Communications was part of measures aimed at improving the standard and quality of education in Nigeria, with a view to developing media content for broadcast.
Dokpesi said his organisation was seeking partnership with NECO towards developing media content for educational programmes to be aired on African Independent Television, and disclosed that his organisation in collaboration with Teacher-media international based in the UK signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop content.
Ondo
A reporter with the NTA in Akure, Mrs Olubunmi Oke, who was abducted last Thursday had been released, the Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the council, Mr Akinfolayan Owanikin,said that Oke was released late last Saturday and had reunited with her family.
“The NUJ wishes to thank all those who played one role or the other in securing her release from the den of kidnappers.
“We commend the spirited efforts made by the family and we pray that nothing of such will take place in the family and our union again.
“We also use this medium to call on government and security agencies to step up protection of Nigerians against criminals,” the council stated.
Taraba
The police in Taraba State said that 53 people have been charged to court over the recent Wukari crisis.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Jubril Adeniji, told newsmen in Jalingo, Saturday that 125 people were arrested by the command, but 72 were freed after investigations.
“We arrested 125 persons in connection with the crisis; 72 were freed after investigations and 53 were charged to court,’’ he said.
The commissioner, however, said normalcy had since been restored to the area, crisis broke out in Wukari in February where many lives and property were lost.
Adeniji warned that the police would not tolerate activities of miscreants in the state.
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.
-
Politics4 days ago
2027: NIGERIANS FAULT INEC ON DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP REGISTER DIRECTIVE
-
Politics4 days ago
LP Crisis: Ex-NWC Member Dumps Dumps Abure Faction
-
Environment4 days agoLAWMA Director Says Sweeping Reforms Have Improved Waste Collection
-
Politics4 days agoUmahi Dismisses Allegations On Social Media, Insists On Projects Delivery
-
Sports4 days agoAbia Not Sure To Secure continental Ticket
-
Politics4 days ago
NATASHA ELECTRIC VEHICLES INITIATIVE IN KOGI CENTRAL
-
Sports4 days ago
La Liga: Yamal Records First Career Hat-trick
-
Politics4 days ago
IT’S A LIE, G-5 GOVS DIDN’T WIN ELECTION FOR TINUBU – SOWUNMI