Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government said it received 11,000 improved palm tree seedlings from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Desk Officer, Palm Oil Production Project in the state, Mr Ilyasu Mu’azu, said in Yola that the development was part of the National Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
Muazu said that under the programme, over 1,000 palm tree farmers were registered and about 2,500 hectares cultivated in Ganye, Toungo and Jada local government areas.
He said that the seedlings were of high yield, nutritious and for short time harvest, and called on the state government to support the programme for the development of agriculture in the state.
Benue
Nine persons were last Tuesday arraigned in a Makurdi Magistrates Court over an alleged culpable homicide.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr James Onwone, told the court that one Cpl. Veronica Nwankwo, of the State Investigation Bureau Headquarters, Makurdi, reported the case.
According to Onwone, a complainant reported that her elder brother was shot and killed by cultists in his medicine store at No.7, David Mark Bypass, Makurdi.
He said that following police investigations, the accused persons, Ogenyi Isaac, Javer Jaga, Ibrahim Dahiru, Husaini Mohammed, Ali Abuh, Terver Hindan, Ochaigwu Ochefije, Gambo Yakubu and Ibrahim Sani were arrested in connection with the crime.
When the case came up for mention, no plea of the accused persons was taken for want of jurisdiction. The prosecution said investigation into the matter was still ongoing and asked the court for another date for mention.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan last Tuesday forwarded a request for the Senate to confirm the appointment of a new secretary and board members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a presidential letter read by the Senate President, Chief David Mark, on the floor of the Senate, Jonathan said the request was in accordance with the provisions of the EFCC Act, 2004.
The nominees include Mr Michael Ebong (South South); Mr Uwasomba Udochukwu, (South East); Mr Emmanuel Obitolu (North Central), Dr Ismaila Dukku (North East) and Mr Adesojo Olaoba-Efuntayo (South West) as Secretary.
The president in a another letter, forwarded to the Senate, the names of Hajiya Fatima Kwaku and Mr Olumuyiwa Akinboro for confirmation as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
The letter read, “Section 154 sub-sections (1) and (3) and Paragraph 12 (e) of Part 1 to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, provided for the appointment of two persons, each of whom has been qualified to practise as legal practitioners in Nigeria, for a period of not less than 15 years, from a list of not less than four persons so qualified and recommended by the Nigeria Bar Association’’.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Action Committee on AIDS (JISACA) has trained 50 women living with HIV and AIDS on various trades as part of its empowerment programme to check the impact of the scourge.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Bashir Ahmed, made the announcement in Dutse on Tuesday at a meeting between officials of the state government and persons living with HIV and AIDS.
Ahmed said that the agency had provided free treatment at various ART, testing and counselling service centres in the state, urging persons living with the disease to feed well and adhere to prescribed medications.
Kaduna
Traditional rulers in Kaduna State, on Tuesday appealed to the state government to demarcate cattle routes and help herdsmen to modernise their trade.
The traditional rulers made the call at a meeting with Gov. Mukhtar Yero and leaders of Fulani herdsmen, held at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, in Zaria.
The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, recalled that in the 1960s, forestry officials and agricultural extension officers collaborated to carve out cattle routes annually before the commencement of the rainy season.
In his submission, the Bongon Kurmi in Lere local government area of the state, Dr Ishaku Damina, lamented that official cattle routes had been taken over by farmers, thereby it is difficult for the herdsmen to move freely with their flocks.
Kano
The Kano State Zakkat and Endowment Commission has established an office in each of the 44 local government areas of the state to enhance its activities.
The Director-General of the commission, Alhaji Sufiyanu Gwagwarwa, who disclosed this in an interview in Kano on Tuesday, said that the new offices were established to facilitate the collection and disbursement of Zakkat (alms) to the poor across the 44 local government areas.
“We felt it is necessary to create the offices in order to ease the problem encountered by wealthy individuals in the rural areas in giving out the alms. This will also make the commission’s work easier in collection and distribution of the alms to the needy in their respective local government areas,’’ he said.
Katsina
The Katsina State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the state government to hasten the evacuation of water-ways and drainages to avert flooding.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Dr Lawal Aliyu, (PDP-Muswa), which was seconded by Alhaji Babangida Nasamu (PDP-Katsina).
Aliyu recalled the forecast by the Nigeria Metrological Agency indicating heavy rainfall with flood in the state this year and said there was need to act promptly to avert disaster.
The lawmakers unanimously called on the ministry for Environment, the state environmental sanitation agency and local government councils to enforce environmental laws so as to maintain clean environment.
Kwara
The Kwara State government has proposed a fine of N.5 million against any state which poaches another’s athlete. The proposal was contained in a memorandum presented at the meeting of the National Council on Sports in Ilorin last Tuesday.
The memorandum recommended that the fine should be paid into the coffers of the state whose athlete was poached in order to discourage the “ignoble’’ practice signed by Tunde Kazeem, the Director, Kwara Sports Council, the memorandum described poaching as callous, unethical and unproductive.
According to it, poaching is an act of reaping where one has not sown. “This is tantamount to abduction at the point of gainfulness by the state or team that invested resources to train such athletes.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has directed that the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), remains closed, pending the implementation of the investigative report on the students’ unrest in February.
Al-Makura, who made the statement in Lafia when he a received the report of the unrest that led to the death of two students, said that the university authorities did not consult with the visitor to the university before recalling the students.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Dameshi Luke, the governor announced an indefinite suspension of the resumption date, pending full consideration of the report of the commission of inquiry.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government has turned the hitherto popular Plateau Hotel, Jos, into a residential quarters, investigation has revealed.
It was discovered by newsmen that the hotel’s halls usually hired for conferences, wedding receptions and other ceremonies, had been equally hired out to some religious groups.
Further findings revealed that facilities at the hotel, which was the attraction to many tourists to the state in the 1980s and the 1990s, had become deplorable.
“The situation has consistently gone from bad to worse simply because of the paucity of funds by the state government. We are forced to rent out some of the rooms so as to generate funds to maintain the structures,’’ source explained.
Responding, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Sylvanus Dangtoe, admitted that the situation of many of the state-owned hospitality outfits were “very sad”, and said the current administration has put in place a lot of measures to revamp such outfits and there should be a difference very soon.
Sokoto
The Chairman of Wurno Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Shehu Chacho, last Tuesday, solicited for the support of religious leaders in the promotion of girl-child education in the area.
Chacho said in Sokoto that the support would enable parents to allow their children to receive both Islamic and western education.
The chairman stated that religious leaders were expected to deliver special sermons on what Islam said about educating children, including the girl-child, noting that the council had reached out to royal fathers to assist in sensitising their subjects on what the society stood to benefit if the girl-child was educated.
He said “Educating a girl-child is like educating a nation as it is said, in Islam and we are ready to mobilise our people to actively enrol their children into schools, especially the girls, to acquire western education.
“The council will continue to give necessary support to ensure the development of education in the area through the provision of adequate teaching and learning materials.
Yobe
Gum Arabic Farmers and Marketers Association in Yobe State said over N700 million worth of gum arabic trees and the product are lost annually to firewood poachers in the state.
Spokesman of the association, Malam Jafaru Ayuba, disclosed this in an interview in Damaturu last Tuesday.
Ayuba explained that, gum arabic trees were indiscriminately cut down by firewood sellers coming into the state from the neighbouring states.
The spokesman noted that about 15,000 gum arabic farmers were loosing their means of livelihood to illegal tree felling in the state and called on the Yobe government to apply the full weight of the law on illegal tree felling so as to safeguard gum arabic and other economic trees.
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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