Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Federal High Court in Makurdi last Thursday ordered
the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police to pay one million naira to one Mr Apaa Ayie as damages for violating his fundamental human right.
Ayie, who is the Legal Officer of Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), filed the suit against Insp. Kartyor Terwase, Mr Theophilus Ajila and the Commissioner of Police, Benue Command, for infringement on his fundamental rights.
The plaintiff, in his testimony before the court, said that he was arrested, tortured and detained on February 5 by the defendants in the course of his duty at Lessel in Ushongo local government area of Benue.
FCT
The Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment
Organisation, an NGO, has advocated the inauguration of an annual carnival of indigenous cultures of the people of the FCT.
The National President of the youth wing of the NGO, Mr Isaac David, made the call in Abuja when the group presented its memorandum to the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue.
David said the carnival would avail the different ethnic nationalities that made up the territory to have some sense of belonging in the running of the federal capital.
He added that a certain percentage of employment opportunities in the FCT should be reserved for the indigenes of the territory in the interest of equity and justice.
Gombe
The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme
(SURE-P) Implementation Committee in Gombe State, said that 7,000 persons would be recruited as soon as preparations were concluded for the exercise.
Vice Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Mairiga Mabudi made this known in an interview with newsmen in Gombe recently.
According to him, the template stipulates that 10,000 persons should be recruited in the state but that only 3,000 persons had been recruited.
Mabudi said the beneficiaries were undergoing training in traffic control, environmental beautification and excavation of gutters.
“Each participant is being paid N10,000 monthly allowance while those who are not participating fully in the scheme are given part payment.’’
Kaduna
The Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),
Comrade Isa Aremu, last Thursday, said Nigeria must tailor its public spending to promote economic growth to avert social and economic collapse.
Aremu made the call in a paper titled, ‘‘Nigeria’s Democracy and Economic Challenges”, delivered at a conference organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Kaduna.
The conference has as its theme, “Nigeria’s Democracy and Emerging Security Challenges”.
Kano
The Operations Controller, Department of Petroleum Re
sources (DPR), Alhaji Sayyadi Abubakar, said the department would no longer grant incessant request for waiver from marketers.
Abubakar made this known at a meeting with petroleum products marketers in Kano, recently.
According to him, anyone wishing to establish a petroleum products retail outlet should contact the department for the necessary requirements for the grant of ‘Approval to Construct’ (ATC).
Abubakar decries the attitude of some retail outlets owners who tempered with their fuel pumps to short change their customers in spite of warnings against such acts.
“Another disturbing act is selling of petroleum products, particularly kerosene above the regulated price.
“I want to assure members of the public that the department would intensify operations to fish out defaulters selling above the official N50 per litre,’’ he said.
Katsina
Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, Sule Lamido
of Jigawa State, and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, have condoled with Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State over the death of his father, Alhaji Shehu Shema.
Alhaji Shema died last Monday after a brief illness.
Other dignitaries that condoled with the governor were, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and former governors of Gombe, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, Alhaji Adamu Aliero and Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, respectively.
Kwara
The Kwara State government has paid N14 million as com
pensation to owners of the 71 hectares of land acquired for public cemetery and waste dump.
The Director of Bureau of Land, Mr Yusuf Abdulwahab, presented cheque in Ilorin to the 24 beneficiaries from Moro and Ifelodun local government areas of the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Salman, Abdulwahab said the purpose of acquiring the land was to ensure a clean and healthy environment.
The director said, “the society must make provisions for the dead to prevent any health hazard.’’
He urged the beneficiaries to ensure that every family member benefited from the compensation and put the money into productive use.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to com
mence the classification and grading of hotels operating in the state.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Inter- Governmental Relations, Mr Disu Holloway, made this known last Thursday at a news conference in Lagos.
He said that the hotels’ classification programme would encourage healthy competition within the industry, while facilitating the provision of relevant information about hotels to prospective customers.
The commissioner said that Governor Babatunde Fashola inaugurated the Hotel Grading, Classification Committee and the Ratification Appeal and Classification Review Committee on July 29 to sanitise the industry.
Nasarawa
A Chief Magistrate Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State,
last Thursday, set free 20-year-old Mohammed Muhammadu, standing trial for being a vagabond.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Habila Abundaga, said he discharged the accused after he pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him, and successfully defended himself.
The police had earlier arraigned Mohammadu of no fixed address in the court for wandering the streets in the middle of the night and not being able to give a satisfactory account of himself.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Okoro, said Henry Samuel, Torilola Gbor and Ayari Godwin, all members of a vigilante group, arrested Muhammadu.
Ogun
An Abeokuta Magistrate Court last Thursday, remanded
a 21-year-old, Wasiu Odunfa, in prisons over alleged robbery of two mobile phones and N120 ,000 at gunpoint.
The Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Adekunte, who gave the ruling, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending when his trial would begin.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is being tried for felony and armed robbery.
The prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Ozimini, told the court that the accused committed the offences at 8.00 p.m. on September 29 behind CDA filling station at Fajol in Obantoko area of Abeokuta.
Osun
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has urged corps members to be job creators rather than job seekers.
Okore-Affia gave the advice when he addressed Batch ‘C’ corps members at NYSC Camp in Ede, Osun State.
The director-general, who was represented by Mrs Mary Abia, NYSC’s Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, stressed that the corps members must be ready to work towards being self-reliant.
Okore-Affia said that those who were seeking white-collar jobs were somewhat creating problems for themselves, while those who were creating jobs were providing solutions to their problems.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau Statelast Thursday, ap
proved the constitution of board members for its five tertiary institutions.
According to a statement signed by Director of Press Affairs, Mr James Mannok former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Jonah Madugu, will chair a seven-man board for the College of Education, Gindiri.
The statement said that former Commissioner of Education, Prof. Angela Miri, would head another seven-member board of the State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, while Mr Philip Nimpar was named chairman of a five-member board of the College of Health Technology, Zawan.
Members of other boards include Mr Yohana Amagon, who is heading the four-man board of the College of Agriculture, Garkawa, while Mrs Naomi Dyek will chair the six-man governing board of the College of Heath Technology, Pankshin.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has offered N3 million soft loan to 150 women, as part of its women empowerment programme., an official, has said.
L-R: Principal, Government Girls Arabic College, Alkaleri, Hajia Safiya Idris; Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yahaya Miya during Governor Yuguda’s visit to Government Girls Arabic College, Alkaleri Iga of Bauchi, yesterday.
Photo: NAN
The Special Adviser the governor on Community Development Alhaji Harande Tsamiya, told newsmen last Thursday, in Sokoto, that the beneficiaries were from Wamakko, Sokoto North and Sokoto South local government areas.
According to him, vulnerable women from the three local governments shared the money as loan to enhance their trades.
“They are expected to pay back the money in monthly instalments, with a view to allowing other women to benefit from the gesture,” he said.
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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