Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A 33-year-old prison warder, Kenneth Jinge, has
been remanded in prison by a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder of a Road Safety Officer, Mr Aloysius Oguakwe.
The accused is facing a charge of culpable homicide punishable under Section 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue.
The Prosecutor, Mr James Zungwe, told the court that the wife of the deceased, Uzoamaka Oguakwe, reported the matter to the ‘B’ Division police station, Makurdi, on March 18.
According to the wife of the deceased, the accused, who is their neighbour at BNARDA office, Makurdi and a staff of Nigeria Prison Service, had engaged her husband in a fight on that fateful day.
Borno
The Borno State Government has donated N10 mil
lion to the State contingents to the 2014 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Dutse in March.
Governor Kashim Shettima announced the donation while receiving members of the team in his office in Maiduguri, the State capital.
Shettima said the gesture was in recognition of the superlative performance of the team at the competition which made the state proud.
He said the money should be shared equally among the seven members of the team who won laurels and their coaches.
Ekiti
A socio-cultural women group,‘Elegbe-Ulu‘, in Oye
Local Government Area of Ekiti State has advised politicians to abstain from what would spark off violence and disharmony in the state.
The leader of the group, Mrs Bolaji Omoleye, gave the piece of advice in an interview with newsmen in Oye-Ekiti.
Omoleye, who was reacting to utterances by some politicians recently, said that such could result into violence, attacks and counter attacks among party loyalists.
According to her, it is the wishes of every woman in the state that the forthcoming governorship election is conducted under peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
FCT
A Public Health Physician, Dr Baba Ahmed has cautioned
Nigerians against excessive intake of alcohol to prevent chronic liver cirrhosis, dementia or mental disorder.
Ahmed, who works with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) told newsmen in Abuja that alcohol addicts were at risk of contracting Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease.
According to Wikipedia an online dictionary, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, there is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death.
Parkinson disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, while dementia is a serious illness affecting a person’s brain and memory.
Gombe
The federal and Gombe State governments have provided
farm inputs to 16,000 rice farmers to boost dry season farming in the state, an official has disclosed.
The Programme Manager of the Gombe State Agricultural Development Programme (GSADP), Mr Ishaya Ngale, made this known to newsmen in Gombe recently.
Ngale said while the Federal Government supplied 25kg rice seeds and three bags of fertiliser to each farmer, the state government supplimented with water pumps, free tractor services and fertiliser.
According to him, the state government has 20 clusters of rice farmers spread across Funakaye, Kwami, Yamaltu/Deba and Balanga local government areas.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has pledged to
work closely with the Corporate Affairs Commission to strengthen its capacity to register all existing businesses in the state.
The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Joshua Uchissa made the pledge in Kaduna at a workshop on business registration organised by CAC and GEMS3.
The workshop had as its theme: “Promoting Business in our Country”.
Uchissa said the state government had since put in place relevant machinery to fast track the registration of businesses, to boost the confidence of investors.
Kwara
The acting Director of the Centre for Peace and
Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged the Federal Government to establish a Ministry of Peace in the country.
Adedimeji, who made the call while receiving national leaders of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), said current developments in the country had made such a ministry imperative.
The SPSP is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting peace and conflict resolution.
Adedimeji also said conflicts could be resolved by war, court and dialogue, adding that efforts were not being made to resolve issues through a peace ministry.
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has
urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to shun truancy and other forms of anti-social behaviour that would jeopardise their future.
Fashola stated this at the closing ceremony of the three-week orientation programme for the Batch A members at the NYSC camp at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
He urged the corps members to be good ambassadors of the NYSC by engaging in productive activities
The governor, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, also implored employers in the state to assign challenging duties to corps members deployed to their organisations.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Govern
ment in Nasarawa State, Mr Akolo Amed, said corruption and indiscipline must be rooted out in order to build a virile country.
He made the observation in Nasarawa-Eggon during his maiden meeting with workers of the local council.
The chairman said that it was the responsibility of all Nigerians to help in building a strong, virile country by doing the right thing at all times.
Amed, who blamed indiscipline for the pervasive corruption in the country, cautioned leaders to always be prudent and patriotic in their conduct in order to inspire their followers.
Niger
The Federal Government has expressed its readi
ness to partner with Niger, Kogi and Benue governments to establish three crop processing zone.
Regional Director, North-Central, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Sunday Edibor, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that the move was to ensure food security not only in the zone but also a way of making various crops available in the country.
“The Federal Government has created three staple crops processing zones in the three states to ensure food security in the country,’’ he said.
Ogun
An Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State has
remanded two men, Godwin Edeh, 27, and Edeh Destiny, 30, for allegedly stealing a Bajaj tricycle worth N125,000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello, directed that the accused be kept behind bars, pending the time their bail would be considered.
The accused are facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has sent
a bill to the state House of Assembly seeking the establishment of a Special Offences Court.
In a letter dated December 1, 2013 which accompanied the bill to the Assembly, the governor explained that the court would handle various environmental offences in the state.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, read the letter at plenary in Osogbo.
“The State Executive Council at its meeting on December 1, 2013, considered and approved a bill for the establishment of State of Osun Special Offences Court,” the letter stated.
L-R: Lagos Stae Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Secretary to State Government, Dr Ranti Adebule, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris and Governor Babatunde Fashola, inaugurating Lagos State Expanded School Eye Health Programme in Lagos, recently. Photo: NAN
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.
