Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

June 13, 2014

Adamawa

The Adamawa State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs
Arziki Sawa, has raised alarm over what she described as the rapid desert encroachment threatening the northern part of the state.
Sawa said in Yola at an event organised to celebrate the 2014 World Environment Day that the northern part of the state had been identified as a desertification-prone area due to the loss of its vegetation.
She attributed the development to the over exploitation of the vegetation and drought and listed the most affected areas as Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Gombi, Shelleng and Guyuk.
Others are Demsa, Fufore, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas.
According to the commissioner, the state has benefitted from the Federal Government’s ongoing Great Green Wall programme.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/
AIDs,Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), says it has concluded arrangements for the distribution of 3.2 million Long Lasting Mosquito Nets (LLMN) in the state.
The Chairman of the agency, Dr Abdulaziz Manga, who made the disclosure last Tuesday in an interview in Bauchi, said that a committee had been set up to map out modalities on the distribution.
According to him, 60 supervisors have been trained for the exercise.
“The nets are already in Bauchi and very soon, we will start the distribution. “We have our trained personnel ready, we are just working out modalities and the strategy to employ for the exercise,” he said.

FCT

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting
(ICIR), an NGO, in Abuja last Tuesday commenced three-day training for 40 journalists on investigative reporting.
The journalists were drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Dayo Aiyetan, said that the training would expose the journalists to the intricacies involved in investigative journalism.
He said the aspect of journalism globally had moved beyond the traditional journalism being the norm in Nigeria and attributed the development to lack of skills required for journalists to perform their duties effectively.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State chapter of the All Farmers Association
of Nigeria (AFAN), has lauded the Federal Government for introducing the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.
The scheme is the flagship programme of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda under which registered farmers are allocated two bags of fertiliser each and seeds on their mobile phones through an electronic platform known as the e-wallet.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Habibu Isa, who made the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Dutse, on Tuesday, said that the scheme had facilitated timely input distribution to farmers.
He said that the initiative had also resulted in improved crop yields among the farmers, adding that it would go a long way in ensuring food security in the country.

Kogi

The Kabba-Bunu Local Government Council of Kogi
State, has disbursed N107.7 million Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) intervention funds for the execution of 20 rural development projects in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Funsho, made the disclosure recently, while addressing members of the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who were on assessment tour of SURE-P projects in the area.
Represented by Mr Sam Obanibi, the Vice Chairman of the council, Funsho said the 20 projects include education, water, transport and health sectors, adding that the council had been transparent in the use of SURE-P funds intervention.
He commended the NUJ team for the concern over utilisation of public funds and delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

Kwara
K Kwara
The Federal Road Safety Commission last Tuesday
warned officers and men of the commission to refrain from racketeering.
The FRSC Deputy Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi,who gave the warning during an inspection visit to the Kwara State Command of the commission in Ilorin, last Tuesday, said any official found wanting “ would be sacked with immediate effect.’’
He charged the commission’s personnel to remain committed in the discharge of their duties and commended officials of the commission, especially the special marshals, for their efficiency.
Oyeyemi, whose visit coincided with the opening of the State General Hospital in Ilorin, commended the state government for putting in place a trauma centre at the health facility.

Lagos

The oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, the late Monsignor
Pedro Martins, was last Tuesday laid to rest in Lagos, amidst tributes by clerics, friends relatives.
Martins, aged 103, was laid to rest at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi , Lagos, after a funeral mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
He was born on November 16 , 1910, and spent 70 years as a Catholic priest, having been ordained on August 8, 1943, by the late Rt. Rev. P.F. Kelly, the then Vicar Apostolic of Asaba and Benin.
Late Pedro Martins, an old student of King’s College, Lagos, was one of the first eleven indigenous priests.
Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, said that the late Martins dedicated his long life to selfless service to mankind.

Nasarawa

The police last Tuesday arraigned Mustapha Labaran,
21, a resident of Nyanya, Abuja, in a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Marararba, Nasarawa State, for criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The police prosecutor, Donald Hemen, told the court that one Badamasi Umar, reported the matter at the Sani Abacha Road Police Station, Mararaba, on June 6.
Hemen alleged that the accused person collected the complainant’s Honda motorcycle valued at N130,000 for commercial purposes, promising to remit N700 every day adding that after collecting the motorcycle, the accused person absconded to an unknown destination.
The prosecutor said that when the accused was arrested, he claimed that he gave the motorcycle to one Sanusi (surname unknown) who was now at large, as a collateral.
He said the accused person also threatened to kill the complainant noting that the offences contravened the Penal Code.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Osun

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State said
a seven-man committee had been set up to coordinate its campaign ahead of the August 9 governorship election in the state.
The Chairman of the party, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Mr Lere Oyewumi is the Director-General of the team while Mr Jimoh Bello will serve as secretary and Prince Diran Odeyemi will be in charge of publicity.
The other members of the committee are Mr Aderoju Ibitoye, Mr Yekinni Omisore, Ms Funmilayo Olasehinde, and Mr Paul Olukunle.

Oyo

The Oyo State Commissioner for Transport, Prof.
Nurudeen Tanimowo, in Oyo last Tuesday urged youths to imbibe reading culture for all-round development.
Tanimowo, who was represented by a Chief Lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Mr Samson Atolagbe, made the call at a Readership Promotion Campaign, with the theme, “Reading on the Move, “ organised by the Oyo State Library Board.
The commissioner, who advocated reading for self fulfillment and social change, said: “Reading is a basic tool of education, information and relaxation. “This allows individual to cope with new knowledge in the changing world of technological age.’’
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bamiji Ojo, urged students to be more committed to their education noting that there could be no education without reading.
In his remarks, the Acting Librarian in Oyo State, Mr Olakanmi Adigun, said that the programme was organised to inculcate reading culture in youths.
Adigun said a reading culture would enhance better academic performance and commended Governor Abiola Ajimobi for ensuring free qualitative education and his support to the board.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government has released over N40.7
million to assist victims of wind and rainstorm in the state.
The state Acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala ,who made the announcement last Tuesday, while presenting cash to victims in Barakallahu and Tsunami communities in Gusau Local Government area said the money would be distributed to victims in four communities affected by the disaster.
He named the communities as Barakallahu and Tsunami in Gusau local government area and Morai and Kagara villages in Talata-Mafara local government area and urged the victims to consider the incident as an act of God.
The acting governor urged the people of the state to remain calm, saying that the government would always assist them in times of need.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Malam Atiku Maradun, urged the people of the area to obey town planning rules and regulations when laying foundation of their houses.

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (right) being consoled by the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar who paid him condolence visit Gombe, recently.

Nation

UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has conferred the Award of Digital Academic Promoter on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arrowconn Group, High Chief (Dr.) Emeka Ezekwe, for his philanthropic gestures.

Chief Ezekwe received the philanthropist award during a landmark technical workshop organised by the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, recently.

Making the presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Stanley Anyaehie, said the award was in recognition of Ezekwe’s philanthropic contributions, academic support, and dedication to human capital development, hailing his commitment to bridging industry and academia.

Ezekwe who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, delivered a keynote address at the event with a theme: “Technicalities and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business and Education.”

In his address, Ezekwe described the current AI surge as a civilizational shift rather than a mere technological upgrade.

He compared AI’s rapid trajectory to past innovations like electricity, computers, the Internet, and mobile phones, which he said, progressed from luxuries to necessities.

“AI is reshaping value creation, knowledge sharing, and decision-making at unprecedented speed. It has moved from experimentation to execution, powering business forecasting, academic research, digital learning, and strategic decisions,” he said.

The business mogul, however, warned that in business, delays lead to losses, while in education, irrelevance spells failure.

“AI is no longer optional, it is a necessity,” he declared.

Ezekwe highlighted the critical AI skill gap, driven by curriculum lags, limited training, and fear of the unknown, but stressed the bigger danger which is exclusion.

“Those who master AI will shape markets, education, and policy; those who lag will be shaped by others,” he said.

The Arrowconn Group boss also outlined AI’s practical advantages for businesses —including data-driven strategies, smarter investments, scalable customer insights, and competitive edges for SMEs.

In education, he clarified that AI empowers rather than replaces teachers, enabling personalized learning, efficient lesson planning, assessment support, and accelerated research.

He advocated a shift from rote memorization to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, while preserving human strengths in engagement, judgment, and collaboration.

Ezekwe urged ethical AI development, warning that “technology without values is dangerous,” and called on institutions like UNIZIK to update curricula, train educators, promote interdisciplinary work, forge industry partnerships, and produce graduates who are solution providers in an AI-driven world.

The workshop also marked the unveiling of the maiden edition of the UNIZIK Journal of Business Education and Entrepreneurship, reinforcing the department’s push for scholarly innovation in AI applications.

Nation

Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

Nation

UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

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.