Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A lawmaker in Adamawa State, Mr Wafarninyi Theman,
has accused the state government of deliberately under funding the state’s Auditor General Office to frustrate it from functioning properly.
Theman who is Chairman of the state House of Assembly Committee on Public Account, made the allegation while interrogating the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, who was summoned to the plenary.
He alleged that the ministry was also killing the state planning commission and described the state government’s response to a recent effort by the House to improve local revenue as “unbecoming and frustrating”.
Responding to the allegations, the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, said no department or agency was marginalised or deprived of funding by the state government.
Ekiti
President Goodluck Jonathan said his party, the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), would win the June 21 governorship election in Ondo.
Jonathan who spoke at the formal presentation of the party’s flag to its governorship candidate in the state, Mr Ayo Fayose, in Ado-Ekiti said that his optimism was based on the tumultuous crowd that trooped out to welcome his entourage right from Akure Airport en route Ado-Ekiti.
Jonathan said that he was thrilled by the crowd, saying the party’s candidate could not afford to lose the poll if such display of affection translated to votes.
The President had also visited top Ekiti traditional rulers, who converged at the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, where he promised to transform the Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti federal road into a dual carriage one.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his
administration’s resolve to strengthen local governments’ ability to meet their developmental goals, especially the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Jonathan said this when he received a delegation of the board members of the Membership of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum in the State House, Abuja.
Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the president commended the forum for entrenching values that enhance and consolidate democracy and the rule of law at the local governments’ level.
The president reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government toward enhancing democracy and improving governance at all levels.
Jigawa
The Miga Local Government Council in Jigawa State said
last Tuesday that it had trained 200 youth in modern agriculture.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’idu, who made this known in an interview at Miga, said that the youths were trained in crop production, agro processing, fishing and irrigation, among others.
He said that the gesture was to reduce unemployment among youths in the area adding that the training was designed to also reduce rural-urban migration.
“With this training, our youths will no longer be going to states like Kano, Lagos and Abuja to look for money as commercial motorcyclists. “They will also not agree to be used as thugs by politicians since they will be engaged with their farming activities,” he said.
Kaduna
The Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna says more
than 153 commercial vehicle drivers in the state have so far undergone free medical tests to ascertain their health conditions.
Commander of the corps in the state, Mr Michael Olagunju, in a statement on Saturday, signed on his behalf by the Public Education Officer, Mr Dajangla Martins, said that the exercise was necessitated by the rise in cases of avoidable road traffic crashes involving commercial drivers.
According to him, it is hoped that the exercise will alert drivers on their state of health, to enable them seek medication where necessary adding that the need to reduce road traffic crashes by 15 per cent, and fatality by 25 per cent, in line with 2014 Strategic Goal.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said it produced 900,000
tree-seedlings for planting as part of measures to combat desert encroachment in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Isahaku Daudu, said on Thursday, in Birnin Kebbi that the seedlings would be distributed freely to the people.
Daudu was speaking while planting trees at strategic locations in the state capital to mark this year’s World Environment Day.
He said that the ministry in collaboration with SURE-P planted trees over 84 sq km along major roads, and over 86 sq km in desert-prone local government areas of the state.
Daudu appealed to the people to stop tree-felling, and urged them to plant trees, warning that violators would be prosecuted.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State said no
fewer than 80, 000 people have benefitted from the low premium health insurance scheme of his administration.
Ahmed made this known at the inauguration of Ilorin General Hospital which was renovated and upgraded to a secondary healthcare centre.
The governor said the state government would extend the scheme to every local government area in the state within the next five years.
According to him, a patient needed to pay N500 premium to enjoy the state’s community health insurance scheme.
Lagos
The academia and some politicians last Saturday extolled
the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, describing her as a courageous and brave woman, who excelled in academics and politics.
Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, one-time Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Benin, said Akunyili was a courageous woman, who stood for the truth in spite of the consequences
throughout her life time. “I hope that her legacy will be emulated not only by her children, but by women in Nigeria that whenever they are called to hold executive positions, they will give it their best, “ she said. The Chairman Multi-Media Centre, University of Lagos, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye,said that Akunyili would be missed by the academia , health sector and the country in general.
Nasarawa
No fewer than 35 persons in Nasarawa State have so far
received free surgical services from Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation .
The Director of the Foundation, Dr Seidu Bello, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lafia at the official opening of the exercise at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia.
Bello said “the surgical festival is designed to bring succour to Nigerians who, for no fault of theirs, are suffering from facial deformities.’’
Ondo
A former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly,
Mr Kele Bolodeoku, has described the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, as the vehicle that brought enduring democracy to the country.
The former lawmaker called on the Federal Government to ensure that Abiola was celebrated by all, adding that the elite who were responsible for Abiola’s travails had refused to accord him deserved recognition.
Bolodeoku, who said Abiola’s contribution to the nation’s political growth had remained enduring, called for true and genuine reconciliation said the on-going national conference would address certain salient political and economic issues.
The former lawmaker, however, called on the Federal Government to tackle corruption, saying “ we have to tackle the issue of corruption if we are to move forward as a nation.’’
“The struggle for power by politicians is not for the love of the masses.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government said last Saturday that it
had approved N331.63 million for the sponsorship of 164 medical and engineering students to Sudan.
In a statement signed by the Information Officer of the State Scholarship Board, Malam Isa Shuni, in Sokoto, it listed Khartoum College of Medical Sciences, Afhad University for Women, Nahda International College, International University of Africa and National University as the institutions where the students would be admitted.
It said that the gesture was to offer training to selected students from the state in selective fields of medical sciences adding that the gesture covers the cost of tuition, registration, transportation and other needs of the students.
The statement quoted the Chairman of the board, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, as saying that Gov. Aliyu Wamakko had since approved the release of the funds.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government said it had achieved 96 per
cent coverage in routine immunization in the state, through the engagement of members of local communities in areas with daunting security challenges.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Kawuwa, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu said “Government engaged locals in areas with security challenges to carry out the exercise, using health promotion teams for a follow-up to ensure that no part of the state was left out’’, he said.
The commissioner said government had not relented in renovating and equipping the 12 General Hospitals and eight Comprehensive Health Centres across the state, in addition to engaging specialised personnel.
“We are in partnership with specialists from University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, in Yobe, among others, to provide specialised manpower to the hospitals, and to make health care delivery accessible and affordable in the state.
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State (2nd left) and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (2nd right), arriving at the venue of APC National Convention in Abuja last Saturday.
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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