Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The decision of the Acting governor of Adamawa State,
Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, to seek for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the October 11 governorship by-election has attracted mixed reactions around the state.
Fintiri had on Friday told newsmen in Yola that he had picked PDP’s “Expression of Intent” form for the by-election.
A PDP chieftain in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kari, told newsmen that the development was welcome as the acting governor would be a popular candidate, if picked by the party.
Also commenting on the development, some civil servants, including Bello Abubakar, Janet Ibrahim and Emmanuel Danlami, lauded the development and called for support for the acting governor’s ambition.
Borno
The All Progressives Youth Forum has said it is plan
ning a nationwide thanksgiving with a special Sunday church service and Jumma’at prayers over the planned defection of former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Its Chairman, Barrister Ismail Ahmed, said the forum received the news with so much joy as it considers his exit as the best thing that would ever happen to the life of the party, due to what it calls “strategic blackmail” of the APC by the PDP, using Sheriff’s alleged links with the Boko Haram sect.
The forum noted that it had conducted very serious investigations about all the games in trying to attach a bad name to the APC locally and internationally.
“We found out that the PDP uses sponsored commentators in Nigeria to link Sheriff with Boko Haram, rightly or wrongly, and because he was a chieftain of the APC, it was easy to sell that to Nigerians using the media,” it said.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr Ayodele Fayose and Min
ister for State of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye have reiterated their determination to work together to ensure rapid and sustained development for Ekiti State.
Fayose and Adeyeye, who spoke during the thanksgiving service in honour of Adeyeye at St Mark Anglican church, Odo Ise, Ise Ekiti on Saturday, said the only way to appreciate God for what He had done for them was to use their positions for the betterment of the people.
Fayose, who described the appointment of Adeyeye as a minister as “well deserved” said; “I will join hands with Adeyeye to promote the interest of every Ekiti indigene at the Federal level.
“We will work very closely for the betterment of Ekiti and its people and I want to assure you that my minister will not be that minister that won’t be readily available to his people.
FCT
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has called on
Federal Government to provide adequate infrastructure for the service to enhance its productivity.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the Deputy Postmaster-General, Counter Operation, Mr Emem Samuel, said some capital projects were being done by the service alone.
“We need capital investments from the Federal Government to upgrade NIPOST as this will attract investors to invest in the service.
“Britain drove the Royal Mail to its present enviable position and the British government is still investing in it because of the importance of postal service as employer of labour.
Kaduna
There are allegations that several road projects awarded
by the administration of the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State in 2012 have been abandoned.
Some of the projects are said to have been abandoned by the contractors at early stages after collecting mobilisation fees.
Government sources alleged that most of the contracts were awarded to politicians and friends of policymakers without adherence to due process. Such contractors deliberately refused to fulfill their promises, the source said, adding, however, that some of them were not given enough money to complete the projects.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Muhammad Sanusi II,
has turbaned his uncle, Munir Sanusi as Danmaje and Yahaya Inuwa Abbas as Dokaji of Kano emirate respectively.
The ceremony took place at Soron Nadi, the emir’s palace.
Munir Sanusi is among the sons of the grandfather of the present Kano emir, the 54th emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi and was turbaned Danmaje of Kano emirate; the traditional title held by Emir Sanusi before he became Emir of Kano.
While Yahaya Inuwa Abbas who is the son of the 56th emir of Kano, the late Muhammad Inuwa was turbaned Dokaji of Kano emirate.
In his remarks shortly after turbaning, Sanusi prayed that they would work diligently for the sake of the uplifting of the Kano emirate.
Kebbi
First Military Governor of Kebbi State and second term
serving President-General of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) worldwide, Major General Patrick Aziza (rtd) is dead.
Aziza died early last Saturday morning after a protracted illness in Abuja hospital. He was aged 66 years.
The late Gen. Aziza will always be remembered as the chairman of the Special Military Tribunal that convicted and jailed former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and late former Chief of Staff, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Ádua, over an alleged 1995 phantom coup during regime of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Kwara
Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State,
Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN) and Senator Gbemisola Saraki have canvassed for peaceful and active participation of eligible voters during the ongoing permanent voter cards issuance and the forthcoming continuous voter registration in Kwara State.
Claiming that the PDP will defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in presidential election and all elections in Kwara State in the 2015 general elections, they enjoined eligible voters to take the exercises seriously so as to qualify to choose their leaders.
There had been pockets of violence in some areas in Ilorin during the PVC issuance. A corps member was injured during one of the fracas while some people and groups including the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) had alleged that some of the thugs involved in the violence were suspected supporters of Belgore.
Lagos
One of the passengers who were involved in a boat
explosion last Friday in Lagos is yet to be found two days later.
Emmanuel Onu was involved in the accident which injured several passengers who were immediately rescued and taken to different hospitals in Lagos Island.
“The boat which was said to belong to Aquitien Oil and Gas, took off from V-Craft Jetty, Lekki Phase One, and while trying to refill gasoline at Capital Oil Jetty at Victoria Island, the engine exploded,” Ibrahim Farinloye, Spokesperson, South-West, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.
Nasarawa
Nigeria’s main opposition party, All Progressives Congress
(APC) has condemned the renewed plan by the Nasarawa House of Assembly to impeach Governor Tanko Al-Makura, saying the state lawmakers are bent on thumbing their nose at the constitution in their desperation to remove the governor, who has been cleared of the charges against him by a duly constituted impeachment panel.
The party said that the illegality is being “contemplated under the watch of President Goodluck Jonathan and is clear for all to see.”
The party said the position of the constitution is clear that only the Chief Judge of the state can set up such a panel, upon receiving a request from the Speaker of the House of Assembly, hence any attempt to draft a Vacation Judge to set up another panel will mean working against the spirit and letter of the same Constitution that gave the legislature the impeachment power in the first instance.
Ogun
Given the intervention by the National Chairman, Labour Party,
Chief Dan Nwanyanwu and a national leader of the party and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the suit against a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel by a factional state executive of the party led by Mr. Bode Simeon, would be withdrawn anytime from now.
A pointer to this was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state Secretary, Mr. Sunday Oginni and state Financial Secretary, Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, and the national leadership of the party.
The party had been enmeshed in leadership crisis between Daniel and the Mr. Olabode Simeon-led executive, which polarised the party into two factions in the state.
In the statement, the party said it has commenced a move to discontinue with the suit filed against Daniel challenging his authority in the party before a Federal High Court, Ikeja, Lagos.
Osun
The governors of the 36 states of the federation under the
auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have urged all national institutions and security agencies to emulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), eschew partisanship and learn to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism.
“They should put their services at the disposal of all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliations. Our security agencies are important national assets in which all Nigerians have stakes and must not only be fair to all parties during elections, but must be seen to be so,” the governors advised in a congratulatory message issued by the NGF Director General Asishana Okauru.
The governors congratulated Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor-elect of Osun State on his re-election at the just concluded gubernatorial election and urged all the other 19 candidates to work with the Governor to take Osun State forward.
Oyo
The popular Alesinloye market in Ibadan was in the early
hours of yesterday gutted by fire, which destroyed several shops and goods estimated at millions of naira.
The fire was reportedly caused by surge in electricity. Goods were burnt or looted as touts pounced on the shops under the guise of helping to put out the fire.
One of the affected traders was said to have just stocked up her shop on Friday before the incident.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (right) registering for National Identity Card in Ibadan, 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.
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