Nation
THE STATES
Minna
The Niger State government has set aside N7.5 million to provide steady water supply for people living in Minna and its environs.
The commissioner for water resources, Dr Isah Votsa said this to newsmen in Minna shortly after inspection of facilities. Dr Vatsa said that N225 million was spent on the dredging of Tagwa Dam while an additional N190 million is being spent on dredging the Changaya Channel of the dam.
He said that an additional N300 million was spent to reinvigorate the state water board, adding that work has passed 50 per cent completion stage, in cleaning reservoirs at the place as four of the eight reservoirs are already cleaned and are in full operational state.
Vatsa said that before the end of this year more than 60 per cent of people living in Minna and its environs will have frequent water supply, saying that it will be rationed to pave way for all to get water at least 12 hours a day.
Zamfara
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been commended for the frequent repairs on federal roads across the country.
The special adviser to the Zamfara State Governor on Local Government Projects, Alhaji Musa Garba said the repairs had not only improved qualities of transportation on the affected roads, but will go a long way to save lives.
He said the repairs, especially in the pot holes filled Gusau-Zaria road will improve socio-economic activities among people of Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states, which the road passes through.
According to him, motorists and other road users will now feel more comfortable riding the roads considering the fact that dangerous portions of the road, hitherto left unattend to, have been fixed.
Ibadan
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Taoheed Adedaja has expressed decline in the gradual decline in the standard of education in the state.
In his address at the inauguration of Volunteer Supervisors Scheme in the state, Adedoja commented that only 30 per cent of the SSS3 students in public schools passed NECO examinations last year, while above 17 per cent passed the WAEC examination in the same year.
He said that the conduct of the students did not commensurate with the huge expenses of the government on education which included the payment of N250 million for WAEC examinations for the public schools’ students.
He stated that the idea of volunteer supervisors scheme came up in order to boost quality of education in the state and bring back the days of schools inspection which he noted had faded away.
The commissioner told the supervisors who are mainly retired school principals that the need for enduring quality of assurance stemmed from the contemporary reforms in education occasioned by the provisions of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the goals for Education For All (EFA).
Kaduna
The Chartered Instituted of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria has lost its bid to remain the sole regulatory body for the practice of purchasing and supply management in the country.
A federal high court sitting in Kaduna, Friday, dismissed a suit brought by the institute and contended that Act No 21 of 2007 which created the institute did not state that it was the only body that has the power to regulate the practice of purchasing and supply management in the country.
Delivering judgement in the matter, Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu, who described the case as “mere waste of time”, said that the law does not also stipulate that one must be a member of the institute before one can be appointed to head the Bureau of Public Procurement.
“The application by the institute was a mere waste of time and an academic exercise since its existence cannot deny other bodies from existing or coming into existence,” Shuaibu said, adding that “it will be out of place to accept the application.”
The institute had gone to court seeking a declaration that no person is qualified to practice without being registered or enrolled with it in accordance with the Act.
It equally asked the court to make a declaration that it was the only body with the jurisdiction and empowered to train, educate and examine all persons in Nigeria desiring to become professional procurers and another declaration that only qualified members registered with the institute are qualified to be appointed to head the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Akure
Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has appointed some state commanders. They include Capt S. G. Jiyah (rtd), Niger State, Capt. B. Y. Golen (rtd), Plateau State and Mr Sayikanmi Titus Daisi, Ondo State. Also appointed are O. A. Yakubu, deputy commander, operations and Hassan Isa Adejo, deputy commander, admin/finance. A statement by Alhaji Abubakar Sule, public relations officer, VGN, said the appointments take immediate effect, adding “VGN group has always been part of the social, cultural and political security systems all over the world. It was formed to help the Nigerian police and other security operatives to create a better society.”
Katsina
Amalumfashi Sharia Court in Katsina has sentenced two women Aisha Abdullahi and Rashidi Musa to two months imprisonment for stealing an international passport.
The convicts were however given an option of N3000 fine each. Abdullahi, 52 and Musa 28 of Bakin-Kasuwa and Hayin Majidadi in Malam Fashi town respectively, were convicted for stealing an e-passport belonging to one Lami Abubakar in her house in the community.
The police prosecutor Capt. Garba Magaji had earlier told the court that the Abubakar kept her handbag containing to the passport.
Magaji said that Abubakar went out among the two women in the room adding that when she returned, she discovered that her passport has been stolen.
The prosecutor said that she alerted the police who arrested the women and charged them to court for criminal conspiracy and theft.
He said the alleged offences contravened sections 120 and 135 of Shariah laws of Katsina State.
Abuja
Following the kidnapping of the 78 year old father of the gubernatorial candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Fourteen governorship aspirants on the platform of the party have denied that the abduction was politically motivated.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on behalf of the fourteen aspirants, Chief Chuma Nwafor said that rather than point accusing fingers at their leader, Chief Chris Uba, Soludo should be called by the police for questioning on the whereabouts of his father.
According to him, there was no proof before Uba was accused. Other aspirants at the news briefing are Emeka Eze, Amachukwu Ezeike, Nkoli Imoh, Volt Ozigbo, Ebe Lovina and Kete Egwa.
The rest are Victoria Nwankwo, Chinyere Agagbo, Ossy Ezenwa, Mike Nkwocha, Oyigba Okoli, Bertrand Dim and Basil Iwuoba.
According to Nwafor, the aspirants find it difficult to accept the authenticity of the story, as some people have tried to politicise the incident by accusing Chief Chris Uba as being involved in the act.
Makurdi
Benue State government has released N2 billion to the 23 local government councils in the state. The money accrues to the councils, from the excess crude accounts.
Special adviser to the state governor on local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr Sam Ode, made the disclosure in a meeting with local government council chairmen in Makudrdi.
Ode noted that government’s decision to inject the money into the councils was premised on its decision to ensure meaningful development at the tier of government.
He implored the local government council chairmen to key into the state government’s policy of fiscal discipline, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption which, according to him, has remained the guiding principle of the Government Gabriel Suswam-led administration.
Lagos
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris has said that, more than four million people die every year from pneumonia.
Dr Idris who said that at a press briefing in Lagos also said that half of the deaths are children.
The commissioner said that to effectively combat the acclaimed childhood killer disease, the policies guiding the management of pneumonia must be revitalised.
According to him, the death rate is high in Lagos, “statistics shows that pneumonia kills more than four million people every year and half of these deaths are children under five years, that is, every 15 seconds, a child is lost to pneumonia, 5,500 everyday and an unbelievable two million every year.
“An estimated 98 per cent of children die in developed countries while more than 2000 children die in developing countries.
He also said that the disease causes needless sufferings through illness and hospitalisation, while contributing significantly to the vicious cycle of poverty.
Nation
Zabbey Emerges Social Impact Man Of The Year 2025 …Reaffirms Commitment To Ogoni Transformation
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”
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