Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
As the strike on minimum wage in Adamawa State completes its first week, Action Congress Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Markus Gundiri, has urged the PDP administration to effect the payment.
Gundiri in a statement signed by his campaign Chief Press Secretary, Mr Edward Wabundani, in Yola, stated that he identified with the civil servants over the issue, which, he said, was a genuine cause.
Gundiri tasked the government “to speedily effect the payment of the N18,000 national minimum wage to enable workers resume work and contribute their quota to the state’s development”.
Gundiri said action of labour for the implementation of the minimum wage was a cause that should be supported by all democratic forces.
FCT
Action Aid (AA), an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to put in place an effective intelligence gathering system to tackle crime.
Mrs. Funmilayo Oyefusi, the NGO’s Head of Human Relations and Organisation, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
She said that although government had made efforts in the past to reduce crime, more needed to be done to sustain the work done.
Oyefusi also called on government to investigate the causes of recent bomb blasts in the country and urged it to provide relief materials for victims of the blasts.
She expressed dismay at the plan by Gov. Theodore Orji of Abia to disengage non-indigenes on its payroll to reduce the burden of implementing the new minimum wage.
Jigawa
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Monday said the Federal Government was committed to improving the education of teachers.
The minister stated this during a reference meeting of the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE) in Dutse.
She said government would not relent in its efforts at training and retraining of teachers to ensure quality education in the country.
Rufa’i said the ministry was making efforts toward the realisation of the Teachers Housing Scheme, adding that 24 states had agreed to donate land for the scheme.
She said the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna, which had drawn funds from the MDGs Office, trained 140,000 teachers in 2010.
Kano
The Kano State Government, has concluded arrangements to establish a College of Qur’anic and Western education as part of efforts to integrate Islamic studies into eastern education.
Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso announced the plan when a delegation from the University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, paid him a courtesy visit in Kano.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the governor said that the college would admit only students with bias in Islamic religious knowledge and Arabic Language.
He said that the motive was for such students to acquire western education to enable them to propagate the religion beyond the Hausa community.
Kogi
The police in Kogi Statehave arrested two suspects, Ahmodu Garba and Danasabe Muhammed, for being in possession of 166 wraps and four bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Parading the suspects on Monday in Lokoja on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abakasanga, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Samuel Ojo, said the two men were arrested following a tip-off.
He said the suspects were also members of a gang of criminals operating from their hide-out in Sarkin-Noma area of Lokoja, from where they were arrested with the weeds.
The police also paraded another suspect, Idoko Patrick, who was arrested by the Nigerian Army intelligence operatives for impersonating a State Security Service (SSS) officer and extorting money from his victims.
Lagos
Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, the Chief Medical Director of a children’s hospital in Lagos on Monday said that reduction in child mortality required the collaboration of all the sectors of the economy.
Dosekun made the statement at a Child Resuscitation Seminar in Lagos, organised by the Nigerian Assocation of Science Journalists.
The medical expert said that contributions from all the sectors were necessary to improve the health of Nigerians especially children.
She said that equipment for disease treatment could be provided by philanthropists, corporate organisations and individuals as government alone would not be able to provide adequate healthcare.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), says it has adjourned its sitting indefinitely to allow for the completion and furnishing of the state’s new assembly complex.
The House Committee Chairman on Information, Mr. Baba Ibaku, told newsmen in Lafia that the House adopted a resolution expressing its concern over the slow pace of work on the assembly complex.
Ibaku noted that the assembly had been sitting at the conference room of the Ministry for Local Government and Community Development for almost three years, saying the environment was not conducive for members to effectively carry out their legislative duties.
He said the assembly complex had been completed but was ye to be furnished by the State Government.
Ibaku said that another concern of the assembly that necessitated the indefinite adjournment was the level of insecurity at the temporary chamber.
He recalled an incident last July when some youths believed to be thugs, attacked the venue and smashed windows and doors during one of the assembly’s sittings when the Secretary to the State Government appeared before the House.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Monday commended Gov. Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State over his N10 million donation to flood victims, saying it had opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two states.
Ajimobi stated this in Ibadan when he received Yuguda who was in the state to commiserate with the government over the August 26 flood disaster.
The governor, who said the donation would help in giving succour to victims, recalled that Yuguda had identified with Oyo State for long having participated in the NYSC there in 1980.
The governor also expressed gratitude to those who had donated money and other items to assist victims.
Yuguda, in his address, urged the Federal Government to come to the aid of Oyo State in the post-flood reconstruction efforts.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead and the fortitude for bereaved families to bear their loss.
Plateau
An NGO, Global Relief, has donated relief materials worth N8 million to victims of the Jos crises.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Peter Akanimoh, said this on Monday in Jos while addressing newsmen.
Akanimoh said the NGO was supported by international organisations like the Serving In Mission (SIM) and Scripture Union (SU).
He also said the NGO had worked with the Red Cross Society, NEMA and other organisations in bringing succour to the more than 80,000 displaced people in various camps in Bukuru and Jos.
Akanimoh condemned the violent attacks launched against innocent people in the state and urged the aggrieved parties to embrace dialogue to restore peace.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government is to spend N300 million to construct a medical library at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, the Governor, Aliyu Wamakko announced on Monday in Sokoto.
Speaking at the opening of the third international workshop on Reconstructive Surgery of the Lower Urinary and Genital Tracks, the governor said the state government would continue to explore critical areas that require urgent attention, as part of efforts to provide quality medical facilities for its people.
“Our sustained support is hinged on the belief that the health sector is far too critical to be left in the hands of one key player,” he said.
Wamakko, said government would ensure the development of the complex to a world standard, while appreciating Federal Government’s assistance to the hospital.
Taraba
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba has challenged the Governing Council of the state University, Jalingo to develop a strategy that will guarantee high standard of academic excellence.
He gave the challenge on Monday in Jalingo at the inauguration of the council, where he promised to give the members free hand to run the university.
Prof. Monday Mangvwat, a two-term former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, is Chairman of the council.
Suntai urged the council to scout for competent hands to run the institution, stressing that government wanted nothing short of a standard university.
“You can even bring in a Ghanaian or anybody anywhere across the globe to handle the university in any capacity.”
Yobe
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), has trained more than 1,500 primary and junior secondary schools teachers in English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Social Studies in Yobe.
The training took place in four NTI centres in Damaturu, Potiskum, Gashua and Gaidam with emphasis on teaching methods in the core subjects.
Speaking to newsmen after the closing ceremony of the event on Monday in Damaturu, the Executive Chairman of the Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Abba Gadaka, said the programme would ensure quality education especially at the basic level.
“Incidentally, the Gaidam administration has made quality education a top priority in the state,” he said.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB), has discovered “ghost workers” in the company, advising education secretaries in the state to remove the names of the ghost workers from their pay rolls or be sacked.
The board’s Executive Chairman, Alhaji Murtala Jangebe, made the disclosure in Gusau while addressing the 14 local government education secretaries and other education officers of the board.
Jangebe said that the board had constituted a verification committee to trace genuine primary school teachers across the state.
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.”