Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Teachers in Mubi Local Government of Adamawa State has resumed work, following the suspension of the seven-week old strike by the chapter’s NLC.
The workers had in September embarked on an indefinite strike to press for the implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.
The strike had paralysed government business and closed down public schools and clinics.
Our correspondent, who went round various schools in Mubi, reports that most teachers had reported to work as early as 7:30 a.m.
The situation was the same at the General Hospital, Mubi as doctors and other health personnel were seen attending to patients.
However few workers reported to work at the Mubi Local Government Secretariat and other government’s offices in the area.
At Sabon-Pegi Primary School, teachers and pupils were seen cleaning classrooms and the school premises.
Some of the teachers, who spoke to newsmen, commended the state government and NLC for amicably resolving the crisis.
Bauchi
Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) has opened training workshop for pioneer staff on the management of community radio stations in the state.
The Managing Director, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed, said that the creation of the radio stations was aimed at educating the citizens of the state and to inform them appropriately.
He added:”The creation of the stations is a courageous act by the state government under Gov. Isa Yuguda to raise the socio-political consciousness of the rural communities through effective broadcasting at the grass roots.’’
He said that five stations were already selected to be inaugurated and that they had produced a comprehensive documents with details on structure and schedules of duties of each worker on a community radio station.
He added that the training was also a stepping stone for the series and continuous training and re-training of the staff that would manage the stations.
He said that the participants would be exposed to the rudiments of leadership and management, programmes production, news gathering techniques at the grass roots, as well as appreciation of local cultures and cultivating good public relations.
Borno
The Borno Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Christopher James, in Maiduguri on Thursday advised motorists to drive with caution throughout the ‘ember months’.
James, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen noted that most of the road accidents recorded across the country took place during the ember months.
“Many people want to travel for celebration at this period and drivers do not consider their vehicle loading capacity and overload them which often resulted in accidents,” he said.
He also attributed lack of maintenance as one of the causes of road accidents, pointing out that some drivers did not examine and service their vehicles before putting them on the road.
FCT
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the door to the central store of its Lagos office where some Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines and other items got missing was not broken.
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman,Mr Kayode Idowu told newsmen on telephone that the stealing might have been carried out in the night.
INEC on Tuesday uncovered the theft of 1,388 DDC machines, 2, 986 internal hard discs and 644 computer batteries.
Idowu said indications of the theft were first noticed on Oct. 16 while the quantity of items involved was determined through an in-house audit concluded on October .24.
Gombe
A lawmaker, Alhaji Manu Swa, has pledged to support Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in reactivating the Balanga Dam to enhance development in the state.
Swa, who won last Saturday’s by-election for the Balanga/Billiri Constituency , made the promise while speaking with newsmen in Gombe.
He noted that the dam, built for irrigation purposes, had been under-utilised for a long period of time, hence the decision by the state governor to extend water supply to Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Kumo towns.
Kano
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to victims of this year’s flood disaster in 14 local government areas of Kano State.
The items donated included 1, 200 bundles of roofing sheets, 1, 800 bags of cement, 4,000 pieces of plants, 200 package of zinc nails and 200 bags of nails.
Others were 1, 200 bags of rice, 600 bags of maize, 300 bags of guinea corn, 200 bags of millet, 200 bags of beans, 800 cartons of cereals and 2,000 pieces of blankets.
Speaking while presenting the items to victims of the disaster in Tarauni local government area in Kano, the Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Sani Sidi, said the gesture was to alleviate the sufferings of the affected persons.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Yusha’u Shu’aibu, the Sidi said the items were donated based on the assessment conducted by NEMA officials in the zone in August.
Kwara
The Kwara House of Assembly on Wednesday decried the deplorable condition of federal and other feeder roads within the state.
The Assembly, in a resolution on a matter of urgent public importance raised by Mr Kamal Fagbemi
(Oke-Ogun constituency), noted that the Ajase-Ipo/Offa/Erin-Ile federal road had become a nightmare for road users due of its deplorable state.
He said that the condition of the road leading to Osun boundary, had provided undue advantage for armed robbers to harass motorists and travellers.
He urged the lawmakers to summon the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to explain the reason for the delay in rehabilitating the road for which funds had been released to them.
“The road is in a sorry state and has crippled the economic activities of people of the affected areas,” he said.
Lagos
General Manager, Technical Services, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr Jeleel Olubori has suggested partnership among state governments to ensure effective waste management.
Olubori made the call in a paper he presented at the two-day conference tagged “Sustainable City Development, Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy,” jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja.
In his paper, titled ‘Waste Management in Developing Countries’, Olubori said that Lagos State had a lot to offer other states in terms of technical support and human capacity development on best practises in waste management.
He said that the state operated an integrated waste management system that has made it a model in the country.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunboh Fayokun, has urged technological institutions to assist in developing solar energy to complement government’s efforts at resolving the energy crisis facing the nation.
He made the call in Ibadan at a “Distinguish Service Award” ceremony in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Fayokun said technological institutions should be able to develop a cheap solar energy that would not only serve their need, but also serve their immediate neighbours.
He said if the institutions were able to develop their own energy supply, it would open the door of economic prosperity, and make them less dependant on government for financial support.
Fayokun commended the founding fathers of the polytechnic for their foresight, saying that the institution had become an octopus in educational matters in the country.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two people, Anas Aliyu, 24, and Bilyaminu Tafida, 23, of the state Polytechnic for allegedly stealing one Honda civic car with registration number AY 696 BWR.
The suspects were paraded at Marina Police station by ASP Mustapha Isa, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) last Wednesday.
He said that the car was stolen at Dan Fili in Sokoto metropolis and taken to Argungu in Kebbi State.
Isa explained that the command had adopted sensitive security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of criminals in the state.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation of the case.
Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrate Court handling a case of alleged missing genitals, heard on Wednesday that the accused had made a false claim.
Testifying before Magistrate Umar Abdulnasir, Dr. Adebiyi Adewale, who conducted the medical examination, told the court that the accused, Idowu Olatunji, was tested twice and found that he had had intercourse twice with his wife after the alleged incident.
Ola conducted the examination told the Olatunji, a banker, had on September 2, alleged that Saminu Turaki, a journalist, formerly reporting for the National Life newspapers, mysteriously stole his manhood shortly after the two of them had a handshake in the banking hall.
Turaki escaped being lynched due to the quick intervention of a combined team of the police, civil defence and the bank’s security.
He was later taken to the Gusau Police Station while the banker was taken to the Gusau Federal Medical Centre for examination.
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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