Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has called on well-meaning Nigerian women to support government programmes at all levels in order to move the country forward.
Maina made the call in Yola, shortly after she was honoured by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa with Adamawa State Indigenes Award of Excellence on Sunday night in Yola.
“Nigerian women should do their best to contribute towards the development of this great nation.
“It is our responsibility as mothers, to help Nigeria to be strong among nations in terms of economy and stability.’’
She thanked Nyako for his vision and mission in promoting the state, and in particular, supporting women through women empowerment programmes and skills acquisition centres.
Benue
Mr Aondowase Chia, the Benue State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, has advised the outgoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Benue to be good ambassadors of their states.
Chia told newsmen in Makurdi that the NYSC members should also be advocates of peace and order wherever they might be.
He urged the corps members to make maximum use of the vast experience they had gathered during the course of their mandatory service to their fatherland.
The commissioner said that the 2010 batch C passing out ceremony was a low key one because of the security challenges in the country in recent times.
FCT
The Federal Government has solicited the cooperation of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and other Nigerians for successful implementation of the new National Identity Management System rather than politicising the exercise.
Mr Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The CNPP was reported to have opposed to the project on the ground that the INEC recently conducted a similar exercise before the 2011 general elections in April.
Maku said the CNPP’s opposition showed lack of understanding of the need for the proposed identity system which he said would be helpful in the management and operation of several key national institutions and security services.
Gombe
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has condoled with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident that occurred on Thursday in the state which led to loss of lives and property.
During a visit to Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe on Sunday night, Yuguda expressed sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the accident.
“I am here on behalf of myself and the people of Bauchi State to sympathise with the government and people of Gombe State over the accident which occurred whereby a trailer lost control and affected quite a lot of people.
Dankwambo thanked Yuguda and the people of Bauchi State for their concern and prayed God to accept the condolence.
Dankwambo said Gombe and Bauchi were still one and that whatever affected one state affected the other.
Katsina
The controversy over the recently-promulgated law banning preaching in Katsina State has been attributed to lack of adequate consultation before its promulgation.
An Islamic scholar, Gambo Tudunwada made this assertion in Katsina on Sunday at the meeting organised by the state branch of the Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI).
The law was officially dubbed “the Katsina State Religious Education and Preaching Board and for Incidental Matters Law”.
It seeks to regulate religious activities in the state.
Tudunwada said there was no involvement of Islamic scholars from all the Islamic sects in the state.
He said the state government should have invited all the Ulamas to intimate them on its plan to enact such a law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Health System Development Project (HSDP) has donated a hostel and recreational facilities, valued at N50 million to the state school of Nursing.
The project coordinator, Alhaji Umar Zagga, on Monday in Birnin Kebbi handed over the hostel, reading room, volleyball and tennis courts to the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa.
Zagga said the facilities were to enhance academic and social activities in the school, adding that “our efforts at improving health will include provision of health centres in rural areas.’’
He said primary health care centres had been provided by the HSDP in Birnin Kebbi, Bagudo and Gwandu local government areas.
Sambawa, in his address, commended the project for supporting the efforts made to improve health care delivery in the state and promised that the facilities would be used properly.
The head of the school, Mrs Sarah Jubril, said the facilities would be maintained and urged the students to ensure they improved on their dedication to learning and assist in developing the health sector.
Lagos
Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has developed a training programme that would boost entrepreneurial skills and potential, Mrs Helen Jemerigbe, Director, Technical Skill Development Project (NECA), said.
Jemerigbe said during an interactive session with workers in Lagos on Monday that the training would help reduce unemployment.
She said that the training was anchored on entrepreneurship development based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) modules.
Jemerigbe said that NECA, as the sole custodian of the ILO entrepreneurship modules, had a rich pool of accredited master instructors.
She urged companies to assist in training youths to improve their manpower and to address the vocational and technical skill shortage in such areas as building construction, information technology and telecommunication.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Almakura of Nasarawa State on Tuesday flagged-off the construction of a 50 kilometre road network in Lafia.
Almakura said at the ceremony that the project was aimed at ensuring easy flow of traffic and reduce accidents caused by the dilapidated roads in the metropolis.
He gave the assurance that the government would not embark on white elephant projects, adding that any project started would be completed within schedule.
The governor pledged to construct 20 kilometres of road in each of the 13 local government areas and the 16 development areas of the state in 2012.
He noted with dismay that the state had since its creation 15 years ago, suffered serious neglect in infrastructure development and pledged to change the situation.
Osun
Mr Sunday Akere, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, has said that all students of the state-owned university will benefit from the reduction of tuition fees.
Akere said the clarification became necessary following a rumour that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had approved the reduction only for the indigenous students of the university.
The commissioner spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, explaining that the governor’s gesture was for all students of the university.
He said the reduction would enable all parents in the state to train their children and wards in the university.
. Plateau
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says that the one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bauchi camps are from various states and “not from Jos North alone as erroneously reported last week.
“The one million IDPS represented the number displaced people from crises-ridden States of Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Plateau and Bauchi over the years.
Some registers date back to as far back as 2001,’’ NEMA spokesman Yushau Shuaib, told newsmen in Jos on Monday.
Shuaib was reacting to criticisms to a statement by NEMA Director-General Sani Sidi, that IDP camps in Bauchi were hosting one million people.
The critics had rejected the figures, with many particularly critical of claims that the IDPs fled from Jos North Local Government Area because of the protracted violence in Jos.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State has presented a letter of appointment to the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, as the pioneer chancellor of Sokoto State University.
Alhaji Muhammadu Tureta, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, who represented the letter on behalf of the governor in Dutse on Monday, said the appointment was in recognition of the emir’s contributions to educational development in the country.
“I believe from my deep conviction that the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi, will live up to the task and expectations for what he was appointed for,” he said.
The emir thanked the governor for the appointment and solicited prayers from all and sundry.
Zamfara
The Police have declared Superintendent Ibrahim Bamuche, the Chief Security Officer to Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State missing.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Tambari Muhammed, told newsmen in Gusau on Tuesday that Bamuche left the state for a course in Jos, Plateau in September and had not been seen.
He said a phone call was placed across to his handset which did not respond before a search team was inaugurated to find his whereabouts.
Muhammed said the search team had confirmed that Bamuche’s car was burnt at a spot in Jos, which necessitated the state command to dispatch another search team, led by some squadron leaders.
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.”