Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Pro-motion (NOTAP) is to promote the teaching of science and technology in primary and secondary schools.
NOTAP Director General, Umar Bindir, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State.
Umar said NOTAP would ensure this through the introduction of story boards that would show pupils and students how some products were made.
“For instance Maggi cube is made from soya beans. So we asked Nestle to give us a story board that shows the stages in picture of how soya beans was transformed to Maggi cube,’’ Umar said.
He explained that such practical approach and change in teaching methodology would help in reforming the education sector for positive results.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has dismissed a media report that his government had set aside N3 billion for the creation of new chiefdoms.
Fielding questions with newsmen in Damaturu, Yuguda said the report was baseless and described it as a deliberate negative report to ridicule his administration.
Yuguda was in Damaturu to pay a condolence visit to Gov Ibrahim Geidam, who lost his wife last week.
He said that the reason for the creation of the chiefdoms was to accord special rights and privileges to people who demanded for them, to ensure peaceful co-existence among the diverse cultural and religious groups in the state.
Yuguda noted that the state had experienced political and religious crises within the last two years, making it imperative to find ways to ensure lasting peace and harmony.
Borno
Alhaji Baba Garbai, the Borno Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, says the state government is to establish a skills acquisition centre for farmers in Damboa.
Garbai, who announced this on Sunday while inspecting projects in Damboa Local Government Area, stated that farmers would be trained in modern farming technology at the centre.
He said that the state government was determined to give agriculture top priority so as to boost food security.
The commissioner advised parents and guardians to enroll their wards in schools in order to enable them contribute to national development.
He also urged the caretaker chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abu Hong, to embark on the provision of social amenities and execution of developmental projects.
FCT
Defence Minister, BelloMohammed in Abuja has restated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces were properly settled after years of meritorious service to the nation.
Mohammed stated this at the end of an entrepreneurship training organised for senior military officers by the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in collaboration with EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, the minister said the current agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan had placed emphasis on transformation.
Mohammed said the training was meant to assist the officers to attain self development when they disengage from service.
Kaduna
The 1986 Old Students Association of Alhudahuda College, Zaria, has donated books worth more than N250,000 to the institution.
Alhaji Shehu Yunusa, the Secretary-General of the association, told newsmen at its silver jubilee meeting in Zaria that the gesture was to encourage students of the institution to embrace the reading culture and maintain the good reputation of the college.
He said that in addition to the donation, the association also planned to renovate the college Mosque to make it an ideal place of worship.
“We are here to show appreciation to the college that brought us to limelight, because whatever we become in life, the institution is central to it.
Katsina
The Police Command in Katsina State says it has arrested eight alleged car snatchers in Katsina metropolis in its renewed effort to fight crime in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.
Mohammed said that the suspects were nabbed at different times in the metropolis and gave their names as Bello Abdulkadir, Salisu Sirajo, Santanu Abubakar, Bashir Kabir alias Sanfolo, Ismaila Usman, Tasi’u Abdullahi and Musa Bala.
The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to stealing cars in Katsina and its environs for sometime, adding that the command had been on their trail.
He said that the suspects also claimed to have taken some stolen cars to Kano for sale, adding that they were helping the police to track the receivers of the stolen cars.
Kwara
The Kwara government says it will continue to partner with the Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) in a bid to boost the economy of the state.
The State Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Alhaji Saka Onimago, disclosed this in Ilorin on Saturday while launching the prospectus for the fifth Kwara Trade Fair.
Onimago reiterated the state government’s commitment to take the state to the next level of development, saying that government has concluded arrangement to employ another set of 2,000 youths.
He said the development could only be achieved through the co-operation of the private sector of the economy.
Onimago thanked the KWACCIMA for acting as a catalyst in driving the economic development of the state through the organisation of annual trade fairs.
Lagos
Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, former Head of the Civil Service, has charged Nigerians to encourage creative work by Nigerians such as Prof Cyril Onwumechili to enhance national development.
Afolabi made the call in Lagos during the presentation of Onwumechili’s autobiography entitled, “Coming a Long Way”, which he reviewed.
He noted that Onwumechili, who became a professor at the age of 30 after studying to the doctorate level through
scholarships from his early days at Kings College, Lagos, was propelled by hard work and support from his uncle.
Afolabi observed that the professor became a vice chancellor of the University of Ife (now OAU) in 1978, the only known non-Yoruba VC of the institution.
Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President, who was chairman of the occasion, said the work of the erudite professor was worth reading.
He described Onwumechili as a bright and productive scholar who had impacted on lives and the scientific landscape of Nigeria.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says it spent about N3 billion on community development projects within the last 30 months.
Mr Clement Faboyede, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, said this in an interview with newsmen in Akure.
Faboyede said the initiatives were primarily to take development to the grassroots, adding that more than 200 “quick-win” projects had been completed in the 18 local government areas of the state.
He also said the state government recently approved N400 million for more projects to be executed in some communities
The commissioner said no fewer than 30 projects had been earmarked in some local government areas, including Akure and Ose areas.
Sokoto
Illela Local Government Council of Sokoto State plans to spend not less than N100 million on various developmental projects, its Chairman, Alhaji Garba Sabon-Gari, has disclosed.
Sabon-Gari told newsmen in Illela on Saturday that the projects would cover rural roads and water supply, health, education, power supply and economic empowerment.
“The estimates have been forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for its final approval and nothing less than N100 million will be approved finally by the ministry.
“ These projects are aimed at further improving the living standard of the people and to fulfil our various campaign promises.’’
Taraba
Taraba is partnering with the North-East Zonal Office of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) to train fish farmers on the production of fingerlings.
Mr. Anthony Jellason, the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.
Jellason said that the state government had provided the agency with access road to its new office along Kona Road, to enable it to effectively discharge its duties.
He noted that the state was blessed with abundant of fish resources through its rivers and natural ponds scattered across the 16 local governments.
“When given the training, it would not only equip the farmers with the technical knowhow- in fish production, but also improve their occupation, boost their economy and provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to young school leavers.”
Zamfara
A female Zamfara pilgrim to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia (names withheld) has died, according to an official of the state’s 2011 Hajj Committee, Alhaji Jabiru Riko.
Riko disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau recently.
He said that the middle-aged woman died in the holy land after a brief illness, adding that she had been buried in Saudi Arabia, according to Islamic rites.
The committee member said the transportation of the state’s pilgrims had been completed on Thursday, adding that all 5,500 pilgrims were transported in 11 flights from the Sokoto International airport.
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.”