Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A Yola-based environmentalist, Mr Yohanna Usa, last Thursday in Yola said that 18 out of the 21 local government areas in Adamawa were threatened by desert encroachment.
Adamawa in early 1980s was among the states in the federation covered by forest vegetation.
Usa, who is also the Coordinator of the Garden Trust Foundation, (GTF) told newsmen that 50 per cent of the land in Adamawa had lost its vegetation.
“This is due to desert encroachment that is affecting 18 local government areas,” the environmentalist said.
He listed the affected local governmnet areas to include Madagali, Michika, Mubi-North, Mubi South, Maiha, Hong Gombi and Song.
Others, he said were Girei, Furore, Yola North, Yola South, Toungo, Mayo-Belwa, Demsa, Shelleng, Guyuk and Numan local government areas.
Bauchi
The Zakkat Committee in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State has distributed 230 bags of grains to the needy in Bulan Gawo village.
A statement signed by the Information Officer of the council last Thursday in Bauchi, Malam Awwalu Kafi, said the commodities included 70 bags of maize, 50 bags of rice, 45 bags of millet, 35 bags of guinea corn and 30 bags of beans.
It added that the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abubakar Sale, was represented by the chief of the village, Malam Abdullahi Umar.
It appealed to wealthy persons in the society to always give out Zakkat, especially cash, to purify their wealth as enshrined in the Islamic Sharia.
Commenting on the matter, an Islamic Scholar, Malam Muhammad Umar, said Zakkat was one of the five pillars of Islam, adding that Allah mentioned in the Holy Qur’an that those who spent their wealth in His way would be rewarded.
Alhaji Muhammadu Tata, the Bauchi State Permanent Commissioner in charge of Zakkat, commended the committee for its efforts in collecting and distributing the dues.
Ekiti
A 25-year old man, Idowu Akinlaja, was last Thursday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting, stealing and threatening the life of one Mr Ayodeji Happy.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Akinyemi Oriyomi, told the court that the incident happened at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti, where the accused person allegedly beat the victim with wood and stole N42,000.
Oriyomi said the accused person had on March 12, at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti, assaulted, stole and threatened the life of Happy, the owner of a shop in the market.
The prosecutor added that Akinlaja had committed an offence punishable under various sections of the Criminal Code of Ondo State, applicable to Ekiti.
FCT
The Minister of Youth Development, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that five and not 18 prospective NYSC members lost their lives in an auto crash on their way to Taraba..
The Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr Julius Ogunro, said in a statement last Thursday that the prospective NYSC members were travelling from Lagos to Taraba where they were posted for the service
The minister, however, said contrary to earlier reports which stated that 18 corps members died, the police could only confirm the death of five prospective corps members in the crash.
“Contrary to earlier reports, which stated that 18 corps members were killed in an auto crash on their way to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Taraba, we wish to clarify that the police could only confirm the death of five prospective corps members of the fourteen people who died in the fatal crash,” the statement stated.
Kaduna
The National Chairman of ANPP, Mr Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged the media to partner with opposition political parties to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
Onu made the call in Kaduna in a good will message delivered at the golden jubilee anniversary of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Kaduna.
He advised the media to always offer fair air time and coverage to the activities of all political parties, to promote healthy competition and ensure the entrenchment of democratic culture.
The chairman said the media must also be the vanguard of peace and unity, especially now that the country was bedeviled by insecurity challenges.
Kebbi
Ahead of the governorship re-run in Kebbi, the state’s chapter of the Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has mounted a sensitisation campaign among youths to eschew political thuggery.
The Chairman of the NYA, Malam Bello Abubakar, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi last Thursday that the assembly’s campaign would go along way in dissuading youths from indulging in violence.
Abubakar said that the campaign would also discourage money politics and any form of lawlessness during election.
He said, “We will ensure that youths understand clearly their roles in the electoral process, as they may be prone to being used as thugs by desparate politicians bent on achieving their selfish goals.
“We expect the youths to be responsible in their conducts.”
Lagos
The President, National Union of Pensioners (Electricity Sector), Mr Temple Ubani, on Thursday advised the Federal Government to decentralise the Pension Unit in the Office of Head of Service of the Federation, to curb fraud.
Speaking with newsmen on alleged mismanagement of pension funds, Ubani called for the establishment of state offices of the Office of the Head of Service to monitor the management of pension funds across the country.
“If there is proper supervision of the state offices, it will be easy to keep record of the number of people that had died, those who are bed-ridden and many other lapses,’’ he said.
He said that it was pertinent to decentralise the pension office because stealing and fraud could easily be carried out through the use of fictitious names.
“The money might not be the money used to pay the pensioners but corrupt officials could use more names to get higher allocations from the government as revealed at the public hearing,’’ Ubani said.
Nasarawa
Unknown persons have vandalised windows, doors and other installations at the abandoned N2.3 billion Yams and Sweet Potatoes Processing Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Our correspondent, who visited the centre, reports that all the windows, doors, pipes and other materials had been catered away by vandals.
Contract for the project was awarded by former Governor Abdullahi Adamu, but was abandoned by his successor, former Governor Akwe Doma.
Investigations revealed that the Adamu released N80 million as mobilisation fee to the contractor of the project, BCC TROPICAL Nigeria Limited.
Workers on the project, who had been around the site for some time, however, left the area early last year, after they tried in vain to secure some attention from Gov. Aliyu Doma, Adamu’s successor.
Government sources told newsmen that the project would have been generating N150 million monthly for the state if it was completed.
Oyo
The Chairman of the Bee-Keepers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Mr Ayodele Salako, says the inadequate number of bee-keepers is responsible for the high cost of honey.
Salako told the newsmen in Ibadan that only mass production of honey occasioned by an increased number of bee-keepers could bring down the cost of honey.
He said the huge demand for honey in the face of inadequate supply had led to a hike in the price of the commodity.
To boost the volume of production, he said the association had embarked on membership drive.
“ The population of active members has increased from 1,600 about this time last year to more than 2,000 at present.
“ We are optimistic that more people will turn to bee keeping by joining us,’’ he said.
Plateau
A-24-year old man, Abdulsalam Abuta, has appeared before an Upper Area Court in Jos for alledgedly stealing a chair estimated to cost N10,000.
Abuta, a resident of Agwan-Rogo area of Jos, appeared before Malam Mustapha Hassan, on a one-count charge of theft.
The Prosecutor, Mr Shuaibu Tambaya, had told the court that on March 7, at about 2.00 p.m., the accused was arrested for allegedly stealing the swinging chair.
He said the accused, in company of one Hamza Maisalati— now at large— broke into the shop of Alhaji Awwalu Haruna and made away with the chair.
“Luck, however, ran out on them as they were sighted by some neighbours of Haruna, while they were committing the offence.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has reiterated the determination of the government to provide necessary working tools for its workforce to achieve maximum results.
Wamakko made the pledge while swearing in 9 Permanent Secretaries at the Government House.
“ Your appointment comes at a time when the government has demonstrated greater concern and commitment to the welfare of workers.”
He explained that this had translated to a better pay package, timely payment of salaries and emoluments, and provision of loans as well as incentives to achieve its targets.
Taraba
The Taraba Government has been advised not to relocate its College of Agriculture from Jalingo to Gembu in the state or risk losing the accreditation status of all its courses.
Mr Aloysius Mpieri, the team leader from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), gave the advice on Thursday in Jalingo at a news conference.
He said the planned relocation of the college would mean starting everything a fresh.
“I can’t say no to their plan, but my advice is that all the accreditation status would be lost.
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.”
-
Politics4 days ago
ADC ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVES IN RIVERS LGA
-
Politics4 days ago
INEC To Display Voters Register April 29 As CVR Phase II Closes Nationwide
-
Sports4 days ago
WAN Mourns Ex-NFF President Galadima
-
Politics4 days ago
Ekiti 2026: IPC Trains Journalists On Election Coverage
-
Politics4 days ago
GROUP BLASTS ATIKU CRITICAL COMMENTS AGAINST JONATHAN … SAYS EX-VP CAREER ASPIRANT
-
Sports4 days ago
NBA PlayOff: Lakers Make Winning Start
-
Sports4 days ago
Brentford Miss Chance To Move Up
-
Sports4 days ago
NSF champion Osaretin wins at Tour du Faso