Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
Stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector have appealed to all tiers of government to make water available to government-owned schools nationwide to avoid premature deaths of students.
The call was informed by the death of three female students in search of water at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
It will be recalled the students fell into a well located in the school premises while trying to fetch water from it.
Eye witness reports showed that the three girls were washing on top of the well, while four others sat on it when it suddenly collapsed.
Adamawa
Adama Beverages Limited, makers of Faro bottled water and juice, has won the 2011 Best Contributing Employer in Human Resources Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Yola zone.
The Area Manager of ITF, Mallam Ishaku Shehu, presented the award to the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Ahmed Jarma, in Yola.
He commended the company for its commitment to staff training in 2011.
Shehu said that such effort in training and re-training of staff by the companies would facilitate better productivity.
He recalled that the ITF was established by Decree 47 of 1971 (now Act) with the responsibility of contributing to training of staff of organisations that remit one per cent of their total pay roll to the fund.
Bauchi
Bank customers in Bauchi State have been groaning over constant malfunctioning of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Bauchi metropolis and environs.
Checks revealed that customers have been having problems with the machines since the use of the machines was made compulsory..
Bank customers complained that the machines were always malfunctioning when their service were needed most, particularly at month ends.
A civil servant with the state government, Malam Usman Damina, complained that the machines always went bad whenever it was a month end.
‘’I can’t understand these machines. No branch of banks that you go to at the end of the month that you will not see long lines of customers. And at the end of the day, the ATMs will pack up. This is frustrating.
Borno
The Borno Government has said that it was working on plans to train 100 graduates of Agriculture and other related fields in Thailand.
A statement from the Government House in Maiduguri said that Governor Kashim Shettima disclosed the plan when he received a team of agriculture experts from Thailand.
The statement, signed by the Special Adviser on Communications, Malam Isa Gusau, said that the training was part of the partnership between the state government and some Thailand-based agro-allied experts.
Shettima said in the statement that the training was part of his administration’s drive to revolutionise agriculture in the state.
“The governor said that the 100 graduates of different fields in agriculture, as well as those of other-related sciences disciplines will undergo a vigorous selection process.”
Jijawa
The Jigawa Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hajia Hauwa Lawal, has said that 1,200 stalls had been allocated to traders in the new Dutse market.
She told newsmen in Dutse that shop owners in the old market were treated fairly by allocating stalls to them before considering new applicants.
The commissioner said the traders had been given up to April 20 to move to the new market.
Lawal said that basic amenities like potable water, electricity and toilet facilities were provided in the market.
She explained that the old market would be converted to central business districts, in line with the masterplan of the state capital.
Kano
Dealers in second-hand clothes in Kano City are currently enjoying high patronage, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reveals.
Our correspondent, who visited second-hand clothes market at Kofar Wambai in the Kano metropolis, reports that dealers were seen making appreciable sales.
Several buyers clustered around the traders, selecting clothes they wanted to buy.
Malam Isa Ladan, one of the buyers, attributed the high demand for second-hand clothes to the current economic situation in the country.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged youths to join the nation’s security organisations to restore peace and order in the state.
Yakowa gave the advice while receiving the state indigenes of Batch 20 graduates of the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School Onne, Port Harcourt, who paid him a courtesy call.
The governor urged the 35 graduates to be dedicated, determined and to work hard in their various places of assignments.
He said more indigenes would be recruited to participate in the next batch of the course to enable the state get more position in the navy.
Yakowa reiterated the government’s commitment towards peace, unity and development and assured them of his support.
Katshina
A former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, has donated drugs worth N100,000 to a nomadic community in Aidun Hassan village of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Presenting the drugs, Alhaji Mamman Abubakar said the donation was part of his effort to assist the less-privileged people in the area.
He said the gesture would save members of the community from the dangers of using fake and expired drugs being sold by hawkers in the area.
He also advised the benefiting community to make good use of the assorted drugs.
The former Speaker urged the people to cooperate with the Nursing Officer in-Charge of the village clinic to achieve the objectives.
ed a school, Juma’at mosque and clinic in Aidun Hassan village.
Kogi
The Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, has banned two former public officers in the state from holding public offices for one year for failing to declare their assets.
Those banned are Sumaila Adamu and Sumaila Shuaibu, Special Advisers to Ofu Local Government Chairman in 2007, were banned for refusing to declare their assets after collecting the bureau’s asset declaration form.
The tribunal ordered the ban in Lokoja while trying 40 accused persons in Kogi, who contravened various sections of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charges of non-declaration and submission of the forms within 30 days of issuance.
Lagos
A wood dealer, Molapo Olajuowo, 30, was last week arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of wood valued at N200,000.
The accused, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Philomena Omorogie, alleged that the accused stole one raft containing 13 logs of wood valued at N200, 000 belonging to one Mr Austine Pinrin.
Omorogie said that the accused stole the wood on March 28 at about 1 p.m. at Okobaba area of Ebute Meta, adding that the offence contravened Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Code.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council, Mr Dogo Shammah, has urged journalists to key into the new insurance policy initiated by the national headquarters of the union.
Shammah made the call in Lafia when he led a delegation of the state executive of the union on a condolence visit to the NTA over the loss of one of its staff, Mrs Lois Abimiku.
He said that although death was inevitable for all mortals, its effect on the dependants could be reduced through measures such as the new insurance policy by the union.
He said that two members of the union (Peter Uma of NBS and Lois Abimiku of NTA) died between March and April this year without registering with the scheme.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has called on corporate organisations in the state to support efforts at rebuilding the state.
The governor made the call in Abeokuta when he received the management team of Keystone Bank Plc which visited him.
A statement issued in Abeokuta by the governor’s spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Wakama, quoted Amosun as saying that the state was ready to partner with genuine investors.
The governor, according to the statement, said the partnership should be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, housing and urban development.
Amosun also said his administration had achieved significant improvement in its Internally Generated Revenue, adding that the state was planning to be financially self-sufficient.
Oyo
An Ibadan Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand in prison of a 21-year-old man, Adetunji Adeyemi, for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl.
Adeyemi was alleged to have raped the girl on April 6 at about 9:45 am at Elebu area of Oluyole, Ibadan.
The police prosecutor, ASP Grace Akinsehinwa, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.
The plea of the accused was, however, not taken.
Chief Magistrate Fatimah Badrudeen adjourned the case till June 4.
Yobe
The Yobe Teaching Service Board has said that teachers posted to remote areas in the state were paid hardship allowance to encourage them to stay in their areas of posting.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Alhaji Maijawa Dawayo, made this known in Damaturu at a news conference.
He said that teachers employed by the board also enjoy responsibility allowance as incentive to boost productivity and commitment to duty.
The chairman noted that 1,478 teachers were manning 40 senior secondary schools in the state, adding that “there are 373 university graduates, 55 HND holders, 810 NCE holders and others. “The board also trained 474 others through in-service to pursue degree programmes in various universities in the country.”
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.”