Nation
THE STATES
Benue
An Anglican Bishop, Bishop Nathan Inyom, has appealed to the management of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to take relief materials to other flood displaced persons who were not in the camps.
Inyom told our correspondent in Makurdi that most of the displaced persons were not in camps but were staying with relatives who were not affected by the flood.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Adikpo Akpatse, had in an earlier interview with newsmen, confirmed that more than 80 per cent of the flood victims were staying outside the camps.
The bishop argued that “by tradition, our people do not like staying in camps, they prefer to stay with relatives, so, such people should be given the relief materials.”
He maintained that the materials were meant for all displaced persons and not restricted to those living in the camps.
Borno
The Borno State Government is to construct township roads in Maiduguri with interlocking blocks, Governor Kashim Shettima announced in Maiduguri.
Shettima who made the announcement while inspecting equipment acquired by the government for the project explained that the use of interlocking blocks was to save cost and provide employment for unemployed youths in the state.
He said that the state had already taken delivery of 12 heavy duty lorries, pay-loaders and rollers for the take-off of the project.
“We are trying to embark on mass construction of township roads, using interlocking blocks.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State says that the Federal Government owed the state N6 billion over the construction of some federal road projects.
Fayemi made the statement while addressing the people in Ado-Ekiti as part of events to round off the second anniversary of his administration.
Fayemi said the state was now ranked the least in terms of material and child mortality owing to the good governance he had put in place, pointing out that the state had the highest life expectancy in Nigeria owing to his ability to provide quality leadership that was devoid of rancor and unnecessary political upheavals that dogged the state in the past.
The governor said that he had been able to give the people hope in spite of a N40 billion debt and uncompleted projects his administration inherited from the past administration.
FCT
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja has expressed concern over the high cost of governance in the country and called for a review. .
ICAN President, Mr Adedoyin Owolabi expressed the view at the opening ceremony of the 42nd ICAN Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja.
Owolabi said government needed to “urgently” revisit the cost of governance which had continued to take its toll on public funds.
“Here lies the justification and urgent need for the merger of related public sector institutions, as recently recommended by the Steve Oronsaye committee so that they can deliver on their mandate,” he said.
He added: “We must take those painful but necessary decisions that will lead us to where we desire to be as a nation by the year 2020.”
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has denied involvement in the killing of 22 persons at Dogon-Dawa village in Birnin Gwari Local Government on Sunday.
The denial followed media reports alleging that some senior police officers led the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Adenaike told newsmen in Kaduna that no police officer was at the scene of the attack.
Kano
Warawa Local Government Council in Kano State, has donated food items worth millions of naira to victims of the recent flood disaster in the area.
Our correspondent reports that the items include 200 bags of rice, 200 bags of maize and 150 jerrycans of vegetable oil, among others.
The council’s Interim Management Officer, Mr Salisu Bebeji disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bebeji said that the items were distributed on October 12, to the affected persons in five villages of the area and noted that the state government had donated some relief materials to the victims to alleviate their sufferings.
The officer urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the commodities to cushion the effect of the disaster.
Katsina
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has dropped from over three per cent to two per cent in Katsina State, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Muntari Hassan, has revealed.
Hassan made the revelation in Katsina when members of the state’s Youth Coalition Against AIDS, Drugs and Violence called on him.
He said that the reduction of the infection was achieved through continuous public enlightenment and sensitisation by the agency and some non-governmental bodies.
Hassan noted that the assistance being provided by various counseling and testing centres had also facilitated the reduction of the infection in the state.
“In 2008, there were only nine counseling and testing centres in the state but now the number of such centres had increased to 52”.
Kebbi
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Works and Housing has given a three-month ultimatum to the contractor rehabilitating the Jega- Koko/Besse road in Kebbi State to either complete it or have the contract revoked.
The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Rep. Ali Wudil issued the ultimatum when he led other members on an inspection visit to the project site.
Contract for the 60 km-road rehabilitation project was awarded by the Federal Government at N966.8 million.
Wudil bemoaned the slow pace of work at the site and complained about the contractor’s attitude to work.
Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin paraded three suspects for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Fabode, told newsmen that the accused were arrested by intelligence operatives of the ‘B’ Division in Ilorin on suspicion of belonging to a gang of thieves.
Fabode said that when the accused persons were searched, one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, two motorcycle receipt booklets and two stamps were recovered from them.
Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS), Onne, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, withdrew the admission of 55 trainees, including four women, for alleged certificate forgery.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Apapa, Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu, made the fact known to newsmen in Lagos.
Azubuike said that the suspects had been handed over to the police in Port Harcourt for further investigation, adding that if found guilty, the trainees, who spent three months in the school, risked seven years imprisonment.
The FOC said that the command had a process of weeding candidates with fake school certificates through verification from various examination bodies.
“The verification is a continuous process, nobody will come to navy with false certificate and nobody will come to navy with a brother’s certificate.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Bala Wada-Adamu, has told civil servants in the country to always update their knowledge through research and training.
Wada-Adamu told our correspondent in Lafia that the advice became necessary to make the workers to meet global demands of actualising an effective civil service.
He spoke shortly after a reception in honour of Mr Mohammed Ramalan, the retiring director of building in the ministry.
The commissioner, who elaborated on the benefits of being a dedicated staff, advised civil servants to put in their best while in service.
He explained that “good work never goes in vain,” noting “there is reward for every hard work we do.”
Niger
The Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) says it has introduced a buy-back programme towards evacuating empty sachet water packs off the streets.
The General Manager of the agency, Dr Yakubu Yandai told our correspondent in Minna that the programme was aimed at preventing environmental hazards.
“We have commenced a programme known as ‘Buy-back empty sachet water packs and used plastics from consumers.
“The programme will start with three environmental clubs in public secondary schools in Minna, which will buy-back the wastes and bring them to us for recycling.
Ogun
The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has promised to make this year’s edition of the Ojude-Oba festival, scheduled for October 28, a memorable one.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Miss Busola Ogundele made the pledge at a media briefing on the event in Ijebu-Ode.
Ogundele said the festival had placed the Ijebus and the state as a whole on the international map, pointing out that the annual event had also attracted tourists and investors to the state.
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.”
-
Politics2 days ago
ADC ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVES IN RIVERS LGA
-
Politics2 days ago
Ekiti 2026: IPC Trains Journalists On Election Coverage
-
Sports2 days ago
WAN Mourns Ex-NFF President Galadima
-
Politics2 days ago
INEC To Display Voters Register April 29 As CVR Phase II Closes Nationwide
-
Sports2 days ago
Brentford Miss Chance To Move Up
-
Sports2 days ago
NBA PlayOff: Lakers Make Winning Start
-
Politics2 days ago
GROUP BLASTS ATIKU CRITICAL COMMENTS AGAINST JONATHAN … SAYS EX-VP CAREER ASPIRANT
-
Sports2 days ago
NSF champion Osaretin wins at Tour du Faso