Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Federal Ministry of Health has donated medical consumables worth several thousands of naira, to flood victims in Benue.
The Tide reports that the consumables included 20 gallons of methylated spirit, 500 pieces of household clothing, 25 cartons of water filters and 10 cartons of Darrows solution.
Others were 10 cartons of dextrose salines, 5,000 pieces of insecticide nets, 2,500 ACT tablets and 5,000 ACT syrups for children.
The minister, who was represented by Mr Akin Oyemakinde, a Consultant Epidemiologist in the ministry, said in Makurdi that the items were meant to prevent an outbreak of epidemic in the flood-ravaged areas.
FCT
Former Head of State, Ernest Shonekan, on Sunday in Abuja called for dialogue with leaders of those responsible for the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.
He made the call at the graduation ceremony for participants in Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 5, of the Institute for Security Studies.
Shonekan, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the dialogue was necessary to ascertain why they engaged in the act and to find ways to end the crisis.
“They are Nigerians, and to that extent, we must find ways and means of engaging them in robust dialogue to make them see reason and eschew violence.
Kaduna
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has advised Christian clerics to always inculcate good character in the society.
The Assistant Pastor in Charge of Kaduna Province II of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Tinuoye said at the province-based ministers conference in Kaduna that the world would not get things right except the pastors got them right with Godly character.
He said that some pastors had failed the church in their conduct and way of life.
“A nation with people of strong positive character is an asset to its citizens because the standard of living will naturally be high.
Tinuoye said leadership bereft of positive character could not influence real growth in an economy, church, organisation and homes.
Kano
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Kano Stat, Hope Foundation for the Needy, has called for proper counselling of youths to reduce deviance among them.
Hajiya Naja’atu Isma’il, the Coordinator of the NGO, told The Tide in Kano that lack of counselling was a major problem triggering negative deviant behaviours.
“My encounter with many youths engaged in negative deviant behaviours made me understand that they needed counselling at every stage of their lives.
“So many of them grew up on the street without proper guidance due to many societal effects. They are also considered not part of the society.”
Kogi
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has urged indigenes of the state living in some communities in Enugu and Anambra States to return home, following their displacement by flood.
Awoniyi made the call at Igah, Ogurugu, Ojoh and Atuoacha communities of Enugu and Anambra States on Friday when he visited them.
He appealed to those displaced to come back to Kogi State, adding that the government was building low cost houses for affected victims.
He noted that the state would also provide farm inputs and improved seedlings to farmers and nets to fishermen, among others to aid those affected.
Earlier In their separate remarks, Chief Ogbali Maccilani of Oguragu and Fabian Eneanya of Odeke, who spoke on behalf of the displaced persons, thanked the various state governments for the love shown to them.
Kwara
The Libarian of the Kwara State Library, Mr Abdullahi Shaba, has stressed the need to revive the library system to enhance education in the country.
Shaba, who made the assertion in Ilorin in an interview with our correspondent, noted that this would move the education sector forward.
“Government should equip libraries with books, modern technology and a well trained staff that will give direction to our education in the country,’’ he said.
He pointed out that reading culture among Nigerians, especially students was dead and called for its reawakening through a well equipped library, pointing that inadequate funding was one of the major challenges facing most libraries, while, “technology standard is zero because there are not enough computers to work on.”
Lagos
Some lawyers in Lagos have urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle the problem of extra-judicial killings to avoid chaos in the country.
In separate interviews with our correspondent, they attributed the constant killings to the level of frustration and despondency of the citizenry.
Prof. Itse Sagay, described the situation as one in which the citizenry behaved as if they did not exist in a modern and organised society but in a stone age, saying that the country was degenerating into a state of chaos where anyone could do anything to the extent of taking lives for no just cause.
Niger
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has said that the inland port at Barau in Niger State had reached 80 per cent completion and would be ready by March 2013.
The Managing Director of the authority, Alhaji Ahmed Yar’Adua, announced this when the Ministers of information and National Planning, Mr Labaran Maku and Alhaji Shamsudeen Usman respectively, visited the facility on the Good Governance Tour.
“We have reached 80 per cent completion and we are doing everything to see how this port can be completed and put to use.
“This project would have been completed by December 2012 but due to the recent flooding, we have shifted it, so I assure you that it will be completed by December 2013.”
Ogun
A former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), has reiterated the need for communities and university authorities to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure the safety of students.
Prof Peter Okebukola gave this suggestion while speaking with The Tide at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
He was reacting to the recent attacks and killings of students of the University of Port Harcourt and the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
The Tide recalls that four students of the University of Port Harcourt were recently killed by some members of the Aluu community in Ikwerre North Local government area of Rivers State.
Ondo
The candidates of the three major political parties contesting in the Ondo State governorship election on Saturday lauded the electorates in the state for their massive turnout and orderly conduct.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who voted at about 2:18 p.m at his Ward 7 Unit 20 Polling Unit in Ondo, told newsmen after casting his vote that the turnout for the election was “ decent and unprecedented.’’
The ACN candidate, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), also cast his vote at 12:50 p.m at his Oke-Ijebu Polling Unit in Owo.
Akeredolu, who spoke to newsmen after casting his vote, said that he was impressed with the turnout and conduct of voters.
Osun
The Imam of Ejigbo Central Mosque, Ejigbo in Osun State, Alhaji AbdulSalam Omotokese, has advised Muslims to move closer to Allah in order to enjoy his protection and mercy.
Omotokese gave the advice during the Friday Juma’at sermon and thanksgiving service in Ejigbo organised for the Osun State Speaker’s wife, Alhaja Muibat Salam, who regained her freedom from kidnappers after five days in captivity.
He lauded the Muslims for the joint prayer offered on October 12 for the freedom of the speaker’s wife.
He said that Muslims should have strong belief in Allah only, adding that what happened to the speaker’s wife was a great lesson to them all.
According to him, they should all believe in Allah for their security.
Sokoto
The Police Command in Sokoto State has said that it had offered a N100,000 reward to anybody with useful information that could lead to the arrest of four gunmen who robbed a filling station on October 19.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Shaiubu Gambo, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command.
Gambo said that the command had put in place various security measures to ensure that the criminals were brought to justice, adding that the four gunmen used motorcycles to rob Malami Filling station at Arkillah and a recharge card business centre.
According to him, they shot the recharge cards seller, who later died at the Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
He urged members of the public to cooperate with the police by providing information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminals in 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.”