Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A consortium of agricultural experts, Wright Brothers
Farmers, has asked the Benue State Government for land to invest in commercial agriculture in the state.
The leader of the team, Mr Lee Wright, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam in Makurdi, said they were in the state on the recommendation of the Federal Government, to secure land for commercial farming.
Lee said they had approached the Federal Government for land to establish commercial farms and were referred to Benue State on the grounds that it was the only state with the land mass to accommodate their request.
He said when established, the farm would produce food that would be affordable to the people of the state and the country at large.
Ekiti
An agricultural consultant, Dr Mobolade Famodimu,
has urged poultry farmers to develop more interest in quail farming.
Famodimu, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at Ido in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State last Tuesday, said that quail farming was profitable.
“Experience has also shown that cost management of quail farming is less when compared with other poultry.
“Poultry owners who are yet to embrace quail farming should begin to invest in it because it is easier to keep and has little risk.”
FCT
Some persons with disabilities have called on the
government to initiate purposeful policies which would reduce their plight and incorporate them in decision-making processes.
They made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Abuja, as the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Break Barriers and Open Doors for an inclusive society and development for all’’.
Ms Ekaete Umoh, Executive Director, Family-Centred Initiative for Challenged Persons, said that persons with disabilities ought to start enjoying the rights which they deserved in the society.
Gombe
The Emir of Gombe State, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar,
has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to relocate the Federal University, Kashere, in Akko Local Government Area of the state, to Gombe.
The Emir made the appeal when the President visited him in his palace in Gombe.
“Permit me to express our grievances of the majority of our people in Gombe with regard to federal university allocated to Gombe State by your government,” he said.
He said that the current location of the university meant that its potentialities were a loss to the generality of the people of the state and Nigerians.
He said that the university’s employees were facing challenges of shuttling on daily basis from Gombe to the location.
Kwara
The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof.
AbdulGaniyu Ambali, said in Ilorin that the institution would soon start a degree programme in Entrepreneurship Studies.
Ambali stated this at a book launch entitled “Management and Entrepreneurship in Societal Transformation: Perspectives from Africa”.
The vice chancellor said the book was written in honour of Prof. Jackson Olujide, the Dean of Management Sciences, because of his commitment to duty.
Ambali said that efforts were being made to reform the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre in the university.
Lagos
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Dikko
Abdullahi, has said that Customs would no longer stop any cargo on the road with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
Abdullahi said this at the launching of PAAR at Trade Hub Centre of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.
He said that all cargoes cleared with the PAAR document would not be stopped on roads by the Customs to encourage people to use them.
“With PAAR, clearing of cargoes is convenient, faster and limits human contact,’’ he said.
Abdullahi advised that an importer should open a PAAR, fill and submit the document before importing a cargo.
He said it was pertinent for the maritime operators to embrace the new system by using the information available to comply with the trade routes to facilitate their business.
Nasarawa
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman
Dikko, has reiterated his commitment to decongest prisons through speedy administration of justice in the state.
Dikko announced the commitment at the commencement of a four-day working tour of prisons in the state in Lafia recently.
He attributed the delay of justice in cases of most awaiting trial inmates in various prisons to the attitude of the police.
“The police go ahead to assign robbery and capable homicide cases to Magistrates, Area and Upper Area courts, knowing that those courts do not have jurisdiction over such matters,’’ he said.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said
that the state government would partner with the Malaysian Government to revamp its agricultural sector in the areas of rice and palm oil production.
Amosun said this in Abeokuta while receiving a delegation from the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, led by Mohammed Abdullah, the Secretary-General of the ministry.
“All the local governments in the state have their own uniqueness in terms of crops production.
“We are looking into where we have comparative advantage like rice, cassava, palm oil plantation, cotton and many others,” the governor said.
He said that if the state government could get it right in agricultural production, it would create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed youths.
Osun
The Osun State University has distributed cheques
to indigenous vegetable farmers’ cooperative societies as part of the efforts to boost food production.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adekunle Okesina, presided over the ceremony at a workshop held at the university’s auditorium in Osogbo.
The programme was hosted by the university under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) in conjunction with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and University of Manitoba.
No fewer than seven organisations including Odi-Aperin God Mercy Cooperative Akanran, Unity Farmers’ Society, Akure, Ijero Ekiti Precious Women Cooperative and Inisa Vegetable Growers benefitted from the gesture.
Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command says that it has
arrested two suspected drug traffickers with 646 bags of Indian hemp, valued at N11 million.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Indabawa, said this at a news conference in Ibadan recently.
Indabawa said that the police acted on a piece of information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ogbere, Ibadan, on November 29 around 9.00 p.m.
“We learnt that a consignment of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was packaged and already loaded for conveyance in a truck at a cannabis plantation at Eleja Village, near Akanran.
“The DAF truck, marked XR 967 JJJ was intercepted and found loaded with 646 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Plateau
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),
UNIJOS chapter has said that classes would only resume in the institution if directed by the national body.
The chapter Chairman, Dr David Jangdam told newsmen in Jos that the lecturers were waiting for directives from the national body before the five-months strike could be called off.
“Classes will only resume if directed by the national body,’’ he said.
Jangdam said that the decision of the national body was final and binding on all local chapters.
L-R: Assistant Controller-General of Prisons, Dr Ekpedeme Udom, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu and representative of I-G, Mr Dauda Fakai, at the official launch of the Police Action Committee on Aids Strategic Plan Document in Abuja, last Tuesday.
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.”
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