Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has said that its weekly intervention at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri was to address complaints of food shortages.
The NEMA North-East Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Kanar, said this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Kanar said the aim of the exercise was to ensure that the materials supplied by the agency actually got to the IDPs.
“We realised that there is a gap in the camps in the area of food supply leading to persistent complaints by the displaced persons.
“So, we have decided that henceforth, we will be supplying varieties of materials including foodstuff to each IDPs camps on weekly basis,” he said.
Kanar said that the agency would also monitor the distribution of the items.
“The new arrangement came into being as a result of complaints that some managers of the camps were short-changing the IDPs in the distribution of the materials,” he said.
Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has said that the commission would provide adequate security for polling unit officers during the general elections.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba, Dr Nura Yakubu, made this known in Gombe.
Yakubu spoke with newsmen at the training of 300 ad hoc staff engaged by the commission for the poll.
He said that the security threat was the major reason why the election was rescheduled.
“In each of the polling unit, there will be three policemen with other security personnel and within 300 perimeters there will be armed police men.
“And off course there will be military patrol on the Election Day because movement will be restricted,” he said.
Jigawa
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),
Dutse Study Centre, says it has matriculated 158 students for the 2015/16 academic session.
The Director of the centre, Alhaji Abdulahi Dogo, announced this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse last Wednesday.
Dogo urged the newly admitted students to study hard and justify the confidence reposed in them and also obey the rules and regulations of the institution.
He explained that NOUN was the same as the conventional universities and its certificates were accepted and recognised nationally and internationally.
The director announced that NOUN students regularly participated in Open Distance Learning (ODL) not only in Nigeria or Africa but worldwide.
Kaduna
Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has appealed
to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Kaduna State chapter to call off its ongoing strike.
Yero made the appeal when he swore in Justice Nasiru Sadiq, as a judge of the state High Court at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, in Kaduna.
He said the demands of the judiciary workers would only be addressed through negotiation which could only hold after the union must have suspended its strike.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to JUSUN to call off the strike. We cannot use strike to resolve this matter because it is an internal problem.
“We promise to do our best to give you what you are asking for”, he said.
Kano
Bayero University, Kano has said that Vice President
Namadi Sambo had offered N5 million scholarship to 100 students of the institution.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs of the institution, Ahmad Shehu, in Kano.
The statement said Sambo awarded the scholarship in his capacity as a private citizen of Nigeria.
“The beneficiaries cut across various faculties and departments; each of the beneficiaries will get N50,000,’’ it said.
It said the scholarship would be disbursed to the beneficiaries in April after the University’s Indigent Scholarship Award Committee concluded the screening exercise.
“The university will continue to remember and cherish such humanitarian gesture from wealthy individuals, who award scholarship to indigent students of the university,’’ it said.
Kebbi
Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State, has approved
the appointments of heads of four parastatal agencies in the state.
The Director of Press to the governor, Alhaji Abubakar Mu’azu, said this in a statement issued to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the appointments were with immediate effect.
He said that those appointed include Alhaji Muhammad Abdullahi, Director, state School of Nursing and Midwifery and Sulaiman Sauwa, General Manager, state Agricultural Supply Company.
Alhaji Sanusi Illo was appointed Programme Manager state Agricultural and Rural Development Agency and Mohammed Aljannare was appointed General Manager, Urban Development Authority.
Kogi
Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, has
stressed the need for court buildings to be adequately equipped with modern infrastructure and communication facilities to enable judges administer justice equitably without distraction.
He made the remark at the inauguration of the newly-constructed complex of Grade 1 Area Court in Odu-Ogboyaga, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi.
“Court buildings must command respect; be hallowed and exude some degree of confidence for judicial pronouncements to be respected, honoured and effective,’’ he said.
Ajanah also stressed the need for judges to be diligent and uphold the integrity of the judiciary in all circumstances to command the respect of litigants and the society.
He described the inauguration of the court complex as “fulfillment’’ of a programme he conceived some years ago to bring justice closer to the people.
Kwara
The Special Adviser on Women Affairs to Kwara State
Governor, Mrs Abiola Adimula, said Government had released N100 million to empower women in the state.
Adimula announced this at a forum to mark the International Women Day 2015 in Ilorin recently.
She explained that the money was a revolving loan to boost the economic capacity of women in the state.
Wife of the governor, Omolewa Ahmed, said the present administration in the state was committed to the wellbeing of the people.
In a message, Omolewa said the LEAH Foundation had achieved a lot in improving the life expectancy of the people through its various health initiatives and awareness programmes.
Lagos
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo
Atilade, has sought the support of the state lawmakers over financial autonomy for judiciary and the appointment of more judges.
Atilade, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said that the state judiciary was groaning under inadequate allocation of funds.
The chief judge pleaded for the intervention of the assembly to bring more development to the state judiciary.
She said that lack of adequate funding had been a challenge to the development of the judicial arm of government in the state.
The chief judge said that her great vision would not be achieved, unless there was financial independence for the judiciary.
‘‘I have come to seek the assistance of the speaker and the house concerning financial autonomy for the judiciary in Lagos State and the appointment of more judges, she said.
Ondo
Vice President Namadi Sambo has reiterated his
commitment towards the development of the nation and transformation agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, if elected for second term on March 28.
Sambo, running mate to the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirmed this during an interactive with leadership of Muslim Ummah, South West, Edo and Delta in Akure last Wednesday.
Prayers were said for the security of the nation and the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.
Secretary General of the League of Imams and Alphas, Aladesewa, commended Jonathan for the transformational projects embarked upon in the country.
He decried the menace of the deadly Islamic sect, Boko Haram in the North Eastern part of the nation.
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris; Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Health, Suru Avoseh; Apex Nurse in Lagos, Mrs Abosede Oluwabuyede and Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, during the inauguration of Cardiac and Renal Centre at the General Hospital, Gbagada in Lagos recently. Photo: NAN
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.”