Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly
have agreed to contribute 50 per cent of their salaries to the development of the state.
The Majority Leader, Alhaji Musa Mahmud, made this known in Yola while speaking to newsmen.
Governor Mohammed Jibrilla had last Monday said 50 per cent of his salary and that of his deputy would be donated to the state.
He also urged the state’s lawmakers to consider donating part of their salaries to the state.
Mahmud told newsmen that the lawmakers made the sacrifice willingly in view of the financial condition of the state.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has
reiterated the need to end early and forced marriage, saying that it constitutes a serious human rights abuse.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, made the call in Abuja at an event organised by the commission to mark the Day of the African Child.
Angwe, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Harry Obe, said that early and forced marriage could represent a threat to both the child and the society.
“Early and forced marriage is a serious human rights abuse, which threatens not just children, but the society at large.
“This menace undermines the rights and development of children as it impacts on their emotional, physical, psychological, health, education, economic well-being and dignity.
Gombe
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has began the distri
bution of food items to 1, 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gombe State.
The items were presented to the IDPs by the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar on behalf of the organisation.
He said that the gesture was to support the IDPs as they struggle to regain themselves after their traumatic experience in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents.
The Emir urged the inmates to be patient as the items would not be enough for all of them.
He said that a screening committee set up by the JNI had identified families in dire need of assistance, who would benefit from the gesture.
Jigawa
An environmentalist, Malam Sadiq Ado, has called on
the Federal Government to ban tree felling to check deforestation in the country.
Ado made the call in an interview with newsmen in Hadejia, Jigawa.
The environmentalist also called for the adoption of practical measures to encourage development of alternative energies to curb use of fuel wood.
He said the measure was imperative in view of the quantum of destruction of forest resources through tree felling.
Ado listed the effects of tree felling to include extinction of wildlife, desert encroachment, soil erosion, flood and climate imbalance.
Kaduna
The Director-General of the National Youths Service
Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, has challenged corps member to be agents of change and promote core societal values.
Olawumi gave the charge when he visited Batch “A” stream B corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kaduna.
“As young men and women you are going to be the vanguard to drive the change from some negative aspect or vices within the country to positive ones.
“You must imbibe the virtues of honesty, loyalty, integrity, hard work and sacrifice for the good of your country”, he said.
He advised the corps members to imbibe good qualities that would lead to the realization of their potentials as prospective leaders of the country.
Kano
The Kano State Hisba Board has distributed rice and
cooking oil to 1,200 widows who have children.
The Director General of the board, Dr Abba Sufi, presided over the distribution of the items in Kano.
He explained that the items were donated by an Islamic Group, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), to assist orphans and other less privileged persons during forthcoming Ramadan.
Each of the beneficiaries was given one bag of rice and a gallon of cooking oil.
Sufi called on wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to support the poor, especially during the forthcoming Ramadan fast to earn the blessings of Allah.
Kogi
An appeal has gone to the three tiers of governments
and citizenry in Kogi to embark on massive afforestation to minimise global warming and preserve its ecosystem .
The Vice President, North Central of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Mr Nuhu Anyegwu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Idah, Kogi.
Anyegwu also suggested that sustained environmental enlightenment programmes should be organised to encourage positive actions that will preserve the ecosystem.
He added that Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) must be carried out by relevant professionals before embarking on any major project.
Lagos
A university don, Prof. Michael Akur, has called for
more autonomy for local governments to boost business activities at the grassroots.
Akur, a political science lecturer at the University of Jos, gave the advice in a telephone interview with newsmen.
He said that policies of local governments for grassroots development were the more viable approach to grow enterprises in those areas.
Akur said that granting more autonomy to local governments would aid the growth of local businesses.
“Independence for local government is sacrosanct for entrepreneurship at the lowest level of government of government to improve,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
expressed determination to block all revenue leakages in order to shore up the state’s finances for enhanced development.
Al-Makura said at the inauguration of a task force on illegal collection of revenue in Karu area of the state, the administration would explore all available revenue sources to enhance its earnings.
The governor was represented by Mr Muazu Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, at the inauguration in Lafia.
He said the task force was empowered to review activities of Karu Area Planning and Development Authority regarding revenue collection.
Plateau
The Governing Council of the University of Jos
(UNIJOS) has approved the promotion of 17 readers to the rank of professors and 22 others to that of readers.
This is contained in statement signed by Abdullahi Abduallahi, Principal Assistant Register, Information and Public Relations, UniJos, and made available to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday.
The statement said some of the promotions took effect from October 1, 2013 while others took effect from October 1, 2014.
The new professors include: Ahmedu Ibrahim Musa, (Religion and Philosophy) ; Gideon Umezurike Egezie, (Human Physiology); Grace Mebi Ayanbimpe, (Medical Microbiology); Noel Nenman Wanang (Pharmacology); Nyager Elizabeth, (Theatre and Film Arts); and Agaku Jacob, (Theatre and Film Arts); who was promoted post-humously.
Others who were promoted to professors are : Ikonji Ogaji, (Pharmaceutical Technology); David Pam Yakubu, (Zoology); Bakwa Dirting Dakup (Physics); and Barnabas John Kwaha (Physics).
Taraba
The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU),
Taraba State University chapter, on Tuesday said that the state government should give cash-backing to the N100 million cheque issued to it.
It said that it would suspend its three-month-old strike as soon as the state government fulfilled this condition.
Dr Reuben Jonathan, the chapter’s chairman, gave the condition in Jalingo while reacting to the call by the government that the union should suspend the strike.
The state government gave the union a bounced cheque for N100 million in March, as part payment for the lecturers’ outstanding allowances of over N400 million.
Jonathan, however, urged the government to fulfill its commitments.
He said that though the bounced cheque was issued by the immediate past administration, the present administration should respect the earlier agreement “because government is continuity”.
Zamfara
The Emir of Anka in Zamfara State, Attahiru Ahmad,
has received his certificate of appointment as the Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effrun in Warri, Delta.
The Emir received the certificate at his palace in Anka from the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akaehomen Akii Ibhadode.
Speaking at the occasion, Ibhadode said: ‘’ we are here in Anka to present the certificate of appointment as chancellor of our great university following your appointment by the Federal Government few months ago’’.
‘’The Federal Government considered your capacity and ability in line with your academic records in both Islamic and Western education and your commitments towards the development of education in Nigeria,’’ he said.
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.”