Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Hama Bachama of Bachama Chiefdom in Adamawa State,
Chief Honest Irmiya, has appealed to beneficiaries of the state government micro-credit facility to repay the loan promptly.
Irimiya made the call when he received a government delegation on advocacy visit to his palace on the programme known as “Bindow for Social Change’’(BSC).
He said that the prompt payment of such loan would enable others to benefit in the long run.
The monarch commended the state government for the gesture, which he said, would promote entrepreneurship and reduce the attitude of dependency on the government.
He urged the people not to sabotage the policies of the administration, adding that the policies were aimed at positive change.
He encouraged the government to sustain such policies, noting that policy summersaults were the cause of underdevelopment.
Bauchi
A combined operation of the Bauchi and Taraba States
police command has led to the arrest of members of a gang for alleged murder and armed robbery.
The suspects were said to be members of vigilante groups from Alkaleri and Karim Lamido, two towns in Bauchi and Taraba States who conspired to perpetrate the crime.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Bauchi State police command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said the suspects allegedly abducted their victim, Alhaji Bello from his village, Garin Gambo in Alkaleri Local Government of Bauchi State.
He added that the victim was later taken to Taraba State where he was allegedly shot dead by the gang.
“Following a formal complaint received on the 4/12/2015 by relatives of one late Alhaji Bello of Garin Sambo in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State that on the 29/11/2015 at about 1700hrs, (a) group of armed men suspected to be vigilante from Karim Lamido in Taraba State conspired with their counterparts in Gwana District of Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State and abducted one Alhaji Bello Mai Karfi Haruna (now late) of Garin Sambo in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State to Karim Lamido in Taraba State and carted away sum of four million four hundred and seventy thousand naira (N4, 470,000),” he said.
Borno
The Borno State Government has announced its plan
to return 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) back to their communities in five local government areas in February.
No fewer than 200,000 IDPs from 23 of the 27 local government areas of the state were currently staying in 22 camps in Maiduguri after the communities were sacked by the Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.
The Executive Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), told newsmen in Maiduguri that “we are returning IDPs from communities in five local government areas in the state back to their homes in liberated areas.
“The communities are those located in Monguno, Gwoza, Askira-Uba, Mafa and Dikwa local government areas.’’
Ahmed said the movement of the IDPs would begin next week.
He noted that the exercise would involve about 10,000 IDPs from Gwoza, 8,000 from Monguno, 9,000 from Mafa and 500 from Askira among others.
FCT
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)
said it would start free installation of prepaid meters pilot scheme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this month.
Mr Abimbola Odubiyi, the Executive Director of the company’s Regulatory and Stakeholders Relations, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to him, AEDC in 2015 installed 5,000 free prepaid meters to customers in Minna, Niger State and would in February 2016, commence another installation of 1,250 free prepaid meters to customers in the FCT.
He said the installations were pilot schemes and the contractors that handled the Minna project were given 5,000 meters but that of FCT would be given 1,250 meters.
Odubiyi said the meters would be used as a test-case so as to ascertain the efficiency of the projects.
Kaduna
President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Nigerian
universities on research breakthrough to accelerate national growth and development.
Buhari gave the charge in a message to the 38th convocation ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Represented by Prof. Akanerem Essien of the National Universities’ Commission (NUC), the President also said Nigeria would not achieve greatness until “education is highly funded.”
He disclosed that the Federal Government, through TEDFUND, had established “institution based research and national research fund” to resuscitate research activities in Nigerian universities.
He, however, lamented that much of the funds were yet to be accessed by the nation’s public universities.
The President called on the universities to put in place tangible proposals for the purposes of research breakthrough that would make remarkable impact on national development.
Kebbi
The Extended Hands Foundation, an NGO, says it
has facilitated free surgical operation on 50 Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Kebbi State.
The organisation, established by a Nigerian actress, Mrs Stephenie Linus, said the surgery was performed at the VVF Centre, Birnin Kebbi.
The Project Manager of the organisation, Chinedu Omorie, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the organisation was established to assist women suffering from the disease and to help the victims to deal with the issue of stigma which they faced.
The project manager said the Foundation sponsored the surgery to enable the victims to live normal lives.
He added that “the founder of the organisation, who is an actress, is passionate about the issue of VVF and the trauma faced by victims and she is ready to
assist the women by producing a movie titled “DRY” to further enlighten them on the ailment.
Kwara
The Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr
Ali Ahmad, said the sudden demise of Hon. Moses Afolayan, member representing Oke-Ero Constituency in the House was a huge loss to the state.
The Speaker said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the departed member in llorin.
Ahmad urged the family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation.
He said “we all know that death is inevitable, but the manner it comes leaves much to be desired. We have lost a wonderful lawmaker and we are grieving
too.
“All we can say is for the family, especially the wife and children to remain strong, believing that he is resting with the Lord Almighty.
Nasarawa
The Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Raymond Tyohemba,
of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Akwanga, Nasarawa State has urged Nigerians to always stand by the truth no matter the circumstance.
Tyohemba made the call while delivering a sermon on Sunday, which he read from the books of Jeremiah 1: 4-5.17-19, First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 12: 31-13; 13 and Luke 4:21-30.
He said people should not be afraid to say the truth and do things rightly because they would be disliked by others, adding that “if people do not talk about you, then you are nobody.”
Osun
The Osun State of Osun House of Assembly has said
that it would give priority to its oversight function by strengthening its monitoring mechanisms in 2016.?
It said, this paradigm shift was necessary to ensure that the state government increases its internally generated revenue and judiciously use the same for the completion of all ongoing projects and execution of new ones.?
The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye dropped the hint during an interview with journalists.
According to him, the resolution of the Assembly was borne out of the fact that what the state needs at this critical period of the economic downturn was to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, especially for the completion of ongoing projects and pending programmes in line with the policy of the state government.?
Oyo
The Head, Cassava Weed Management Project, Dr Alfred
Dixon, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, has called on Nigeria to focus more on high quality cassava flour production.
Dixon gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said cassava flour could generate enough income for the country as the price of crude oil continued to fall in the international market, stressing that “this is the
right time for Nigeria to diversify its economy to agriculture.
“Cassava is one of the crops that should be considered because Nigeria is a global leader in its production; the country needs to increase its production.”
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government said it earmarked N500
million for the purchase of six new ultra-modern fire fighting machines to tackle the issue of fire outbreaks in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Isa Achida, made the disclosure at a news conference in Sokoto.
Achida, who was commenting on plans by the state government to stem the tide of frequent fire disasters resulting in loss of lives and property across the state, said part of the money, which was in the 2016 budget, would be used to repair six existing fire fighting machines.
According to him, the state’s Fire Service Department currently has only six fire fighting vehicles, out of which only three are fully operational.
L-R: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, Permanent Secretary, Wakama Belema, Paramount Ruler of Eneka, Port Harcourt, Prof. Rowland Woko, Former pdp National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ibeshi and National Chairman, National Association of Community Leaders of nine Oil Producing States, Mr Ishmael Oputu, during the visit of the members of the association to the Minister in Abuja on Monday
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.”