Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Society for Gender and Child Advancement recently told the Federal Government to invest more in the training of teachers to engender development.
The Director of the group, Mrs Eva Kyaagba, who made the call at Aliade in Benue State, said that investing in teachers’ training would accelerate the development of basic education nationwide.
Kyaagba was speaking at the opening ceremony of a five-day teachers’ training workshop, at the Mount St. Michele’s Secondary School in Aliade.
The workshop was organised by the society in collaboration with the school.
She said that, the training would expose teachers to various teaching techniques and skills.
Ekiti
A housewife, Adedoyin Babatunde, recently told an Ikole-Ekiti Customary Court that her love for her husband ceased when she discovered he had three other wives and children.
Reports indicate that the 35-year-old mother of three said she did not know she would be the fourth wife to bear children for her husband .
She said that her husband, Mr Olusola Babatunde, first proposed to her seven years ago.
Adedoyin also told the court that, her husband only told her that he had a child from another woman when they met.
The estranged wife also said that she confessed to him too that she too had a child already.
The plaintiff said that she discovered in 2015 that her husband, a commercial driver, already had three other women who bore him four children.
FCT
The Senate has urged, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credibility in Saturday’s bye-election in Osun West Senatorial District.
The call followed the adoption of a motion by Sen. Duro Faseyi (PDP-Ekiti) at plenary last Thursday.
Moving the motion earlier, Faseyi had said that, there were series of allegations and counter-allegations of plot to manipulate the outcome of the election.
He said that, there was tension in Osun West ahead of the Saturday poll for the replacement of Sen. Isiaka Adeleke, who died on April 23.
Faseyi said that, INEC must ensure equity, fairness and transparency in the bye-election to enhance its credibility.
Kaduna
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), recently, assured investors in the agricultural sub-sector of adequate security from cattle rustlers and vandals.
A statement by the Kaduna State Command of the corps, said that the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana gave the assurance when he visited Golden Acres Farm located on Kaduna-Abuja Express Way.
The statement, signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Orndiir Terzungwe, quoted the commandant-general as saying that, the establishment of Agro-Rangers unit of the corps was to provide security to agricultural investments.
“Providing physical security for agric investments and investors has become necessary in supporting the Federal Government’s plan towards diversifying the economy from over dependence on oil to agriculture,” Gana was quoted as saying.
Katsina
Katsina State Government has allocated 10,382 bags of fertilizer to Zango Local Government Area for the 2017 wet season farming.
Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor, Aminu Masari, Alhaji Usman Zango, announced the figure while launching the sale of the commodity in Zango last Wednesday.
Zango is also the Chairman of the Committee on sale and distribution of fertilizer in the local government.
He said that, the commodity would be sold to interesting farmers at the cost of N5,500 per bag at the 98 polling units in the council area.
The chairman said that, each polling unit would be allocated 109 bags of the Urea and NPK.
Kwara
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 18, 000 voters in Kwara State since the beginning of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on April 27.
The INEC’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Mr Paul Atser, made this known in Ilorin last Thursday while answering questions from journalists during an inspection tour of registration centres.
Atser said that, the commission had also created six additional registration centres in the state.
The administrative secretary said that, the six new centres were spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to him, the centre are Oro Ago, Ajase I, Oke Oyi, Pake, Bani and Malete.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly, last Monday moved to assess the mid-term performance of the state’s 2017 budget to ascertain how Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state were faring.
The House decided to take the step after the Chairman, House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Rotimi Olowo, harped on the need for such review.
According to Olowo, reviewing the budget performance in the last six months will help give direction for the 2018 budget estimates, which he noted, could hit the N1trillion mark.
“The exercise will help scrutinise how the MDAs are doing in terms of the revenue generated, as well as their level of compliance with their capital and recurrent expenditure,” he said.
Nasarawa
The 13 local government areas in Nasarawa State, have shared N1.65 billion for the payment of staff salaries for the month of June.
Mr Haruna Illiya-Osegba, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made this disclosure to newsmen last Wednesday in Lafia, after the state’s Local Government Joint Account Committee and stakeholders’ meeting.
He explained that, the LGAs in the state got N1.5 billion from the federation account for the month of June.
“The wage bill of the council areas stood at N2.2 billion, making the current allocation insufficient to pay full salaries to the workers.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates’ Court, last Thursday in Minna ordered the remand of a 33-year-old cleric Paul Aderinwa, in prison for allegedly raping a minor.
Aderinwa was arraigned on a count charge of rape, contrary to section 283 of the penal code law.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp Gunduma Ibrahim, told the court that, one Oluwatoyin Joseph of Gurara reported the matter at Kpakungu Police Station on June 28.
Ibrahim told the court that the defendant, also a resident of Gurara, invited the daughter of the complainant to his house under the pretext of sending her on an errand.
Osun
Two persons were last Wednesday remanded in custody at the Ilesa Prisons by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court over the alleged possession of Canniabis Sativa, otherwise known as Indian hemp, and some charms.
The accused persons were Adeleke Nurudeen, 17, and Adeleke Lukman, 16.
They are facing a three-count charge bothering on conspiracy and unlawful possession.
The Magistrate, Mrs Olubukola Olowolagba, gave the order that the accused be kept in prison custody, due to the magnitude of the offences committed.
Plateau
The Plateau State Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Mr Abudullahi Abbas, last Wednesday said indiscriminate human activities were responsible for flooding in the state.
Abbas, in an interview with newsmen in Jos, noted that the state was blessed with an excellent topography which facilitated free flow of water.
He, however, identified building houses along water ways, dumping of waste in drainages, erection of houses without drainage and poor drainage among the major factors leading to flooding in the state.\
“We, on the Plateau are not meant to be afraid of flooding, because of our topography, if only we avoid the dumping of waste in drainages.
Sokoto
The Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Sokoto State, Mr Ayobami Omiyale, has warned personnel of the commission to steer clear of extortion or be ready to face the consequences.
Omiyale, gave the warning on Thursday, in Sokoto at the opening of a retreat on the executive order on the Ease of Doing Business, signed recently by acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Reports that, the retreat has as its theme,”Actualisation of Presidential Order, 001 On Transparency in Doing Business: FRSC Perspective.”
Omiyale said, “you should not receive or demand for bribe; on no occasion should any officer extort money from the motoring public.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government, says it has cleared 1,000 hectares of land to re-engage over 500 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into farming.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mustapha Gajerema, said this on Thursday in Damaturu, while inspecting newly procured farm implements.
He said that, the government had procured tractor spare parts, tyres, plough discs, thrashers and other equipment worth N38 million to boost agricultural production in the state this cropping season.
Gajerema said that, the government would provide the IDPs with improved seeds and fertiliser to support their efforts to engage in food production, so as to boost the state’s food security and economic recovery.
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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