Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom said last Friday in Makurdi that he had never accused the Catholic Church of ganging up against his administration.
Ortom in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase was reacting to a report circulated on the social and conventional media, which quoted him as making that remark.
The report had quoted Ortom as accusing Catholic Churches of planning to use their huge population to vote him out in 2019.
It further quoted Ortom as saying that he would mobilise other Christian denominations to neutralise the Catholic Churches and shame them by securing his second term bid.
But Ortom, who accused the opposition of spewing hatred against him, said that he could not have made such remark against the Catholic Church or any other group in Benue.
Borno
A 67-year-old blind displaced person, Mr Babakura Mustapha has moved his family out of the Dalori Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri due to the alleged activities of rapists.
Report says that about two million persons displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency are taking shelter in various camps in Maiduguri and other liberated communities in the North-East while 11 designated camps in Maiduguri are managed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), while five others are under the Wor` ld Food Programme (WFP).
Mustapha told newsmen last Sunday in Maiduguri that he had evacuated his six daughters from the camp to save them from rapists.
The retired civil servant alleged that unknown men attacked and vandalised the tent housing his daughters after they refused to submit to their sexual advances.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose last Saturday promised that all ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration would be completed and handed over to his successor in good condition next year.
Fayose, who spoke at the Grand- Finale of the 2017 edition of the Udiroko Cultural Festival in Ado Ekiti, said no single development project embarked upon by his administration would be abandoned; the biting economic recession notwithstanding.
Report say that the governor was the chief host at the cultural event in his capacity as the newly installed Apesin chieftaincy title holder in Ado Ekiti.
He listed his administration’s projects to include the N5.7 billion over-head bridge (fly- over) in Ado Ekiti as well as the N3.8billion ulltra-modern Kings Market in Ado Ekiti.
FCT
The 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), Dr Olusanya Olubusoye has advised the Federal Government to fight corruption by the use of statistics.
Olubusoye gave the advice on Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said that the use of statistics would give detailed successes recorded in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the country.
“We are yet to value statistics; why is it that we are fighting corruption and we are not successful? Why is it that we are fighting crime and we are not successful?
“Other countries are using statistics to fight those social menaces; they are using statistics to fight hunger, illiteracy, they are using it to fight outbreak of epidemic”, he said.
Kaduna
Synergos Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) says it will soon embark on a massive awareness campaign toward curbing the prevalence of malnutrition in Kaduna State.
Its Field Manager, Mr Victor Adejoh gave this hint in an interview with journalists last Saturday in Kaduna, shortly after the NGO concluded a two-day workshop on nutrition for local government officials.
The workshop was organised to create awareness among communities on how to encourage the use of highly nutritious food and vegetables to tackle stunting in children.
The NGO said it had identified lack of awareness as a key factor responsible for the malnutrition crises in spite of the varieties of cereals, tubers, fruits and vegetables grown in all parts of the state.
Kano
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Dr Nicholas Okoh last Saturday appealed to Nigerians to avoid hate speech.
Okoh made the call in Kano when he led some members of his church to visit Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the Government House.
The clergyman, who described the trend in recent times as alarming urged Nigerians to work assiduously to control hate speech.
“Hate speech has serious consequences on our country as it promotes violence, extremism and conflicts.
“Most of the adherents of these two religions don’t have the real understanding of the teachings of their religions; that is why we are having problem with hate speeches,” he said.
Kogi
Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Bolanle Amupitan, says the state government has put in place mechanism toward achieving sustainable financial support for women empowerment.
She stated this last Friday during the inauguration of Omala Local Government Chapter of Governor Yahaya Bello Support Women Network (GYBSWoN) at Omala.
Amupitan further stated that GYBSWoN was tailored toward mobilising support for and enlightening women at the grassroots on the Bello-led administration, its policies and programmes.
She,therefore, urged women at the grassroots to form agricultural/entrepreneurship cooperatives to enable them benefit from the grant and loan initiatives of the government.
Lagos
Former Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa, has said that saboteurs were behind groups issuing quit notices to Nigerians living in some parts of the country.
Musa, who condemned such notices in a telephone interview with newsmen last Saturday said that the development was a threat to Nigeria’s unity.
The People Redemption Party (PRP) leader was reacting to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra’s reported rejection of the withdrawal of quit notice given to Igbos to leave the North and a fresh quit notice given to Yoruba and Hausa persons resident in the Niger Delta to quit the region before October 1.
“The quit notices are designed to escalate tension in the country and promote disaffection among citizens”, he said.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Fire Service says a fire out-
break has gutted six houses and 40 shops along Makurdi road in Lafia last Thursday evening.
The state’s Chief Fire Officer, Alhaji Dogara Dalhatu confirmed the incident to newsmen in Lafia last Friday.
Dalhatu said that the fire was caused by a leaking surface tank filled with diesel.
He said in an effort to stop the leakage, the owners of the surface tank requested the services of a welder to block the leaking spot.
He said the process of fixing the leakage sparked fire which gutted six houses and 40 shops nearby.
“From our investigations, it was a surface tank filled with diesel that was leaking”, he said.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State is to commence a special patrol between August 30 and September 6 to enhance free flow of traffic during the Sallah festivities.
The Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr Clement Oladele, told newsmen last Sunday that the exercise would ensure safety of lives and reduce gridlocks across the state.
Our correspondent reports that the Muslim faithful would be celebrating the Eid-kabir on September 1 and September 2 across the country.
According to Oladele, the FRSC would mobilise its personnel in ensuring that people travelling to different destinations across the state do not encounter hindrances.
“We are going to join hands together to ensure that minimum obstructions were experienced across all principal corridors of the state”, he said.
Ondo
The Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty
Akeredolu has promised to establish a Digital Academy in the state to train boys, girls and mothers on Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Akeredolu made the disclosure last Saturday at the closing ceremony of Solar4girls Naija, at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
She expressed happiness that the ‘solar girls‘ had been tutored by experts on different aspects of ICT and empowered to become very confident in making use of technology.
According to her, the solar4girls Naija initiative is borne out of the need to educate young girls on ICT with a view to enhancing their future development.
‘‘The main objective of educating girls by building solar panels is to bridge the gap between men and women in solar energy sector, with the mission to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the solar energy industry”, she 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.”
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