Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has donated hospital equipment to boost healthcare services in Adamawa State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Abubakar said this in a statement last Monday in Abuja.
Abubakar explained that the former Vice President made the donation to boost healthcare facilities as well as to support hospital expansion scheme embarked on by Governor Mohammed Bindow.
She said the equipment comprise GE Brivo, X-Ray machine and ultrasound equipment for medical investigation and diagnosis.
“The donation given by Wazirin Adamawa has already boosted facilities at Jada General Hospital for effective patient care”, she said.
FCT
Concerned Imo State indigenes resident in Abuja have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the use of soldiers for last Saturday’s demolition of Eke Ukwu Market, Owerri, by the State Government.
Three people were feared dead in the incident, including a 10-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Igboanusi.
Chief Sam Obaji, who spoke on behalf of the group on Tuesday in Abuja urged Buhari to set up a judicial commission of inquiry into circumstances surrounding the use of armed personnel for the demolition.
He said that anybody involved in the unlawful operation should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“ We are disheartened that the government involved the military in a civil operation where there is no breakdown of law and order”, Obaji said.
Gombe
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Austin Iwar said last Monday that his command had apprehended 10 suspected robbers that had been terrorising residents of Gombe metropolis.
“Before us are criminals that have made life difficult for a lot of us in Gombe.
“Through intelligence report and community policing, we are proud to say that we succeeded in arresting some of them,” said the commissioner at a press briefing in Gombe.
He said that three of the suspects specialised in terrorising people at petrol stations in the metropolis.
“For some time, we had series of armed robbery attacks in petrol filling stations but through investigation, intelligent reports and the support of members of the public, we were able to arrest three of them,” he said.
Katsina
A medical doctor, Dr Ahmed Mohammed has called for regular screening for Hepatitis disease, stressing that it is only through examination that it can be diagnosed.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen last Tuesday in Katsina.
He said regular testing for the disease could assist to know one’s status.
Mohammed defined Hepatitis as inflammation of the liver and could easily lead to death of patient if untreated.
He also advised those with the condition to quickly get medical treatment and avoid self medication.
Lagos
A Christian cleric, Rev. Fr. Livinus Ikechukwu, last Monday urged groups and individuals making various agitations in the country to be peaceful in their approach.
Ikechukwu, also the Parish Head of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ikorodu said in an interview with newsmen in Lagos that violent agitations would not bring any good changes.
The cleric warned that the only thing that would be achieved using threats and violence to make demands was chaos, destruction and retrogression.
He pointed out that peace was needed to address development issues and justice, urging for dialogue with government for better results.
“My advice to the various groups and people making agitations for one thing or the other is that they should be peaceful in their approach”, he said.
Nasarawa
The Nigeria Association of Social Work Students (NASOWS), Federal University of Lafia chapter has donated sandals worth N200, 000 to students in 16 primary and secondary schools in Nasarawa State.
Reports say that the benefiting schools were in Akunza and Mararaba communities in Lafia.
At the distribution ceremony last Tuesday in Lafia, Mr the President of the association, Chinaso Aweze, said the gesture was to encourage the less privileged in the society.
“The gesture was part of our social responsibility and contribution to the development of the state and to ensure poverty reduction among the people,” he said.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command says adequate security measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful Sallah festivities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Austine Agbonlahor made this known last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that the command would deploy undercover operatives to all Eid prayer grounds in and outside the state capital to forestall any form of security threats to residents.
“The operatives will complement the efforts of the regular security personnel that will provide security at the prayer grounds”, Agbonlahor said.
Osun
The management of the University of Ilorin recently hailed the Federal Government’s decision to lift ban on the conduct of post-UTME by tertiary institutions.
The institution said the decision would ensure quality in tertiary institutions’ education in the country.
The Director, Corporate Affairs of the university, Mr Kunle Akogun made this known to newsmen in Ilorin on Monday.
He said that most of the students admitted into the university without passing through the post-UTME screening did not meet the standard of the university.
“You know our style here; we have a very strict dressing code and a high moral standard.
Oyo
Twenty one newly elevated High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo State received beaded crowns and staff of office at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan recently.
Reports says that the newly elevated Obas passed through spiritual rites and proceeded to receive their staff of office from Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Among the newly crowned kings were former Ibadan High Chiefs, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunleyin, the Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Osi –Balogun and Oba Eddy Oyewole, the Ashipa-Olubadan.
Others included Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Ekerin Olubadan , Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the Ashipa-Balogun, Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun of Ibadan and Oba Kolawole Adegbola, the Ekarun Balogun.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government says it has received 1.5 million dollars for its Save One Million Lives programme for Results (SOML) funded by the Federal Government and World Bank.
The state Programme Manager of the Save One Million Lives for Results, Mr Philimeon Dagwa , disclosed this last Monday in Jos at the opening of the Integrated Supportive Supervision training workshop it organised for 82 health workers in the state.
Dagwa explained that the grant was received through the state Ministry of Health for implementation of the programme.
Accrding to him, SOML provides incentives based on achievement of results (health outcomes) and helps to drive institutional processes needed to achieve these results.
He disclosed that the programme seeks to catalyze change in the way health business is done by focusing on results and governance.
Sokoto
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is to collaborate with states government on the encroachment on airport land across the country.
FAAN Managing Director, Alhaji Saleh Dunoma, disclosed this at the 15th National Council on Transportation (NCT) in Sokoto last Tuesday.
He said that residential and commercial developments are going on around airports in Nigeria without the permission and supervision of relevant authourities.
Dunoma said that the protection of the airports land would allow for development that meets international standards and free of obstructions.
“We are proposing the protection of airports land because this is the best forum for all the states government because they are all here.
“Land allocated for development of the airports all over the country was by states to the Federal Government and FAAN is the custodian of that land”, Dunoma said.
Zamfara
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised the public to desist from promotion of breast milk substitutes as food for infants under six months.
The NAFDAC Coordinator in Zamfara, Alhaji Suleman Dabo said last Sunday that it was part of the agency’s efforts to support enforcement of Breast Milk Substitutes International Code and Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding.
Dabo, while receiving officials of the Save the Children International, an NGO, during a courtesy visit in his office, said that the agency would partner with all stakeholders to promote exclusive breastfeeding culture.
He decried poor adherence to Breast Milk International Code due to low awareness among the public, especially caregivers on significance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Dabo said that NAFDAC had been using the media campaign against the aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes in the state.
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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