Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Defence Headquarters last Sunday described the Armed Forces’ medical outreach as part of the Forces’ constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property of Nigerians.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj Gen. John Enenche said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that there were no sinister motive behind the Armed Forces medical outreach exercise.
Enenche dismissed as misrepresentation and smear campaign against the military regarding the Monkey Pox disease outbreak in parts of the country.
He said that the Armed Forces had been conducting medical outreach during operations and routine training exercises such as the war against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and Egwu Eke II in the South-East.
“Categorically, the practice of reaching out to the general public medically is akin to the key task of securing the lives and property of Nigerians; therefore, it can never be done with ulterior motives,” he said.
FCT
The Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Mathew Ashikeni last Friday refuted speculation of polio outbreak in the territory.
Ashikeni told newsmen in Abuja that there was a reported case of polio compatible in Abuja not polio virus.
He explained that the reported case was recorded at Rugan Baraje village in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
According to him, the polio compatible has same symptoms of polio virus but the one reported was not.
He disclosed that a team of experts were deployed to the area and there were series of tests that confirmed no result indicated polio virus.
Kaduna
A non-governmental organisation on Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) has urged the Kaduna State Government to accelerate efforts for the passage of contributory health insurance bill.
This is to bring healthcare delivery closer and accessible to the people.
The NGO gave the advice in a document made available to newsmen last Friday in Kaduna.
It said that accelerating the passage of contributory health insurance bill would reduce pocket spending in accessing healthcare.
It also called for the modification of family planning messages to stress the importance of child spacing rather than limiting the number of children.
Katsina
Unknown gunmen last weekend attacked the residence of former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie, killing a mobile policeman and injuring another.
Our correspondent learnt that two attackers on a motorcycle opened fire on the two policemen stationed at the gate of the residence at about 8pm, but did not gain entrance into the house.
The attackers were, however, said to have escaped with the rifle of one of the policemen.
A neighbour told newsmen on condition of anonymity, that the former IGP and his family members were safe.
The corpse of the deceased policeman has been deposited at the mortuary of Katsina General Hospital, where the other injured mobile policeman was receiving treatment.
Kogi
Three operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been shot dead by gunmen in Okene.
The Commandant of NDLEA in Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Bello told reporters last Sunday in Lokoja that the three operatives were gunned down while on patrol.
He said that they were killed at about 8:30 p.m. on October 13 by the gunmen, “who emerged from nowhere’’.
Bello said that gunmen came on foot and that the incident occurred close to the main gate of the Federal College of Education, Okene.
He identified the operatives killed as Nicholas Onwumere, Ebun Peters and Abdulrahman Musa.
Kwara
The Ophthalmology Society of Nigeria (OSN) has called on Nigerians to embark on frequent eye-screening as a preventive measures against blindness.
The society made the call last Thursday in a statement signed by Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, the General Secretary OSN, Kwara State Chapter in Ilorin.
The statement was issued in commemoration of the 2017 World Sight Day.
Abdullahi said that as the World Sight Day was being marked globally, there was a need for people to be eye conscious and screen their eyes at least once yearly at notable eye hospitals.
He, however, warned Nigerians against patronising quacks and traditional eye medications.
Lagos
Two medical practitioners last weekend called on Nigerians not to wait until disease outbreak before imbibing the culture of regular hand washing.
They gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Lagos ahead of the commemoration of the 2017 Global Hand Washing Day which held on October 15.
The theme of this year’s event was, “Our Hands, Our Future.”
A Consultant Microbiologist, Dr Bamidele Mutiu told journalists that hand washing would reduce transmission of infectious diseases by over 90 per cent.
Mutiu, who works at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, said that the outbreak of monkey pox should be a clarion call for Nigerians to adhere to regular and proper hand washing.
Niger
Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) last weekend decried the indiscriminate noise pollution in some parts of the state, warning that defaulters would henceforth be penalised.
General Manager of NISEPA, Mr Lucky Barau who issued the warning in Minna told newsmen that owners of musical studio and operators of grinding machines would no longer be allowed to operate in residential areas.
He disclosed that the state government had purchased noise metre machines that would help track unwanted noise.
“There are many problems associated with noise pollution such as stress related illnesses, sleep interruption, hearing problems and loss of productivity, amongst others,” he said.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says it has adopted a proactive measure to forestall outbreak of monkey pox in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr Taiye Oni made this known to newsmen last Friday in Akure.
“We have started sensitisation by putting on field responsive surveillance team to make sure that any perceived case would be tackled.
“We should not forget about what we learnt on Lassa fever about personal hygiene and necessary precaution.
“The same procedure applies to the issue of monkey pox because we cannot prevent our people to travel,” Oni said.
Oyo
Striking doctors of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State have appealed to the State Government to pay them their 12 months salary.
They made the call in a statement signed by the branch’s President and General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Drs Sebastine Oiwoh and Ayobami Alabi and made available to newsmen in Ibadan last Saturday.
Our correspondent recalls that the doctors had 75 days ago embarked on industrial action over their unpaid salaries and poor working condition.
The ARD said that their members had indefinite withdrawal of services, saying the management, board and the state government were fully aware of the industrial crisis.
It said that their members were being paid twenty-eight per cent salary since January 2016 with twelve months salary being owed.
Plateau
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has vowed to identify and prosecute those behind the resurgence of terror attacks in the state.
Lalong made the pledge last Sunday while reacting to Saturday night attack by unknown gunmen on Tagbe Village, Jebbu Miango, Bassa Local Government Area, where six persons were killed and five others severely injured.
The governor, in a statement by the Director of Press Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, warned that government would not relent in its renewed efforts at identifying and prosecuting all those behind the heinous crimes.
He said that the killers and their sponsors seek to take the state back to the dark days of violent conflicts and vowed not to let that happen.
According to the statement, the criminal elements perpetrating the spate of vicious attack within the Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa, were finding refuge among the inhabitants of those areas.
Sokoto
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed collaboration agreement with Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS) on knowledge and experience sharing to ensure practical implementation of projects.
UNICEF Chief Field Officer in Sokoto, Mr Mouhuiddini Muhammad said the initiative was conceived for maximal utilisation of the university expertise toward addressing projects implementation challenges in various communities.
Muhammad said university community hosted chain of scholars, research fellows and academic works that when involved in UNICEF activities would surely harness success and overcome hitches at implementation levels.
He said the initiative named, “Partnership and Cooperative Agreement for Research and Knowledge Sharing,” was aimed at holistic involvement of university expertise into UNICEF experiences for the benefit of all people.
He explained that UNICEF conduct variety of activities on educational development that comprised enhancing enrolment, women education and facilitates curriculum development as well as addressing religious, cultural, social norms and barriers in the society.
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.”