Nation
Buhari, CJN, AGF, Others Hail NgigeAt 60
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) on his 60th birthday.
Ngige was born on July 11, 1961.
In a statement by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, GarbaShehu, yesterday, Buhari said he is “rejoicing with family and friends on the milestone” recorded by Ngige.
The statement reads, “The President notes, with commendation, contributions of the legal luminary to the study and practice of law in Nigeria, donating books and materials to law schools, and serving on National Executive of NBA for more than 25 years, during which he represented the association as a member of the Body of Benchers.
“President Buhari affirms that Chief Ngige played a significant role in ensuring fairness and justice for the state and citizens by accepting to join the team of private legal professionals that prosecuted cases at the Failed Banks’Tribunal, and other significant cases for the Federal Government, largely related to recovery of public funds and property.
“As the lawyer, who holds the chieftaincy title of “IkembaN’Alor” turns 60, the President congratulates him for many achievements that have attracted recognitions and awards for diligence over many years of service.
“President Buhari joins family members of Chief Ngige, his friends and all well-wishers in praying for longer life, good health and strength to continue in good works.”
Others, who have also felicitated with the leading litigator, include Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; Ondo State Governor, RotimiAkeredolu, SAN; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, AbubakarMalami, SAN; Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Council of Legal Education and many Nigerian Law School Alumni classes.
In his goodwill message, Justice Muhammad described Ngige as a “legal icon and quintessential philanthropist,” adding that he is a “man of honour and dignity” whose lifestyle “has been a formidable fountain of inspiration to people from all walks of life.”
According to him, “A life of scholarship.A life of commitment to the development of his fatherland.A life of service to humanity.A life of absolute submission to the dictates of the almighty God and his conscience. Those are the exceptional attributes that aptly epitomise the 60-year voyage of this legal icon and quintessential philanthropist at whose instance we are all gathered here today.”
Justice Muhammad added, “My friend and learned colleague, Chief EmekaNgige, SAN, who is currently the chairman of the Council of Legal Education, is a man of honour and dignity. His lifestyle has been a formidable fountain of inspiration to people from all walks of life. He is a man who briskly deploys wisdom and unassailable intellectual strength whenever he is confronted with herculean challenges. Interestingly, to the best of my knowledge, he has never faltered in any task assigned to him, especially in the enviable position he currently holds in the Council of Legal Education.
“The legal luminary whose 60th birthday we are celebrating today has accomplished so much in life within the short time he has so far spent. He has become a strong tower and a paragon of intellectual prowess that the younger generation of lawyers from Nigeria and beyond could conveniently draw inspiration and strength.
“His profundity and dexterity are pointedly a vehement salute to industry and excellence which ultimately culminated in the giant strides he has recorded within and outside the shores of Nigeria. To the expansive clan of his admirers, Chief Ngige, SAN is a dogged promoter of equity and fairness; and evidently an outstanding combatant in the campaign against injustice.
“He is a man that is richly endowed with immense savvy and graciously blessed with inimitable creative acumen which he generously engages in his daily social intercourse. His intellectual accomplishments have tremendously crystallized the legal profession by erecting virile pillars of knowledge and confidence in the minds of both legal practitioners and law students.”
On his part, Ondo State Governor, RotimiAkeredolu, said, “My great brother and learned friend in the life of Mortals, commemoration of the day of first contact with the Earthly plane comes once in a yearly calendar.
The governor, who was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said,“As you celebrate your 60th Birthday today, I heartily wish you a very happy birthday and prayers for scores of healthy, prosperous and peaceful returns of the day. May you have all the joy your heart can hold, all the smiles a day can bring, all the Blessings a life can unfold.
“Congratulations. All honour, glory and adoration belong to the Lord for seeing you to this age. As we say in Yoruba, Asodunmodun, àsosùmòsù, igbaodunodunkan. More grace.”
In his congratulatory letter dated July 2, 2021, the Mr Boss Mustapha said, “This occasion, indeed, requires giving thanks and adoration to the Most High for bestowing His favours and mercies upon you.
“Your achievements and contributions over the years towards the growth and development of the legal profession is far reaching. You have used your role as the chairman, Council of Legal Education to effectively ensure that legal education receives the desired attention needed in order to take the legal profession to its desired destination. I strongly believe given your wealth of experience, you will do more towards the growth, development and progress of the legal profession and Nigeria at large.
“Additionally, I wish to attest to the fact you have contributed much to humanity both publicly and privately over the years. This is evidenced in the number of high profile cases you have handled and won convincingly while maintaining humanity and integrity. You are indeed a blessing not just to the legal profession but to the nation. For these and much more, we are grateful to God for witnessing this great day in good health.”
On his part, Malami said, “Your birthday calls for the celebration of your life and the remarkable achievements you have recorded over the years. As a thorough-bred legal practitioner with a track record of professional excellence, your invaluable contributions towards the progress of our noble profession over the years have not gone unnoticed hence the various appointments both in the legal profession and other bodies.
“Indeed, you have distinguished yourself as a renowned, selfless, industrious and committed lawyer whose foray into the legal profession has benefitted our dear nation tremendously.
“While wishing you continuous success in all your future endeavours, it is my prayer that Almighty God will preserve you for many more years and in good health so that the legal profession and the nation in general will continue to benefit from your wealth of experience.”
Aside from family members, associates and leading lawyers such as Chief Joe-KyariGadzama, SAN and, birthday messages were also received from Nigerian Law School Class of 1985; Independent National Electoral Commission (Imo State); Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Mr Allen Onyema; University of Nigeria Law Class of 1984; Otu Oka Iwu (Law Society); National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), and Alor People’s Assembly, among others.
The Nigerian Army has passed out 384 female soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) following the successful completion of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in Giri, Abuja.
In a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, yesterday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Command, Giri, Abuja, Major Nsima Essien, said the passing-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf, as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, the Army Chief commended the female personnel for their dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the training exercise.
He described the successful completion of the exercise as an important milestone in their military careers and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.
He urged the newly trained soldiers to uphold the values of teamwork, courage, loyalty and professionalism, while applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the exercise to their military duties.
Shaibu emphasised the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in addressing contemporary security challenges before declaring the exercise closed.
Earlier, the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC), Colonel S. M. Ahmed, welcomed the special guest and other dignitaries to the ceremony.
Ahmed highlighted the significance of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in enhancing the physical fitness, military competence, discipline and operational readiness of the female personnel.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the authorities, instructors and other personnel whose efforts ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.
Highlights of the ceremony included obstacle-crossing demonstrations and weapons-handling exercises, during which the female soldiers demonstrated their ability to strip and assemble AK-47 rifles while blindfolded.
The demonstrations showcased the personnel’s physical endurance, confidence, weapons-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.
“A total of 384 female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in the exercise, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training (HQ DAPT), and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion, “ Ahmed said.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests.
Eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards presented by the Acting Commander of NAWC.
The event also featured a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen personnel development, improve military competence and enhance operational readiness in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
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