News
Senator Bamidele, 14 Others Confirmed Life Benchers
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Body of Benchers, currently chaired by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), has confirmed the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and 13 other prominent legal practitioners life members of the prestigious body. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); [adrotate banner="51"]
Bamidele’s confirmation was formally announced on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the meeting of the body held at its head office in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Among others, the body further confirmed Director General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma; Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage; retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ejembi Eko and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN) life benchers.
With the newly confirmed life benchers, the total number of life benchers in the country has now risen to 170, a cap set for the next five years before new life members would be admitted into the body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession.
The elevation of the new life benchers is obviously in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of legal profession in the country and for upholding the integrity and excellence of the legal profession.
Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in the ninth National Assembly, was first appointed into the Body of Benchers as a Bencher in November 2019.
His tenure as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters witnessed remarkable reforms, working closely with the leadership of both the judicial and executive arms of the Government.
Among others, there was greater attention to the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and staff through increased budgetary provisions to the Judiciary.
The Bill for the increase in the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 was also passed by the legislature and assented to by the executive.
Bamidele was called to the Nigerian Bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court in July 1992 and New York Bar as an Attorney and Counsellor – at – Law of the Supreme Court of New York in January 1999.
Since then, he has actively maintained his membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and International Bar Association.
He is also a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants and Fellow, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration, Nigeria.
At different times, Bamidele has distinguished himself in public service having served as the Commissioner for Youth, Sports & Social Development under the administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commissioner of Information & Strategy under the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Research and Budget in the seventh National Assembly.
He first graduated with honours in 1986, from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria with a Bachelor of Arts. Driven by passion for an egalitarian and just world, Bamidele turned to the University of Benin, Nigeria to pursue a Bachelor of Laws, which he completed also with honours in 1990.
He further pursued a Master of Laws at the Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire, Concord, United States, specialising in Intellectual Property Law, with bias in International Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law, including the Licensing of International Transfer of Technology.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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News
Nigeria Dispatch Riders throw weight behind YMK’s Presidential Ambition
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mails Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) has thrown it’s weight behind the Engr (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsley (YMK) Nigeria Movement and his Presidential Ambition. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js"> [adrotate banner="51"]
This is disclosed in Abuja, Monday during a strategic meeting between YMK Nigeria Movement Presidential Campaign Team led by the Director, Mobilization and Contact, Alhaji Suleman Yunusa and NUDRMON Executives members.
Yunusa while highlighting the importance of NUDRMON to the society and the synergy reiterate the commitment of the movement to the welfare of the grassroot people, saying that any responsible government must take dispatch riders serious.
In his introductory remarks, Yunusa said, ‘Dispatch Riders are among the most active and visible working class citizens in Nigeria today.
‘You connect businesses, homes, offices and communities everyday . Any serious leadership must hear your voice to understand your challenges’, he continued.
Yunusa further said that YMK Nigeria Movement is the organisation, while the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP is the party on which Engr (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsly (YMK) Nigeria is running as President.
The National President, NUDRMON, Comrade Emmanuel Kave Kwaghdega while expressing enthusiasm and optimistic in the YMK Nigeria Movement said the Union’s primary responsibility is to see that the welfare of their members is well taken care of, hence ready to partner with individual or organisation that would prioritise the union’s members’ welfare.
HE Engr. (Dr) Yakubu Muhammed Kingsly (YMK) Nigeria expressed appreciation while thanking the union for honouring his invitation, while seeking for their support in the forthcoming elections. he reveals that the safety and welfare of dispatch riders is very important to him and would ensures he work together with NODRMON for a better welfare package for its members.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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News
Easter: Nigeria Must Do Better, NGIJ Warns Amid Rising Insecurity
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has issued a strongly worded Easter message, condemning worsening insecurity and demanding urgent action from security chiefs. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); [adrotate banner="51"]
In a statement signed by its National President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild said Nigeria must confront its security failures without delay.
The Guild congratulated Christians across Nigeria and the world on the Easter celebration, noting that the season crowns weeks of sacrifice, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
It also acknowledged that Muslims recently concluded Ramadan and celebrated Eid al-Fitr, describing both religious observances as powerful symbols of discipline and devotion.
NGIJ said the overlapping spiritual journeys of Christians and Muslims highlight a shared national lesson on unity and peaceful coexistence.
However, the Guild warned that the current security reality contradicts those values, as many communities continue to live in utter dread.
It described the recent killings in Jos as a grim reminder of deep cracks within the nation’s security architecture pointing out that the violence goes beyond headlines, insisting that it reflects systemic failure.
NGIJ condemned the bloodshed in the strongest terms possible and criticised what it called the growing helplessness of authorities. It argued that routine condemnations and post-attack visits by the relevant authorities saddled with the responsibility of securing lives and properties no longer satisfy public expectations.
The statement stressed that repeated promises without visible results only deepen public frustration and grief.
NGIJ maintained that every Nigerian deserves safety at home, in places of worship, and in public spaces while stressing that government must treat that responsibility as a non-negotiable duty.
The Guild urged security chiefs to respond with urgency, intelligence, and clear results. It insisted that those unable to guarantee safety should step aside for more capable leadership.
NGIJ also clarified that its position reflects a moral duty rather than political bias while noting that Easter symbolises sacrifice, accountability, and renewal, adding that real change requires courage and action.
It warned Nigerians against yielding to fear or division despite the tense climate and encouraged citizens to protect unity and resist forces that thrive on chaos.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to investigative journalism, promising to pursue truth and hold power accountable. It also pledged to amplify the voices of victims often ignored in national discourse.
NGIJ concluded that hope must translate into action, urging the nation to confront its challenges with urgency.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Legislative
NGIJ Targets Stronger Democracy Through Partnership with NILDS
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to enhance legislative reporting, strengthen democratic accountability, and promote evidence-based journalism in Nigeria. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); [adrotate banner="51"]
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the NGIJ delegation, led by its President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Suleiman, was represented at the meeting by the Director of Legal Services, Professor Ibrahim Danwanka. Also in attendance were the Special Adviser to the DG on Media, Mr. Muhammad Abdulkadir and the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo.
Speaking during the visit, Aliagan described the engagement as a strategic step toward building synergy between investigative journalism and legislative research institutions. He commended the leadership of Professor Suleiman for transforming NILDS into a leading centre for legislative studies and democratic governance in Africa.
“This visit is not merely ceremonial—it is deeply strategic. NGIJ and NILDS share a common vision of strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and deepening good governance in Nigeria,” Aliagan said.
He explained that while NILDS advances democratic governance through research and legislative capacity development, NGIJ complements these efforts through investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
Aliagan highlighted the Guild’s activities across the country, particularly its Governance Assessment Visits conducted in Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, Osun, and Kaduna states, noting that such engagements have improved public discourse and strengthened accountability at the subnational level.
“Our mission is to promote ethical investigative journalism, strengthen transparency in governance, and build capacity for data-driven reporting that connects citizens with democratic institutions,” he said.
The NGIJ President also proposed collaboration in areas such as training on legislative processes, joint research and publications, policy dialogues, data sharing, and fellowship programmes for journalists and researchers.
He further informed the Institute of the Guild’s plan to host the Dele Giwa Memorial Annual Lecture on Investigative Journalism in June as part of activities marking Democracy Day. The Guild requested that Professor Suleiman serve as keynote speaker and sought approval to use NILDS’ auditorium for the event.
“We are confident that your presence and intellectual contribution will greatly enrich the discourse and lend national significance to the event,” Aliagan added.
Responding on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Danwanka welcomed the proposal and described the initiative as timely and beneficial to national development. He commended NGIJ for its commitment to accountability journalism and its recognition of the Institute’s growing impact.
“If there is any institution journalists need to collaborate with, it is NILDS.
Legislative reporting requires specialised knowledge that many journalists currently lack,” Danwanka said.
He explained that NILDS was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 and later expanded in 2017 to include broader responsibilities covering democratic institutions and civil society organisations.
According to him, the Institute has grown significantly under Professor Suleiman’s leadership, expanding from four departments to eleven, with increased staff strength and wider national, regional, and continental visibility.
Danwanka noted that NILDS currently provides research and capacity-building support not only to Nigeria’s legislature but also to parliaments across West Africa and other parts of the continent, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, and Togo.
“Legislature is a specialised field. Even experts from other disciplines must acquire knowledge of its processes to report it accurately. That is where NILDS comes in,” he said.
He assured the NGIJ delegation that all requests presented during the visit, including collaboration proposals, the use of the Institute’s facilities, and the invitation to the DG would be communicated for necessary action.
Danwanka also acknowledged NGIJ’s commendation of the appointment of Mr. Abdulkadir as Special Adviser on Media, describing the recognition as thoughtful and well-deserved.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism about establishing a formal framework for collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving governance through knowledge-driven journalism.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a sustainable partnership that will advance legislative excellence and investigative journalism in Nigeria,” Danwanka said.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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