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The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has pledged to strengthen advocacy for the rule of law and human rights in 2025.

Osigwe made the commitment in his New Year message to Nigerian lawyers, released to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to him, the NBA under his leadership will take a leading role in advancing respect for the rule of law and human rights while partnering with security agencies to promote a just and equitable society.

“As we proudly step into the year 2025, I am honored to welcome you all to a new era of limitless possibilities, reflection, gratitude, and renewed determination,” Osigwe stated.

He emphasized that the NBA would focus on addressing critical issues, including police brutality, unlawful detentions, and other human rights abuses. “We will remain at the forefront of holding authorities accountable and ensuring that citizens’ rights are upheld,” he said.

Osigwe also stressed the importance of unity within the legal profession, noting that the strength of the NBA lies in the collaboration and mutual respect among its members.

“As we embark on the tasks ahead, I encourage every member of the NBA to foster collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect. Together, we can overcome the challenges facing our profession and nation,” he added.

Looking ahead, Osigwe called on lawyers to embrace 2025 with courage and determination, describing it as a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA and the legal profession.

“Let us continue to stand as a beacon of hope, integrity, and resilience for Nigeria. May it be a year of growth, unity, and success for the NBA, the legal profession, and Nigeria as a whole,” he concluded.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has welcomed the first baby of the year 2025, marking the occasion with visits to the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja.

During the visit, gifts were presented to the first male and female babies of the year, as well as other newborns delivered on January 1.

Senator Tinubu was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.

In her address, Mrs. Tinubu pledged the administration’s support toward ensuring a better future for Nigerian children. She emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive and achieve their potential.

The First Lady also urged the parents of the newborns to nurture their children, describing them as God’s gift to the nation and the future of Nigeria.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has suspended the Chairman and members of the State Teachers Service Commission (TSC) following the illegal recruitment of over 1,000 teachers beyond the approved quota.

Earlier this year, Governor Sule had approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers and directed that their entitlements be paid. However, the directive sparked public outcry due to widespread complaints about non-payment of salaries.

In response to the growing concerns, Governor Sule convened a meeting on Monday at the Government House in Lafia, bringing together members of the TSC, the Commissioner for Education, and other officials from the Ministry of Education to address the issue.

During the meeting, the TSC Chairman and members admitted to hiring over 2,000 teachers—more than double the approved number—without the proper authorization.

Displeased with the breach of protocol, Governor Sule suspended the TSC Chairman and its members. He also ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the illegal recruitment and submit a detailed report for further action.

The suspension and investigation mark the latest development in the ongoing efforts to address transparency and accountability in the state’s recruitment processes.

Inmates across custodial facilities in Kano State will now have access to healthcare services following the approval of their enrollment in the state’s Healthcare Contributory Scheme.

The initiative, aimed at providing comprehensive health coverage for inmates, was announced during a visit by Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KACHMA), to the Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Dr. Muktar emphasized the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of inmates, stating, “The state government is fully prepared to ensure that all inmates in our facilities receive quality healthcare while in custody. This enrolment will guarantee access to both basic and comprehensive healthcare services, contributing to their overall well-being and reformation.”

A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Nasarawa, highlighted that the initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve conditions in the state’s correctional facilities.

In response, the Controller of Corrections for Kano State, Ado Inuwa, expressed his appreciation for the new policy. “This gesture will not only enhance the health of inmates but also motivate them to become productive and law-abiding citizens upon their release,” Inuwa said. He also noted that healthcare is a critical component of effective custodial management, contributing significantly to inmate rehabilitation and reintegration.

The policy is expected to provide inmates with access to routine medical check-ups, emergency treatments, and other essential health services. The move underscores the state government’s broader commitment to social welfare, justice, and the reformation of inmates within the correctional system.