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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, declaring that the provision of modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is essential to deepening the rule of law and sustaining democracy.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the commissioning of the Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District, the President described the project as more than an architectural accomplishment, saying it symbolised the Federal Government’s resolve to build resilient institutions capable of advancing justice and national development.

“It is with profound honour and a great sense of national purpose that I stand before you today to officially commission this state-of-the-art Office Annex for the Body of Benchers,” Tinubu said.

“Today’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of a beautiful edifice crafted with architectural excellence. It is a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.”

The President said his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that democracy can only flourish where institutions are strong, independent and adequately equipped to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

“When we took the oath of office, we promised Nigerians a Renewed Hope. We made it clear that democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum; it requires strong, resilient and well-equipped institutions to anchor it.”

He described the Body of Benchers, which oversees admission into the legal profession and enforces professional discipline, as one of the country’s most important legal institutions deserving of infrastructure that reflects its national significance.

“The Body of Benchers stands at the very apex of this institutional framework. It is only fitting that an institution of such monumental national significance is housed in an edifice that reflects its prestige, responsibility and dignity,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but rather fulfils the constitutional responsibility of government to support institutions responsible for interpreting and safeguarding the law.

He disclosed that, beyond the newly commissioned annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to improve students’ welfare, completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University, and commenced work on a new fire service station to serve the district.

The President reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, saying the minister had fulfilled the mandate to transform Abuja into a modern and functional capital city.

“When I appointed Wike, I gave him a clear mandate to transform Abuja into a modern, functional and world-class capital city. Over the last three years, the scale of infrastructural development, urban renewal and project delivery in the FCT has been unmatched,” he said.

He listed the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and several other landmark projects as evidence of what he described as Abuja’s ongoing renaissance.

“The timely completion and handover of this Body of Benchers Annex is yet another feather in that cap of accelerated governance. It shows that when leadership is focused, things get done, and they get done right.”

Tinubu urged the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN, and members of the body to utilise the facility as a centre for justice, mentorship and legal reforms that respond to the evolving needs of Nigerians.

“My administration will continue to play its part, ensuring that our judicial officers are well-housed, well-remunerated and provided with the tools to dispense justice without fear or favour,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr Nyesom Wike attributed the delivery of the project to President Tinubu’s support and prompt release of funds, saying the administration had consistently prioritised projects that strengthen institutions of justice.

The minister recalled that the proposal for the annex was initiated by former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, who appealed for additional office accommodation after the annual budget had already been passed.

According to Wike, he approached President Tinubu, who directed that the project be included in the supplementary budget, with the approval subsequently secured from the National Assembly.

“Luckily, he prayed very well and Mr. President said, ‘Put it in the supplementary budget.’ That was approved by the National Assembly, and today we are here commissioning the project,” Wike said.

He also disclosed that another request by the Body of Benchers to ease traffic congestion around the institution had already been addressed through the construction of a new road scheduled for commissioning by the Vice President.

The minister said the FCT Administration would continue to support institutions within the justice sector, assuring the Body of Benchers of government’s readiness to consider further requests that would enhance its operations.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN, described the new annex as a significant intervention that would strengthen legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice.

He stressed the need for continued collaboration between government and development partners to sustain investments that protect public infrastructure and improve access to justice.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that uphold justice, discipline and the rule of law.

She described the annex as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s legal profession, saying it would serve as a centre for service, mentorship, ethical standards and professional excellence while advancing the work of the Body of Benchers in safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s justice system.

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A 23-year-old Nigerian medical graduate, Nnani Adaobi Marian, has d!ed after suffering severe injuries in a Russian airstrike on Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The Kharkiv National Medical University graduate was wounded on June 29, 2026 when Russian forces dropped aerial bombs on the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv.

She later d!ed in hospital after doctors battled to save her life, first in Kharkiv and later in Germany.

Kharkiv National Medical University confirmed her d3ath in a statement, describing her as a bright, sincere and kind-hearted person.

“Nnani Adaobi Marian was a bright, sincere and kind-hearted person. She easily found common ground with people and was distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, hard work and sincere desire to help others,” the university said.

The statement noted that due to the shelling she sustained severe injuries; treatment began in Kharkiv and later continued in Germany.

The university said that everyone sympathized, helped and hoped for her recovery, but they could not save her life.

According to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, doctors fought for her life until the very end, expressing sincere condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the deceased.

Adaobi had studied at Kharkiv National Medical University since 2020.

She also completed internships at the University of Cambridge and Biruni University in Turkey.

At the time of the attack, Adaobi and her friend, Fatima Huseynova, were said to be on their way to a photoshoot ahead of their graduation.

Fatima d!ed at the scene, while Adaobi was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

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Billionaire investor and philanthropist Tony Elumelu will retire as Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) on August 21, 2026, after completing the maximum 12-year tenure for non-executive directors as prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Elumelu assumed the chairmanship in 2014 and has overseen one of the most transformative periods in the bank’s history.

Under his leadership, UBA strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, expanding its footprint to 20 African countries as well as key international financial centres in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.

The bank also grew its customer base to more than 50 million, accelerated its digital banking strategy, enhanced corporate governance standards, and reinforced its reputation as Africa’s global bank.

Throughout his tenure, Elumelu championed UBA’s pan-African expansion agenda, driving investments in technology, innovation, financial inclusion and cross-border banking.

His leadership helped position the bank as a major financier of trade, infrastructure and economic development across the continent, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable growth and shareholder value.

Following his retirement, the Board has appointed Emmanuel N. Nnorom, a long-serving Non-Executive Director and seasoned banking executive, as the incoming Group Chairman.

Nnorom is expected to build on Elumelu’s legacy and lead the bank into its next phase of growth and innovation.