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Happy Birthday to a Legal Encyclopedia: A Tribute to Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR

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By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.

It is not every day that one has the privilege of working alongside a man whose very name commands respect and admiration across Nigeria’s legal landscape. I consider myself immensely fortunate to have shared that experience with Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN. On this occasion of his birthday, I reflect not only on the profound impact he has had on my own professional journey but on the indelible mark he has left on the legal profession and the broader pursuit of justice in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome is not merely a legal practitioner; he is a force of nature. His courtroom victories, often secured under the harshest scrutiny, have become the stuff of legend. Yet, his true strength lies in his unwavering commitment to justice—especially for those who are too often overlooked. What stands out most about him is his deep sense of purpose, an insatiable drive to advocate for the common man, to challenge entrenched systems, and to push boundaries that others may view as immovable.

Having worked closely with him, I can attest without hesitation to his mastery of the law, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His knowledge spans diverse areas in ways that make the title of “legal encyclopedia” not just a compliment, but an accurate description. He doesn’t just understand the intricacies of the law—he wields them as tools to carve out justice where others may see only impossibility. His ability to distill complex legal issues and weave them into nuanced arguments reflects not only a brilliant legal mind but a deep thinker who grasps the critical role that law plays in shaping society. When it comes to knowledge of the word of God, Prof. has the entire scriptures easily on his lips.

Time and again, I have been struck by his boundless energy and relentless pursuit of what is right. In a world where it is all too easy to be swallowed by the status quo, Chief Ozekhome, SAN remains unyielding. Whether he is defending human rights or championing the causes of the marginalized, he approaches every case with the same fiery resolve, driven by a core belief that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. Even in the most controversial and unpopular cases, he stands firm, propelled by a profound sense of duty and purpose.

What resonates most deeply with me, however, is his generosity in mentoring the next generation of legal minds. Chief and Professor Ozekhome, SAN embodies the belief that true greatness is not about hoarding power or knowledge, but about sharing it. He has always made time to impart his vast experience, teaching not just the technical nuances of the law but also the ethics, resilience, and courage required to stand up for justice. His willingness to pass on wisdom, his openness to fresh ideas, and his steadfast support for young lawyers make him not just a leader but a pillar of the legal profession.

Chief Ozekhome’s passion for the law is unmatched. His love for the legal profession is palpable—it shines through in his discussions of cases, in the intensity of his arguments, and in his vision for the evolution of Nigeria’s legal system. He is driven not by personal gain, but by the belief that the law can—and should—serve as an instrument of positive change. His practice, though steeped in tradition, is forward-thinking, constantly pushing for progress in how the law can better serve society.

The unique nature of his practice warrants special recognition. Chief Ozekhome is not just an advocate; he is a scholar, an activist, and a visionary. His ability to merge rigorous legal arguments with a profound compassion for humanity distinguishes him in a league of his own. His practice is as much about winning cases as it is about setting precedents that will benefit society long after the judgment is delivered. His eloquence, both in court and in his legal writings, reflects a mind that is ever questioning, ever probing, and always pushing the boundaries of legal thought in Nigeria.

Chief Ozekhome’s life and career are defined by his relentless pursuit of justice—not just for the powerful, but for the powerless. He has an extraordinary gift for breathing life into even the most obscure cases, giving them the same attention and dedication as any high-profile matter. That is what truly sets him apart—not just the accolades or courtroom victories, but the countless lives he has quietly transformed. These victories may not always make headlines, but they are victories that matter all the same.

Today, we celebrate not only the birthday of a great lawyer but also the legacy of a man who has given so much to the legal profession and to the cause of justice in Nigeria. Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a giant among us, yet he carries his greatness with humility, always focused on the greater good.

Happy birthday, Sir!

Here’s to many more years of good health, groundbreaking advocacy, and the continued pursuit of justice. May you continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to learn from you, and may your legacy continue to uplift the profession you hold so dear.

Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. is a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Nigeria.
https://lawcorridor.org.

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How Glo Network Became the Lifeline That Saved Two Lives: A True Story from Sallari

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

It was one of those calm, bright mornings in Sallari, a town in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. I had gone to visit my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Muhammad Umar Abdullahi, at his private facility, Rauda Clinic and Maternity. We were in his office discussing research, the usual challenges of medical practice, and other issues when the sound of hurried footsteps and anxious voices broke the calm. A young man rushed in, calling for the doctor.

Without hesitation, Dr. Muhammad sprang into action. I followed him instinctively. Within moments, two people burst through the gate, one man carrying a weak, heavily pregnant woman in his arms. Her breathing was shallow and wheezy, her face pale, and her body trembling between labor contractions and an asthma crisis. The scene was intense, we both knew that every second counted.

The team quickly moved her to the emergency bed. The Chief Medical Director Dr. Muhammad and his nurses worked swiftly to stabilize her breathing and monitor the baby. Oxygen was connected, IV lines were set, and within minutes, her breathing began to steady. The baby’s heartbeat was strong. After a short but tense period, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Relief filled the room like a gentle wind.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but admire the efficiency and dedication of Rauda Clinic and Maternity. The facility operated with the precision and compassion of a modern hospital. Every member of the team knew their role, every piece of equipment was in place, and the environment radiated calm professionalism. It reminded me that quality healthcare is not only about infrastructure, but about commitment and readiness when it truly matters. Rauda Clinic stood out that day as a quiet pillar of excellence and hope for patients and families alike.

The following day, I placed a call to Dr. Muhammad to ask about the condition of the woman who had been brought in the previous morning. He sounded cheerful and relieved. “Both mother and baby are fine now,” he said. Then, with deep reflection in his voice, he narrated the extraordinary story behind their survival, a story that showed how a single phone call, made at the right moment, became the bridge between life and death. As I listened to him recount the events, I couldn’t help but marvel at how sometimes, survival depends not only on medicine but also on connection.

Her name was Amina, a mother of three. That morning, she was alone at home, her husband was in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state where he works, and her children had already gone to school. The first wave of pain came suddenly, followed by a tightening in her chest. Within minutes, she was gasping for air, her asthma worsening with every breath. She reached for her phone to call her husband, but the call wouldn’t go through. She tried again and again, each time, “Network error.”

Her strength was fading fast. She tried to reach her neighbors, but again, no connection. Alone, frightened, and struggling to breathe, she said she felt her end was near. Then, a thought crossed her mind, her maid had left her phone in the sitting room that morning. Gathering the last of her strength, Amina crawled toward the television stand where the phone lay.

When she reached it, she noticed the green SIM icon, it was a Glo line. Hope flickered. But when she tried to make a call, she saw there was no airtime. That could have been the end until she remembered Glo’s Borrow Me Credit service. With trembling fingers, she dialed the Glo borrow me code and she got the credit instantly, and that small credit became her lifeline.

Her first attempt to reach her husband failed. Then she dialed her younger brother, Umar. This time, the call went through immediately. Interestingly, Umar is a Glo user too. Without delay, Umar and his wife rushed to her house, found her collapsed on the floor, and carried her into their car.

On their way, Umar called ahead to alert the doctor, and again, the call went through clearly. By a remarkable coincidence, Dr. Muhammad was also using a Glo line. That seamless connection meant the hospital team was fully prepared by the time they arrived. Within minutes, Amina was stabilized, and both she and her baby were safe.

The next morning, Dr. Muhammad told me that Amina had smiled faintly and said to him, “Doctor, when every other network failed me, Glo answered. If that call hadn’t gone through, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Her words carried a truth that stayed with me. It wasn’t just a patient’s gratitude, it was a testimony about the power of reliable connection. At that moment, Glo wasn’t just a telecommunications network, it was the bridge between life and death, between despair and hope.

In today’s world, a simple phone call can determine whether someone lives or dies. That day reminded me that technology, when dependable, is not just about data speed, it’s about human connection at its most critical. Glo proved to be that connection: steady, available, and trustworthy when it mattered most.

Before she was discharged, she laughed and told the doctor she had already chosen a nickname for her baby “Amira Glo.” They both laughed, but deep down, Dr. Muhammad understood the meaning behind that name. It symbolized gratitude, faith, and survival.

As I ended the call with Dr. Muhammad that day, I felt a quiet pride. I had witnessed not just the miracle of life, but the harmony of medicine, compassion, and reliable technology. Through Rauda Clinic and Maternity, I saw what true service means, dedication without boundaries, and connection that saves.

Amina’s story isn’t an advert, but living proof that sometimes, when every other signal fades, Glo stands firm, and when every other facility seems far away, Rauda Clinic and Maternity remains a beacon of care and excellence.

For patients, families, and health workers alike, Glo is proven to be a network of necessity. It connects life to hope, when every second truly counts…

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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Delta Govt Confirms Death of Senator Nwaoboshi at 68

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Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, the former lawmaker who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has passed away. He was 68.

Reports said that Nwaoboshi died on Friday in Abuja following a brief illness.

His demise was confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Expressing sorrow, the governor described Nwaoboshi’s passing as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation, and the Nigerian federation.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed the late Senator as a “fearless advocate” of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building remain indelible.

The governor recalled Nwaoboshi’s impactful tenure in the Red Chamber, particularly his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.

He noted that Nwaoboshi’s consistent advocacy for the development of the oil-rich region distinguished him as a passionate and committed leader.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” the governor said.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those whose lives he touched. I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest.”

Before his elevation to the Senate in 2015, he served meritoriously as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, where he was instrumental in consolidating the party’s grip on the State.

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Ribadu’s Office Denies Arming Miyetti Allah in Kwara

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The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the office of the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that it armed members of the Miyetti Allah group for counter-terrorism operations in Kwara State.

The Head of Strategic Communication at NCTC, Mr. Michael Abu, issued the rebuttal on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abu described the reports circulated by some online platforms as false and misleading, saying they misrepresented ongoing security operations in forested areas of the state.

He said that in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, it continued to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism across the country.

NCTC spokesman explained that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), involved the deployment of hybrid forces comprising regular security personnel and trained auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilante elements, particularly in difficult terrains.

According to him, the hybrid approach, which was previously deployed with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North-East, is currently being applied in parts of the North-West and North-Central, including Kwara State, and has recorded several successes against banditry and other criminal activities.

He stressed that the Federal government was not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural group, adding that claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser provided arms to such organisations are unfounded and should be disregarded.

According to him, all auxiliary personnel involved in hybrid operations were recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and that all operations were conducted strictly in line with the law and established standard operating procedures.

He urged the media to exercise responsibility by protecting sensitive security information and seeking clarification through designated official spokespersons, while advising the public to ignore unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing operations.

He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

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