The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .

At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.

As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.

Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.

The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.

The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa

Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

To add colour to the event also, is

Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.

****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.

The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.

Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.

According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.

He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.

He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.

He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.

A 50-year-old motorcycle repairer accused of providing services to Boko Haram members, Mustapha Modu, has been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Modu, of Belle village in Danbura Local Government Area of Borno State, was sentenced by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako on Thursday after pleading guilty to withholding information that could have led to the arrest and prosecution of terrorists operating in the state.

The Federal Government had arraigned him on three counts bordering on membership of the proscribed Boko Haram sect, providing support to the group by repairing motorcycles, and deliberately withholding information about the terrorists’ activities from security agencies.

Although Modu denied being a member of the terrorist group, he admitted withholding information that could have led to the arrest of its members.

Following his guilty plea, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Muinat Oladunjoye, urged Justice Nyako to deliver a summary judgment.

Dauda Hassan, counsel to the convict, did not oppose the request but pleaded for a lenient sentence, arguing that his client was a victim of circumstances.

Hassan also drew the court’s attention to the fact that Modu had been in detention since 2016.

Before the sentence was pronounced, Modu assured the court that he would ensure his children received both Islamic and Western education after his ordeal.

In her judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced Modu to 11 years’ imprisonment, with the term to run from 2016, when he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facility where Modu would serve his sentence.