The Nigerian judiciary has recorded another significant milestone with the elevation of Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom to the prestigious position of Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, a recognition of her years of exemplary service, integrity, and commitment to the administration of justice.

Justice Dadom’s elevation is being celebrated by members of the legal profession, judicial officers, public servants, and well-wishers across Plateau State and beyond, who have described the appointment as well-deserved and a testament to her outstanding contributions to the nation’s judicial system.

Throughout her career on the bench, Justice Dadom has earned a reputation for diligence, fairness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law. Her judgments and conduct have consistently reflected a deep commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of fundamental rights, earning her the respect of colleagues, lawyers, and litigants alike.

Before her elevation, Justice Dadom served with distinction as a Judge of the High Court, where she handled numerous civil, criminal, and constitutional matters with exceptional competence. Her legal reasoning, attention to detail, and adherence to judicial ethics contributed significantly to strengthening public confidence in the justice system.

Her appointment to the Court of Appeal represents not only a personal achievement but also a major source of pride for Plateau State and the legal community. The Court of Appeal occupies a critical position within Nigeria’s judicial hierarchy, serving as the intermediate appellate court that reviews decisions from lower courts and ensures the proper interpretation and application of the law.

Legal practitioners have noted that Justice Dadom’s wealth of experience and sound judicial temperament will further enrich the appellate court and contribute to the continued development of Nigerian jurisprudence. Many observers believe that her elevation comes at a time when the judiciary requires experienced and principled jurists capable of upholding justice and safeguarding democratic values.

Tributes have continued to pour in from various quarters, with many describing Justice Dadom as a role model for young lawyers and aspiring judicial officers. Her journey through the legal profession is seen as an inspiring example of hard work, perseverance, excellence, and dedication to public service.

The elevation also underscores the increasing recognition of the important role women continue to play in the Nigerian judiciary. Over the years, female judicial officers have made remarkable contributions to the growth of the nation’s legal system, and Justice Dadom’s appointment further strengthens that legacy.

As she assumes her new responsibilities at the Court of Appeal, expectations remain high that Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom will bring the same level of integrity, wisdom, and commitment that have characterized her judicial career. Her appointment is widely regarded as a victory for merit, professionalism, and the continued pursuit of excellence within Nigeria’s justice sector.

With this elevation, Justice Dadom joins the ranks of some of the nation’s most accomplished appellate jurists, further cementing her place among distinguished legal minds dedicated to advancing justice, protecting the rule of law, and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

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Congratulations to Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom on this remarkable achievement and milestone in service to the nation.

The federal government has launched a free healthcare scheme for pensioners earning below N70,000 monthly, in a move aimed at improving access to medical care for low-income retirees across the country.

The initiative, known as PenCare, targets pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) who are aged 60 and above and receive monthly pensions of not more than N70,000.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Monday.

According to the agency, the programme is designed to ease healthcare burden on vulnerable pensioners facing rising medical costs and declining purchasing power.

Pilot phase

The NOA said the scheme would begin with a pilot phase covering 30,000 eligible pensioners nationwide on a first-come, first-served basis.

The agency noted that registration has commenced and that interested retirees can enrol through the National Pension Commission (PenCom) website or participating Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

To qualify, beneficiaries must be pensioners under the CPS, be at least 60 years old, and earn a monthly pension of no more than N70,000.

The agency said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen social protection measures for retired workers and improve their access to healthcare services.

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Pensioners’ welfare

The introduction of the scheme comes amid growing concerns over the welfare of pensioners, many of whom struggle to meet healthcare expenses due to rising inflation and the increasing cost of medical services.

According to the NOA, the PenCare programme is expected to help protect the dignity, health and wellbeing of beneficiaries by reducing the financial burden associated with accessing healthcare.

The agency described the initiative as a significant step towards improving post-retirement welfare and expanding healthcare access for elderly Nigerians.