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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government says it will assist the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in the preservation of national artifacts within the state.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Sagir Sale, made the offer in Bauchi on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the NCMM, led by its Director-General, Malam Yusuf Usman.

Sale said, “The preservations of these monuments are key factors in the fight towards restoring national culture and values of the different peoples of the country.”

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the upholding of the various sites within Bauchi, adding that the NCMM should include more of such locations into its heritage sites.

Earlier, Usman told the deputy governor about plans by the commission to highlight the life and times of the late Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, through an exhibition.

He said the exhibition would serve as a tribute to “this giant of a man, who chose to express himself quietly through outstanding leadership’’.

He said that the commission would promote the edifice, where Balewa buried, which is located in the heart of Bauchi town as a centre for dissemination of social values.

 

Ekiti

Alumni Association of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti has criticised the federal frequent change of the name of the institution.

Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Association, Mr Olawale Jegede said this in Ado-Ekiti at a dinner in honour of the new Vice Chancellor, Prof Oladipo Aina.

Jegede said the university, which will be 30 years old by 30th of this month had changed its name four times.

The university opened on March 30, 1982 as Obafemi Awolowo University, and was later named Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. The institution was renamed University of Ado-Ekiti before it was name Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti late last year.

Jegede said, the name change is too rampant. Some of us have lost count of how many times the name has been changed.

He added “the Alumni were not consulted before the name was changed. As stakeholders, we would have been consulted. But we are ready to work with you. We are welcoming you now but we are going to celebrate you by the time we look back and se infrastructure development, the number of course accredited and other development”.

 

FCT

FCT Minister of State, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, has charged stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) would no longer be a health problem in Abuja.

She gave the charge at the launch of the FCT TB and Leprosy Control Programme, TB Reach Project in Gwagwalada Area Council.

According to the minister, the launch is aimed to kick-start the activities of TB control with the help of a new technology in the council.

She said the new technology, GeneXpert, was the latest technological instrument approved by the World Health Organisation for the diagnosis of TB.

Akinjide said that the TB Reach Project was a special grant, adding that it was secured through joint team spirit of Public-Private-Partnership efforts of the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat.

 

Kaduna

Some religious clerics from two major religions in Nigeria have advised government to seek God’s intervention through organised prayers to address the security menace in the country.

The clerics called for God’s intervention in Security challenges being experienced in Zaria and other parts of the country in an interview with newsmen on Sunday.

Sheik Surajo Bomo, a Zaria based Islamic scholar and Pastor Ishaku Halilu, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Zaria said that prayers still remained the only solution to any trouble.

They stressed the need for all Nigerians to join hands toward the actualisation of peace, unity and harmonious relationship among the citizenry.

 

 

Kwara

The Kwara Government says promotion of workers will henceforth be based on performance.

The Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Adelodun Ibrahim, told newsmen that the decision was aimed at ensuring a viable civil service.

“There is need for us to have a viable civil service and as such, evaluation and promotion of workers will be based on performance,’’ he said.

He said the results of the 2012 promotion examination held in January had been compiled, adding that the commission would soon fix a date for oral interview.

 

Lagos

An NGO, Project Alert, on Saturday in Lagos, attributed the increase in reported cases of rape to the advocacy work of activists and the government.

Executive Director, Project Alert, Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, however, told newsmen, that the increase in the reported cases of rape did not mean an increase in the incidence.

“We are having more reported cases of rape in Nigeria but this does not necessarily mean that there is an increase in the incidence.

 

Niger

A two-year-old girl was on Saturday beheaded by unknown ritualists in an uncompleted building in Tunga ward of Minna, Niger.

The victim, identified as Ummul-khairu Mohammad, was believed to have been beheaded in an uncompleted building adjacent to her house while playing with other children in the neighborhood at about 10 a.m.

“Before the unfortunate incident, I prepared the child for the day’s trip to an Adult Islamic School which both of us are attending.

“Subsequently, I realised that the little girl had poured water on her blouse and I was forced  to arrange  a new dress for her but she sneaked out to her usual playing ground, only for one of her play mates to come back home with her pant.”

 

Ogun

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 75th birthday.

Amosun, in a statement by his senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mrs Funmi Wakama, described the former president as “an epitome of selfless service to fatherland”.

The governor said “it is indisputable that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has devoted virtually his entire adult life to the service of the nation, first as a fine officer in the army, Head of State and later president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Osun

Two students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Azeez Owolabi, 25 and Olusegun Omoniyi, 27, on Tuesday appeared before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being members of secret cults.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Elisha Olusegun, alleged that the accused persons and others at large on or before February 20 at Ede conspired to commit felony by joining an unlawful society.

Olusegun, who alleged that the accused were members of the Buccaneer and Pirate Confraternities, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 516, 63 and 64 of the Criminal Code Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and their counsel, Mr Okobie Ajite, pleaded for bail on liberal terms.

 

Oyo

The Head of Special Operations, Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission, Mr Gad Nathan Bako, has said the war against graft and other related offences is weak in the country because of limited finances and logistics problems.

Bako said this while presenting two different papers titled “Corruption in Nigeria: The anti-corruption corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act 2000” at a sensitisation/enlightenment seminal  for management and staff of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Ibadan.

He stated that the war against corruption had improved the rating of the country by various international watchdogs.

He, however, said “the Agency’s activities were principally curtail by insufficient funding. He said the commission would have gone far if it had enough money to prosecute most of the cases before it.

 

Plateau

The 3 Armoured Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army and its affiliate units would conduct live firing at its shooting range in Miango, near Jos, between March 5 and March 14, a statement has said.

The statement, signed by Lt. Saleh Buba for the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in Jos, said that there would be a large movement of troops and sounds of gun shots during the period.

“During this period, there will be large movement of military personnel and other military wares. There will be sounds of gun shots of different calibres of weapons.

“The general public and Fulani cattle rearers and farmers are requested to stay away from the general area within this period to avoid being hit by bullets.”

The statement, however, advised members of the public not to panic or entertain any fear over the development as it was purely a normal military training exercise.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.

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