Nation
THE STATES
Benue
An Anglican Bishop, Bishop Nathan Inyom, has appealed to the management of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to take relief materials to other flood displaced persons who were not in the camps.
Inyom told our correspondent in Makurdi that most of the displaced persons were not in camps but were staying with relatives who were not affected by the flood.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Adikpo Akpatse, had in an earlier interview with newsmen, confirmed that more than 80 per cent of the flood victims were staying outside the camps.
The bishop argued that “by tradition, our people do not like staying in camps, they prefer to stay with relatives, so, such people should be given the relief materials.”
He maintained that the materials were meant for all displaced persons and not restricted to those living in the camps.
Borno
The Borno State Government is to construct township roads in Maiduguri with interlocking blocks, Governor Kashim Shettima announced in Maiduguri.
Shettima who made the announcement while inspecting equipment acquired by the government for the project explained that the use of interlocking blocks was to save cost and provide employment for unemployed youths in the state.
He said that the state had already taken delivery of 12 heavy duty lorries, pay-loaders and rollers for the take-off of the project.
“We are trying to embark on mass construction of township roads, using interlocking blocks.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State says that the Federal Government owed the state N6 billion over the construction of some federal road projects.
Fayemi made the statement while addressing the people in Ado-Ekiti as part of events to round off the second anniversary of his administration.
Fayemi said the state was now ranked the least in terms of material and child mortality owing to the good governance he had put in place, pointing out that the state had the highest life expectancy in Nigeria owing to his ability to provide quality leadership that was devoid of rancor and unnecessary political upheavals that dogged the state in the past.
The governor said that he had been able to give the people hope in spite of a N40 billion debt and uncompleted projects his administration inherited from the past administration.
FCT
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja has expressed concern over the high cost of governance in the country and called for a review. .
ICAN President, Mr Adedoyin Owolabi expressed the view at the opening ceremony of the 42nd ICAN Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja.
Owolabi said government needed to “urgently” revisit the cost of governance which had continued to take its toll on public funds.
“Here lies the justification and urgent need for the merger of related public sector institutions, as recently recommended by the Steve Oronsaye committee so that they can deliver on their mandate,” he said.
He added: “We must take those painful but necessary decisions that will lead us to where we desire to be as a nation by the year 2020.”
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has denied involvement in the killing of 22 persons at Dogon-Dawa village in Birnin Gwari Local Government on Sunday.
The denial followed media reports alleging that some senior police officers led the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Adenaike told newsmen in Kaduna that no police officer was at the scene of the attack.
Kano
Warawa Local Government Council in Kano State, has donated food items worth millions of naira to victims of the recent flood disaster in the area.
Our correspondent reports that the items include 200 bags of rice, 200 bags of maize and 150 jerrycans of vegetable oil, among others.
The council’s Interim Management Officer, Mr Salisu Bebeji disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bebeji said that the items were distributed on October 12, to the affected persons in five villages of the area and noted that the state government had donated some relief materials to the victims to alleviate their sufferings.
The officer urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the commodities to cushion the effect of the disaster.
Katsina
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate has dropped from over three per cent to two per cent in Katsina State, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Muntari Hassan, has revealed.
Hassan made the revelation in Katsina when members of the state’s Youth Coalition Against AIDS, Drugs and Violence called on him.
He said that the reduction of the infection was achieved through continuous public enlightenment and sensitisation by the agency and some non-governmental bodies.
Hassan noted that the assistance being provided by various counseling and testing centres had also facilitated the reduction of the infection in the state.
“In 2008, there were only nine counseling and testing centres in the state but now the number of such centres had increased to 52”.
Kebbi
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Works and Housing has given a three-month ultimatum to the contractor rehabilitating the Jega- Koko/Besse road in Kebbi State to either complete it or have the contract revoked.
The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Rep. Ali Wudil issued the ultimatum when he led other members on an inspection visit to the project site.
Contract for the 60 km-road rehabilitation project was awarded by the Federal Government at N966.8 million.
Wudil bemoaned the slow pace of work at the site and complained about the contractor’s attitude to work.
Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin paraded three suspects for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Fabode, told newsmen that the accused were arrested by intelligence operatives of the ‘B’ Division in Ilorin on suspicion of belonging to a gang of thieves.
Fabode said that when the accused persons were searched, one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, two motorcycle receipt booklets and two stamps were recovered from them.
Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS), Onne, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, withdrew the admission of 55 trainees, including four women, for alleged certificate forgery.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Apapa, Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu, made the fact known to newsmen in Lagos.
Azubuike said that the suspects had been handed over to the police in Port Harcourt for further investigation, adding that if found guilty, the trainees, who spent three months in the school, risked seven years imprisonment.
The FOC said that the command had a process of weeding candidates with fake school certificates through verification from various examination bodies.
“The verification is a continuous process, nobody will come to navy with false certificate and nobody will come to navy with a brother’s certificate.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Bala Wada-Adamu, has told civil servants in the country to always update their knowledge through research and training.
Wada-Adamu told our correspondent in Lafia that the advice became necessary to make the workers to meet global demands of actualising an effective civil service.
He spoke shortly after a reception in honour of Mr Mohammed Ramalan, the retiring director of building in the ministry.
The commissioner, who elaborated on the benefits of being a dedicated staff, advised civil servants to put in their best while in service.
He explained that “good work never goes in vain,” noting “there is reward for every hard work we do.”
Niger
The Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) says it has introduced a buy-back programme towards evacuating empty sachet water packs off the streets.
The General Manager of the agency, Dr Yakubu Yandai told our correspondent in Minna that the programme was aimed at preventing environmental hazards.
“We have commenced a programme known as ‘Buy-back empty sachet water packs and used plastics from consumers.
“The programme will start with three environmental clubs in public secondary schools in Minna, which will buy-back the wastes and bring them to us for recycling.
Ogun
The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism has promised to make this year’s edition of the Ojude-Oba festival, scheduled for October 28, a memorable one.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Miss Busola Ogundele made the pledge at a media briefing on the event in Ijebu-Ode.
Ogundele said the festival had placed the Ijebus and the state as a whole on the international map, pointing out that the annual event had also attracted tourists and investors to the state.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
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.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
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.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
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.
-
News17 hours agoNLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Electoral Act Amendment
-
Maritime15 hours agoCustoms Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worths N4.7bn To NDLEA
-
Politics14 hours agoI DEFECTED OUT OF CONVICTION …NO ONE COULD’VE IMPEACHED MY LATE DEPUTY ~ DIRI
-
Maritime16 hours agoOver 6,223 Seafarers Abandoned In 2025 – Says ITF
-
Sports13 hours agoArsenal Women End Man City’s Invincibility
-
Environment12 hours agoRivers State Government Suspend Fire Service Collection Levies
-
Politics14 hours agoWe’ve Not Recognized Any PDP Faction — INEC
-
Sports13 hours agoU-20 WWC: Falconets claim qualifier win
