Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A total of 33,049 people from 571 households were affected in the recent Adamawa flood disaster.
The Secretary of the state Emergency Relief Committee, Alhaji Abubakar Mahmud, said while briefing newsmen that the number was for the nine worst affected Local Governments along the river banks while reports from remaining 12 local government areas of the the state that were not seriously affected was being compiled.
He said that four people lost their lives along with 13,372 livestock in the nine Local Governments, comprising Yola North, Yola South, Demsa, Fufore, Numan, Lamorde, Girei, Shelleng and Guyuk.
Mahmud also said that over 1000 hectares of farmland was affected by the flood in the nine local governments, adding that the state government had expended over N500 million in assisting the flood victims across the state.
He said his committee would soon commence disbursing the N500 million released by the Federal Government after categorising the affected local governments.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State government will create additional 20,000 jobs in 2013 to cater for unemployed women and youths, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, the commissioner for Finance, has said.
Hammayo who made this known in Bauchi at a roundtable discussion with stakeholders on the state’s 2013 budget, he said the jobs would be created through the public works programme, whcih had been adopted as a model by the Federal Government in the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P).
Hammayo also said that various measures would be taken to curb over spending on overhead cost and other recurrent expenses in 2013.
The commissioner said that the savings from such measures would be channelled to sectors such as water, healthcare as well as new access roads for rural farmers.
Ekiti
The Ekiti Government in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday distributed Severe Acute Malnutrition treatment materials to five referral centres to be administered free on children of five years and below.
The referral centres are University of Ado Ekiti Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti as well as the specialist hospitals in Ikere, Ikole and Ijero.
The Chairman, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Sule Lawal, said while handing over the materials to the hospitals that malnutrition was a life threatening condition which required urgent treatment.
The Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Folakemi Falore, commended the centres for giving the cases serious attention, thereby reducing acute malnutrition in the state.
Responding on behalf of the recipient hospitals, the Head of Department, Nutrition, at Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, Dr Onyema Clifford, pledged to make good use of the items. (NAN)
Kano
Four private hospitals have been sealed for alleged illegal operations and unhygienic conditions in Kano State, a statement said on Wednesday.
The Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Health, Malam Isma’il Gwammaja, stated that they were closed by the Private Health Institution Unit of the ministry. The hospitals are; Pasly by nature health centre, Amana Hospital, Sarki hospital as well as Annur Hospital, all in the state capital.
The Senior Special Adviser to the state Governor, Dr Salisu Ibrahim, led the monitoring team that shut down the hospitals. Pasly by nature health centre was shut down because it use unauthorised herbal medication to treat patients, while Sarki hospital lacked the conducive atmosphere to operate.
Amana hospital lacked qualified personnel, while Annur violated the regulations of health care service delivery.
The statement warned that the State Government would not tolerate any unwholesome practices, especially as it regards health care delivery.
Katsina
Residents of Malumfashi local government of Katsina State on Wednesday appealed to the Katsina State Government to rehabilitate township water supply systems to ease persistent water scarcity in the area.
Speaking in separate interviews in Malumfashi, a cross-section of residents expressed displeasure over the situation.
A resident, Malam Sanusi Zubairu-Khalifa appealed to the state government to hasten the repairs of the damaged pipes as well as overhaul the water board operation.
Zubairu-Khalifa explained that the situation had increased domestic expenses, noting that the population of water vendors also increase daily due to the water scarcity.
Kogi
Kogi State Government has promised to assist victims of the recent flood disaster staying outside the relief camps.
According to the statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Yabagi Bologi, Awoniyi said the Government would ensure equity in whatever assistance it would render to the victims.
He said that government was updating the records of all the victims in all parts of the state, adding that no one would be left out.
Awoniyi said that many of the relief camps would soon undergo reorganisation with those in public schools to be relocated to allow for normal academic activities to resume.
He advised farmers, who lost their farmlands to the floods, to be patient as government was already taking steps to provide them with seedlings and other inputs.
The deputy governor said that affected buildings were being enumerated to enable the government take appropriate decisions on their suitability for occupation.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, says the state is financially buoyant to meet its obligations.
Ahmed, who made this known in Ilorin during a monthly interactive session, “The Governor Explains”, said the State Government had paid salaries, contractors and settle other claims.
“There is no magic in our financial viability other than the fact that we have been able to manage our expenditure within our revenue profile,” he said.
He assured that no local government council would sack its workers as they had streamlined their expenditure portfolio to manageable size to avoid past experiences.
Ahmed said his administration had spent N70 million to repair Ajasse-Ipo-Erin-Ile Road, a federal road which linked the state with Osun State, promising to extend the intervention to other federal roads.
He said contract for the construction of Kaiama-Kisi Road, which links parts of Kwara North senatorial district, would be awarded soon.
He said the State Government was releasing N30 million monthly to the state Road Maintenance Agency to ensure a pot-hole-free road in the State.
Ahmed said his administration had spent more than N40 million on relief materials for the victims of the recent flood disaster.
He, however, commended the Federal Government for releasing N300 million as relief fund for the affected persons in the state.
LagoS
The former President of the Nigeria Power Lifting Federation (NPF), Fred Ine, last Thursday urged the three tiers of government to enact enabling sports policies to attract corporate partnership.
In an interview In Lagos, Ine observed that most investors in the country have long neglected interest in sports because there wee no binding policies in place.
“Sports development in the country is not the sole responsibility of government. It should be complementary between the government, individuals and corporate entities.
“But because there are no binding policies in place, corporate bodies in the country are operating the way they deemed fit,’’he said.
According to Ine, government should make it mandatory for corporate outfits to adopt any sport of their choice, to relieve the government of unnecessary burden.
Oyo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has advised agrochemical dealers to adhere strictly to proper handling and administration of their products to avoid food poisoning.
NAFDAC Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances Directorate, Mr Hashim Yusuf, gave the advice at a workshop organised for the dealers in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The sensitisation workshop was organised by NAFDAC for members of the West Agro Input Dealers Association (WAIDA).
Yusuf was represented by Mrs Ngozi Onuorah, the Deputy Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances Directorate of the agency,
The director said that the inappropriate storage and handling of agrochemicals had harmful effects on human beings, animals and the environment.
Plateau
The Military Special Task Force keeping the peace in Plateau State, announced last Thursday that it has killed two persons believed to be assailants who attacked Kura falls village in Barkin Ladi.
The assailants attacked the village last Thursday. The STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, told newsmen in Jos that the STF men also recovered a baby belonging to a couple, who were believed to be killed by the assailants. The helpless baby, he said, was rescued in a nearby bush.
Mustapha said that the attackers had killed three persons, including a couple, while few other persons sustained injuries.
The spokesman expressed concern over the incessant attacks on villages in Barkin Ladi and Riyom in spite of the spirited efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the villagers, and warned that the STF would not condone that.
Taraba
The Taraba Deputy Governor, Malam Garba Umar, last Wednesday directed committees handling the distribution of relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster in the state to begin distributing them.
Umar gave the directive in Jalingo while inspecting warehouses in which the materials were kept. The materials include food items, building materials, textiles, farming implements and fishing materials. The materials were bought with the N400 million provided to the state by the Federal Government to assist the victims in six local government areas.
Umar said a telecommunication company, MTN, the Red Cross and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had donated relief materials to the victims.
Zamfara
Bakura Emirate Council in Zamfara State, has donated drugs worth N1 million to cater for children affected by malnutrition in the area.
The Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Muhammad, presented the drugs to the Director, Primary Healthcare, Bakura Local Government area, Alhaji Ahmad Suleman, last Thursday.
He said that donation was informed by the council’s concern over the health conditions of women and children, noting that the donation was also meant to draw the attention of policy makers to the plight of the children.
“From the reports I have received from the community, the management of malnourished children is worrisome. “There is need for collaborative efforts to reverse the trend,” the emir said.
He added that the emirate had also received complaints from the State Coalition for Maternal and Child Health “on the pathetic state of malnourished children in the area”.
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.
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.
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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