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THE STATES

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Gombe

 

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has, announced N58 million

as donation to enable Christians in four Local Governments of Gombe South in Gombe State to celebrate Christmas. The areas make up the Gombe South Senatorial District of the State.

Dankwambo who announced the donation in Kattungo  during his tour of senatorial districts in the state said party officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders in the area had also been given money to assist them during the Yuletide.

He said the recent North East Economic Summit, which the state hosted, had started yielding dividends as the Federal Government had declared intention to assist in implementing some of the summit’s recommendations.

Dankwambo said some foreign investors had declared interest in investing in the state, adding that when that was done; many job opportunities would be created in the state.

 

Jigawa

 

Partnership for the Transformation of Health Sector

(PATHS), an NGO, last Saturday, donated equipment worth N60 million to some health facilities in Jigawa State.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer in the State Ministry of Health Mallam Ali Mati, in Dutse said the equipment were distributed to 136 health facilities across the state.

The statement which quoted Dr Tafida Abubakar, the state Commissioner for Health, as saying that the gesture of the NGO was appreciated, said the items included midwifery kits and laboratory apparatuses.

According to the statement, the Department for International Development (DFID) had recently supported health facilities in the state with similar equipment worth N500 million stating that the donations had so far complemented the state government’s efforts at boosting the health sector.

 

 

Kaduna

 

The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Kaduna State has

impounded 150 unpainted commercial vehicles in three local government areas in the last two weeks, its spokesman, Malam Buhari Aliyu, has said.

He said that the arrests were made in Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Igabi Local Government Areas from December 9 to date adding that the exercise would continue in the remaining 20 local government areas in the state.

Aliyu disclosed that the offenders would be made to pay fine and paint the vehicles in the approved colours before release and urged commuters to help the agency in its job by refusing to board all unpainted buses and taxi cabs.

The spokesman appealed to other stakeholders to support the initiative meant to ensure compliance with existing laws and rid the sector of bad eggs.

 

Kano

 

The Kano State University of Science and Technology

(KUST), Wudil, will commence academic activities on January 6,  2014.

A statement signed by the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the university, Alhaji Sabo Nayaya, in Kano on Saturday, indicates that the decision to commence lectures on January 6 was taken after its Senate reviewed the school’s academic calendar.

“The management of KUST, Wudil, wishes to inform its students that lectures will commence as from Monday, January  6, 2014,’’ it stated.

The statement urged all students of the institution to ensure strict compliance with the resumption date because lectures would commence as announced unfailingly.

 

Katsina

 

The Katsina State Government last Monday said it spent

N13.9 billion on capital projects at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), Katsina, from 2007 to date.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Shema on Higher Education, Alhaji Aliyu Haruna, made the disclosure at a news briefing in Katsina State.

He said some of the facilities constructed included lecture theatres, hostels, library, senate building and laboratories, aimed at enhancing teaching and learning in the institution.

Haruna added that the state government released N107.5 million quarterly to the university for overheads and Staff Development and Training, pointing out that N110 million was also released monthly for staff salaries.

The Director-General, Scholarship Trust Fund, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad, said N2.3 billion was spent by the government to support 181,984 students in the past seven years.

 

Kebbi

 

The Kebbi State School of Nursing and Midwifery has set

up a committee to verify certificates presented by applicants seeking admission into its 2013/2014 session.

The Principal of the school, Hajiya Saratu Makera, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday that only 50 vacant positions were advertised while more than 500 applications were received.

She said the school would prosecute any applicant found to have presented fake result adding that applicants who passed the screening will undergo oral interview.

“This is part of our quests to determine those academically and psychologically qualified. In previous admissions, some applicants presented fake results and this time, anyone who presented fake results would be handed over to the police’’, Makera stressed.

She said the National Council of Nursing and Midwifery had pegged the number of students to be admitted at 50 and said the school would appeal for permission to admit 70 students due to the high number of applications we have received.’’

 

Lagos

 

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers

(NUPENG) yesterday appealed to petroleum marketers to avoid hoarding of the products during the Yuletide.

The NUPENG Chairman, South-West chapter, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, who made the plea in an interview in Lagos said “we will play our own parts by ensuring that the products get to the filling stations’’.

Korodo also advised motorists against panic buying, saying that there would be adequate supply of the products for sale to the general public.

“We have been assured by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that the products will be available in all the depots. “We have instructed our members to ensure 24 hours product distribution to customers,” the NUPENG chairman said.

He said that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) had been directed to supply all filling stations with the products during the festive period.

 

Niger

 

The police in Niger State says  three men of the Nigeria Air

Force had been arrested in connection with fracas at Tudun Wada Police Station in Minna.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, Mr Richard Oguche, who disclosed this in  Minna on Saturday said, “the air force men stormed and attacked officers and men on duty injuring one of them on the head with jack-knife.

“This afternoon, six air force men went to Tudun Wada Police Station and attacked officers and men on duty with jack knives and belts. “The air force men were mobilised from the Minna Air Force Base by a serving officer in Kano”, he added.

Ogudu said trouble started on Friday night when police men on duty at Tudun Wada area apprehended the brother to the air force officer in question.

He said the brother was arrested and his motorcycle impounded for violating the law banning the use of motorcycles in Minna from 7p.m. to 7a.m.stating that the attack was checkmated by police officers and men on duty and three out of the six air force men arrested.

 

Ogun

 

The Ogun State House of Assembly last Monday passed the

State’s 2014 Appropriation Bill of N210.2 billion. The bill was passed after the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Olusola Bankole, read the committee’s report.

Bankole said the budget was increased by N81 million to enhance the revenue generation drive of some of the ministries that had the capacity to generate more than what was proposed in the budget.

He said the committee recommended that state commissioners for Finance and Budget should ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) adhered strictly to the execution of their projects.

The Majority Leader, Mr Isreal Jolaoso, moved the motion for its third reading and was seconded by Mrs Elizabeth Anifowoshe.

The Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, after the passage of the bill, ordered that a clean copy be sent to Governor Ibikunle Amosun for assent.

Oyo

 

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army

Ibadan, Major.-General Ahmed Jibrin, says the Federal Government is working tirelessly to maintain peace in the country.

Jibrin who said this last Saturday while addressing participants at the division’s 2013 end of year West African Social Activities (WASA) in Ibadan State, said government was doing everything possible to support the security forces in the country to sustain peace.

“The situation in the country is tensed with kidnapping and other social vices but a lot of successes are as well attained. The fight is still on and we are working hard to win,” he said.

He said that WASA entailed setting aside a day, usually towards the end of the year, for officers and men with their families to engage in social cultural activities noting that the culture is part of the legacy the colonial masters left behind for the Nigerian Army.

 

 

Plateau

 

The Special Task Force (STF) on Security in Plateau State has

said it would deploy its personnel to search visitors at recreation centres in the state during Christmas and New Year festivities.

According to a press by the Media Coordinator, Capt Salisu Mustapha, in Jos on Saturday, the STF would carry out the task jointly with local security operatives.

It stated that the search was to ensure that firearms were not smuggled into the recreation centres.

According to the statement, vehicles are banned from entering the premises of recreation centres during the celebrations and called on religious bodies to also put security measures in place during the period.

 

Sokoto

 

The Sokoto State Police Command has said it would mount 24-

hour surveillance of churches, banks, highways and other public places during the forthcoming Yuletide celebrations.

The Commissioner of Police, Shua’ibu Gambo, said in Sokoto on Sunday.

“For the forthcoming Christmas and New Year, we are working round the clock in this direction. “We have put all the officers and men in the 23 local governments and Area Commands on red alert,’’ he said.

“Additional personnel have been drafted to Sokoto State city and its environs from the various area commands and divisions to the various Churches, intra-city, inter-city routes and other public places. “Additional patrol vehicles and plain-clothes security personnel have also been drafted across the state,’’ he added.

Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sidi, representative of Minister of FCT, Mr Ahmed Inuwa, representative of Director, Development Control, Mr Adamu Garba and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Rep. Abegunde Ifedayo, at the inauguration of NEMA's Emergency Response/Ambulance Bay on Airport Road in Abuja, last Monday.

Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sidi, representative of Minister of FCT, Mr Ahmed Inuwa, representative of Director, Development Control, Mr Adamu Garba and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Rep. Abegunde Ifedayo, at the inauguration of NEMA’s Emergency Response/Ambulance Bay on Airport Road in Abuja, last Monday.

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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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