Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture last Monday distrib
uted 180 knapsack sprayers to maize farmers in Benue.
The Coordinator of the ministry, Mr Benjamin Kuleve, who performed the exercise, said the gesture was a deliberate policy of the Federal Government to encourage farmers, especially the youths.
Kuleve urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the knapsack sprayers to complement the already existing efforts by the state government to take agriculture to enviable heights.
The Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Aondona Kuhe, thanked the Federal and State Governments on their efforts to boost agriculture in the country and that the association would monitor and ensure that the knapsack sprayers were used only for the purpose they were intended.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has promised
to complete all ongoing roads and other projects in the Gwoza Emirate of the State.
Shettima made the promise when members of the Gwoza Elders Forum paid him a courtesy visit in Maiguguri on Monday to thank him for elevating the Emir of Gwoza to first class status.
Ekiti
The National Conscience Party (NCP), has declared its
readiness to participate in the governorship election in Ekiti State in June.
The National Chairman of the Party, Dr Tanko Yinusa dropped the hint at the Special Convention of the State chapter of the party in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
According to him, the NCP, in continued pursuit of the vision of its founder father, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, would strive to eradicate poverty
.
FCT
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Adm. Ola Ibrahim, has
commended the U.S and other countries for their support in combating terrorism within Nigeria and the sub-region.
Ibrahim made the commendation at the opening of a Workshop on Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism in Abuja on Monday.
“It is indeed gladdening to see the armed forces of Nigeria getting immense support from the United States as well as other countries towards defeating terrorism within Nigeria and the sub-region.’ “The recent joint exercises with navy along our coastal belt and training exercises with the army will attest to the collaboration towards building capacity of the armed forces’’, he said.
Gombe
The Police in Gombe State said it arrested six persons in
connection with the death of Alhaji Adamu Yusuf and Alhaji Umar Makama in Gombe metropolis on Dec. 31, 2013.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Fwaje Atajiri, in Gombe on Monday. The statement said the suspects were helping the police in the investigation.
“The police wish to make it clear that it is poised to deal decisively with any form of thuggery, politically motivated violence and social miscreants, according to the law. “In the same vein, their sponsors will also face the full wrath of the law as no individual is above the law of the land,” the statement added.
Kano
The Kano State Government has donated N3million to the
state chapter of the Nigerian Legion as part of preparations for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso announced the donation Monday, at the launch of Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House, Kano.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Umar Faruk, said the donation was aimed at assisting the ex-service men in the state and appealed to the ex-service men to remain committed and patriotic towards national co-existence.
Katsina
The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) in Katsina State
has threatened to withhold mails of the 34 local governments in Katsina State for allegedly failing to settle their debt for the past three years.
The NIPOST Manager in Katsina, Mr Alex Bature, told newsmen on Monday in Katsina that the debt amounted to N3 million.
Bature said although NIPOST was not a profit-making agency, there was need for individuals and organisations to pay for the services rendered to them “to enable us to settle our financial problems”.
The manager also said that NIPOST would organise a programme to enlighten students on the importance of postal services noting that the state Ministry of Education had made it mandatory for schools to embark on excursion to the agency.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has urged
Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Muhammad as they mark the birth of the Holy Prophet.
A message to mark Eid-El-Maulud, issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, on Monday in Ilorin quoted the governor as saying that the virtues of the Prophet were what endeared Him to humanity of all races and faith.
Ahmed also urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to use the occasion to reflect on the state of affairs in the country by praying for good governance and inter-religious harmony.
He added that “Nigerians, irrespective of our religious and ethnic diversity, must at occasions like this, reflect on issues that can strengthen our nationhood and He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure equity and justice in the pursuit of programmes that would enhance the welfare of the people.
Lagos
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),
last Monday alerted the public on reports of fake Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) e-facility cards in circulation in Lagos.
The Coordinator of the Board in Lagos, Alhaji Kamaldeen Oladeji, disclosed in Lagos that the board’s annex in Lagos had been informed that some persons were selling fake e-facility cards for the board’s 2014 UTME.
“The candidates complained of the e-facility cards not only being sold, but also sold at more than the quoted purchase price of N1,000,” he said.
Oladeji added that the e-facility card was only available for sale to the public at the board’s offices nationwide.
Niger
Chief Magistrates’ Court last Monday sentenced a 26-
year-old labourer, Salisu Umar to 10 years imprisonment for raping in Minna, a 4-year-old girl contrary to Section 18 of the Child’s Right Law of Niger State.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Ahmed Saidu, told the court that one Ayuba Tanimu of Abdulsalam Quarters reported the case at the police station on January 8.
Saidu said that the convict, a resident of Peter Sarki Road Minna, took the complainant’s daughter to an uncompleted building and had sexual intercourse with her.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abdullahi Usman sentenced the labourer to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine and ordered that the convict to pay a compensation of N50, 000 to the parents of the minor.
Osun
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, last
Monday said the achievements of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola would ‘speak’ for him in the campaign for the forthcoming governorship election.
The State Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of APC, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, said in Osogbo, that the governor would not involve himself in any campaign of calumny but would showcase the good works he had done since the inception of his administration in 2010.
The director listed the major achievements of the governor to include stoppage of perennial flooding which had caused incalculable damage in some parts of the state.
Plateau
The President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, last Monday said the national dialogue committee inaugurated was a right step in right direction.
Kaigama, who is the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, said this at the closing ceremony of the 42nd National Laity Council Conference of the church.
He said that the dialogue would enable Nigerians to sit and discuss their future as a nation.
“I hope that the national dialogue will be genuine enough and will not be turned to a mere national conference of leaders which will end up as an academic exercise,’’ he said.
Yobe
Youths in Damaturu last Monday appealed to the Yobe
State Government to extend the state empowerment programmes initiated in 2013.
Aliyu Kaku, an unemployed graduate and beneficiary of the programme said:”the programme had provided graduates with a means of livelihood.
Usman Buba, an NCE graduate called on the state government to concentrate on youth empowerment in 2014, with a view to finding solution to the challenges in 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.
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