Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has expressed concern over the poor participation of the private sector in emergency relief response for Internally Displaced Persons in the North East.
Alhaji Muhammed Kanar, North East Zonal Coordinator of the agency, expressed the concern in an interview with newsmen in Yola, recently.
Kanar said that the attitude of leaving everything to government was over, as it could not afford to carter for the needs of all the people.
Bauchi
Rice farmers in Itas-Gadau Local Government Area,
Bauchi State, have said the Federal Government’s N3.6 billion Mechanised Agriculture Intervention Fund would reduce the cost of their activities when disbursed.
The Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigerian (RIFAN), Malam Auwalu Saidu, Itas-Gadau Local Government chapter, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen at Gabu.
He commended the Federal Government for coming up with the intervention, saying it would boost food production nationwide and make agriculture more lucrative.
“With this intervention, tractors and other farm machinery will be provided for hire at affordable prices to the farmers just as seeds; fertiliser and water pumps are being provided.
Borno
No fewer than 4,000 people in Borno State were
engaged in community-based development activities under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in 2013.
The SURE-P Coordinator in the state, Malam Wakil Kalanga, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri recently.
Kalanga said that the participants were being empowered under the Community Services, Women and Youths Employment (CSWYE) project of the SURE-P.
He said that the beneficiaries were drawn from the 27 local government, included youths, women and vulnerable groups selected by the community leaders in their various localities.
Gombe
A commercial agricultural firm, Savannah Integrated
Export Processing Farm, has provided 1,504 acres of subsidised land to 1,000 farmers at Dadin-Kowa irrigation site to boost irrigation farming in Gombe State.
The farm manager of the firm, Malam Nasiru Umar, spoke to newsmen in Dadin-Kowa town recently.
Umar said the firm provided land to the farmers at subsidised rate, cultivated the land and gave to farmers of different crops at the site.
The farm manager said the company had wanted to give them water for irrigation, but could not do that and advised them to dig shallow wells.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government said it had spent N371
million to purchase vehicles for the 25 council chairmen in the state.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Salisu Ndarawa, said this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Ndarawa said 25 Toyota Prado Jeeps were purchased for the chairmen, adding that nine of the vehicles had been delivered to some of them.
The commissioner said the remaining 18 would be delivered soon.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State House of Assembly has con
firmed the reappointment of Alhaji Kindi Zauro as a commissioner in the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
Our correspodent reports that Governor Saidu Dakingari had requested the legislature to approve the reappointment after Zauro’s tenure expired five months ago.
The Speaker, Alhaji Habibu Jega, who presided over the plenary session, said members endorsed the reappointment unanimously after a voice vote.
Meanwhile, the House has also confirmed the appointment of Malam Hassan Dakingari as a Special Adviser to the governor on Micro Finance Banks.
Lagos
An Ogudu Magistrate Court in Lagos State has
sentenced a 25-year-old ‘pure water’ hawker, Musa Sule, to one year imprisonment, with hard labour, for stabbing a colleague.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Omolade Awope, sentenced Sule after he pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of assault.
Delivering judgment, Awope described the action by the convict as “callous”, adding that Sule must be very violent.
“Sule saw a knife just lying fallow in a tomato seller’s shop, picked it and put it in his pocket. What attracted him to the knife and for what intent?
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government said that it had
constituted an 11-man committee to tackle the spread of communicable diseases in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
According to him, the move is to ensure quick response in the event of any outbreak of diseases as well safeguard the lives of the people.
Akabe said that there were reported cases of Cholera, Lassa fever and other communicable diseases in Lafia and other parts of the state recently, which resulted to loss of lives.
Ogun
The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, has appealed
to traditional rulers to caution politicians in their domains against activities capable of aggravating the security challenges facing the country.
Moro made the appeal in Abeokuta when he paid a courtesy call on Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egba land.
He visited the monarch shortly after inaugurating an administrative block and 36 units of staff quarters at the Civil Defence College of Security Management in Abeokuta.
The minister expressed concern over incidents of insurgency, militancy and communal clashes in some parts of the country.
Sokoto
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr
Usman Bugaje, has advocated the formation of political parties in Nigeria, based on “content, conscience and courage.”
Bugaje said this at the maiden edition of the monthly lecture series, organised by the Muslim community, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
He also called for the use of modern technology to transform political parties and democracy and stressed the need for vibrant civil society organisations as panacea to the nation’s political problems.
Yobe
The authority of the Federal Government College, Buni-
Yadi, in Yobe State, Mr Ibrahim Abdul, has confirmed that 29 of its students were killed by insurgents who attacked the institution on Monday.
A Senior Master, gave the figure while receiving Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam during a sympathy visit to the school.
Abdul said that 11 students also sustained various gunshot wounds.
He said that all the hostels and classrooms were burnt by the insurgents who attacked the college at about 11.30 p.m.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government has distributed more
than N20 million as assistance to victims of a recent attack in Tungar Rakumi Village of Maru Local Government Area.
The villagers were attacked three weeks ago by unknown gunmen, who killed 25 residents, burnt down houses and foodstuff and injured many others.
Chairman of the committee set up to distribute the money, Alhaji Sani Mayanci, said it was meant to serve as assistance to families of the victims.
He said the families of those who died would receive N300,000 each while others affected by the incident would be given N100,000 each.
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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