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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The proposed Kafin Zaki dam in Bauchi State, is to be
re-designed to accommodate the interests of communities in Yobe and Jigawa states.
Vice President Namadi Sambo stated this in Bauchi during the North East Zonal Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan, who authorized the re-designing of the dam, had also directed that work should commence on the project.
Sambo also said that the completion of another dam in Taraba, the Mambilla Hydropower project, would transform the North East sub-region.

Benue

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen, have attacked some vil
lages in Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing over 19 people and abducting others in the process.
It was gathered that more than 15 people, including women and children were whisked away by the gunmen to unknown destination.
Sources say the gunmen also razed houses and destroyed farmlands during the late night invasion.
The council chairman, Stephen Dutse, said the attackers invaded the villages of Olegaje, Ogumogbo, Ejuma and Ogbagaji, the headquarters of the local government.

FCT

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said it
would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Arrow of God.
The National Vice President of the association, Danja Abdullahi, told newsmen in Abuja that the event would come up on April 3 in Abuja.
He said that ANA resolved to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Achebe’s novel “because Chinua Achebe was a hero in the literary world, besides being a worthy son of Nigeria.
“This year marks the golden anniversary of the publication of the novel, Arrow of God, by Chinua Achebe, his third novel after Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease.

Jigawa

The Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State
is targeting immunisation of 121, 000 animals against various diseases within four weeks, the Chairman, Malam Muhammad Bundai, said recently.
Bundai gave the assurance while inspecting animal vaccination in Birniwa.
He urged Fulani herdsmen to present their animals for vaccination to check outbreak of diseases and improve animal health.
The chairman said that the council had provided logistics support to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.

Kaduna

The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of
Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Kaduna State, has approved the appointment of three acting directors to substantive positions.
The approval is contained in a statement issued by the institute’s Chief Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr Paul Mshelizah in Zaria.
The statement quoted Mshelizah as saying the decision was taken at the 19th meeting of the council held in Zaria, Kaduna State on March 28, chaired by its Chairman, Mr Olusola Akanmode.
The new appointees are Alhaji Sule Bello, who is now the institute’s substantive Registrar, Mr Uzoma Ugoke, who becomes the Director, Library and Information and Mr Femi Jemirin, now the institute’s Director, Consultancy Services.

Kano

Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,
has declared that the ongoing National Conference would end up as another talk show, as it was meant to waste government’s fund.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in Kaduna recently, he wondered why a whopping N7 billion was budgeted for the conference, while only a paltry N2 billion was given to three North-Eastern states grappling with terrorism and insurgency.
Kwankwaso stated that the President, Goodluck Jonathan, hurriedly organised the conference because he was short of ideas on how to run the country.
He alleged that the motive behind the confab was to open old wounds with a clear intent to cause confusion in the polity.

Kwara

A lawmaker, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim, says the pres
ence of “too many old people’’ at the National Conference may be a negation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s good intention of convening it.
Ibrahim, who said this in Ilorin, recently, told newsmen that the ongoing National Conference was a laudable event which had too many old people as delegates.
The lawmaker, who was inaugurated as Honorary President of Mess Committee of the Nigeria Navy School of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara said the timeliness of the conference was apt.

Lagos

Some residents of Ejigbo in Alimosho Local Gov
ernment Area of Lagos State have urged the state government to provide an efficient network of drains in the area.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they said that functional drainage channels would give room for easy flow of waste water into the canals.
“In Ejigbo, most homes don’t know where to discharge waste water because there is no functional drainage system.
“So, what happens is that the water is discharged in the compounds and you know this can cause health problems.

Ogun

A member of the Ogun State House of As
sembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, has urged delegates to the National Conference to put the interest of the nation first in all their deliberations.
Elemide, (APC-Odeda), made the call in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen
The lawmaker said that the outcome of the on-going national conference would only be meaningful if the interest and future of the nation were put into consideration in all issues to be discussed.
He stated that lack of love for one another had been a major factor affecting development and growth of the country.
He added that Nigerians should love one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The legislator noted that Nigeria would be a better place if the fear of God, love and honesty were allowed to reign supreme at the conference.
He, however, urged the leadership of the country to ensure that the views of Nigerians were not subverted at the end of the conference.

Ondo

The Chairman of Ondo State Cocoa Revolution
Implementation  Committee, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, says cocoa produced in the state for chocolate production, has received world certification and recognition.
Oyebade told newsmen in Akure, that the product had already been presented to the partnering firm overseas, Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate firm, Netherland.
“We taught our cocoa farmers how to improve the quality of their cocoa, through proper fermentation.
“Our partners have taken our sample and are satisfied with it. I am proud that our effort has yielded good results. We want to reproduce chocolate from our own cocoa” he said.

Zamfara

The National Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Bodejo, has called on Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, to convene a nationwide meeting of Fulanis.
Bodejo made the call in Gusau while conferring the title of Sardaunan Fulani on Shema.
He explained that such a meeting would help to find lasting solutions to problems involving Fulani and others in the country.
“If a meeting is convened by a personality like the Katsina state governor, I am very certain that the truth about us will come to light’’, Bodejo said.

L-R: Former President Shehu Shagari, Deputy Governor of Kano Stae, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduji, an Activist, Dr Junaid  Mohammed and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Saleem, at  the 75th National Day  of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abuja last Sunday. Photo: NAN

L-R: Former President Shehu Shagari, Deputy Governor of Kano Stae, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduji, an Activist, Dr Junaid Mohammed and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Saleem, at the 75th National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abuja last Sunday. Photo: NAN

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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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