Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Officials of Adamawa State Hunters Association
assisting the military in the fight against insurgents in the state have called for public support and prayers for victory over the insurgents.
Officials of the association made the call in an interview with newsmen in Yola, saying their members were committed to contributing their quota toward curbing insurgency in the country.
Philips James, the Secretary of the hunters association, said “we need the peoples’ support and prayers. We also need government’s assistance in this assignment.”
James urged the public to be vigilant and be security conscious, as well as prayerful for victory over the insurgents.
Borno
The Bama Development Foundation, an NGO, said
yesterday that it had registered 180,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Bama taking refuge in Maiduguri.
Malam Mohammed Hassan, the Chairman of the foundation, stated this at a news conference in Maiduguri.
Hassan said that the IDPs were in four camps in Maiduguri.
According to him, the IDPs are those displaced during attack on the town by insurgents in September.
“We have recorded about 180,000 IDPs from Bama taking shelters in four different camps in Maiduguri as at October 31.
“The camps are located at the Yerwa Girls Secondary School, Women Teachers College, NYSC Orientation Camp and Government Girls College, Maiduguri’’, he said.
FCT
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr
Olusegun Aganga, said the Federal Government had identified 100 companies to be rewarded for contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Aganga told newsmen in Abuja that the private sector was behind the country’s ranking as number one economy in Africa and one of the top 10 economies in the world.
According to him, over the last three years Nigeria has attracted more foreign direct investments and more local investments than any other economy in Africa.
“Earlier this year, the prestigious Wall Street Journal Frontier Market Settlement index which surveyed blue chip companies in developed economies ranked Nigeria number one country of global interest to investors.
”We are proud of these achievements because it is investors that create jobs for our people, wealth, facilitate economic growth and generate income for the government.
Kano
The Kano State Government said it spent N754.8
million on the construction of 74 public toilets in 74 rural markets in the state.
The State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Garba Durbunde, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
Durbunde said that the provision of the toilets which was also supported with solar-powered boreholes was to stop open defecation in the communities.
He said that the projects were executed in the last two years, adding that they were jointly financed by the state government and benefitting local government areas.
He said that N407 million was spent on the construction of the boreholes while the toilets gulped N338.8 million.
Katsina
Malam Ado Sama’ila, the Education Secretary,
Dandume Local Government Education Authority in Katsina State, has urged parents to encourage their daughters to study in tertiary institutions in order to maximise their potentials.
Sama’ila made the call in an interview with newsmen in Dandume.
He said it was important for parents especially in rural areas to stop the habit of preventing their daughters from obtaining higher qualifications after secondary school.
The education secretary said that the practice limits the abilities of girls to contribute more meaningfully to societal development.
Lagos
A Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr Abdul-
Hakeem Abiola, said last Wednesday that lack of toilets was putting public health at risk.
Abiola, who works at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on the World Toilet Day.
“Human faeces or human excreta is a source of infection and it is an important cause of environmental pollution.
“The health hazards of improper excreta management and disposal are one: it can cause soil pollution; it can cause water pollution; it can cause the contamination of foods and it can lead to propagation of flies, which can act as vectors for many diseases.”
Nasarawa
The Governing Council of Nasarawa State University
(NSUK), Keffi, has approved the appointment of Prof. Yakubu Ngwai and Dr Sa’adatu Liman as new Deputy Vice Chancellors, Administration and Academic respectively.
Notice of the appointment is contained in a statement signed by Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, the Vice Chancellor of the university, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Keffi.
The statement quoted Mainoma as saying “the decision to confirm the appointment of the two officers was taken at the meeting of the council, in line with the law that established the university.
“The confirmation of the appointment, which is for five years, starts with immediate effect.’’
Our correspondent reports that until their appointments, Ngwai was the Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, while Liman was the Head of Department of Islamic Studies and Deputy Dean Students Affairs.
Oyo
A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan,
has remanded a 45-year old John Jimoh in prison custody for allegedly issuing a dud cheque.
The Chief Magistrate, Alhaja Fatima Badrudeen, remanded Jimoh in Agodi prison pending his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Ibadan.
Jimoh, residing on Banji Street in Akuru Elebu area of Ibadan, was arraigned on a two-count charge of issuing a dud cheque to and obtaining money from a bank without paying back.
Jimoh was alleged to have obtained the sum of N500, 000 loans from Apex Trust Micro Finance Bank in Ibadan on September 4 with a promise to repay.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Adewale Amos, said Jimoh promised to repay the money within 30 days as agreed with the bank.
Sokoto
Journalists from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara State have
called for adequate budgetary allocation for the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in the country.
The journalists made the call at the end of a two-day media sensitisation/ review meeting on strategies to interrupt the transmission of the wild polio virus.
No fewer than 49 journalists attended the meeting held between November 17 and November 19, which focused on polio in the context of immunisation and child survival.
“There should also be the timely release of funds and physical involvement of PEI and other child-survival issues.
“Media practitioners and their organisations should continue to utilise their special positions in the society to strengthen and sustain the polio eradication and other child-survival programmes,’’ they said.
Taraba
Journalists who die in the line of duty should be given
post humous awards, Alhaji Bello Yero, Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State, has suggested.
Yero made the suggestion while interacting with newsmen in Jalingo recently.
Extolling the virtues of journalists across the world that died in the line of duty, he said the slain journalists were heroes who deserved honour even in death.
“It is my considered view that such journalists should be given post humus awards.
“Journalists in Nigeria had the track record of covering violent conflicts even though it had often put their lives in danger.
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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