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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Governor-elect of Adamawa State, Bindo Jibrilla,
has solicited the support of the people of the state to enable him fulfil the promises made during campaign.
Bindo made the call when he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and different ethnic groups who paid him a courtesy visit in Yola on Saturday.
According to the governor-elect, running of government is not an individual matter or a matter for a particular group.
“I was elected as a governor but running government affairs is a collective responsibility that needs your intellectual support to deliver.
“I am a governor, you are the governed, and I cannot make it without your collective support’’, Bindo said.

FCT

The Zaymar Education Centre (ZEC) has  advised
Muslim women all over the world to emulate the virtues of Nana Fatima, the daughter of prophet Muhammad (SAW), as the world celebrates her.
The co-odinator of the centre, Hajia Shifa Garba, made the appeal in an address of welcome during the celebration of late Fatima in Abuja on Saturday.
The theme of the celebration for this year; “Mother, the Axis of Unity,’’ is to commemorate the roles played by Fatima in the development of Islam.
Garba said; “the best of women, especially the one we are celebrating today, lived their entire lives within the limit of Allah (SWT).
“ They have achieved greatness through actions which even the best of men could not have equaled.
“ They have gained love and respect not only for those who knew them, but also for those who came to hear about them long after their time,’’ she said.

Gombe

No fewer than 2,430 students matriculated at the
Federal College of Education (Technical) in Gombe, on Saturday for the 2014/2015 academic session.
The Provost of the college, Dr Abass Gimba, said the  college had provided all the facilities needed for effective teaching and learning.
According to him, workshop, laboratories, virtual library, computer centre are made available for you.
Gimba urged them to take advantage of the facilities to develop themselves.
He further said the college administration abhors all forms of bad behaviours.
“I will like to say in strong terms that we will not condone any form of anti-social activities from students.
“We will use all the available means at our disposal to effectively control erring students in order to curtail such bad behaviours,” he said.

Kaduna
The Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasiru el-
Rufai, has called on the residents of Kaduna to shun religious sentiments and leave in peace with one another.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday his spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said that he was determined to work with all residents of the state to restore its past glory.
He said that what the state needed was good governance and genuine development, urging the people to focus on these values.
“Our good people of Kaduna State, we are again grateful for the mandate you gave us on April 11.
“I am begging you in the name of Almighty God to live in peace and work together for a new Kaduna State.

Kano

The Kano State Government says it has approved
over N242 million for the payment of intending pilgrims’ accommodation in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj.
The Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, disclosed this at a press conference on the outcome of the state executive council meeting in Kano on Sunday.
She said the council had also approved over N26 million for the re-imbursement of tuition and other associated fees for 27 state-sponsored students in China.
“The council also approved N191.8 million for the settlement of outstanding debt in favour of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
“The council has also approved N10.6 million for the production of one million seedlings for the year 2015.”
Garko said that N15 million was also approved for pipeline extension and reticulation from Kwankwaso market to Sabon Garin Kwankwaso.

Kwara

Islamic cleric Khadijat Abdulsalam, has said the re-elec
tion of Abdulfatah Ahmed as governor of Kwara was another opportunity for the people to enjoy genuine dividends of democracy.
Abdulsalam made the remark at a special thanksgiving prayer for the peaceful conduct of the just-concluded general elections in Nigeria.
Abdulsalam, therefore, told wealthy individuals to always remember their creator and imbibe the spirit of alms giving to the needy.
Omolewa, wife of Kwara governor, organiser of the special prayer, thanked God for the successful elections and for the re-election of her husband.

Nasarawa

The Police Command in Nasarawa State has con
firmed the arrest of  five suspected hoodlums who allegedly disrupted the ongoing re-run elections in Lafia-Obi Federal Constituency with firearms.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Manche Christopher, said the suspects were arrested by security operatives in Angwan Mangu while threatening the electorate at the polling unit.
Manche explained that the suspects had been taken to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.
He warned that the police would not take it lightly with anybody attempting to disrupt the existing peace in the state.
The police spokesman said that the security agencies would ensure the smooth conduct of the re-run election in the constituency.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says a strange disease
that has killed some people since its outbreak on April 15 in Ode-Irele, Irele local government area of the state, is not contagious.
The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, made this assurance on Sunday at a news conference in Akure.
He said findings from post-mortem carried out on the victims and other laboratory tests revealed that the disease was neither epidemic nor contagious.
According to the commissioner, preliminary report shows that ethanol poison is found in the systems of all the victims.
“Our investigations revealed that the victims, who are commercial motorcyclists, gathered at some local joints to take alcoholic substance mixed with roots and some other local herbs on the eve of the outbreak of the disease.
“I can assure you that the disease is in no way contagious. The fact that none of the caregivers has contracted the disease has greatly underscored this point.

Sokoto

The Chairman of Katsina State Indigenes Associa
tion, Sokoto State chapter, Alhaji Aliyu Daura, has pleaded with the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to re-introduce the War Against Indiscipline (WAI).
He made the plea in a congratulatory message to Buhari made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.
According to him, the re-introduction of WAI will check the menace of various forms of indiscipline across the country.
He appealed to Buhari to also strive to ensure total eradication of corruption from the country, describing it as the bane of Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Daura further called on the president-elect to focus on ensuring the security of lives and property, especially the ongoing war against insurgency and other forms of criminality across the nation.
Taraba
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) on Saturday presented certificates of return to the three senators and six House of Representatives members-elect in Taraba State.
The INEC National Commissioner, Alhaji Nuru Yakubu,   presented the certificates to them in Jalingo.
Those issued the certificates were Taraba Acting Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Danladi, Taraba North; Mr Emmanuel Bwacha, Taraba South; and Alhaji Bashir Barafa, Taraba Central.
The others were six House of Representatives members-elect.
Yakubu advised them to fulfil their campaign promises in order to attract development to the state.
He urged the people to support the commission to peacefully conclude the scheduled governorship run off slated for April 25.

Adamawa State Governor-elect, Senator Bindow Jibrilla (left), being presented with Certificate of Return by the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, during the presentation ceremony in Yola last Saturday.                        					       Photo: NAN

Adamawa State Governor-elect, Senator Bindow Jibrilla (left), being presented with Certificate of Return by the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States, Dr Nuru Yakubu, during the presentation ceremony in Yola last Saturday. 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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