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L-R: Bukina-Faso Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Piabe Ndo, Bukina-Faso’s Special Envoy, Mr Rene Bagoro, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador  Paul Lolo, during the visit of the Special Envoy to the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Thursday.

L-R: Bukina-Faso Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Piabe Ndo, Bukina-Faso’s Special Envoy, Mr Rene Bagoro, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Paul Lolo, during the visit of the Special Envoy to the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Thursday.

Adamawa

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has said it had united 5,000 families in Adamawa and Borno States following the liberation of some communities from Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
The Director-General, NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, disclosed this while presenting relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returnees in Uba, Adamawa..
Sidi said the integration programme was initiated by the agency to support displaced persons, who returned to their various villages.
Sidi, represented by Alhaji Sa’ad Bello, NEMA camp coordinator in Adamawa, said the agency would provide necessary assistance to the returnees in parts of the affected states.
He said some of the displaced persons who fled their villages in Mubi North, Mubi South and Maiha local government areas of Adamawa had returned to their respective villages.

Benue

The Governing Council of Benue State University, has
resolved to take proactive measures to cut down cost for the sustenance of teaching and research in the institution.
The decision is contained in a statement issued by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Ode Ojowu, made in Makurdi.
The statement quoted Ojowu as saying that contract staff whose tenure had expired would no longer be renewed, except contracts that were based on citizenship or critical needs.
He stated that employment into the university which was not required for accreditation purposes would be suspended forthwith and urged the school management to work out modalities to curtail overhead expenditure.
He said university funds would no longer be used to sponsor foreign trips of staff until further notice and appealed to those concerned to bear the cost.

Ekiti

Worried by the spate of kidnapping, the Ekiti State House
of Assembly, has unanimously passed a resolution calling on security agencies to be more proactive in their duties.
The lawmakers decried the ugly development, urging the Commissioner of Police, Mr John Etok, and other security agencies to ensure that they end the development.
Contributing during plenary, the members called for the enactment of law that would give a stiffer penalty for convicted kidnappers.
Messrs Olusanya Aladeyelu, Samuel Omotoso, Sunday Akinniyi and Gboyega Aribisogan, contributed to the debate.
The House charged members of the public to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any strange movement in and around their environment to security agencies around them.

FCT

The Pan-African Cultural Congresses (PACC) has said that
Africans are optimistic that implementing the continent-wide diversification policy will promote development.
The PACC Chairman, Mr Ferdinand Anikwe, made this know in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Anikwe said that African leaders were aware that extraction and exportation of raw materials would not grow the continent’s economy.
“Most African countries are currently implementing diversification policies to make sure that the extraction and exportation of raw materials do not become the only economic activity driving growth.
“At the Pan African Congress, we encourage positive diversification policies, especially in the area of Culture and Arts as well as other economically viable areas.

Kaduna

A United States-based lecturer, Prof.. Aondover Tarhule,
has urged the management of the Kaduna State University (KASU) to establish a research proposal development centre.
Tarhule made the call on Wednesday in Kaduna while presenting a paper titled, “ Writing a Successful Grant Proposal“ during the university’s Faculty of Science monthly seminar.
Tarhule, Chairman; Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, United States of America, said the centre when established, would address the challenges facing writing research proposals to get approval for funding.
He said international organisations and foreign government agencies are interested in funding researches, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.
Kano

The Kano State Government has approved over N39 million
for clearing of drains in Kano metropolis.
The state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba , announced this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Kano on Thursday.
Garba said the exercise was necessary to prevent possible flooding and to guard against possible outbreak of communicable diseases in the area.
According to him, the council has also approved N61 million for the revalidation of approval in respect of teaching skills programme.
He also said that the state government had approved N18 million for three rounds of polio Immunisation Plus Days campaign in the state.

Lagos

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday,
constituted an eight member Ad Hoc Committee to review the circumstances that led to impeachment of former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro.
This followed an appeal made by the former Deputy Governor in a letter read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Ganiyu Abiru.
The ex-deputy governor urged the House to revisit his impeachment in a compassionate manner.
The Clerk also stated that the letter from Pedro was attached with his letter of resignation while leaving office.
Pedro appealed to the 8th Assembly to revisit the impeachment sanction levelled against him by the 5th Assembly in 2007.

Nasarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has
promised to reconstruct the collapsed federal bridge along Abubakar Burga road in Keffi within two weeks.
Al-Makura made the pledge while inspecting the collapsed bridge.
He appealed to the residents of Keffi and motorists plying the route to be patient, assuring that government is doing everything possible to fix the bridge in order to reduce their hardship.
He said: “Although this is a Federal Government road, my administration is committed to initiate people’s oriented projects in order to better their living standard.
According to him, the reconstruction of the bridge if completed would go a long way in improving the socio-economic activities of the people.
Al-Makura also said that the state government was seriously worried by the hardship being experienced by the people as a result of the collapsed bridge which he said has cut off the city into two.
He added that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the people of the state enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Sokoto

The United Nations’  Children’s  Fund (UNICEF) has urged
medical personnel in hospitals to continue to partner with community health workers to prevent disease outbreak in the country.
The Sokoto State Incident Manager for UNICEF, Dr Aminu Shehu, made the call on Thursday, in a presentation at a two-day sensitisation workshop organised for media practitioners by the Fund.
He said doctors in hospitals were largely concerned about individual cases brought before them by patients but failed to report same to the disease surveillance units for research and investigation.
He added that although, community health workers use effective disease surveillance on communities, they were sometime unable to trace possible outbreak of likely communicable diseases which could only be known when patients reported at the hospital.

Taraba

The newly-posted Commandant of the Nigerian Security
and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Taraba State, Mr Kamilu Isah, has vowed to deal decisively with hoodlums in the state.
Isah, who said this at his maiden media briefing in Jalingo, said there would be no sanctuary for miscreants throughout his tenure in the state.
The commandant said he would form a synergy with other security operatives to combat criminal activities in the state.
Isah said the command would not relent in its mandate of tackling criminal activities and protecting lives and property.
“I’m here to complement other security agencies and to curb criminality,” he said.

Yobe

The Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board,
has said it used 40 health facilities to immunise children displaced by insurgency, to ensure that the routine immunisation chain was not broken.
An Assistant Director in the board, Dr Umar Ciroma, disclosed this in Damaturu at an interactive session with newsmen on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) activities in the area.
He said the board had conducted follow-up activities by visiting Internally Displaced Persons in communities where they took refuge.
He said the board had been working round the clock to ensure that every displaced child was covered and immunized.

Zamfara

An NGO, Association of Reproductive and Family Health
(ARFH), has trained 568 women on different family planning methods in Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, according to an officer of the body.
The association’s Project Officer in the state, Mr Bamidele Oluwaseun, made this known at Birnin-Magaji during the Second Child Spacing Day.
Oluwaseun said the training was provided under the organisation’s Expanded Social Marketing Project in Nigeria (ESMPIN) project.
He added that the women were mobilised across the local government through the use of Community Based Distribution Agents (CBDAs) with support from the state’s Ministry of Health.
The project officer said that part of the child spacing methods taught the women included Implanon, Jaddel, Inter Urinary Device (IUD), Depo and the use of condom.
Other‘methods, he added, included long acting methods such as counselling, injection, insertions, as well as oral pills.
The officer then called for more support from traditional and religious leaders in addressing the myths and misconceptions regarding child spacing and commended the efforts of the Zamfara Ministry of Health and the Emir of Birnin-Magaji for supporting the programme.
He expressed the hope that the overall goal of increasing access, knowledge to women and men of reproductive age would be achieved if government played its role and if partners increased their commitment and support.

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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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