Nation
THE STATES

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), receiving letter of credence from the Ambassador designate of Poland to Nigeria, Mr Andrzej Dycha, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday .
Adamawa
Members of Adamawa State House of Assembly have
in Yola passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the House led the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa.
The confidence vote was passed as the legislators resumed from five weeks recess in the wake of speculations of possible change in the leadership of the house.
A letter endorsing the speaker, signed by 23 out of the 25 legislators, was read by Mijinyawa, who later called them one by one to confirm their signatures.
In their respective submissions at plenary, the legislators lauded the leadership of the house for its commitment to transparency.
In his submission, Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC-Mubi South) who chairs the House Integrity Forum, described the speaker as ‘a team player who carries everyone along.’
Bauchi
An Islamic Scholar in Bauchi, Sheikh Abdullahi
Abubakar, has advised the Federal Government to entrust the management of Tsangaya schools in the country, to a Board of Trustees of the schools, for effective performance.
Abubakar told newsmen on Saturday in Bauchi, that poor management of such schools, was making it difficult to achieve the purpose for which they were established.
According to him, the Board should be given powers to handle matters of employment, promotion and discipline of teachers, to enhance efficiency of the students.
He said that it was the dream of the initiators of the schools, to see that the institutions prospered to churn out products that would be helpful to the society.
He expressed optimism that the schools, if managed by the trustees, would open up new window for unlimited progress in Quranic education.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded
10 accused persons arraigned before it in prison custody for kidnapping and armed robbery in Ekiti.
They are Solomon Obamuyegun, Oladapo Rachael, Sina Omidirin, Babatunde Balogun, Tope Gabriel, Bose Sade-Ajayi, Felix Omiawe, Damiloa Obamuagun, Shina Omidiran and Owolabi Olanrewanju.
Prosecutor Olasunkanmi Bankole told the court that the accused persons were arraigned on a two-count charge of kidnapping and robbery.
Bankole said that the offence was committed between April and July at Ilogbo-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state.
FCT
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Com
mission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, says, the standard of Nigerian universities was high in spite of their low global ranking.
Okojie, who said this at the opening of a two-day workshop on African Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project Post-Effectiveness in Abuja, said that the problem with Nigerian universities was low Internet presence.
Nigeria has 10 out of 19 African Centres of Excellence.
According to Okojie, the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) is solving the problem of Internet connectivity in Nigerian universities, saying it will improve global presence of Nigerian universities.
Jigawa
The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
in Jigawa State says it has strengthened the capacity of no fewer than 53 schools’ quality assurance officers in the state.
The SUBEB Deputy Director, Teacher Training, Alhaji Sani Shehu, made the disclosure to newsmen in Dutse.
Shehu said the training, organised, financed and facilitated by the SUBEB, started on July 27 and ended July 31.
The deputy director added that the beneficiaries included directors and their deputies from the quality assurance, social mobilisation offices and other officers that participated in quality assurance inspection in the state.
The SUBEB Zonal Director, Northwest, Mr Mansur Idris, told newsmen that the gesture was for the beneficiaries to acquire skills which would enable them conduct effective quality assurance in schools.
Kano
The wife of Kano State Governor, Dr Hafsat Ganduje
, has called on parents in the state to enrol their female children in school to ensure a bright future for them.
Ganduje made the call on Monday during a reception organised in honour of APC women leaders at the Government House in Kano.
She noted that there was a low enrolment of girls in schools, especially in the rural areas.
Ganduje said that it was regrettable that in spite of the efforts of the state government toward promoting female education, many parents were still reluctant to send their wards to school.
She said that the governor was aware of the effective role played by women in his victory and would not disappoint them.
Kwara
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has con
fiscated pirated works valued at over N4 million during a raid on outlet stores selling videos and musical works in Ilorin.
The Head, Ilorin Liaison Office of the commission, Mrs Justina Akinwumi made this known on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the activities of the commission in the state.
Akinwumi said that the commission arrested five persons involved in the piracy activities during the raid.
“Nigerian Copyright Commission has zero tolerance for piracy and all the perpetrators of the heinous act will be brought to book,” she added.
Lagos
An Ijaw leader, Mr Regent Youmor, has said the ap
pointment of retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh would facilitate the payment of fees of ex-militants schooling abroad.
Youmor, the adviser of the Ijaw National Congress, Lagos chapter, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari, on July 28, appointed Boroh as the coordinator of the amnesty programme to replace Mr Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Youmor said that over 3,000 beneficiaries of the programme had been ejected from their various institutions abroad due to non-payment of the fees.
Osun
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Osun State
chapter, says it has started the distribution of chemicals to cocoa farmers in the state in its drive to boost cocoa production.
The association, in a statement issued by its Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees and Zonal Secretary Oyo/Osun zones, Dr Bola Otunla and Mr John Alalade, said that the chemical distribution was to ensure that the state caught up with other cocoa growing states in the country.
“The state chapter of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria started the distribution of fungicide and insecticide to cocoa farmers in Osun.
Plateau
The Police at Jibilik check point in Pankshin Local
Government Area of Plateau has caught a couple with 81 live ammunition.
DSP Emmanuel Abu, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed the incident to newsmen . Abu, however, said the Divisional Police Officer in the area was yet to give details on the recovery.
The couple, Mr and Mrs Dahiru Haruna, were on their way to Bauchi in an unregistered motorcycle when they were intercepted by the policemen.
A policeman (names withheld) also confirmed the incident to the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Mr Steve Jings, who was on his way on a condolence visit to Chip District.
The policeman said that the couple never wanted to stop for a search.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has
pledged that his administration will provide critical infrastructure for the Nigerian Army and assist its officers to enable them carry out their mandate.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, in Sokoto on Sunday.
The statement stated that Tambuwal made the promise on Saturday in Sokoto when he visited the Command Headquarters of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
It stated that the governor said the state government would continue to accord the welfare and wellbeing of men and officers of all security agencies in the state top priority.
“Tambuwal said that Sokoto State had benefited immensely from the activities of the Brigade Command in various ways.
Yobe
Property, farmlands and livestock in seven villages
have been destroyed by flood in Yobe following heavy downpour on Monday night.
Malam Hussaini Ali, one of the victims told newsmen that about 60 per cent of structures in Ngelzarma were swept away by the flood.
“I have lost everything I owned to the flood including my house, livestock and other items,” he said, adding that hundreds of other families have been rendered homeless.
In Gununu and Jajere, our courrespondent learnt that the heavy night rain destroyed homes, submerged farms and swept away livestock.
Alhaji Digima Gana, Chairman Fune Local Government said that the council had set up a committee to provide immediate relief to the victims.
Similarly, Nangere and Budua villages in Nangere Local Government area and Murza and Dachia villages in Jakusko Local Council Area were also affected.
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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