Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

August 24, 2015

Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), welcoming the unicef Country Representative to Nigeria and Ecowas, Ms Jean Gough, during her courtesy visit to Government House in Bauchi, recently.

Adamawa

Some staff of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, have
petitioned the state House of Assembly accusing the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joshua Shall, of misconduct.
The petition, which receipt was acknowledged by the House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, at the plenary was referred to the House Committee on Public Complaint, for consideration and advise.
The petitioners, Dr Umar Jongur, Dr Idris Atadashi, Dr Kamkwis Markus, Mr Moses Mairabo and Mallam Khalid Bello, accused the vice chancellor of some wrongdoings, among which were administrative high handedness and violation of established rules.
Reacting to the development, the vice chancellor, Prof Joshua Shall, said he was just hearing about the petition, and that the petitioners did not give him a copy as expected.

Bauchi

Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Dahiru Mohammed, has assumed duty as the new General Manager of Radio Nigeria Globe FM, Bauchi.
Mohammed took over from Malam Aminu Goggo, who acted as the manager of the station, following the redeployment of the substantive General Manager, Malam Zakari Nadabo, to the Presidency.
Until his recent appointment, the new manager was the head of News and Current Affairs Unit of Bauchi State Television (BATV) and currently serving his second term as the chairman of Bauchi Council of the NUJ.
In an interview shortly after assumption of office, Mohammed said that his target was to make the station a “pacesetter among its peers”.

Benue

The Save-Our-Women and Youth Initiative in Benue State, an
NGO, has called for an urgent assessment of the numbers and locations of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The group’s state Coordinator, Mrs Erdoo Iber, said in Makurdi that the group also wants basic social amenities made available in camps when properly identified.
She said the IDPs require clinics, security posts, movable camps or tents, food and water to save lives and make life more meaningful for them in the camps.
Iber appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to such camps.

Ekiti

Ekiti State Government has issued a three-week ultimatum to
contractors handling the 2013 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects to complete and hand over or face the consequences.
The Chairman, MDGs State Implementation Committee, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, gave the ultimatum during a review meeting of the second phase of MDGs projects held with the contractors in Ado-Ekiti.
He warned that government would not hesitate to sanction erring contractors, stressing that the era of abandoned projects was over.
In his remarks, Mr Idowu Popoola Special Assistant to the Governor on MDGs, stressed the importance of quality and timely job delivery by contractors.
Jigawa

The Jahun Local Government Council of Jigawa State, says it has
purchased spare parts worth N2.8 million to repair broken and damaged hand pumps in the area.
The Area’s Information Officer, Malam Muhammad Umar, who made this known in Dutse.
Umar, who said the items had been handed over to the 11 wards of the local government, stressing that the aim was to ensure safe drinking water in the area.
He said that the items were handed over to members of wards committees who would supervise the exercise.

Kaduna

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has said that
the Air Force Institute of Technology, (AFIT) had been repositioned to contribute more effectively in tackling the current security challenges facing the country.
The Air Cheif, who made the remark at the 44th Convacation Ceremony of the institution in Kaduna, said training of technical personnel would impact positively in dealing with the dreaded Boko Haram and other security challenges facing the nation.
Abubakar said the institution was doing well in research and development and charged them to sustain the effort to enable the country address the current Boko Haram menace.
On his part, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Cmdr Misbau Soladoye, said that the institution had made steady progress in both its academic curricular, research and development.

Kano

The Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, says
it is ready to begin the conversion of wastes to wealth before the end of 2015.
The Managing Director of the board, Retired Group Capt. Mohammed Kura, said in Kano that investors from England and India had sent proposals to start converting scrap tiles into powder, fabrics and wares.
Kura said the board had sent the organic fertiliser to different laboratories, including Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan where it was tested and confirmed to be good and useful.
He further explained that the state government would also recruit more sanitary inspectors, who would be given the power to enforce and monitor sachet water sellers, biscuit sellers and bottle water traders.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Committee on Information for the 2015
Hajj is to embark on an awareness campaign to ensure to enlighten the 4,116 intending pilgrims, says the Chairman, Alhaji Umar Babuga.
Babuga told newsmen in Brinin-Kebbi that the essence of the campaign was to ensure effective guidance of the 4,116 intending pilgrims.
He said that pregnant women had been advised to defer undertaking the exercise, to avoid sanctions.
The chairman also requested Journalists to ensure adequate dissemination of information on the 2015 Hajj exercise.

Lagos

Nigerians have urged the Nigeria Police Force to enlist
only men and women of good character when it recruits the 10,000 personnel promised by President Muhammadu Buhari.
They made the call in an interview with newsmen against the backdrop of President Muhammedu Buhari’s promise to offer 10,000 jobs in the force.
The recruitment is to beef up the Police workforce which currently stands at less than 400,000 for a population of 170 million.
The United Nations’ recommendation is a minimum of 222 policemen per 100,000 people, a number that the current 400,000 does not cover.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government is to use the N25 billion
loan approved by the state House of Assembly in servicing the Contributory Pension Scheme for state civil servants and addressing some development needs.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Tanko Al-makura, Alhaji Ahmed Tukur,who disclosed this in an interview in Lafia, said explaining to the people what the bailout fund would be utilized for, was aimed at ensuring prudence and accountability.
He said that the fund, if accessed from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would help in the settling some pending issues for the growth of the state.
According to him, the state government will utilise N12 billion while the 13 local government councils in the state will share N13 billion.

Ogun

An Economist, Mr Toyin Taiwo, has urged local manufacturers
to show more commitment in developing their marketing strategies for enduring economic benefits and job creation.
He told newsmen in Ijebu-Ode, that the manufacturers could enhance their businesses by developing their marketing strategies themselves, rather than outsourcing the process.
Taiwo, who is the president, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), said this would help them set good records of market penetration and increase the value chain of end products.
The economist, who also operates a food technology consultancy firm, said in order to achieve sustainable success, manufacturers must repeatedly re-examine their company’s sense of purpose.

Oyo

The Oyo State Government would no longer pay the West African
Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees for students, the state Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade, has said.
Eniade also said that from the 2015/2016 Academic Session, students would pay annual Education Development Levy of N3,000.
In a statement titled: “Efforts of Oyo State Government to Address Poor Performance of Students in Public Secondary Schools,” issued in Ibadan, Eniade said that government took the decision in order to guard against poor performances of students in public schools.
According to the statement, the state government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/2016 academic session.

Plateau

As the world marks this year’s Mosquito Day, PTA Chairman in
Plateau State, Mr Sylvester Yakubu, has advised governments to provide treated nets to schools to curb the spread of malaria.
The PTA boss said in Jos that the use of treated nets was particularly effective in preventing the spread of mosquitoes, the carriers of the malaria parasite.
He explained that the World Malaria Day was aimed at reminding the public that malaria remained one of the killer diseases in Africa because of the humid condition of its environment.
Yakubu, however, said that guidelines for using the nets must be observed to avoid complications, and advised government to pay more attention to public schools to lessen the burden of less privileged parents.

Yobe

Some women in Yobe State have commended ‘Waka Rural
Development Initiative’’ a Non-Governmenal Organisation (NGO) for restoring their psychological and physical stability after insurgents’ attacks on their communities.
The Internally Displaced women, who made the commendation in interview in Damaturu said that the entrepreneurship programme initiated by the NGO had trained 300 internally displaced women in various trades.
It assists internally displaced women to engage in productive livelihood in their new communities for economic self reliance.
A displaced mother from Gujba, Mrs Aisa Bukar, said the programme had assisted her and other women to look into the future and begin a new life.

Zamfara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has called on security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to curb cattle rustling and other crimes in the area.
The Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Sunusi Rikiji, made the call in Gusau at the house plenary while reacting to a complaint about cases of cattle rustling.
Rikiji commended the partnership between security agencies and the state government in checking cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the state.
A member representing Anka constituency, Alhaji Bello Sarkin-Fagon (APC) had earlier informed the House about cattle rustling activities in his constituency, adding that gunmen had recently attacked Wuya Ward in Anka Local Government Area and seized 200 cows and 200 sheep.

Nation

Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

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

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

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

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

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.