Nation
THE STATES

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State (left), receiving a t-shirt from the United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ecowas, Grace Ongile, who paid him courtesy visit in Jos on Monday
Adamawa
A former Interior Minister and APC chieftain in Adamawa
State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Adamu, says the society has a vital role to play in efforts to achieve the December deadline to rout Boko Haram.
Adamu, who was Minister of State for Interior in the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’adua, made the statement in Yola on Sunday during an interview with newsmen.
He said that developments in the on-going fight against Boko Haram had shown that the insurgents had been seriously degraded.
He said what was needed was to mop up some of the insurgents who had mingled with the society and were causing havoc through suicide bomb attacks.
“It is our moral responsibility to help the army by exposing members of Boko Haram even if such suspects are our relations,” Adamu said.
Borno
The Borno State chapter of the Islamic Medical Associa
tion of Nigeria (IMAN) has donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to 40 widows of Boko Haram insurgency in the state capital.
The Chairman of the association, Malam Abba Babagana, stated this during the presentation of the items at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Babagana said that the gesture was to assist the vulnerable victims of the insurgncy who were in dire need of assistance.
He added that the gesture would equally reduce the situation whereby women and children roamed the streets seeking for help.
In his remark, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Tahir, said catering for the less privilage was paramount.
Tahir said report had shown that Borno had more than 10,000 widows as a result of the insurgency which posed serious problems to the society.
FCT
The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineer
ing (NATE), has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish a polytechnic in Abuja in order to enhance technical education in the territory.
The Chairman of NATE, FCT branch, Mr Jubril Kadri, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
NATE is a professional body with membership comprising mainly Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) holders in engineering.
Jibril, who rued the absence of government-owned polytechnics in the FCT, noted that the existing private polytechnics lacked the capacity to provide the necessary equipment to enhance engineering study.
Jigawa
The price of Benny seeds, also known as sesame seeds,
has dropped in major grain markets in Jigawa due to low patronage of the produce.
Our correspondent at Hadejia and Gujungu markets found that the price has dropped by about 50 per cent since the commencement of the harvest season.
It was gathered that a bag of the commodity now sells at N10, 500 as against the N20, 000 it sold for last season.
Traders at the market attributed the situation to increase in supply of the produce from the farms amid low demand.
Alhaji Shehu Malammadori, a trader, said prices would further go down due to lack of buyers.
Malammadori said that the market was flooded with the produce, thus forcing prices down.
Kaduna
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr Yemi
Kale, said the demand for data and statistical information had increased as the output of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also increased.
Kale told newsmen in Saminaka, Kaduna State, that the reason for the increase in the output was that NBS had become creative in data gathering.
He said that the bureau had become creative in the ways it gathered data and it equally devised more cost effective way in disseminating its data.
“We have gone electronically in most of our activities instead of printing hard copies and that will be more expensive for us.
“I think that is what people mean by saying that our measures are more for the elite, because instead of putting our reports on paper, we put them on website.
Kano
The Kano State Government has advised residents to be vigilant and be more fire-conscious in order to avert fire disasters during harmattan.
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje gave the advice while inspecting the timber section of the Sabongari Market that was gutted by fire.
He called on business men in the market and other markets in the state to take precautionary measures and not allow smokers to throw away lighted cigarette stubs anywhere in the market.
“Ganduje said , “Since investigation had shown that one of the causes of the inferno was lighted cigarettes stubs thrown away indiscriminately within the section, the business operators should ensure they prevent people from doing so.’’
He warned the security men guarding the market to stop making fire to warm their bodies during harmattan.
K
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said on Saturday that it planned to rehabilitate the Turai Yar’adua Psychiatric Hospital to ease hardship faced by patients, medical and administrative personnel.
A statement signed by Alhaji Abubakar Mua’azu, Press Secretary to the Governor, on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, said the governor made the promise while inspecting the hospital.
It said that Governor Atiku Bagudu also addressed staff and patients during the visit promising to ensure affordable healthcare delivery, especially in the rural settlements.
According to the statement, Bagudu also promised to rehabilitate infrastructure, build patient wards, deploy medical and administrative personnel and ensure that adequate and required drugs are provided.
The hospital attends to patients once a week while those who require admission are referred to other specialists hospitals.
Lagos
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says adequate
preparations have been made ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) slated for March 2016.
This is contained in a statement by the NCAA’s General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, on Sunday in Lagos.
The statement said a six-man team from ICAO had recently arrived in Nigeria on technical assistance visit, ahead of the programme and had concluded its assignment.
It said the ICAO delegation was led by Mr John Gratton while other members were Mrs Kristian Dores, Mr Michael Mcdonald, Mr Tahir Siddiqui, Mrs Naomi Mwaugi and Mr Ben Hallberg.
According to the statement, the team has briefed all the stakeholders namely the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and the NCAA.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has urged
motorists in Lagos and Ogun States, to obey traffic regulations, before, during and after the Christmas celebrations.
Asst. Corps Marshal, Nseobong Akpabio, in charge of Zone 2, made the appeal on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, in an interview with newsmen Zone 2 comprises Lagos and Ogun Commands.
Akpabio who also met stakeholders’ at the FRSC Unit Command in Ijebu-Ode, assured that the corps’ officers and men would do all they could to ensure the safety of all.
He said that Zone 2 would deploy over 6,000 personnel, including regular and special marshals, during the period to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
Plateau
The National Universities Commission (NUC) panel has
rounded off its accreditation visitation to the Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos.
The panel, led by Prof. Joseph Charles, arrived at Bokkos last Monday to accredit courses in the university’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The accreditation visitation was the first since the university was founded 10 years ago.
No fewer than 319 students who graduated from the institution had not been able to go into the labour market due to the non accreditation of its courses by the NUC.
Charles told authorities of the university that his team had concluded its assignment in the faculty, ready for submission to the NUC for consideration.
Sokoto
Sokoto State government said it had resolved to declare a
state of emergency in the education sector.
The state took the decision in order to ‘’ effectively tackle the problems bedeviling education in the state.’’
The government’s decision is contained in a communiqué signed by Prof. Bashir Garba, the Secretary to Sokoto State Government, and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Sokoto.
The communiqué was issued after a retreat organised by the Sokoto State government for its political office holders and senior public officials which ended in Kaduna at the weekend.
“The move becomes imperative not just because standards have fallen, but because education holds the key to tackling virtually all challenges of governance in Sokoto State in particular, and Nigeria in general.
Taraba
The Jukun Muslim community has urged the people of
Wukari in Taraba to eschew violence and live harmoniously with one another to foster peace and development.
A leader of the community, AIhaji Isa Zhema, made the call at a news conference in Jalingo on Sunday.
Zhema said the incessant crisis in the area had brought economic activities in the town to a halt and thereby impoverished the people.
“We want the people of Wukari – Christians, Muslims and traditional worshipers – to eschew violence and tolerate one another’s religion for peace and development,” he said.
Zhena urged the people to support the administration of Governor Darius Ishaku to it to succeed in efforts to address issues of insecurity, poverty, among others.
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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