Nation
THE STATES

Representative of the Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (nan), Hajiya Kahdijat Lawal (right), presenting a souvenir to the National Publicity Secretary, International Federation of Women Lawyers (fida), Princess Frank-Chukwani (left) and the fida National Secretary, Mrs Rhoda Tyoden-Moore, during the visit of fida delegation to nan headquarters in Abuja, recently.
FCT
The Senate Appropriation Committee has begun the
harmonisation of budget reports of various sub committees and promised that the committee would produce error-free budget.
Senator Danjuma Goje, the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, who met with chairmen of the various committees, stressed that the harmonisation would ensure that all errors and discrepancies were corrected.
He promised that the committee would sit for one week and round up its report which would be submitted to the Senate next week.
“The appropriation committee is ready now to start receiving this report and we have one week to conclude this assignment, so this committee will sit from 10 in the morning till six in the evening.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has approved N500
million for the procurement of 5,000 metric tons of assorted fertilizers for the 2016 cropping season.
Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the state Commissioner for Information, stated this in Dutse while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.
“As you are all aware, fertilizer plays a very crucial role in providing optimum production in agriculture, especially when it is timelessly applied by framers.
“And the state government has resolved to improve the living standard of the rural populace, hence the need to provide agricultural inputs to the teeming farmers during both wet and dry farming seasons,’’ he said.
Ibrahim said the council also approved the setting up of State Housing Authority.
According to him, it will facilitate accessing of over N2 billion loan from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the construction of 1,330 houses in the state.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Sci
ence and Technology, Dr Shehu Adamu, says the provision of free uniforms to secondary school students is part of efforts to reinvigorate the education sector in the state.
Adamu said this in a message to the presentation of the free uniforms to students under Sabon-Tasha Zonal Education Office in Kaduna.
Represented by Malam Usamatu Umar-Dabo, Deputy Director, Educational Services, the commissioner stressed that the gesture would ensure uniformity in the students’ wears.
“The essence of the gesture is to ensure that all secondary school students across the state wear the same uniform.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has awarded N104.2
million contract for the renovation and construction of new buildings at Funtua General Hospital.
The Project Manager from the state Ministry of Health, Mr Abubakar Ado, said at the site that the facelift was aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Ado added that the contract was partial fulfilment of government’s readiness to uplift hospitals across the state.
He described the contract as Phase 2 that would cover the renovation of male and female amenities.
The manager said it also covered the renovation of the administration block, female and male mosques, Out Patient Department (OPD) and the central store.
Kano
Alhaji Saleh Marke, a legislator representing
Dawakin-Tofa Constituency in Kano State House Assembly, has donated 1, 000 double decker-beds to Government Girls’ Secondary School Kwa in Kano.
The school was recently gutted by fire.
Presenting the items to the principal of the school, Hajiya Fati Sarki, Marke said the gesture was aimed at assisting the students.
He said that it was his obligation to assist the school at the time the assistance was needed.
“As representative of my people I have no reason to ignore the plight of the students,“ he said.
Marke expressed hope that the gesture would reduce the suffering of the students and enable them pursue their studies without hindrance.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government would partner with the
National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State, to produce improved seedlings that would boost commercial rice and wheat production.
Information on the partnership is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, the Press Secretary to the Governor, made available in Birnin Kebbi.
The statement quoted Muazu as saying that the state governor had showed interest in buying the institute‘s new variety of improved seedlings after inspecting its model farms.
He said that the institute‘s Irrigation Officer, Fadeiye Olalekan, who conducted the governor round some model farms said the improved seedlings were free of diseases and capable of yielding 22 tonnes of rice per hectare.
He added that the governor had promised to distribute improved seedlings to farmers as part of efforts to produce rice in commercial quantity.
Kwara
The Emir of llorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari,
has appealed to Nigerians to ensure the success of the forthcoming 2017 census across the country.
The emir made the appeal when he received the management staff of the National Population Commission (NPC) in his palace in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Our correspondent reports that the delegation was led by the NPC Federal Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Ndakene.
Sulu-Gambari said that accurate and reliable census was one of the indices for planning any development in any country.
He prayed for the successful conduct of the exercise and pledged to help mobilise all traditional leaders in the state for its success.
Nasarawa
A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada,
Nasarawa State, has sentenced a 23-year-old bricklayer, Matthew Isaac, to 12 strokes of the cane for unlawful possession of army uniform.
The presiding officer, Mr Albert Maga, sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.
Isaac, a resident of Nyanya Gwandara, Nasarawa State, was convicted for being in possession of army uniform, three caps and two boots.
Maga warned the convict to be careful in future with what he goes about holding as he would not take it likely with him next time.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, had told the court that Idoko John of Elite Security Organisation, Mararaba, reported the matter at the ‘A’ Division Police Station on February 21.
Ondo
A 31-year-old man, Hassan Adeyinka, charged with
conspiracy and armed robbery, has been remanded in Olokuta Prisons custody by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody, pending the receipt of legal advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
Adedapo said that the original copy of the case file should be sent to the state Chief Registrar for safe keeping.
The Principal Legal Officer, Mr Wale Bamisile, told the court that the accused and others at large, armed with guns and other offensive weapons, attacked and stole a Techno IPad phone valued N95,000.
Sokoto
The Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Alumni Association, Abuja Chapter, says it is undertaking a water project for the institution at the cost of more than N46 million.
The President of chapter, Mr Kasimu Yahaya, disclosed this while fielding questions from reporters on the sideline of the association’s retreat in Abuja recently.
The theme of the retreat is ‘Strategic Thinking, Planning and Organisational Transformation’.
“We have project of N46 .something million- that is about the water project- because we cannot allow our brothers, our children to be in the university where they have inadequacy of water supply.
“It is a very key thing; we are looking at it.
“So, we are trying; both our senior ones and us to see how we can come together and finance this project at the chapter level.
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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