Nation
THE STATES

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (left) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State (right), acknowledging cheers from the crowd on arrival, at Tafawa Balewa Square, venue for the inauguration of some security equipment, during the working visit of the Vice President to Lagos State as representative of President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
Borno
The Victims Support Fund (VSF) says it has so far donated
millions of naira to 16 hospitals across the North East Zone for the treatment of Boko Haram insurgency victims.
The Vice-Chairman of the Fund, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Tumsa said that the VSF had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the benefiting hospitals to ensure that the money was put to proper use.
“A total of 16 hospitals have so far benefited from our cash donation toward facilitating free treatment for victims of terrorism across the North East Zone.
“It is imperative to note that we also signed an MoU with the beneficiaries before presenting the donation, “ he said.
Tumsa explained that the objective was to ensure judicious utilisation of the fund.
Ekiti
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has urged the people
of Oke-Ako to remain calm as security agents try to fish out those who killed two persons in the community recently.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Lere Olayinka.
The statement condemned the attack by suspected herdsmen on residents of Oke Ako town in Ikole Local Government Area of the State.
“Fayose described the attack which claimed two lives as the height of callousness on the part of the cattle rearers.
“He warned the perpetrators to desist from such heinous crime as he would not guarantee whether there could be reprisal attacks if repeated on the town or elsewhere.’’
It added that the agents of the devil must be fished out and punished accordingly.
FCT
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas,
said the Nigerian Navy had in its 60 years of existence developed the capacity to address Nigeria’s maritime crimes and related threats.
Ibas stated this at the interdenominational church service for Nigerian Navy’s Diamond Jubilee in Abuja.
The CNS said the navy had developed capacity both in platforms and the requisite expertise to secure the nation’s oil infrastructure and contain piracy in Nigeria’s maritime territory.
“Over the years, commendable successes have been made by the Nigerian Navy to build its capacity to discharge its duties as enshrined in the laws.
“These efforts have made the navy to be less-dependent on foreign sources for partnership as reflected in the modest achievement of local construction of boats or seaward defence platforms.
Kano
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has directed all
intending pilgrims to 2016 Hajj to Saudi Arabia to go for mandatory medical test.
The hajj will commence on May 25.
The Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, gave the directive in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
Badamasi said the medical test was necessary because no intending pilgrim would be allowed to travel to the Holy land without knowing his or her health status.
According to him, the mandatory medical test is in compliance with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Kogi
Area Court Judge Mr Timothy Salihu, and Alhaji Aliyu
Okeme, retired Chief Inspector of Area Courts in Kogi State, kidnapped on May 19, have regained their freedom.
Our correspondent, recalls that they were abducted at gun-point on Idah-Lokoja road in the Eastern flank of the state on their way to Idah.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Yakubu Usman, who confirmed their release, said they were found between Itobe and Ajegwu on Itobe-Anyigba road.
It could not confirmed if their families paid ransom for their release as the kidnappers had demanded one million naira.
Kwara
The Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area of
Kwara State, Alhaji Alhassan Bagudu, has called for improved funding of local government councils to ensure infrastructural development at the grassroots.
He made the call in llorin while speaking with newsmen recently.
Bagudu noted that the challenges confronting local councils included lack of portable water and other necessities of life.
Bagudu said improved funding of the councils would bring rapid social economic development to the grassroots.
The measure, he said, would also check rural urban drift and create employment opportunities.
He noted that lack of funds had seriously affected development in local government areas.
Lagos
A septuagenarian, Elder Taiwo Shoyode, has advised
the Federal Government to adopt the socio-economic policies that boosted the economy of the defunct Western Region in resolving the country’s economic quagmire.
Shoyode, father in-law to Vice-President Yemi Oshinbajo, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at a free health progarmme, sponsored by a philanthropist, Dawodu Olatunji.
The programme, “Health is Wealth’’, is a free malaria test and drugs outreach, held at Solomon Hall, Mushin, Lagos recently.
Shoyode urged the new generation politicians to go back and study the socio-economic agenda of the then Western Region to tackle the issues of economic downturn.
He said the laudable programmes embarked upon and implemented well by the Obafemi Awolowo-led western region remained the best economic policy that might address the present day realities.
Nasarawa
The Nassarawa State Government says the report of the
recent Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise it conducted will expose workers receiving double salaries.
The Nasarawa State Accountant General, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
He said the report of the exercise was in consonance with the state government’s resolve to rid the civil service of corrupt practices and ensure proper accountability.
“We embarked on this exercise to see how we can further reduce some of these leakages and corruption in the system,” he said.
According to him, civil servants caught to be enjoying multiple salaries will be made to face the wrath of the law.
Ogun
The Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, has called
on intending pilgrims to augment their 2016 interim Hajj fare from the initial sum of N800,000 to N1.180 million.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, made the call on Saturday while briefing news men in Abeokuta.
Rasheed said this was to enable the board to remit the required funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abuja, before the deadline.
According to him, the board has resolved to fix the fare at N1.180 million tentatively, pending the Federal Government’s final decision on the concessionary exchange rate.
Ondo
Four students of the Federal University of Technology,
Akure, died in a road accident on the Akure-Ilesha Expressway in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The spokesman of the Police Command in Ondo State, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said that 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
Our correspondent reports that the students were returning from Ibadan after attending a religious programme.
Joseph further confirmed that the remains of the students were deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, where those injured were hospitalised.
No fewer than 15 students were in the Hiace bus when the accident happened.
Oyo
Assistant Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria
(CRIN), Ibadan, Dr Abiodun Adedeji, has urged the Federal Government to produce defined policies on cocoa production and marketing.
Adedeji made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said it was necessary for the government to have policies on cocoa farming with appropriate institutional framework to boost its production.
The Plant Pathologist said such policies should be consistent and that which could not be affected by change of government.
“There should be a well resourced regulatory body with specified functions to promote cocoa sector.’’
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, has decried the
abuse of Local Government Joint Account by some governors, saying he does not interfere with funds meant for local governments in the state.
Lalong stated this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.
He said that even though he did not support the local government autonomy, he abhorred a situation where a state governor would exercise undue interference in the joint account.
“ I heard stories that in some states what they do is that when the money comes, they collapse it into one account and decide what goes into each local government.
“I fought against it as a Speaker, I cannot be part of it; so when the money comes, it is meant for the local government.
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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