Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Benue

Authorities of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi,
have shut down the institution indefinitely following cult activities which led to the death of four students and one security guard.
The institution’s Information Officer, Mr Dzerka Fanafa, said in Makurdi that the decision to close down the school was to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
Fanafa told newsmen that the crisis broke out on Tuesday in some of the hostels built by independent developers and resulted in the death of one student.
He said the university authority swiftly intervened to contain the situation by inviting the security agencies to prevent further hostilities by the students.

Ekiti

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has appealed to
members of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ekiti State chapter to call off their two-week old strike.
Fayose, represented by his deputy, Dr Olusola Kolapo, made the appeal at the 10th Congress Meeting of the organisation in Ado-Ekiti.
He charged the principals to show understanding in the face of present economic depression that had critically affected about 29 states of the federation.
Fayose explained that the present economic challenges could not support the payment of three months’ salary being demanded by the workers.
He further explained that the state government was unable to meet the demands of civil servants because the three months allocation from the federation account could no longer pay a month’s salary.

FCT

The Society of Women Engineers, Technology and Sci
entists (SWETS) says it plans to educate residents of the Federal Capital Territory on climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
The SWETS Chairperson, Mrs Vera Ogwatu, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to her, the development is part of the SWETS Africa Community Project, with a view to building resilience in the local communities to climate change.
“Also to raise a younger generation with the right attitude and mind-set to promote environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
“ The project consists of the following aspects: enlightenment programme, introduction of alternatives to fuel wood project and Change the Light Bulb campaign (200 to 250 households),“ she said.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government says it has approved the
release of N1 billion to the state’s Agricultural Supply Company as loan to procure farm inputs for farmers.
This is contained in a statement issued in Dutse by Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, and made available to newsmen.
According to the statement, the approval was given during the state executive council meeting which was held recently.
It explained that the loan would enable the company to purchase fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm inputs for the forthcoming farming season.

Kaduna

A Non-Governmental organisation based in Kaduna,
Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), has called on residents of the state to always keep their surroundings clean to enhance healthy environment.
The Controller General, SAESI, Yahaya Mohammed, made the call  in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He also called on residents and business owners in the state to refrain from accumulating waste around their surroundings.
According to him, most of the strange diseases so many people contacted today are because of the dirty environment they live in.
Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly has adminis
tered oath of office on Mrs Victoria Afolayan, a newly elected lawmaker representing Oke-Ero Constituency.
Afolayan, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, was elected at a bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) on May 28.
Our correspondent reports that the new female member is the wife of the deceased member, Mr Musa-Moses Afolayan, who died on Jan. 30.
Speaking at her inauguration, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, said Afolayan had submitted duly certified asset declaration form from the Code of Conduct Bureau and satisfied other requirements of becoming a member of the House.

Lagos

A 44-year-old businesswoman, Adenike Rodoye, has
lost her 20-year-old marriage to her husband, Durojaiye, because she was always tearing his boxers so as to rape him.
“My wife has turned my boxers to rags as she always tears them to rape me,” he told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State.
The president of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, after he had listened to the couple, said that he was convinced that they could no longer live together as husband and wife.
Omilola said that he had to dissolve the union after the petitioner had insisted on the divorce.
The president added that several interventions made by him to reconcile them felt on deaf ears.

Niger

The Niger State Government has approved N46.2 billion
as 2016 appropriation bill for its 25 area councils.
Alhaji Kabir Abbas, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Minna.
He said “the late presentation of the 2016 local government budget was because of transition of leadership from the past administration to the present.
“The change in leadership of caretaker of the past administration to director of personnel management to caretaker again before the election of local government chairmen.
“When the budget was to be presented, the local government chairmen and the emirate councils requested for time to make contributions, which led to delay up until now.”

Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has, granted am
nesty to 17 prisoners serving various jail terms in the state.
He also commuted the death sentences passed on four other prisoners to life imprisonment.
This is contained in a statement signed by Juwon Soyinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.
He said the gesture was part of activities marking the 2016 Democracy Day and June 12 remembrance anniversaries in the state.
According to the him, the governor’s gesture is in line with the power conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

Osun

Two  men, who allegedly stole a dog belonging to a
church, were arrainged before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
The accused  Oguntoro Segun, 22, and Ayinla Seyi, 27 are facing charges of theft and conspiracy.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Fagboyinbo Abiodun, the accused committed the offences on June 4 at about 8.30 p.m. at United Missionary Church of Africa’s premises behind Vision Oil, Dada Estate, Osogbo.
Abiodun said the accused sneaked into the church’s premises, tricked the dog belonging to a man, Ajilore Temidayo and bolted with it.

Sokoto

The Chairman, Sabon-Birni Local Government in Sokoto
State, Alhaji Idris Gobir, promised to provide farming inputs at government-controlled rates for farmers in the area.
Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto that providing farming inputs was part of the council’s efforts to encourage farmers in the area to produce assorted food crops.
He said the farming inputs would be provided at the council’s 11 wards to enable farmers have direct access to them.
The chairman said the local government administration would encourage youths and women to participate massively in all-year-round farming.

Zamfara
The Defence Headquarters Committee on Persistent
Farmers/Herdsmen Clashes in the country is currently in Zamfara as part of its fact-finding tour to affected states.
Our correspondent reports that the Committee arrived in Gusau, the Zamfara capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit, where it met with the state’s  acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala.

Continue Reading

Nation

Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending