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THE STATES

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Borno

The Nigerian Army has inaugurated environmental sani
tation in Maiduguri as part of the 2016 Army Day celebration.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.- Gen. Victor Ezugwu, started the exercise at the Monday Market, Maiduguri.
Ezugwu said the objective of the exercise was to mobilise residents of the state towards cleaning their environment.
He said that the programme was launched in partnership with the State Government to ensure that all parts of the state were kept clean.
“We are here today to flag off environmental sanitation at the Maiduguri Monday Market as part of this years’ Army Day celebration.

Ekiti

Spokesman of Farmers‘ Congress in Ikole Local Govern
ment Area, Ekiti, Mr Olaolu Adeniji, has advised farmers to cultivate cocoyam in large quantities as another means of boosting their income.
Adeniji gave the advice in Odo-Oro – Ekiti during the monthly meeting of the farmers‘ congress.
While noting that demand for cocoyam had increased in recent times, Adeniji said, “there is need for our farmers to expand their cocoyam farms while others should embrace its cultivation.
“Farmlands in the state are conducive for the production of quality cocoyam, especially the red one, which nutritionists confirmed as good and beneficial for a healthy living.
“Large scale cultivation of cocoyam will no doubt increase the income of farmers at the end of the farming season and consequently change their living standard for better, “ he said.

FCT

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Chief Audu Ogbeh, has advised online media operators to endeavour to confirm their reports and ensure professionalism.
Ogbeh made the statement in Abuja while reacting to an online publication which accused him and staff of the ministry of sharing N2 billion from N20 billion meant to pay agro dealers.
The minister noted that criminality in the name of social media was unacceptable and a source of concern to the government.
The minister said the online report claimed that in paying the agro dealers, the leadership of the ministry paid N13 billion and shared N2 billion.

Gombe

Gombe State said that it would resuscitate the dormant
Manto Tomatoes Processing Company in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner of Commerce and Industries in the state, Alhaji Bakura Mohammed, gave this indication in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said that apart from boosting commercial activities and generating revenue for the state, the company would also create employment opportunities for the people.
The Commissioner stated that Gombe government was committed to improving its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) base and reducing its dependence on Federal Allocation.
According to him, tomato farmers in the state will have a ready market whenever the company resumes production.

Kaduna

The United States Chapter of Southern Kaduna in the
Diaspora (SOKAD) on Saturday donated books and instructional materials worth N330,000 to Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School, Tunga Nok.
Tunga Nok is in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Presenting the items to the beneficiary in Kaduna, the President of SOKAD, Dr Likita Aminu, said the gesture was part of the organisation’s contribution to the state’s educational development.
Aminu said: “On May 6, 2013 our organisation, SOKAD, donated school supplies worth N158, 000 to Zack-Zawan Primary School, Sanga Local Government Area.
“On that day, SOKAD said the gesture was the beginning of series of such donations to come.

Kogi

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS)
has given seven days ultimatum to Governor Mr Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to unconditionally reopen the state university in Anyigba.
A statement signed by the National President of NANS, Mr Tijani Shehu, and made available to the newsmen in Abuja, stated that the ultimatum would take effect from July 4.
It said that the association called on the governor to immediately address their requests bothering on the state’s economy, welfare of Nigerian students of Kogi State origin and state workers.
It said that failure of the government to do so; the students would stage a protest on the streets of the state capital, Lokoja.
It said that the position of the association was based on the preliminary report from its Joint Campus Committee, Kogi State chapter.

An environmentalist, Mr Samuel Buoye, has identified
indiscriminate felling of trees as one of the major impediments in the fight against environmental degradation and deforestation.
Buoye, who is attached to Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, said removing trees deprived the forest of portions of its canopy that was a major component of environmental protection.
“This canopy is meant to block the sun’s ray during the day and hold in heat at night.
“This disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals,” he said.
According to him, fewer forests mean larger amounts of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded Janilu
Bashiru, a 24-year-old businessman, in prison custody after he pleaded guilty to allegation of drug trafficking.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had arraigned the accused on the charge.
In a short ruling, the trial judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.
Obiozor then adjourned the case till Sept.15 for a review of facts and sentence.
The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, following the plea of the accused, had earlier urged the court to remand him in prison custody.
In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the accused committed the offence on May 2 at the Iyana Iba area of Lagos.
Aernan said that following a tip-off, about 350g of Cannabis Sativa was recovered from the accused.
Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government said that it would as
sist rice millers and farmers in the state to access loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost rice production.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Yusuf Lawee, stated this in an  an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the measure was designed to boost rice production for local consumption and export in line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy.
Lawee said that as soon as the paper works were completed, the rice millers and growers would be able to access the loan and increase their production capacity.
He said the state government was also working towards expanding the scope of the pilot rice incubation plant project in the state.

Osun

The Superintendent in-charge, Christ Apostolic Church
(CAC), Modakeke District Coordinating Council (DCC), Pastor Samuel Esho, has enjoined Christians to desist from every form of immorality.
Esho gave the charge during 11th Osun State Sunday School Rally, entitled: “Going into Perfection”, held at CAC Oke-Anu, Modakeke DCC Headquarters, Ife North-East LG Area of Osun State recently.
He lamented the level of atrocities being committed among Christians today, saying that many had turned away from God.
“This was not the experience among Christians in the olden days; we all have turned away from God.”

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government says it has concluded ar
rangement to train youth in the state on all-year-round farming.
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mannir, made this known on Saturday in Sokoto.
Mannir told  newsmen that the training was aimed at creating job opportunities for unemployed youths as well as enhance food production for internal consumption and export.
He explained that the state would exploit available fertile land to produce assorted foods crops.
He said that the state government would encourage local government councils to actively participate in farming activities and food production.
The Commissioner said the ministry was partnering with the State College of Agriculture, Wurno, to train the youths on poultry, fish farming and livestock rearing.
He said that the training in farming for economic benefit would also prevent youths’ migration from rural areas to urban areas in search of white collar jobs.
He called on the people of the state, especially youths, to embrace farming for a living.
The commissioner said that government would make available modern farming inputs at subsidised rates to encourage massive participation in the agriculture sector.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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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.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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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.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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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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