Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said he aban
doned the use of bullet proof cars as an act of sympathy with the suffering masses who had no means of self protection from terrorists.
Shettima stated this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the action was also aimed at showing that the terrorists had no super natural powers.
“We have to dare the terrorists; I have bullet proof cars, but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Shettima said.
He said the bullet proof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.
“We have so many bullet proof cars but we only use them for our guests”, he added.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government says it will immunise over
1.7 million children against polio in the ongoing immunisation campaign in the state.
Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHDCA), Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse.
Ibrahim said that enough personnel had been engaged to conduct the exercise simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The executive secretary commended traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation for the smooth conduct of the exercise, so far.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Electricity Company says it has com
menced customer enumeration using Geographic Information System in four states under its franchise.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communication of the company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the exercise would be conducted across the company’s franchise states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.
It said that the exercise had commenced in Kaduna State, using NYSC members.
The statement explained that the exercise would capture the data of existing customers, prospective ones, identify undeveloped and developed properties, as well as vacant houses.
Kano
Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), has called on ca
dets at the Nigeria Police Academy,Wudil, Kano State, to change the current perception of the society about the Nigeria police.
Sani made the call while addressing Kaduna State cadets currently undergoing training at the Academy.
“As cadets you have the duty to change the perception of the society about the Nigeria police as time has passed when the police was for those who could not make it academically,” he said.
Sani, who, is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, also urged the cadets to avoid corrupt practices and any act capable of denting the image of the Force.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has procured firefighting
equipment worth N35million to effectively tackle fire outbreak in the state.
The State Director, of Fire Service, Alhaji Bello Zagga, disclosed this to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the equipment would be distributed to the department’s outfits located in the 21 local government areas of the state.
“The equipment include fire extinguishers, safety jackets, fume and other relevant materials”, he said.
Zagga said the department had this year repaired four fire fighting vehicles and trained 30 officers on rapid response to emergency situations.
Kogi
A Kogi-based lawyer, Daniel Makolo, has called on Presi
dent Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a Kogi indigene to replace the Minister of State for Labour, late James Ocholi
Makolo made the call at a press conference in Lokoja in Lokoja.
He said that for almost seven months, Kogi had been denied representation in the Federal Executive Council meetings, adding that there was a dire need for the representation.
According to him, the meeting has the primary purpose of promoting good governance and welfare of all persons in the country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of the people.
Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to ensure that
there is steady electricity supply at the terminals to facilitate trade, the Executive Director, Finance, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko has said.
Bello-Koko told newsmen in Lagos that power supply to port facilities was important.
He said that several grey areas of concern to stakeholders would be improved upon with constant power supply to facilities.
“We are looking at a 24-hour cargo clearing time frame as template to drive others. “If we can get the energy stabilised, things like cargo examination can take place, even in the evening.
“With power supply, several repair and maintenance services of equipment that tends to delay operations in terminals can be carried out in the night,’’ Bello-Koko said.
Nasarawa
The Federal University, Lafia, has terminated the appoint
ment of 35 of its non-teaching staff over the inability of the institution to pay their salaries.
Vice Chancellor of the university,Prof. Mohammed Sanusi-Liman, told newsmen in Lafia that the council took the decision due to paucity of funds.
Sanusi-Liman explained that the affected staff, who were employed by the institution earlier in the year, comprised 11 corps members who were retained after their service year and 24 others.
Niger
Rice and Cassava Value Chain Development Programme
(VCDP) farmers in Niger State have commended the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development for empowering farmers.
The Chairman Bankoregi Progressive Farmers Association, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, made the commendation during a visit by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe in Katcha, Niger State.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has received the
report of the State Committee on Participatory Management of Schools, saying the recommendations would form the fulcrum of the state’s new education policy.
According to him, countries that were developing were those who used education and technology to drive development, adding that they embraced discipline, rule of law and basic tenets of a modern society.
Our correspondent reports that the 31-man committee inaugurated on July 12 was headed by Prof Adeniyi Gbadegesin, the Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The committee was to review the status and standard of education in the state as well as recommend suitable and plausible options to government and other relevant means of emhancing the overall standard of education in the state.
Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Wamakko has challenged journalists in
the country to strive to foster unity amongst the nation’s heterogeneous society.
“You should work to foster sustainable, peace, unity and even socio-economic prosperity in the country”, Wamakko told newsmen in Sokoto.
Wamakko said that journalists as watchdogs should routinely educate the people on the realities on the ground.
He enjoined them to be objective, factual and adhere to the ethics of the profession, adding that this should be done devoid of any intimidation, blackmail or distortion of facts.
Wamakko, who represents Sokoto Central, further called on the journalists to always work professionally by reporting the facts in order to maintain the respect known in the field.
Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has ap
pointed Senator Jeremiah Useni as the Chancellor of Taraba University, Jalingo.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.
According to the statement, the appointment is with immediate effect.
Our correspondent reports that Useni is a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from Plateau State.
He is a retired Army General and also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja.
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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