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THE STATES

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FCT
Most Nigerians observed last Monday, that democracy has proved to be the best system of government that has come to stay in Nigeria.
They spoke with newsmen across the country, although some expressed mixed feelings about the performance of democracy in the last 18 years.
For instance, Prof. Chika Aliyu, an economist, commended the Federal Government on the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (ERGP), as President Muhammadu Buhari marked second year in office.
Aliyu, a lecturer at the Usman Dan Fadio University, Sokoto, said the government did very well by coming up with the plan to take the country out of recession.
According to him, the ERGP aims at making significant progress to achieve structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy in five key areas by 2020.

Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State, has advised youths to insist on participating in electoral processes that determine Nigeria’s leaders.
“Youths must be fully involved in the electoral process, they must obtain voter’s cards and ensure they voted, so as to have a say in who governs them,” Mr Joel Adegboyega, Chairman, youth wing of the body, said in Kafanchan last Monday.
Adegboyega, who expressed optimism that youth participation would guarantee good governance, spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting on security and governance, organized by CAN.
He stressed the need for youths to also register and be members of political parties through which they could contest leadership positions.
“The continuous voter’s registration exercise is in full swing. It is an opportunity for us to be part of politics. We should not just be spectators and analysts,” he declared.

Katsina
The Da’awah Committee in Katsina State, an Islamic group, said it had educated 300 persons who recently embraced Islam on good conduct, brotherhood and tolerance.
The Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Salisu Bakori told newsmen last Tuesday in Bakori that, during the three-day seminar, the converts were sensitised on Islamic law, good neighbourliness and support to the needy.
According to him, most of the converts were from the 27 local government areas of Katsina State and some from Kudan, Giwa and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas in Kaduna State.
Bakori, said apart from the religious teachings, the 300 converts also had various sessions on skills acquisition, to empower them to be self reliant.
He noted that, poverty had been a major cause of restiveness, as such it was important to encourage all Muslims to learn trades so as to earn decent living.

Kogi
The Kogi State government says it has completed payment of salary to 95 per cent of its workers that were cleared in the just concluded staff screening and verification.
The state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, made the assertion last Monday in Lokoja, in a statement issued to mark this year’s democracy day celebration.
” I can confirm that people are still getting payment alerts as we do our best to meet the May 31 Time line which we set for ourselves to complete all payments,” the governor said.
Bello, said that government was deploying integrated staff and payroll automation solutions to consolidate the gains from the screening  in line with the ongoing civil service and pension reforms.
With the conclusion of the exercise, he assured workers and pensioners of prompt payment of salary and pensions.

Kwara
Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District last Monday, said the country made substantial progress in the last two years of its democratic governance.
The traditional rulers made this known, in their separate messages to mark the Democracy Day in their palaces in Omu-Aran, Egosi and Rore.
The traditional rulers are the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, Elegosi of Egosi,  Daniel Dada and Onirore of Rore, Oba Ezekiel Oyewole.
Ibitoye of Omu-Arab community, said that the nation’s achievements through sustainable democratic transition could not be over emphasised.

Lagos
Government must amend the laws against  Gender-Based Violence(GBV), in the country to make them more effective and quickly bring culprits to book.
Mrs Ibiduni Alakija-Ladapo, the Deputy -Director, Occupational Health Department, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Lagos.
Alakija-Ladapo, a consultant on child, adolescent and women’s health, said that, such an amendment would help to reduce gender-based violence against girls and women.
She said that violence against these groups was deeply ingrained in cultures around the world.
If there were laws against its practice in Nigeria, the issue would have been a thing of the past by now, Alakija-Ladipo said.

Nasarawa
Governor  Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa  State, has warned politicians in the state to desist from acts capable of breaching the peace in the state or face the wrath of the law.
Al-Makura, gave the warning last  Monday in Lafia, during an interactive session with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, including political appointees and legislators across the state.
He noted that, the state belonged to all citizens and that it behoves on all to work towards its growth and development rather than engage in acts capable of causing disharmony.
“No politician should take this administration for granted or mistake our diplomatic posture for weakness as government is ready to deal with mischief makers in whatever form they exhibit their tendencies,” he said.
He charged politicians to play by the rule and avoid hate speeches and campaign of acrimony, thereby, overheating the polity.

Ogun
Two persons were confirmed dead in a road accident involving a blue Toyota Corolla car and a Toyota picnic bus at Olodo area, on Abeokuta/Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.
Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), in Ogun State, confirmed the accident to newsmen in Abeokuta last Tuesday.
Akinbiyi, explained that the accident occurred on Monday evening due to wrong overtaking by the driver of the Toyota Corolla car.
He stated that the two vehicles had three occupants each, saying that the dead were the drivers of both vehicles.
Akinbiyi said, “The accident involved a Toyota Corolla car with registration number KSF 846 EF and a Toyota picnic bus with registration number RLG 61 AA.
“The driver of the Toyota Corolla car tried to overtake the Toyota picnic space bus, which resulted in collision that led to the crash.
“The vehicles had three passengers each when the accident occurred, three male and three female but the drivers of both vehicles died in the accident.”

Ondo
Some politicians in the South West have called for the protection of the country’s democracy, saying it has come to stay.
Mrs Morenike Alaka, the new Caretaker Chairperson, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State urged politicians to protect the nascent democracy.
She gave this advice in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Okitipupa while reflecting on the Democracy Day celebration.
“Our politicians have a huge task of protecting our nascent democracy, because we do not have any other place than Nigeria.
She urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders to enable them pilot the affairs of the country to the expected heights.Oyo

Oyo
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, on Monday visited the 2017 Batch A Stream 1 corps members at their  camp in Iseyin, Oyo State.
Report that, the visit was in continuation of the director general’s  working tour of  NYSC orientation camps nationwide.
Kazaure,  who interacted with the corps members, also assessed the ongoing  construction of  hostels in the camp.
He urged the corps members to add value to their lives through the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC, especially its  skills  acquisition programmes in order to be self reliant.
Kazaure also advised them to accept the culture and tradition of their host communities.
He called on the corps members to avoid unnecessary journeys and night parties while shunning indecent dressing  and corruption.
Kazaure  also urged the corps members to comply with the rules and regulations  put in place throughout the  service year, adding that,  those faithful would be rewarded.

Sokoto
Sokoto State Government, said it inherited twenty eight road projects worth N33 billion, from its predecessor, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu said, last Monday.
Reports that Aliyu, who also oversees the Ministry of Works, disclosed this in Sokoto, at a news briefing to mark Governor  Aminu Tambuwal two years in office.
He said that, the administration had inherited twenty eight road projects worth about N33 billion, from its predecessor.
Aliyu enumerated them to include the 445-kilometres Balle-Kurdulla-Niger republic road, awarded at N 4.5 billion and has reached 69 per cent completion.
Others include the 52-kilometres Gidan Sale-Tidibale-Maillalle road, awarded at N2.9 billion, which has reached 81 per cent completion, among others.

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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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