Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Director-General (DG) of Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Hajiya Dije Bala, says the Agency was not responsible for the removal of campaign posters in Bauchi metropolis.
Bala told newsmen in Bauchi that no staff of the Agency was officially directed to remove campaign posters.
The DG expressed surprise that people had resorted to using her staff to achieve their political ambitions.
“I did not direct any of my staff to remove any poster in the state, it is unfortunate that some politicians are using my staff unofficially to remove the posters of their rivals.
“We are aware that some politicians are using our staff to peel off posters meant for political campaigns in the metroplis, but is not official,” she added.
Ekiti
Mr. Dipo Anisulowo, President of Ekiti State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (EKICCIMA) has called on politicians to invest in the economic development of the state.
Anisulowo said at a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti that the state economic development was still at a very slow pace because the state politicians invest solely on politics.
He noted that if the huge sum of money being spent on politics could be spend on economic development, the state would have developed tremendously.
He wondered why politics had become the only major occupation in the state.
According to Anisulowo, the lack of buoyant members in the state chamber is responsible for the low industries in the state.
Besides, he said businessmen who were willing to invest in the state had been prevented from doing so through petitions by those he described as enemies of progress.
Henceforth, singing of the National Anthem during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting has been ruled out, the Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has directed.
Jonathan gave the directive at the commencement of Tuesday’s NEC meeting, which was attended by 24 governors and eight deputy governors.
The Tide’s source observed that the acting President who presided over the NEC meeting, was initially reminded by some governors on the need to sing the anthem, but he did not yield.
He later explained that the banning of the National Anthem and the National Pledge was informed by the advice he received from his protocol officers.
“I was told by the protocol unit that singing the National Anthem during NEC meeting is wrong,” he said.
The Gombe State Government spent about N200 million on the construction and equipping of four skill acquisition centres for women in the three Senatorial Districts in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Fatima Bello, told newsmen in Gombe that the centres were located in Dukku, Gombe metropolis, Shongom and Akko.
Bello said the centres were established to cater for the teeming number of school drop-outs, casualties of early marriage, hawkers and those who were not opportuned to attend any school.
“We are concerned with these categories of people because we want them to be self-reliant and also to reduce the number of dependents in the society,” she said.
According to her, those enrolled in the centre are being taught kniting, tailoring, hair dressing and cookery.
Kaduna
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) recovered more than N21 billion as “operating soplus” from 18 corporate organisations in 2009.
The Commissioner for Strategic Communications, Mr Adewunmi Abitoye, made the announcement in Kaduna shortly after officials of the commission paid a courtesy visit to Governor Namadi Sambo.
He said the amount was subsequently remitted to the Federal Government’s consolidated account.
Abitoye said that “operating soplus” was the fund generated by corporate agencies outside the budgeted amount for a particular year.
The commissioner, who represents the West geo-political zone on the commission, said the agencies were expected to remit 80 per cent of such fund to the Federation Account.
He said the funds were recovered after the agencies failed to remit the excess funds to the federation account.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, has urged governors of the 36 states not to divert funds voted for development projects to other purposes.
The emir made the call in Kano when the Peer Review Team of the Nigeria Governors‘ Forum (NGF) Secretariat paid him a courtesy visit.
Bayero said that the call was necessary based on past experience when monies voted for development projects were diverted into private accounts.
He, however, observed that if top government officials were able to shun corrupt practices, the country would be better for it.
This, he said, was because corruption was common among top government officials, adding that unless they were appropriately punished when caught, the vice would continue to thrive.
On the current electricity problem, the emir advised state governors to establish independent power plants, while the Federal Government should find ways of tackling the challenge.
Katsina
The DIG “A” Department , Nigeria Police Force, Alhaji Uba Ringim, has expressed the police readiness to provide adequate security during and after the 2011 general elections in the country. Speaking when he visited Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Ringim said the police force was well prepared to establish peace and order in the country during the 2011 general polls.
“We are training our personnel so that they would be able to move with the challenges of politics in the country,’’ he added.
He, however, said the political situation in the North-West Zone was “very peaceful, especially in Katsina State”.
“The state is very peaceful and the peace situation is due to the state government’s fairness and from the record we receive from the state police command, the state government is all out to protect the life and property of its citizenry,’’ he noted.
Kwara
The Kwara Government has inaugurated a task force to facilitate the distribution of potable water in the Ilorin metropolis. Speaking during the ceremony, recently the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Abubakar Kannike, said the committee would be in charge of facilitating the distribution of water to the various parts of the city.
Kannike, who is also the chairman of the task force, said that 172 water points had been established under the Kwara State Water Support Scheme to ease the water supply problem. He restated the determination Governor Bukola Saraki to make water available to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
According to him, the governor has approved the establishment of 30 additional water points under the Water Support Services.
He said the government had also approved the purchase of two water tankers and the repair of three others, to complement the 10 existing tankers for the smooth distribution of water to the people.
Ogun
Scores of widows, artisans and the aged in Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun received cash and working tools from the wife of the state’s governor, Mrs Olufunke Daniel.
Daniel distributed the cash and tools at Ososa during a forum organised by her pet project, Gateway Front Foundation(GFF).
She appealed to the beneficiaries to use the items and money given to them judiciously.
“It is the intention of my pet project, Gateway Front Foundation, to provide succour for the downtrodden and voiceless citizens of this state,” she added.
Daniel urged indigenes of the state, especially philanthropists, to assist the state government in improving the economic fortunes of citizens.
“We must all work together to move the needy amidst us to the next level, that is how to be our brother’s keeper.
Sokoto
The Police Command in Sokoto State has arrested 12 suspected criminals and embarked on the evacaution of used tyres obstructing the free flow of traffic, a statement said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Lawal Abdullahi, in a statement in Sokoto said the exercise would be carried out in all police formations in the state.
The statement also said that it was part of the measure by the police in crime prevention.
“This is to prevent miscreants and other undesirable elements in the society from taking advantage of such tyres to make bonfires, blockage of the roads or causing havoc in the community.” “It is on record that irate youths on a slight issue take advantage of such tyres as an avenue to cause a total breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.
The statement urged the public to assist the police by removing old tyres from their localities.
The Zamfara State House of Assembly in Gusau has approved a budget of N29.8 billion for the 14 local councils in the state. The House Leader, Malam Mani Mummini, who moved the motion, said that the proposals were rich enough, as they contained development projects in those areas.
Mummini added that some of the councils also focused on the completion of ongoing projects that had direct bearing on the people.
The motion was seconded by Alhaji Yusuf Ahmad Dogon-koli, a member representing Gusau II.
Mummini said that the councils had submitted their proposals to the House at the right time.
He urged the House to approve the budget for the councils to be able to execute development projects at the grass roots.
The House, after going through the appropriation, passed the budget for the immediate execution of the projects.
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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