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THE STATES

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Bauchi

 

No fewer than 38 persons lost their lives in various auto-accidents in Bauchi State in the first quarter of 2010.

The Director, Bauchi State Vehicle Inspection Directorate, Alhaji Ibrahim Ya’u, said this when the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Alhaji Abubakar Ashu, visited the directorate.

He said no fewer than 89 other persons sustained injuries in the 43 auto-accidents recorded across the state.

Ya’u also said the directorate generated more than N6 million within the period under review.

He said N2 million was realised from the sales of ‘road worthy certificate’ to motorists, while N4 million was raised from the ‘Operation Show Your Particulars.’

Ya’u said N600,000 was generated from the general inspection exercise.

                                    Ekiti

 

The NYSC has redeployed Mr Olayiwola Afolabi from Bauchi to its Ekiti State Directorate, a statement said.

The statement, issued by the Ekiti NYSC Directorate Public Relations Officer, Mr Funso Olusoji, in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, explained that Afolabi had taken over from Lady Clara Anekwe, who was moved to the NYSC headquarters, Abuja.

Afolabi, who hails from Osun, is the first male state co-ordinator to head NYSC Ekiti, the statement added.

 

                                    FCT

 

Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of two Commissioners of Police (CP) to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and reprimanded 16 officers for different offences.

A statement signed by Mr Ferdinand Ekpe, the Information Officer of the commission, on Sunday in Abuja, stated that the commission, at its 15th plenary meeting, approved the promotion of Mr Mohammed Zarewa and Mr Ibrahim Paiko to the rank of AIG.

The PSC also dismissed five ASPs for acts that were considered to be inimical to police discipline, while two of them were recommended for prosecution, due to the nature of their offences.

“It has similarly approved the compulsory retirement of an ASP, while 16 other officers were reprimanded for disciplinary offences.

                        Gombe

 

President Goodluck Jonathan has decried the arbitrary award of honorary doctoral degrees by Nigerian universities.

He made the remark at the maiden convocation ceremony of Gombe State University in Gombe on Saturday and commended the young institution “for not emulating those universities that sell honorary doctorate degrees.”

“It is rare for a young university such as this not to give honorary doctorate degrees,” Jonathan said at the ceremony, which was part of activities for his one day official visit to the state.

The president, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, also lauded the academic standard of the institution, which produced three first class graduates at the maiden convocation.

He commended Gov. Danjuma Goje “for spending reasonable sums of money on gigantic projects, such as the airport, stadium and the university.

The president commended the governor for the vision which materialised in the establishment of the university and expressed delight that Gombe State had remained peaceful.

 

                        Kaduna

 

Vice President Namadi Sambo has urged the people of Kaduna State to support his successor, Mr Patrick Yakowa, to succeed.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony on Saturday in Kaduna, Sambo commended members of his cabinet and the legislature for supporting his administration in the past three years.

He said it would have been difficult to achieve the milestones his administration made in the fields of healthcare, girl-child education, road construction and job creation, without their support.

Sambo, therefore, appealed to the people to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor.

He said he was confident that Yakowa would build on the foundations laid in the state in the last three years, and pledged his support in achieving the objective.

 

                                    Kano

 

The Kano State Government has so far spent more than N4.8 billion on its rice development projects, the Commissioner for Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, has said.

Garba, who gave the figure when he visited the Magaga Dam irrigation project in the Kabo Local Government Area (LGA), said the projects were aimed at boosting food security and alleviating poverty in the state.

He, however, said that farmers on whose lands the rice cultivation projects would be executed would not be able to plant crops on their farms this rainy season.

Garba promised that the state government would compensate the affected farmers adequately for the losses they would suffer as a result of the projects and therefore appealed to them to cooperate.

 

                        Lagos

 

An aviation expert, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, has called on airlines and airport authorities to work together to strengthen security at the airports to checkmate stowaways.

A stowaway is a person who hides in a ship or aircraft in the hope of being taken somewhere without paying.

Ohunayo spoke to newsmen against the backdrop of the death of a Nigerian stowaway on a Delta Airline B777 Flight to the U.S. on May 7.

The stowaway, identified as Emeka Okeke, was found dead in the nose wheel compartment of the aircraft on arrival in Atlanta, U.S.

Ohunayo, a former President of the Cabin Crew Association of Nigeria, argued that thorough security at the airports would prevent stowaways from sneaking into an aircraft.

“If it is possible for a man to undermine airport security by stowing away on an aircraft undetected, what stops him from planting a bomb on the plane,’’ he asked.

 

                        Nasarawa

 

The people of Keffi in Nasarawa State on Saturday welcomed home the former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr Hassan Lawal.

Lawal, who had variously served as an academic, bureaucrat and technocrat before the dissolution of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua cabinet by then Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, was received by his people with pomp and celebration.

The Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Mohammed Chindo Yamusa, offered special prayers for Lawal before a reception at the Emir’s Palace, which featured a display of cultural dances.

Friends, political associates and religious leaders extolled Lawal’s contribution and meritorious service to the state and the country.

Responding, the former minister thanked the people for the honour and promised to render more service to the people and the country whenever called upon.

           

                        Niger

The Niger branch of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has spent N60 million in the construction of a shopping plaza in Minna in its bid to generate funds for its activities, an official said.

The union Chairman, Alhaji Saidu Kalla, made the disclosure in an interview with the newsmen in Minna, saying that the plaza, which consisted of 30 shops and nine offices, was near completion.

“Work on the shopping plaza is about 90 per cent completed and it is expected to be ready before the end of June,” he said.

The chairman said the complex was expected to generate over N5 million annually for the union, and explained that “this additional revenue will reduce our dependence on the monthly contribution of members for our activities.”

                       

                        Ondo

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the major task before the PDP in the 2011 general elections is to reclaim states lost to opposition parties in the 2007 elections.

Obasanjo said this in Akure on Saturday at the grand reception/rally organised by the party to welcome Mr Jimoh Ibrahim and others into the party.

He added that the party would be repositioned before 2011 to reclaim the lost states.

Obasanjo said the party was battle ready to confront any political party that was planning to unleash violence in the next elections.

The former president, who said he was shocked by the loss of Ondo State to the Labour Party, urged PDP members to be united and work as a team to dislodge other political parties in future elections.

“There is a big task ahead of the party in 2011; we must all work together to make sure that PDP remained a formidable party in Nigeria.

“Our doors are opened for those who have defected to other political parties to come back,’’ he said.

 

                        Osun

 

Child rights advocacy received a boost in Osun recently when the state government inaugurated the 2010 Maternal and Child Health Week.

Mr Lanre Afolabi, Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Mrs Moji Oladipo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, inaugurated the programme in Osogbo.

Afolabi said the week had a lot of goodies including the immunisation and other health and material needs in stock for mothers and their children.

He, therefore, urged mothers and care givers to take full advantage of the programme in the interest of children’s health.

“Every child is entitled to the services such as Vitamin A, immunisation, de-worming, distribution of insecticide treated nets among others,’’ he said.

The commissioner also said that the state government was making efforts to ensure that health services were more accessible to people through construction of new health facilities.

He stressing the need to devote more attention to the health of children, and said that the government would equip and upgrade all existing health facilities

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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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