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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government says it spent more than N160 million on implementing its Nomadic Education Programme.

Governor Isa Yuguda said this in Bauchi while giving account of  his stewardship in the last three years.

Yuguda said the amount was spent  to enhance access to quality education for nomadic children.

He said N60 million and N110 million were allocated to nomadic education sector in 2008 and 2009 fiscal years respectively.

 The governor said more than  N30 million was spent on the purchase and distribution of assorted text books.

 “N20 million was spent on the rehabilitation of the Agency for Nomadic Education office complex and to provide two vehicles.

Benue

The Minister of State for Information and Communications, Mr Labaran Maku, has appealed to politicians not to allow political differences to becloud their sense of patriotism.

 He made the call while paying tribute to the late Baver Dzeremo, a member of Benue House of Assembly, during a valedictory session in his honour on Monday in Makurdi.

 The late legislator, who represented Tarka State Constituency, died on May 21in Makurdi, three days after his return from Germany where he had undergone treatment for five months.

According to the Minister, all politicians are supposed to be guided by ideas because “in a society without commitment to ideas, people use platforms of ethnicity and religion to have their way.”

 

FCT

The Minister of  State for Health, Alhaji Suleiman Bello,  says  inadequate access to information on health management is responsible for the high rate of  teenage pregnancy and drug abuse.

Bello said this in Abuja on Tuesday while declaring open the National Consultative Forum for Advancing Young Peoples’ Health and Development in Nigeria.

The minister said poor nutrition, unemployment and increased drug abuse due to lack of information had severe consequences on the health and development of young people.

He said young people between the ages of 10  and  24 were largely affected, adding that efforts  must be made to ensure that health issues of young people were properly addressed.

 

Gombe

The Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) spent N1.6 billion on various projects in 2009, the Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Elnafaty, said on Tuesday.

Elnafaty told  newsmen in the state capital that the amount was spent on the construction of 200 new classrooms.

He listed the other projects as the renovation of 400 classrooms, provision of furniture and instructional materials as well as teacher training and workshops for all UBE teachers across the state.

According to the SUBEB chairman, the projects, which started last year, are expected to be completed by the end of June.

He appealed to the private sector to assist the state government in  improving educational standards. 

 

Kaduna

The National Population Commission  (NPC) in Kaduna, has called on  local governments to enforce the registration of births and deaths.

  The commissions ’ vital registration Head of Department, Malam Umar Adamu made the call in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.

  Adamu said both registrations were useful for national planning and school enrolment.

He expressed regret that in spite of the N25 million that was released by the Kaduna State Government in 2009 for the training of village scribes on birth and death registration, the response had not been encouraging. 

  According to him, if the government made it mandatory for children to present their birth certificates before school enrolment, it could  have received a more favourable response from  parents.  

Katsina

The Katsina State Government has spent N1.2 billion on the construction of  5.5 kilometres of dual carriage roads in Dutsin-ma town.

The Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Works and Housing, Alhaji Danjuma Alti, said this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina recently.

He said that part of the money was also used in the construction of drains along some major roads and the provision of solar powered security lights.

 ”The road has since been completed and has been put into use,” he said.

He said the completion of the project  brought to five, the number of such roads completed in five of the seven old local government headquarters in the state.

 

Kebbi

The Election Petition Tribunal in Kebbi has dismissed the petition of Alhaji Samba Aliyu (DPP) challenging the election of Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (PDP) in the Kebbi Central Senatorial by-election held in December 2009.

 

The Tide’s source reports that the Kebbi Central senatorial by-election was conducted in December 2009 following the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Aliero as then FCT Minister.

Delivering judgment, Justice Elizabeth Kpojimi, said that the petition was dismissed for want of evidence.

She said that the petitioner failed to convince the tribunal beyond reasonable doubt that the respondent had been indicted by any competent court on allegations of mismanagement of public funds.

 

Lagos

A cleric, Dr Fred Odutola, in Lagos said communicating in mother tongues will promote literacy and help children to imbibe good morals.

Odutola, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN),said in an interview with  newsmen that speaking and writing in vernacular sensitised children to societal values.

“It helps literacy a lot; there are certain things in a language that you cannot translate into English,’’ the cleric said.

 He added that it would also enable children to identify with their origin and its norms.

  “Our languages are rich in culture and morals. There is respect in our language,’’ he said.

The cleric warned that the lack of speaking of mother tongues would force some languages into extinction and make some Nigerians to lose their identities. 

Ogun

Acute shortage of potable water has become a source of serious worry for residents of Ijebu-Ode, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Some residents who spoke with The Tide’s source, appealed to both the state and the local governments to urgently find a lasting solution to the problem.

They said that many people were now buying water or fetching from nearby rivers to meet their daily needs.

They said that if the water problem was not resolved on time, it might lead to the outbreak of water-borne diseases even as water hawking business was booming.

The development, it was learnt, has made many residents to embark on an endless search for potable water.

The residents urged the government to pay adequate attention to the Iyemoji Dam, said to be the major source of water for the town and its environs.

 

Ondo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has acknowledged the receipt of the names of two indigenes of the state, nominated for the post of commissioner by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

 The Majority Leader of the Assembly Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyin,  who the confirmation on Monday in Akure, said the list had been received by the clerk of the House, Alhaji Jaye Dada.

 In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Rotimi Adelola,on Thursday, Mimiko nominated  Dr Pius Osunyikanmi and Prince Oladiran Iyantan as commissioners.

 Akinsoyin said the Assembly would do its legislative functions right as it had the interest of the state at heart.

 

Oyo

Authorities of the Lead City University (LCU), Ibadan, have  threatened to expel lecturers and students, engaging in indiscipline.

Prof. Babajide Owoeye, Chairman of the Governing Council of the LCU who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in  Ibadan said that the institution had created an atmosphere of transparency where the interest of everyone was protected.

“There is zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline. And in many occasions, we have had to ask some students to leave.

“Not just students, even members of staff. Once you cannot adapt to our philosophy here, whether you are staff or student, you have to leave,” he added.

Owoey said: “at LCU no lecturer has power to terrorise any student.

“And we will not say that because you are a student, you think that it confers on you the immunity to misbehave. We don’t allow that,” he said.

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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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