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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has approved N30 million as counterpart fund to boost water supply and sanitation in the state.

Alhaji Yusuf Yerima, the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry for Water Resources, disclosed this in Bauchi at a one-day workshop organised by Sustainable Water and Environmental Sanitation (SWANSA), a donor Agency,

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Management of Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi.

Yerima said that the fund was approved for SWANSA to improve water supply and environmental sanitation in both urban and rural centres of the state.

Borno

No fewer than 15 members of Borno chapter of the National Association of Patent Medicine Dealers have been killed in their shops by unidentified gunmen at different locations in Maiduguri in the past two months.

The President of the Borno chapter, Alhaji Abubakar Villah, made this known in Maiduguri in an interview with newsmen .

He said the association was seriously concerned by the killings, noting that its members were not known to be trouble makers, but had lived in peace in their communities and contributed to the development of the state.

FCT

A PDP chieftain, Sen. Mohammed Ohiare, in Abuja called for the rotation of the governorship position among the ethnic groups in Kogi.

Ohiare, who made the call while addressing news men, said rotating the governorship position would give a sense of belonging to all stakeholders in the state.

“I strongly advocate that power should be rotated among the Igalas, Okuns and the Ebiras as well as the minority tribes to showcase their leadership talents,’’ Ohiare said.

He said since the creation of the state in 1992, “both the Okuns and the Ebiras have not tested the executive seat.’’

Jos

Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau has appointed Prof. Shedrach Best as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

A statement by Mr James Mannok, Director of Press Affairs, in Jos said the appointment was with immediate effect.

Until his appointment, Best was Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Management.

He was a former Director, Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos.

The ANPP Gubernatorial candidate, Malam Salihu Takai, has petitioned against the election of Dr Rabi’u Kwankwaso of PDP in the April general elections.

The petition, No. KN/EPT/ Gov/03/11, filed at the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, urged the panel to set aside the election of Kwankwaso as governor- elect.

The petitioner also prayed that he, Takai, be declared the winner of the election or in the alternative, a fresh election be conducted in 23 local government areas, where there were suspected irregularities.

Kogi

The ongoing upgrading of the Ajaokuta Transmission Station in Kogi, from 30 MVA to 60 MVA, has reached 95 per cent completion.

Mr Abednego Akabuko, the Lokoja Business District Manager of the PHCN, made the disclosure on Wednesday.

Akabuko told newsmen that the project which was started last year to improve the quality of power supply to the state would be completed within the next couple of months.

Lagos

The Federal High Court in Lagos upheld the fundamental human rights case filed by the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, against the EFCC.

The EFCC had through its counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu, filed the stay of proceeding to enable the commission to appeal an order of the court made on May 6.

The court had directed EFCC to immediately release Akingbola and one of his aides, Bayo Dada, from its custody.

Justice Charles Archibong had also ordered the EFCC to stay off all actions against Akingbola pending the determination of the suit before it.

Nasarawa

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Ministry of Defence Chapter, laid the foundation for a housing estate for its members.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chapter’s coordinator, Mrs Omolola Okunnu, said the funding for the estate would be sourced from the Federal Housing Loans Board.

She said the association had been working on the land for the estate since July 2010.

Osun

The police in Osun have arrested five robbery suspects and recovered four stolen vehicles.

Mr Olusegun Solomon, Commissioner of Police in the state, told newsmen in Osogbo that the suspects were arrested in connection with theft of cars.

“At Testing Ground in Osogbo at about 7 p.m., a man was reportedly attacked on his way from Oyen village when his BMW car marked GY 605 GNN had a flat tyre,’’ he said.

He said as the victim was trying to fix the flat tyre, some hoodlums emerged from the bush and ordered him and his wife to surrender their belongings.

Ondo

The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Omolebi Adepiti, has enjoined landlords in the state to provide toilet facilities in their houses to avoid arrest and prosecution.

The directive is contained in a statement, issued by the Press Officer, Ministry of Environment, Mr Tony Adetoye, in Akure.

The statement said a landlord had been arraigned for failure to provide toilet facilities in his house, while 18 others were given 30 days to comply or be prosecuted.

Adepiti said the state government had put in place various facilities and measures for proper disposal of waste and would not allow anybody to cause an outbreak of epidemic or deface the environment.

Oyo

The Association of Cocoyam Processors and Exporters in Oyo State has decried the apparent neglect of the crop.

The Chairman of the association, Chief Amusat Olamuyegun, made the assertion while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.

According to Olamuyegun, cocoyam is not being given the desired attention as is the case with other root and tuber crops.

He said that unknown to a lot of Nigerians, cocoyam is one of the most nutritious tuber crops in the country and worldwide.

Olamuyegun said that if governments at all levels could develop cocoyam processing, it would also be a veritable source of employment to the unemployed youths in the country.

Sokoto

Senator-elect, Alhaji Ibrahim Gobir (PDP-Sokoto East), has called on Nigerians to always be security conscious by reporting suspected characters to the nearest security outfits.

“Security matters should not be left in the hands of security officers alone, hence the need for active participation of all and sundry becomes a task that must be accomplished,” he said.

Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto that Nigerians also needed to pray for God’s guidance to enable the elected leaders succeed.

He said seeking God’s intervention in the task of ensuring good governance would ensure rapid development.

“When you involve God in your daily affairs, certainly success will be on your way,” 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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