Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Adamawa

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Nomadic Settlement in Adamawa, Dr. Louis Mandama has said that government is resolved to stem any crisis between farmers and nomads in the state.

He gave the assurance on Monday in Yola, on the heels of a threat allegedly made by some nomads, asking farmers in Song Local Government Area to ensure that they harvested their crops before December 15.

Mandama told newsmen that though the ministry had not received any official report on the threat letter, he was aware that the state House of Assembly had waded into the issue.

Mandama said that officials of the ministry were making efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herdsmen across the state.

 

Benue

Governor  of Benue State Gabriel Suswam has advised youths to embrace entrepreneurship, saying that white collar jobs are difficult to secure.

Suswam gave the advice in Makurdi  while inaugurating the Royal Shopping Mall built by Mrs Helen Torkula, wife of the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Alfred Torkula.

He stressed the administration’s desire to continue to rehabilitate dilapidated infrastructure to boost economic growth in the state.

According to him, the state government under his leadership, has provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive by ensuring that lives and property are adequately protected.

 

Ekiti

The Ekiti State Government has called on owners of undeveloped plots of land in the state to clear them immediately or risk losing such lands.

It noted that bushes on the undeveloped lands had become haven to criminals in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, in a statement said that government was not pleased with the many pockets of bushes that abound in the state capital particularly.

He noted that the bushes, apart from being used as hideouts by miscreants to carry out their nefarious activities, do not portray a good image for the state capital.

Afuye tasked owners of the undeveloped plots as well as other citizens in the state to imbibe the habit of clean and healthy living.

 

FCT

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie has blamed Nigerian universities for failing to advise students on the needs of the labour market.

Okojie made the statement in Abuja on Monday at the inaugural meeting of the National Labour Market Information Systems (NLMIS).

He said that the lack of regular advice to the Nigerian Universities System on graduate needs of the labour market had led to a mismatch, thereby, aggravating the unemployment situation in the country.

He said that the quality and focus of training offered by the universities were not in tune with the needs of the society and that the situation had led to a high rate of unemployment.

 

Gombe

There was low turnout of women in parts of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State at the on-going vaccination against Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM).

Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Kumo, headquarters of Akko Local Government on Tuesday reports that the women, who turned out for the exercise were few.

Akko Local Government Council, Primary Health Care Coordinator, Miss Lois Lakurbe, said women in Kumo East ward refused to come out based on the instructions given to them by their husbands.

She said that when she noticed the problem, she decided to deploy a team of vaccinators who went from house to house to immunise them.

“Initially, that was not the arrangement, the vaccinators were supposed to be stationed in all the health centres in the local government so that people will go and meet them.

 

Kano

A sickle cell anaemia patient, Hajiya Bilkisu Hassan, has appealed to the Kano State Government to establish special centres for the treatment of the disease.

She told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the provision of the facilities was necessary to provide drugs to the patients to enable them to effectively manage the disease.

Hassan said sickle cell patients needed serious counselling, support and assistance.

“We want Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso to emulate his Katsina State counterpart by establishing such centres to cater for sickle cell patients in the state.

“When established, such centres will only take care of sickle cell patients, because of the peculiar nature of the disease.”

 

Kebbi

The Birnin Kebbi Local Government chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has appealed to the state government to absorb the 1,000 unemployed NCE holders in the council.

The NUT Chairman, Mallam Sarki Zaki, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the graduates had been idle for two years.

He said that the employment of NCE holders into teaching jobs would reduce the dearth of teachers currently being experienced in the area.

Zaki described the condition of the unemployed graduates as pathetic, noting with regret that most of them were roaming the streets and exposed to anti-social activities.

 

Lagos

Head of Civil Engineering Department at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,  Prof. Olubayo Olateju said the property industry in Nigeria did not record the anticipated improvement this year.

Olateju said in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos that the impact could be measured by the level of transactions and construction done during the year.

“Globally commercial real estate transactions and constructions, considered key indicators of economic activities, have started to show signs of recovery, but this have not fully been experienced in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Nasarawa

No fewer than 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Agwatashi, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa have defected to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

The defectors were received at the CPC’s office in Agwatashi,amid pomp and ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the duo of Samuel Agena and Baba Ado explained that their decision to join the party was informed by the leadership style of Gov. Tanko Al-makura.

 

Niger

An outbreak of diarrhoea has claimed two lives in Bangi headquarters of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Chindo, told newsmen in Minna on Tuesday that only two persons died as a result of the outbreak of the disease, contrary to claims that eight persons lost their lives.

He said the ministry had deployed its personnel and medical supplies to the town to contain the possible spread of the disease and treat the victims free of charge.

“I have directed that a query be issued to the affected health officials for not reporting the outbreak to the ministry on time.

“We have also advocated for the prompt report of any outbreak to the ministry, so that necessary investigations are carried out and medications supplied to the affected communities to contain the outbreak.”

 

Plateau

The Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) has announced the cancellation of the annual Jos Trade Fair due to the security challenges in the state.

“The security situation does not seem to be improving much, and we are compelled to cancel the trade fair,” Mr Yusuf Sarumi, PLACIMMA’s Vice-President, told newsmen in Jos.

He said the chamber had to take the decision because of constant threats to lives and property.

“With the spate of bombings everywhere, we don’t want to endanger the lives of the exhibitors, participants and organisers. We have shifted the activity to next year and hope that the security situation would have improved.”

Sarumi noted with regret, the disappointment stakeholders might suffer, saying the decision was “in the best

interest of all’’.

He, however, commended stakeholders that had participated in planning the event, and appealed to them to “understand and bear with us”.

 

Yobe

Director of the Yobe State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (YOSACA), Hajiya Farida Mamudo says the agency is to recruit traditional birth attendants to complement the fight against the disease, ahead of the 2015 target.

Mamudo said  in Damaturu in an interview with newsmen that the agency would train the attendants on safe practises in handling maternal and child health care, to prevent the spread of the disease.

“This is one of the key activities contained in our work plan for 2012, to boost safe maternal and child delivery across the state. “

She explained that the plan would also provide testing kits, anti-retro viral drugs and food supplements, to health centres in the state to combat the scourge, “for appreciable progress towards the 2015 target.

Continue Reading

Nation

Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending