Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Chief Matron, Bauchi State Urban Maternity, Hajiya Fatima Dangambo, has said that health workers were being counselled on tolerance for better service delivery.
In an interview in Bauchi, Monday she said there was the need for counselling to improve relations between health workers and patients’ relatives, who often rain abuses on health workers at their duty post.
Dangambo said that such issues which were related to free drugs for women and under-five children had being on going in the state.
“We have to counsel our staff to be tolerant and not make such abuses stop them from performing their duties because such words will not have any impact on them physically”, he said.
FCT
The Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel, on Tuesday in Abuja reiterated the commitment of the council to provide legal aid to the indigent.
Bob-Manuel made the call at a sensitisation campaign organised by the council to create awareness on its activities.
She said the campaign was a nationwide project meant to sensitise Nigerians of their right to seek legal services and the readiness of the council to provide free legal aid to them.
According to her, the processes involved in getting the services of lawyers in the council are not complicated, adding that the major requirement was a written application.
Gombe
No fewer than 2,806 patients were admitted at the Snake Bite Treatment and Research Centre, Kaltungo, Gombe State from January to November, 2012.
The Medical Officer in Charge of the centre, Dr Habu Ballah, made this known in an interview in Kaltungo on Tuesday.
He said of the figure 33 patients died owing to the delay in reaching the centre, while four others died on arrival at the centre.
Dr Ballah recalled that 316 patients attended the centre in 2011, saying the existing figure was higher owing to factors such as flooding, lack of awareness of treatment at the centre and increase in farming activities.
He said apart from the state, patients were brought from Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, Yobe and even Cameroun.
Jigawa
Residents of Dutse, Jigawa on Tuesday described President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the state as a positive step to fast track the rapid development of the state.
A cross section of the residents in Dutse, said that the visit was a ‘’welcome development’’.
Alhaji Garba Abbas, a teacher, said that the two-day official visit by the president would attract federal projects to the state.
A Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Isa Haruna, said the visit would enable the president to meet his people and assess their needs.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in Kaduna State, on Tuesday ordered local council workers protesting delay in salary payment to return to work.
Comrade Shehu Abubakar, the President of the union gave the order after a close door meeting with NULGE officials of Kaduna North Local Government.
The meeting followed protest by members of the union of the local council, which began on Monday, over delay in the payment of their three months salaries.
Kaduna North, Igabi, Sabon Gari, Kaduna South and Kaura Local Governments have been unable to pay the salaries of their workers for months due to inadequate funds.
Abubakar said the state government and the union were meeting on the matter, and assured the workers that the issue would be resolved amicably. He advised members of the union to always follow due process in demanding for their rights.
Kogi
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the prompt response mechanism instituted by the Kogi Government toward handling internally displaced persons in relief camps.
The Director, Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response, Dr. Brennan Richard, gave the commendation on Tuesday, when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Idris Wada. Wada was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi.
Richard said that the health impact associated with the flood could be devastating, if not properly managed.
Kwara
The Kwara Government said it planned to create 16 additional parastatals in the state to energise its activities.
This is contained in a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, in Ilorin, Monday.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said this when he received the Chairmen of Boards of parastatals and agencies who paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Ilorin. According to him, the parastatal will be sixteen new boards and with over members.
The governor said they would be charged with the responsibility of running various segments of government to ensure efficiency in service delivery among others.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) Dr Abdullahi Modibo, has assured all political parties in the state of a level play ground in the forthcoming local election.
Modibo gave the assurance in an interview in Lafia on Tuesday
The chairman, however, appealed to the electorate to come out enmass and vote for the candidates of their choice during the exercise, adding that their votes would count.
He also assured all the constants that the poll would be free, fair and credible.
Niger
As part of its Four-Year-Strategic Plan for the education sector, the Federal Government on Tuesday launched a capacity building programme for teachers in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, who was launching the programme in Suleja, Niger State, said the programme followed a needs assessment carried out in selected secondary schools in the 36 states and the FCT.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike said that every effort would be made to ensure that resources provided were used regularly to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Ogun
A 33 year-old mechanic, Mr Yemi Oyeniyi, fled his matrimonial home in Abeokuta, following a scan revelation that his wife was carrying triplet.
The mechanic’s wife, Mrs Esther Oyeniyi, said her hospital bed that her five year-old marriage had earlier produced two children.
She said that her husband absconded since June 3, 2012 when the result of the scan revealed that she was carrying triplet.
She described the disappearance of her husband as worrisome, saying that the development had forced her to relocate to Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Yidi in the metropolis.
Oyo
Three commissioners were dropped from the from the Oyo State Executive Council in a cabinet reshuffle in Ibadan, Monday.
The reshuffle was announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Waheed Olajide, after the council meeting. Olajide also announced the swapping of portfolios by some commissioners.
He said that those dropped include, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde; Works and Transport, Mr Bosun Oladele; Information and Orientation and Mr Kazeem Adedeji, Trade, Investment and Cooperatives.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State on Tuesday in Jos signed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) bill into law.
While performing the ceremony, Jang warned against the diversion of relief materials meant for victims of emergencies.
Stakeholders, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had severely criticised Plateau over its inability to establish a SEMA, in spite of its numerous man-made and natural disasters.
Shortly after signing the bill, the governor said:“I believe this bill I signed into law is holistic and positioned to be relevant to the present realities of global trends in disaster management.
Sokoto
Electricity Consumers Association, Sokoto State chapter, on Monday, demanded the payment of N1 billion as compensation from the PHCN for allegedly disrupting electricity supply to the state in the last three days.
Electricity workers in the state carried out their threat of disconnecting the state at the expiration of a two-week ultimatum to Governor .Aliyu Wamakko to apologise over an alleged manhandling of one of their colleagues, an allegation which the governor had since denied.
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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