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THE STATES

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Jigawa

Governor  Sule Lamido of Jigawa State said last Thursday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would present a credible candidate for presidential election in 2015.

Lamido gave the assurance in Dutse when he received members of Arewa Youths Forum who paid him a courtesy visit.

“From my political history, I don’t present myself for any position, I believe in my party and it will present a candidate that will be acceptable by all.

“PDP has modalities of doing things, we should wait and see the person that will be chosen to be the flag bearer of the party in 2015.

“PDP is built on justice and fairness and my party has sagacity to break religious dichotomy and it is a party that was formed to unite the country, “ he said.

 

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government said it would get N2.3 billion as grant from the Global Partnership to revive its ailing education sector.

The state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, who made this known at a one-day education conference said the fund would enable the ministry work out strategies, implement policies and put it into action toward revamping the education sector.

The commissioner said no country would develop without investing in the education sector as it would improve the socio-economic structure and the literacy level of the country.

The chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Ishaya Akau, said there was the need for host communities to assist the government in safeguarding its properties.

 

Kano

The Kano State Film Censorship Board inaugurated a committee to organise a film award to outstanding Hausa movie and film practitioners in the country.

The Hausa film industry is popularly called Kannywood akin to the Nollywood in the southern part of the country.

Inaugurating the committee in Kano  the Chairman of the board, Sheikh Bazallahi Kabara, charged the members to fear God in carrying out their work.

While acknowledging the importance of the film industry in the lives of the people, Kabara, however, advised that the culture and religion of target audience must be respected.

The chairman warned the committee members, whom he described as “extremely competent”, to avoid partiality while selecting the film categories to be awarded.

 

Kebbi

The Secretary to Kebbi Government, Alhaji Nurudeen Kangiwa, has appealed to primary school teachers and local government workers in the state not to embark on strike due to delay in the payment of their January salary.

Kangiwa said in Birnin Kebbi that the delay was as a result of the ongoing verification exercise to determine the number of workers in the state..

He also said that the repeated verification exercise was necessitated by government’s decision to ensure probity and accountability.

Kangiwa urged the affected workers to present their relevant documents before the verification panel, adding that prompt payment of salaries and other benefits would resume after the exercise.

 

Kogi

The Kogi House of Assembly recently in Lokoja called for the establishment of model secondary schools to stem the falling standard of education in the state.

In a resolution following the adoption of a motion by Mr Henry Ojuola, the house expressed concern over the quality of education “from primary to tertiary institutions” in the state.

Ojuola, who stressed the need to replicate best practices from the federal and some state governments said model secondary schools were “usually established to encompass talented, intelligent and meritorious students.”

According to him, some existing secondary schools in the state should be upgraded to model status to serve the intended purpose.

 

Nasarawa

Workers of Nasarawa Express embarked on an indefinite strike over their demand for the payment of six months salary arrears.

The Chairman of Amalgamated Union, Nasarawa Transport Workers, Mr Timothy Marku,  said in Lafia that “we have been working for the past six months without being paid our salary.

Marku said the union called its members out on strike not to sabotage government’s efforts but to ensure the demands of the workers were paid.

He, however, commended the workers for performing their duties during the six months they were not paid.

 

Niger

The Northern States Governors Forum has urged Christian clergymen to educate their followers on the essence of the Lenten season to enable them to earn God’s blessings.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, who made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, urged Christians to conduct themselves well during the Lenten season to maximise its spiritual and physical benefits.

It identified good intention, prayers and firmness of purpose in pursuing good deeds as some of the benefits inherent in the holy season.

The statement noted the need for the faithful to fast, pray and abstain from heavy meals and other bad habits as well as give alms during the Lenten period.

 

Ogun

The Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Rev. Fr John Patrick,  Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, has urged the Federal Government to intensify its fight against corruption in the country.

Patrick, who  made the call in an interview in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, state identified corruption as one of most serious challenges facing the country, said the government must redouble its effort in tackling the menace.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to fast-track the prosecution of corrupt individuals.

 

Osun

Armed robbers last Wednesday attacked a bank and a police post at Ode-Omu, near Gbongan in Osun.

The robbers operated about 1a.m. and caused panic among residents of the town by shooting sporadically, witnesses said.

The residents made efforts to contact the police, the hoodlums escaped before the police arrived. A  passer-by, identified as Tirimisiyu, was hit by a stray bullet and died before he could get medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mrs Folashade Odoro, confirmed the incident and said that the bank manager claimed the robbers stole N10 million and $6,000 from the bank.

 

Oyo

A former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has advocated the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

Alao-Akala made the call in an interview in Ibadan recently.

According to him, the abolition of the SIEC will curtail the excesses of some state governments which fight shy of democratising the local government elections.

He likened the existence of SIECs to the creation of state police, which he said, was needless, adding: “as bad as the state police, so also is SIECs.

Alao-Akala criticised the call for local government autonomy, saying that the existing arrangement allowed the councils some level of autonomy except for the disbursement of funds.

 

Plateau

Director of Press Affairs to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau, Mr James Mannok, has advised media houses against rumour-mongering and wild speculations while performing their duties.

Speaking in Jos when he received the Executive Council members of Faith Chapel, publishers of Christian newspapers and magazines, who paid him a courtesy call.

Mannok described the contributions of the Christian media during the period of crises on the Plateau as “very courageous“ and “encouraging.

He said that government was always ready to partner with them in their contributions to development, and urged them to always seek for clarification when in doubt.

“Our doors are always open, so don’t hesitate to seek for any information that will help you to tell the truth,’’ he said.

 

Zamfara

The Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari, has promised to mobilise farmers in his domain to participate in the renewed efforts of the state government to revive cotton production.

Tambari made the promise  in Maradun when Chairman, Zamfara Cotton Development Agency, Alhaji Hussaini Moriki, led a team of Chinese experts on agriculture on a courtesy visit to the palace.

The visit was part of the on-going awareness and mobilisation campaign being mounted by the government to accelerate cotton production in the state.

The emir said that it was obligatory for the people of the state to support the current efforts of government to rejuvenate agriculture and make the sector the mainstay of the economy.

He said that since Zamfara was mainly an agrarian state, the people should take advantage of government support to boost agriculture production.

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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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