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THE STATES

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Ekiti

The police have arraigned two men, Sunday Eyinafe, 23 and Adepoju Odunayo, 20, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged assault.

The police prosecutor, Cpl. Curtis Enabulele, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February. 13 at Sabo Area of Ado-Ekiti.

According to him, the accused persons unlawfully assaulted two police officers, Akpamu Nicholas and Faluyi Olalekan, by biting and beating them while performing their official duties.

He alleged that the accused stole one Samsung cell phone worth N21,000 and another item valued at N10,000 belonging to Nicholas.

 

FCT

The Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Rev. Chimaroke Iweha, has charged Christians and Muslims to lead godly lives that will impact positively on the society.

Iweha spoke with newsmen last Sunday, in Abuja, after the presentation of the new Abuja Diocesan Lay President of the Church, Mr David Fadairo

Iweha urged adherents of the two faiths to reflect and practise their beliefs and teachings not only in their places of worship but wherever they found themselves.

“Our problem is that we leave God in the Church and our various places of worship, with the feeling that it is the only place we can see God.

 

Gombe

The Gombe State Government says it will meet the 2015 Millenium Development Goals’ (MDGs) aspirations and the yearnings of the people of the state.

The state Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Alhaji Idris Mahadi,  said this while speaking to newsmen in Gombe recently.

Mahadi said that the state government had continued to execute projects inherited from the previous administration.

According to him, the state government, in collaboration with the MDGs office, had awarded contracts for the drilling of solar boreholes in over 60 locations in the state.

 

Jigawa

Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, the Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa has praised Governor Sule Lamido, for allocating 30 hectares of land to the directorate.

Sambo, who made the commendation in Dutse in an interview with newsmen, said that public works and housing units would be constructed on the 30 hectares land.

He said that the houses would be constructed on a two-bedroom and three-bedroom categories.

The coordinator said that the project would be financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank in collaboration with the directorate.

 

Kaduna

The Kaduna Agricultural Development programme (KADP) says it has registered more than 687 women groups under the KADP cooperatives project, to  address the challenges of food security.

The Head of Women in Agriculture in the KADP, Mrs. Debora Bakut,  told newsmen in Kaduna that the cooperative groups were registered to be able to access farm inputs and financial support.

Bakut said the groups were eligible to benefit from both the Federal and State Government soft loans to smallholder farmers and the newly introduced e-wallet fertiliser scheme, to enhance food production.

 

Katsina

President Goodluck Jonathan has given the assurance that the Federal Government will adequately fund and equip Nigerian universities to meet world standards and enhance development.

Jonathan gave the assurance at the maiden convocation ceremony of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina.

“Our universities must be equipped and modernised to be able to play their role in nation building and compete with other universities in the world.’’

Jonathan, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Prof. James Ayatse, said the government planned to establish a research and education network to provide national bandwidth and Internet backbone for universities.

 

Kwara

The IIorin East Local Government Council in Kwara has commenced the rehabilitation of 20 rural roads to boost socio-economic activities of the area.

The Chairman of the Council, Hajiya Aminat Ishola, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Oke-Oyi, headquarters of the council.

Ishola said that more than 40 per cent of work on the roads spread across the 12 wards of the council had been achieved.

She listed some of the roads as Apado, Iponrin, Maya and Ile-Apa, among others.

She said that some of the groups would also benefit from the Bank of Agriculture loans as well as the World Bank Commercial Agriculture programme in the state.

 

Lagos

Prof. Nnenna Okore of Arts Department, North Park University, Chicago, USA, said on Sunday that the mindset of Nigerian youths could be changed for the better through creative arts.

Okore, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that changing the mindset of youths through arts was very vital for the country’s development.

The Professor said that engaging youths to develop their skills through the arts would also promote a better awareness of Nigerian arts internationally.

“It will also improve the level of intellectual pursuit in the visual arts sector.

 

Niger

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, says the Nigerian Army will establish a “reserve force’’ to be able to respond to emergency situations quickly.

“We want a situation where if there are some emergencies, we will have a force we can just call upon and immediately there will be response, whether the emergency is internal or external,’’ Ihejirika told newsmen in Kontagora.

“About 600 of the 2,904 soldiers who just graduated from the basic counter terrorism course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora will form the basis of the reserve force.

 

Osun

The Public Affairs Manager, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Osogbo Business Unit, Mr Timothy Adesanya has said that there is adequate power supply in the area.

Adesanya told newsmen in an interview recently that  the allegation in some quarters that there was a drop in power supply in the Osun State capital was not true.

He explained that the company was working hard to ensure there was stable supply of electricity across the country.

He said, “such an allegation that there is a decline in the supply of electricity in Osogbo as far as I am concerned is spurious and it is not objective in any way”.

 

Plateau

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau has tasked its youth wing to embrace democratic ideals and also keep abreast of developments so as to remain relevant.

The state Assistant Organising Secretary of the party, told some youths in Jos that they must seek out and understand what was expected of them as key vanguards of the party.

“The party undergoes all kinds of reforms on a daily basis and it is incumbent on all of you to be in tune with the changes.

“You must also get the party’s constitution so as to know the roles assigned to the local, state and federal levels,’’ he said.

 

Zamfara

The Zamfara House of Assembly has urged the state government to reconstruct the Birnin-Magaji road connecting Magami-Gabake road to Mesa-Teke and Barkeji and terminating at Zurmi.

The House passed the resolution following the motion by Alhaji Rufai Chiroma (Kaura-Namoda north), saying the people of the area had suffered a lot due to the poor condition of the road.

Chiroma further noted that farmers and business men in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area could hardly carry out their activities during rainy season owing to difficulty in transporting their goods and services.

He said that the roads were not motorable and that movement from Kaura Namoda to Zurmi as well as Birnin-Magajii local government areas for economic activities was almost impossible during the rainy season.

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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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