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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Adamawa State Government last Monday in Yola
began the distribution of cheques for various amounts to victims of 2011 post-election violence in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the acting Chairman of the Post-Election Violence Committee, Alhaji Mohammed Hajuji, urged the victims to appreciate what they got from government as the gesture was to assist them but not as compensation.
He said the state government received N420 million from the Federal Government for the victims.
Hajuji, who did not give the number of victims to benefit from the exercise, said it would be done on local government basis beginning with Yola North, with 52 victims. Some of the victims expressed gratitude to the government for the support.

FCT

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) last Saturday urged
the country’s former Heads of States to mediate in the protracted ASUU strike.
National President of the NUT,  Mr Michael Olukoya,  who made the call in Abuja during the celebration of the 2013 World Teachers’ Day.  stressed that the lack of intervention by well-meaning Nigerians had made the industrial action to linger on.
Olukoya, however, appealed to the striking university lecturers to be sensitive to the constraints and efforts of the Federal Government and urged the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to end the protracted crisis.
He rejected plans to cede the management of primary education to local government councils, saying that such proposals portended a great danger to the development of the sector.
Olukoya commended the Federal Government for shelving its earlier idea to divest its ownership of Federal Government Colleges under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement and urged the Federal Government to initiate pragmatic efforts to restore the past glory of unity colleges and other secondary schools across the country.

Kaduna

Jema’a Local Government Council of Kaduna State has in
augurated a 25-member Committee on Peace and Security in its bid to check further breach of peace in the area.
Inaugurating the committee on Saturday in Kafanchan, the Chairman of the council, Mr Daniel Amos, urged the members to be resolute in the delivery of their mandate.
He said that the recent civil unrest witnessed in the council informed government’s decision to establish the committee with members drawn from the 12 wards.
The chairman said the committee was also expected to liaise with security agents and report suspected persons involved in the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.

Kano

The Kano State Government last Saturday pledged to de
velop orchards on 370 hectares of land to combat desert encroachment.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, said  in Kano that the pilot schemes had commenced in Makoda, Danbatta and Gabasawa local government areas.
Abbas said the vegetable orchards were planted to empower the owners of the acquired lands adding that government would provide security guards to protect the orchards and forests against destruction and illegal tree felling.
The commissioner said it was the wish of the present administration to meet the African Union’s protocol on the eradication of poverty and empowerment of citizens through the reduction in desert encroachment in the Sahel.

Kogi

Members of the PDP Youths Alliance in Kogi  State have
lauded the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The group acknowledged the efforts of government in the area of job creation, through which jobs had been created for some of them.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting last Sunday in Lokoja, the goup said that youths across the six geo-political zones constituted the major beneficiaries of government programmes .
Kwara

The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission
(KWASIEC), has concluded the training of 200 facilitators ahead of the local government election scheduled for  October 26 in the State.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Uthman Ajidagba, said in Ilorin last Saturday that the training was part of efforts to achieve successful polls.
Represented by Mr AbdulRauf Ajao, the Commissioner in charge of Administration, Ajidagba added that the commission would recruit and train 3000 ad hoc staff before the election.
The leader of the facilitators and Dean Faculty of Education, University of IIorin, Prof. Adekunle Oloundare, assured KWASIEC that they would leave up to expectation in the discharge of their assignment.

Lagos

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr
Rotimi Olowo, has said that the country will not break up as a result of the National Conference.
Olowo, who  is  Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, made the assertion in an interview in Lagos last Sunday.
According to him (APC-Shomolu I), if the conference is properly handled it will bring about justice, development and fairness to the citizenry.
The lawmaker added that people must be well represented in order to carry them along to move the country forward and  urged the advisory committee to see every Nigerian as one and not to treat any tribe or ethnic group as minority.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has said that
one person was found dead while 22 others sustained various degrees of injuries in a lone accident on the Abeokuta-Lagos expressway on Saturday.
The FRSC Unit Commander in Ogun, Mr Fatai Bakare, told newsmen in Ewekoro that the accident occurred at about 11 a.m around Awowo village in Ewekoro Local Government Area.
Bakare said the accident involved a white Toyota Hiace passenger bus marked (Lagos) BDG 307 AG and disclosed that  the occupants of the bus were family members and friends who were heading for a wedding at Ojota in Lagos State.
The commander, who attributed the cause of the auto crash to over-speeding, explained that the driver lost control and it somersaulted.  ‘’One female occupant died while 14 other females and eight male occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said.

Ondo

The Chairman of Global Fleet Group,  Mr  Jimoh Ibrahim,
has commiserated with the Ondo State Government over the death of Mr Deji Falae, a Commissioner for Tourism in the state in a plane crash last Thursday in Lagos.
Ibrahim condoled with the government while speaking with journalists on Sunday at his Igbotako residence, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Ibrahim, the Publisher of the National Mirror Newspapers, said that the news of the crash came to him as a rude shock and a big surprise and  described the late Falae, as a talented young man, whose life was cut short.
Oyo

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said
on Monday it had transported 65,151 out of  66,000 Nigerian prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj ahead of the Oct. 14 Arafat day.
National Commissioner in charge of Operations, Alhaji Abdullah Muhktar, announced  in a telephone interview in Ibadan on Monday that the commission transported the pilgrims in 134.
Muhktar said the deadline for transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was Oct. 9, ahead of the Arafat  and assured that the remaining pilgrims would be transported to Saudi Arabia before the close of Saudi’s airspace.
The spokesperson for the Commission, Alhaji Uba Mana, said that the balance of 849 pilgrims would be transported before the close of Saudi airspace today.

Plateau

The Paramount Ruler of Mwaghavul, Mangu LGA in Pla
teau, State, Mr Nelson Bakfur, has called on the people of the area to donate race horses to boost and uplift the Mwaghavul culture.
Bakfur who  made the call last Saturday in his palace in Kerang when he received a horse donated by one of his subjects, Mr Samuel Puukat, an Abuja-based businessman said the dearth of horses in the Mwaghavul during festivals was “very glaring and disturbing’’.
Earlier, Puukat said the donation was in response to the call by the leadership of the National Mwaghavul Development Association and  pledged to do his best to keep and sustain the Mwaghavul culture.
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Dr Stephen Hirse, thanked Puukat for remembering his place of origin and donating the horse.

Sokoto

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Kukah,
last Saturday called on parents to intensify the teaching of their children about sound morals, as part of efforts to promote a better society.
The cleric  who made the call in Sokoto at “The Children’s Day with the Bishop’’ Forum, organised by the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, stressed that children must have good moral upbringing at a very early age.
“It is only by so doing that the children would be responsible for the common good of the society, while contributing positively to nation building,’’ he said.
Kukah also called on the children to remain steadfast in prayers for God’s guidance and for the country to overcome its current security challenges.

Zamfara

A Talata Mafara High Court in Zamfara State last Monday
sentenced one Abdullahi Abubakar, 37, to death by hanging for the murder of his step-daughter.
The convict  was arraigned in August, 2008 for putting a poisonous substance, suspected to be ‘Germaline’ in his step-daughter’s food, which led to her death.
Justice Bello Gummi  said the convict intentionally and with the knowledge that death or grievous bodily injury would be the probable consequence of his action, poisoned his step-daughter, whose name was given as Suwaiba.

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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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