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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Adamawa State Government is disturbed by the daily
influx of displaced persons from Borno to some parts of the state due to insurgents’ attacks.
The Commissioner for Border Integration, Alhaji Hamza Bello, made the government’s position known during a condolence visit to Bitiku-Valti Village in Madagali Local Government Area to sympathise with victims taking refuge in the area.
Bello said the Adamawa State Government was worried about the frequent influx of the displaced persons now taking refuge in Madagali area of the state.
Consequently, he said, Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa had inaugurated a committee that would take care of the displaced persons.
Borno

The wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim-
Shettima, recently, distributed 100 rams to widows, orphans and other less privileged residents of Maiduguri.
Represented at the distribution ceremony by, the Chairman of her foundation, Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya Pupils (SWOT), Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said the gesture was to ensure that the beneficiaries were not left out in the forthcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
She said “as a woman and a mother, I deem it necessary to assist women and the less privileged in the state through the SWOT foundation.
“That is why we are distributing 100 rams to widows, orphans and other less privileged members of the society to enable them to celebrate the Sallah festival like other people in the society.’’

Ekiti

Governor  Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said his admin
istration was still committed to bringing unprecedented development to every community in the state.
The governor gave the commitment at the 2013 Ikole National Day celebrations.
Fayemi, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr Abiodun Akin- Fasaye, said his administration recently approved the rehabilitation of eight kilometres of township roads in Ikole.
“This was done alongside other projects in some parts of the state,’’ he said.
The governor then advised the people on peaceful co-existence and the need to engage in activities which would improve their community.

FCT

Stakeholders in disaster management have urged gov
ernments at all levels to sustain the current efforts at preventing flood disaster in the country.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The statement signed by NEMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ezekiel Manzo, said the stakeholders made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of the 3rd South-South Emergency Management meeting held in Asaba.
It stated that the stakeholders advised government to undertake regular dredging of rivers, canals and creeks to minimise frequent occurrence of floods.

Gombe

Low patronage has forced a drop in the prices of rams in
Gombe metropolis.
A survey conducted in different markets across the metropolis, indicated about 16 per cent drop in prices.
It showed that a ram that cost N60,000 last week, now sells for N50,000 while that of N30,000, had its price tag dropping to N25,000.
The survey also indicated a drop in the price of small rams, from N11,000, to N8,500.
Secretary of Livestock Dealers Association, Pantami Livestock market branch in Gombe metropolis, Malam Abubakar Yellow, told newsmen  that the drop in prices, was anticipated as there was a general problem of cash squeeze in the state and the country.

Kano

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State
said says it has deployed 600 officers and men to various parts of the state to ensure accident-free Sallah celebrations.
The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Malam Mohammad Garba, gave the figure while answering questions from newsmen in Kano.
He said the measure was part of the strategies mapped out by the command to ensure accident- free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across the state.
“The 24-hour patrol will be a continuous process throughout the ‘ember’ period in the state,’’ he said.

Kwara

The Bishop of Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Anglican
Communion, Omu-Aran in Kwara State, The Rt. Rev. Phillip Adeyemo, has advised religious leaders in the country to exhibit a high level of integrity in a bid to command true followership.
Adeyemo gave the advice in a message to the first session of the second Synod of the Diocese held in the church on Saturday with the theme: “Integrity.’’
According to him, lack of integrity on the part of leaders led to the reformation of the early church.
Adeyemo stressed the need for church leaders in the country to embrace virtues such as honesty and integrity to avert revolt among their followers.

Lagos

Dr Frederick Fasehun said that the Unity Party of Nige
ria (UPN ) was waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to invite it to receive its certificate of registration.
Fasehun, the interim chairman of the yet-to-be registered party, told newsmen in Lagos that the party had “fulfilled the conditions for registration as contained in the nation’s constitution.”
“It is the prerequisite of INEC to register us within 30 days but there is an electoral law that says if within 30 days the commission fails to write to us, such a party should deem itself registered. “So what we are doing now is, we are not just waiting for registration, we are waiting to be invited for our certificate,’’ Fasehun said.

Nasarawa

Prices of rams, vegetables and clothes are on the in
crease in Nasarawa, Nasarawa state, two days to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the reports say.
Eid-el-Kabir is the Muslim festival which marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj. It is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice’’ commemorating Abraham’s faith and devotion to God.
According to a survey conducted in Nasawara LGA and Ara village prices of rams ranged from N25,000 to N80,000 as against N10,000 to N50,000 some months ago.
Osun

Prices of rams have risen in Ile-Ife and Modakeke in Ife,
Osun, few days to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, reports say.
A survey conducted at the ram markets in Ile-Ife and Modakeke, indicated an increase of about 15 per cent to 20 per cent.
The Chairman of the Goat and Cow Sellers Association at Sabo market, ile-Ife, Mr Francis Oladosu, said a big ram, which cost about N80,000 few weeks ago, now attracts between N90,000 and N95,000.
Oladosu said the price of medium size ram rose from about N50,000, to N60,000, while small rams that sold for N18,000 each , now cost N20,000.
He blamed the hike on the prevailing security challenges in some parts of the Northern states and the increase in the cost of transportation.

Oyo

The National President, Ansar-ud-deen Society (ADS),
Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, has urged politicians to concentrate more on delivering democratic dividends than overheating the polity.
Okunnu made the appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message made available to newsmen in Ibadan recently.
“I appeal to our politicians not to overheat the polity unnecessarily as the 2015 general election is still far.
“Everybody from the president downwards who is involved in governance in this country should concentrate on delivering on his or her campaign promises such that this country once again can flourish, “ he said.

Plateau

The Plateau Government says it spent over N42 million to
purchase some items which were distributed to some Muslims in the state as Eid-el-Kabir gifts.
Malam Idi Waziri, the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Jos.
He said this while presenting some of the items to inmates of the Jos prison and some disabled persons at the city’s central mosque, which is otherwise known as “Masallachin Juma’a’’.
The commissioner said the donation to the Muslim faithful was a clear indication that the Gov. Jonah Jang administration has the interest of all Muslims residing in the state at heart.

Sokoto

The police command in Sokoto State has banned the
transportation of more than one passenger on a motorcycle, its Spokesman, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, said.
Sani told newsmen in Sokoto that the ban followed the prevailing security situation in the country “and we should not be complacent in Sokoto.
“Motorcyclists have been banned from carrying more than one passenger. There should always be two people on a bike, consisting of the rider and one other passenger.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Neiti), Mr Ledum Mitee; President Goodluck Jonathan; International Chairman, Neiti, Mrs Clare Short and Executive Secretary, Neiti,  Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, during their visit to the President in Abuja on Monday      Photo: NAN

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Neiti), Mr Ledum Mitee; President Goodluck Jonathan; International Chairman, Neiti, Mrs Clare Short and Executive Secretary, Neiti, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, during their visit to the President in Abuja on Monday Photo: NAN

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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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