Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The former Commissioner for Environment in Benue State,
Dr Eugene Aliegba, says for meaningful economic growth to be achieved, the state should invest in agro-allied industries.
Aliegba said this last Saturday in Makurdi, at a news conference to announce his disengagement from the services of Benue State to pursue his governorship ambition in 2015.
Aliegba said if given the opportunity to serve the state at higher level, he would attract foreign investments into agriculture especially in the fields of processing.
Aliegba, an associate Professor of Political Science, said he had acquired enough experience both as an academician and as a politician to proffer solution to issues confronting the state.
Borno
The Borno State government has commended the mili
tary for the professional manner it had handled the security challenges facing the state.
State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, made the commendation when he visited the newly established 81 battalion of the Nigerian Army in Gashigar town of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, promising to support the military and presented a cash gift to the battalion in appreciation of the efforts of officers and men.
Responding, the commander of the battalion, Lt.-Col. Musa Mohammed, said that the unit was created after last month’s suspected terrorism attack, which claimed some lives and property in the area.
FCT
The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said gov
ernment would fast track the process of connecting Nigerians in the rural areas to the national grid.
Nebo stated this while rounding off the 6th Power Summit/Civil Society Forum in Abuja last Saturday.
Nebo restated that the power sector reform was to ensure sustainable energy delivery to Nigerians through increased power generation, transmission and distribution.
The minister held that with the successful sale of government owned distribution and generation companies, the ministry was almost getting to the end of the power reform process.
According to him, Federal Government’s privatisation of the power sector has been globally adjudged as very transparent and pledged to continue to ensure that the new owners provided effective service to Nigerians.
Jigawa
Fire last Saturday burnt students’ hostel in the Federal
Government College (FGC), Kazaure, in Jigawa State.
Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State, Mr Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen that the inferno razed down the hostel completely.
Although he did not adduce any reason for the fire outbreak, the commandant said it took fire men more than one hour to put it out so that it did not spread to other buildings.
“It took more than one hour for the NSCDC, police, fire fighters and staff of the college to put out the fire and rescue the students’’, he said.
Gidado advised people to be extra careful when using fire.
Kaduna
An Islamic cleric, Malam Musa Mai-Shawi, last Sunday
cautioned people against reprisal attack, following the assassination of Sheik Muhammad Albani, a popular Islamic scholar in Zaria.
Speaking in Zaria during late Albani’s funeral prayer, Mai-Shawi said the plea became necessary in view of the tension caused by the sudden death of the popular cleric.
Mai-Shawi, who is the chief Imam of “Darul Hadith”, a school established by the deceased, said that although the death of Albani was painful, everything should be left to God.
Kano
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Kano State chap
ter, last Saturday appointed a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs.
The committee was announced after a meeting of the party elders held at the Government House, Kano State, and presided over by Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso last Friday night.
Those appointed included a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo, as Chairman, and Alhaji Adamu Sumaila as Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Sani, Assistant Secretary; Mr Bashir Karaye, Public Relations Officer (PRO); Alhaji Salisu Abba, Treasurer, and Alhaji Murtala Garo as Organising Secretary.
Others were Alhaji Rabi’u Bako, Youth Leader; Hajiya Maryam Kofar-mata; Woman Leader, and Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, Ex-officio member.
Speaking after the meeting, Kwankwaso urged the party members to give the caretaker officials the necessary support and cooperation to enable the party succeed in the state and the country at large.
Kebbi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
said on Saturday that it impounded 392.06 kilogrammes of cannabis and diazepam in 2013 in Kebbi State.
The agency’s Commandant in the state, Mr Okon Ulo, said in Birnin Kebbi State that 108 persons were convicted while 17 suspects were awaiting tial.
According to the statement, 25 per cent of hard drug abusers and traffickers were youths, stressing that the agency and stakeholders would reverse the trend.
It said NDLEA had established drug treatment and counseling centres in Birnin Kebbi and Zuru where patients were trained to acquire skills adding that the Zuru Treatment Centre had collapsed due to lack of facilities.
Kwara
Some members of Ifedawapo community in Ita-Alamu, a
suburb of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last Saturday threatened to stop paying their monthly electricity bills until the power supply was improved in the area.
The placard-carrying protesters with different inscriptions, including “NEPA give us light regularly”, went to a divisional office of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in the area where they registered their grievances over the state of power supply in the community.
The Chairman of the community, Alhaji Lateef Lawal,said that the community had been grappling with erratic power supply for the past four months adding that several complaints made on the issue had yet to bear fruit.
The chairman said the people were not in the organisation’s office to unleash violence but make their problems known to the authorities, urging the power company to adjust in its supply and distribution.
Lagos
The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican
Communion, Rev. James Odedeji, last Sunday urged clerics to be humble and diligent in their service to God.
Odedeji gave the advice at the installation of a new Dean and six Canons of the church at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Anglican Church, Ikeja, Lagos.
The cleric urged the ordained Dean and Cannons to work as evangelists adding as ministers of the gospel, you must beware and be watchful, anybody can afford to do anything but you are expected to make lots of differences.
There are so many distractions in the church; beware of derailment. A lot of priests have fallen because they were not watchful. “God rewards good and faithful servants,” he said.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government will on February 14 and
February 15 hold the second edition of “Samodun Festival’’ to showcase the diversity of Yoruba culture.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Adetutu Adeyemi, said yesterday in Ibadan that the festival was aimed at promoting unity across the South-West states.
The commissioner said that the festival, with the theme: “Asa Parapo’’ was geared toward utilising culture as platform to reawaken business, tourism development, entrepreneurship and youths development in the state.
Highlights of the event, she added, would include a cultural festival parade, youths talent in culture, cultural displays and food tourism by the governor’s wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi.
Sokoto
Former Secretary to the Zamfara State Government,
Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin-Tsaba, said the proposed National Conference would help Nigerians to understand and accommodate their differences.
Ibrahim said in Sokoto State last Saturday that it was necessary to discuss with each other so as to appreciate mutual differences and seek out ways to live with them.
“Nigerians come from diverse backgrounds – religion, culture and ethnicity. We should come together, understand these differences and accommodate them’’, he said.
He held that the unity of the nation should never be compromised during and after the conference.
The former SSG described the conference as a welcome development, and stressed that it would make Nigeria stronger and better.
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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