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THE STATES

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The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in
Nigeria (NEPLWHAN) has urged the Bauchi State House of Assembly to pass anti-discrimination and stigmatisation bill into law.
The state chairman of the association, Malam Usman Zico, made the call on Thursday in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Zico called on the house to pass the proposed law before the end of the current legislative assembly and present administration in the state.
He said that the bill should also be guided with penalties and fines for offenders as measures to stop acts of stigma and discrimination against his members.
According to him, the law would protect the dignity of people living with the virus.
“The State House of Assembly should look into the discrimination and stigmatisation bill, so that it becomes law before the end of the present administration and penalties be stated on any one found wanting either in public places or in gatherings,’’ he said.

Benue

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State,
said it would sue two radio stations in the state for libel.
The party’s Organizing Secretary, Mr Tutus Zaam told newsmen in Makurdi that it would drag Radio Benue and Ashi Waves to court as soon as the strike by judiciary workers was over.
Our correspondent reports that Radio Benue is owned by the state government, while Ashi Waves, based in Katsina-Ala, is owned by Dr Terkula Suswam, the elder brother to Gov. Gabriel Suswam.
The organising secretary alleged that the two stations have been “broadcasting libelous information about the party and its candidates on the forthcoming elections in the state.”
Zaam said that the APC had already contacted its lawyers, and would file the necessary papers before court after the nationwide strike.

Ekiti

The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan
Fayose, has donated cash gifts to 20 patients at the State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
The donation was part of activities marking her 51st birthday, which started last week Thursday.
Making the donation during a visit to the hospital in company of other government functionaries, she said the money was from her personal purse.
Fayose said that the gesture was borne out of her love and passion for the less privileged in the society.
She noted that the donation was also to support the governor at making life more meaningful for the people.

FCT

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex
Badeh, on Thursday said the military had provided enough welfare package for the families of fallen heroes.
Badeh made this known in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.
He said: “The armed forces generally have so much welfare package for the loved ones left behind by the fallen heroes.
“The Federal Government introduced group life insurance for them that are different from the ones the services do.
“We try to take care of everyone left behind though we can’t say that we’ll solve everybody’s problems but we’ll do what we can within the law.’’

Katsina

A fire outbreak has destroyed more than 100 shops at
Magama-Jibia border market, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Eye witnesses told newsmen in Jibia that the fire started around 4:00 a.m.
They said the outbreak was suspected to have been caused by an insane person while warming himself due to the intense harmattan cold.
The fire destroyed property including foodstuffs, clothes and other household items worth millions of Naira.
The Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Aminu Lawal, told newsmen that the incident was a setback to business activities in the area.

Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has commenced distribution of permanent voter cards in all the 239 wards in Kogi State.
This was disclosed in a statement in Lokoja by the Public Relations Officer of INEC in Kogi, Mr Mathew Ameh.
Ameh said that the distribution of the cards at ward level was in line with the decision of the organisation to decentralise the distribution of the cards.
The statement urged all registered voters in the state to go to their various polling units to collect the cards, saying that adequate manpower had been deployed to ensure the success of the exercise.
It also said that its headquarters in Lokoja and offices in all the 21 local government areas of the state would remain opened to genuine complaints from members of the public.

Lagos
The Lagos State University (LASU) said that three
seasoned broadcasters had been deployed to the LASU Radio 95.7FM by the state government for excellent broadcast.
The latest edition of the bulletin of the institution made available to newsmen in Lagos identified the broadcasters as Messrs Oluwatunmise Banjoko, George Abayomi and Adeniyi Lawal.
Banjoko, a staff of EKO FM, had worked in various departments of the organisation before his deployment to the institution’s radio station as the Studio Manager.
In the same vein, Abayomi, a seasoned journalist with 11 years experience with the Radio Lagos/EKO FM, is now the LASU Radio’s News Editor.
The bulletin said that Lawal was redeployed as the institution’s radio Studio Engineer as he was grounded in the art of studio engineering.

Osun

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has promised to create job opportunities through agriculture and mining, if elected.
Buhari made the promise while addressing a rally in Osogbo.
According to him, my administration will focus on agriculture and mining as a way to secure jobs for able Nigerians.
“There is a circle of insecurity, unemployment and corruption in the country which I will break when elected next month’’, he said.
He, however, called on Nigerians and party faithful to collect their PVCs and ensure that their votes count during the polls.

Oyo

L-R: Minister of National Planning Commission, Mr Sulaiman Abubakar, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

L-R: Minister of National Planning Commission, Mr Sulaiman Abubakar, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

A former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, said on Wednesday that he left N12 billion in the state’s treasury while leaving office.
Alao-Akala said this in a statement signed by his Director of Public Affairs, Mr Oludare Ogunlana, and made available to newsmen in Ogbomoso.
He described as “untrue’’ the allegation leveled against him by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi that he “ wasted’’ N3 billion in a week.
“I left N12 billion in the state’s coffers without any loan or debt,’’ he said.
The former governor also urged Ajimobi to explain how he spent the reported N100 billion the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the state had collected as allocation.
Alao-Akala also said that neither his wife nor children were arrested both within and outside the country for money laundering or financial recklessness.

Plateau
As corps members engaged in electoral duties prepare    for the exercise, Mr Abdulrazaq Salawu, the NYSC Coordinator in Plateau State, on Wednesday cautioned politicians against bribing them to compromise on electoral principles.
“We want to advise politicians against seeking to bribe their way to victory by trying to buy corps members assigned to handle the elections.
“Corps members are young people and politicians should not corrupt or spoil their innocent minds,’’ Salahu said in Jos during a visit to the Jos Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said some desperate politicians were always out to influence the outcome of elections by seeking to compromise its handlers and advised corps members to be on the watch out for such characters.
“We have briefed corps members and will continue to do so. The name and image of the NYSC is at stake and must be protected by turning down and possibly reporting such attempts to buy their consciences.

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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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