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THE STATES

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The Exam Ethics Marshals International (EEMI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),  said it would distribute 37,000 safe kits to schools across the country to promote security consciousness. Mr Ike Oneyechere, the chairman of the organisation, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Oneyechere said the project would empower stakeholders to tackle insecurity in schools.
“Safe school is a project started in 2014 to address insecurity and safety challenges in schools. It is the only well researched, tested and acclaimed programme in Nigeria for building capacity of education stakeholders on safe school best practices.
“Our target is to distribute at least 37,000 kits to schools across the country; we plan to start in the first week of April.”

Gombe

The Gombe State Government has awarded contract for the construction of three cottage hospitals in Billiri, Shongom and Balanga local government areas at a combined cost of N600 million.
Dr Kennedy Ishaya, the state’s Commissioner for Health, told newsmen  in Gombe on Thursday that the hospitals would be constructed in Dezari, Bore and Nyuwar villages, respectively.
He said the decision to construct the hospitals was informed by the immediate need of the community.
The commissioner said that each of the hospital would gulp N200 million and they would be completed within five months.
She  said the hospitals would be fully equipped with modern facilities on completion.
Kennedy said that “there is enough manpower that will work in the hospitals.
“In the last three years, we were having problem of manpower; we had only 127 nurses and midwives, but now we have 500 of them,” he said.

Jigawa

Malam Abdullahi Muhammad, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Malammadori, Jigawa, has called for greater involvement of livestock farmers in polio immunisation exercise.
Muhammad made the call at the polio task force committee meeting in Malammadori.
He also urged the local council to provide adequate logistics and allowances to immunisation personnel to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.
He said that the forum was created to mobilise herdsmen to present their children for immunisation against the disease.
“Miyetti-Allah Fulani organisation should engage its people in the communities to enhance participation in polio immunisation,” he said.
The WHO representative noted that effective participation by communities would ensure total eradication of the disease.

Kano

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on Thursday stated that it issued 12,242 forms to members of the public in Kano State in the past 12 months.
The state Director of the CCB, Malam Umar Saulawa, disclosed this when he spoke with  newsmen in Kano.
He said that the primary aim of the bureau was to maintain public morality and accountability.
The Director reaffirmed that “it is mandatory to all public officers to fill the forms, in order to scrap fraud and corruption in the society.” Mati said that 90 per cent of the forms issued had been completed by public officers and returned to the bureau.
“We receive assets declaration, examine the assets declaration and ensure that they comply with the requirements.
Kaduna

The Kaduna State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it would raid all the black spots in the state before the February elections. The commandant of the agency, Mr Samuel Azige, said this in an interview with newsmen  in Kaduna.
According to Azige, the aim of the exercise is to rid the state of political thugs who usually perpetrate unscrupulous acts after taking illicit drugs. He said the agency was disturbed by the negative attitude of youths at political rallies.
He called on parents and communities to support the agency in the efforts to deter the youths from indulging in drug abuse and trafficking.
“We want to ensure a peaceful election by raiding all black spots which the youths mostly use as avenues for hawking and using illicit drugs.

Kebbi

Maj.-Gen. Sarkin-Yaki Bello (rtd), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kebbi state, has pledged to transform the state, if voted into office.
Speaking at a rally in Zuru, headquarters of Zuru Local Government Area, Bello said that he would focus on economy, education, health, power, and agriculture sectors.
He appealed to the people to vote for him, promising to improve their social and economic lives.
The PDP candidate also said that he would provide equal opportunities to all communities, irrespective of tribal, religious and political affiliations.
He added that improvement in the economic status of households and provision of infrastructure would be enhanced under his administration.
He pledged to uphold equity in the provision of amenities, especially in the agriculture and education sectors.

Katsina

The Police in Katsina State have arrested 24 persons in connection with the attack on the convoy of PDP Presidential campaign in Katsina last Tuesday.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bala Zamasenchi, told newsmen in Katsina that knives, daggers, and machetes were recovered from the suspects.
He said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigation, stressing that “anybody behind the act will face the wrath of the law.’’
Zamasenchi advised politicians to stop over- heating the polity and play politics in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Lagos

Some graduates of the National Open University (NOUN) on  have appealed to the Federal Government to allow them to enroll in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Speaking with newsmen  in Lagos, Mrs Chioma Emmanuel, a 29-year-old graduate of Mass Communication, said participating in the scheme would enable graduates to get jobs faster. “They told us that we are not going for the National Youth Service. I just want them to do something very fast, because I believe going for service is an opportunity for one to get a job fast.
“Also, it will give us an opportunity to go to the different fields or those places where we are supposed to work at least to get enlightened.“

Oyo

The Country Manager, HarvestPlus Nigeria, Dr Paul Ilona, says the organisation has trained 300 National Youth Corps (NYSC) members on the benefits of vitamin A cassava production. Ilona told newsmen  in Ibadan that the corps members were serving in Akinyele Local Government Area of Ibadan. HarvestPlus is an international organisation that collaborates with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
The organisation is currently leading a global effort to breed and disseminate micronutrient rich staple food crops to reduce hunger in rural areas.
The country manager said the corps members were sensitised on the opportunities that could be derived in vitamin A cassava production, its value and marketing.
He said this would help to make them self-employed rather than waiting for white collar jobs.

Plateau

The Plateau office of the Public Complaints Commission has said that it resolved a total of 313 cases in 2014.
The Director of Investigation, Mr Marcellinus Suwa, told newsmen  in Jos on Thursday that the cases were among the 638 complaints the commission investigated in the period under review, adding that 325 complaints were still under investigation. Suwa said that majority of the complaints arose from non-payment of pension and gratuity.
He urged concerned authorities to stop frustrating pensioners over their entitlements.
He also called for prompt response by public and private organisations in Plateau to the commission’s inquiries or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos recently.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos recently.

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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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