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HYPREP Marks World Mangrove Day

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The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), on Saturday, joined the rest of the world to mark the World Mangrove Day, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding one of the earth’s most vital ecosystems, the mangroves.

While marking the day, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey noted in a statement issued in Port Harcourt that mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for a diverse array of species and protecting shorelines from erosion.

According to him, mangroves maintain water quality, sequester carbon and render cultural and spiritual services.

He said the theme of this year’s World Mangrove Day, “Protecting Wetlands For Our Common Future,” resonates and reflects the role of mangroves in maintaining environmental integrity, regulating the climate, providing socio-economic support, and conserving biodiversity.

The Project Coordinator indicated that in Nigeria, human activities such as pollution from oil spills, plastics, industrial effluents, urbanisation, dredging, and deforestation contribute to significant mangrove loss, adding that between 2010 and 2020, approximately 20 percent mangroves were lost in the Niger Delta.

To reverse the trend, he disclosed that HYPREP has undertaken the world’s most extensive restoration of oil-degraded mangroves in Ogoniland, saying, the Project has completed 93 percent of the phase 1 mangrove restoration project in the Bomu Creek, covering 560 hectares.

Zabbey said HYPREP has also planted 1,393,223 multi-species mangrove seedlings, mimicking the natural zonation and relative proportion of the five species of mangrove planted, contending that “our ecologically sound mangrove restoration efforts have also led to the removal of the invasive nipa palm in the rehabilitated areas.”

He further noted that after over a year of restorative planting, signs of environmental and biodiversity recovery are becoming evident, as some of the planted black mangrove saplings are beginning to flower and produce propagules, stressing that the gradual recovery of crabs, shrimps, oysters, dogwhelks, periwinkles and mudskipper, among other indicative species has been recorded.

According to him, the HYPREP mangrove restoration project has created over 600 direct jobs for Ogoni youths and women, who are involved in planting and monitoring mangrove seedlings/saplings.

He revealed that mangrove vanguards, trained by HYPREP and supported with grants, nursed and supplied the mangrove seedlings to the restoration planting contractors, a gesture which he noted has amplified the livelihood contribution of the Ogoni mangrove restoration project.

Zabbey further hinted that HYPREP would expand the mangrove restoration to other communities in Ogoniland as part of its phase 2 mangrove restoration project, scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, saying, as HYPREP continues to monitor planted mangroves through its robust monitoring programme, it has also embarked on sensitising local communities on the need to protect mangroves.

He also disclosed that HYPREP has distributed some clean cookstoves as part of a pilot project aimed at reducing dependence on mangrove wood for cooking, adding that the clean cookstove intervention would be scaled up in the coming weeks.

Zabbey noted that the sustainability of planted mangroves is crucial, as the Project is exploring the possibility of partnering with civil society organisations and development agencies to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitated mangroves in Ogoniland through sustained sensitisation and creating alternative livelihood opportunities.

“We are also seeking a declaration of the restored mangroves in Ogoniland as a Ramsar Site, which is one of the UNEP report’s recommended actions,” he intoned.

The Project Coordinator noted that protecting wetlands is not just about conservation but about survival and building a community resilience, saying, “it is about securing a future where our children and our children’s children can fish, farm and thrive in balance with nature.”

He emphasised that every mangrove restored is a step toward climate stability, economic security and ecological health, saying, “the Niger Delta, with its people, culture and courage, can lead the world in wetland recovery.”

Zabbey, therefore, used the opportunity provided by the World Mangrove Day celebration to call on Nigerians to support nature-based solutions that integrate science and indigenous knowledge, invest in women’s and youth education, and promote sustainable livelihoods tied to a healthy ecosystem.

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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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