Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Bauchi State trained more than 35,000 people in different trades and skills, its Coordinator, Alhaji Shuaibu Mohammed, has said.
Mohammed who disclosed this in Bauchi last Friday during a ceremony to disburse resettlement equipment to graduates of vocational skills on loan, urged the beneficiaries to ensure good use of the equipment and the timely repayment of the loan.
The coordinator explained that this would enable others, especially youth, who were either idle or just roaming the streets, to benefit.
In his speech, the NDE Director-General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, said the allowances of both trainer and trainees would be reviewed upwards as soon as funds were made available by the Federal Government.
Borno
Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai, Shehu of Borno, said last Friday that awareness on compulsory insurance policy should be taken down to the local councils to enable people at the grassroots understand its importance.
Garbai stated this when the Board of Directors of the National Insurance Commission paid him a courtesy visit in Maiduguri.
“On the Issue that brought you to Maiduguri, my advice is that it requires wider publicity, the publicity should not be limited to Maiduguri alone or its environs. It has to go to various local governments and we have 27 local governments,’’ he said.
He added that a small committee should be formed to continue reminding the people on the need for the compulsory insurance policy, especially as it focused most on the third party.
FCT
The Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs, says youths, who will be trained on empowerment programmes in the Niger-Delta, will enroll in nine skill acquisition centres in June, 2011.
The Press Secretary, Mr Fidelis Osammor, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
The ministry had collected 13,000 applications from the youths to be trained to acquire skills in oil and gas, maritime and agriculture sectors.
He said the building of the skill acquisition centres in nine states of the Niger Delta, was ongoing and would be completed in June, 2011 as agreed between the ministry and the contractors.
Gombe
Governor Mohammad Goje of Gombe State on Friday directed council chairmen in the state to commence the implementation of free health care services for pregnant women and children under five years.
Issuing the directive at Lalaipido Town in Shongom local government area of Gombe State at the official launching of the Maternal and New-born Child Health Week (MNCHW), Goje said the implementation was with ‘immediate effect’.
The governor said that the state government started implementing the free-health services programme some years ago and that there was need for the councils to do same at the grassroots level to complement the efforts.
The governor also directed that all necessary arrangements should be made for the inauguration of the state’s taskforce on immunisation, headed by the Emir of Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Muhammad.
Kaduna
The Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA) has executed 28 educational projects in Nigeria worth more than N560 million.
The Chairman of the organisation, Amb. Sa’idu Pindar, said this during the inauguration of a security fence and gate-house at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Samaru, Zaria.
Pindar said the projects were spread across 28 states of the federation, adding that JDA would cover the 36 states.
In his words, “we want to cover the remaining eight states in Nigeria so that the entire country will benefit from our projects. Each of these projects has a minimum and maximum budget of between N15 and N25 million. This indicates that each of the projects averagely costs N20 million.
Katsina
The Katsina State Education Fund spent over N66 million in training 10,000 secondary school students who failed WAEC/NECO examinations in the last 12 years in the state.
The Director-General of the fund, Alhaji Umaru Ali, told newsmen in Katsina that the training was to enable the students to qualify for university admission.
He explained that the fund is an NGO focusing in training secondary school students who have deficiencies in their examinations to get a minimum of five credits through either of its two special training programmes, namely; Continued Education and JAMB Clinic.
According to Ali, over N48 million have been spent on its continuing education programmes since inception in 1999 and that more than 5,000 students have so far benefited from such training while many of them have gained entry into universities. .
Kebbi
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office has executed 6,504 community development projects nationwide in the past three years.
The Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on MDGs, Hajiya Saudatu Sani, made the disclosure on Friday, in Birnin Kebbi, at the inauguration of some MDGs projects. The 22 projects inaugurated by the Chairperson were facilitate by the MDGs Office and Alhaji Abdullahi Farouk, a House member representing Birnin kebbi, Bunza and Kalgo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Gov. Saidu Dakingari who spoke at the occasion urged other politicians to emulate the lawmaker in the provision of social services that would add value to the lives of the people.
He said he would support individuals and groups toward the actualisation of the MDGs programmes,”especially in the health, education and agriculture sectors”.
Lagos
John Utaka, a Nigerian International with Portsmouth in the English Premier League, has announced his intention to float a Foundation to empower indigent children and youths in the country.
Briefing journalists last Thursday in Lagos, the Portsmouth striker said that the decision for the ‘John Utaka Foundation’ was stimulated by the need to give something back to society.
”I believe that giving back to the society is very essential because I was in the system before I travelled abroad where I started playing my professional football.
Education is a human right and it should not be denied any child,” he said. Utaka said that the foundation would work in partnership with other organisations like Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to empower the youth through providing them scholarships.
He said that while the foundation’s focus would be providing formal education, nevertheless, it would also be empowering the youths through work placements and vocational training.
Ogun
The Ijebu-Ode local government of Ogun State on Friday, inaugurated an environmental task force to enforce the relevant laws in the area.The task force, comprising 90 youths, is to ensure sustainable clean environment and check environmental pollution in the area. In his inaugural speech, the chairman of the council, Mr. Mufutau Oseni, said the task force was constituted due to the increase in environmental pollution.
Oseni also noted that the unwholesome activities of some residents had destroyed the beauty of the area.
He said that members of the task force had been specially trained to cover all the nooks and crannies of the local government, adding that the operation of the force had legal backing.
The chairman urged the task force to discharge their duty without fear or favour and warned the people to desist from flouting sanitation laws as sanctions awaited offenders, no matter their status in society.
Earlier, the leader of the task force, Mr.Bolaji Odunusi, promised that they would discharge their duties diligently.Odunusi urged the members to eschew violence, acts of rudeness or disobedience to the constituted authority.
He also appealed to the community leaders to enlighten their people on the need to maintain peace and cordiality whenever the task force visited their areas.
Sokoto
Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar, Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, says the command is working in conjunction with the Sultanate to check the menace of hooligans in the state.
Abubakar told newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday, that the command would continue to partner with the traditional institution towards the improvement of security and cordial relationship among the people.
He acknowledged the immense support of the sultanate in the efforts at checking nefarious activities and improving the sense of security among the populace.
Abubakar said that a comprehensive list of area boys had been submitted to the sultanate council to ensure their proper rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.
Jigawa
The Executive Secretary, Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board (JSPWB), Alhaji Suleiman Usman, says the state government has approved the fares for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Usman told newsmen last Friday in Dutse, that the fares would be as announced by the National Hajj Commission.
He said that each intending pilgrim would pay 750 dollars (about N482, 679.33) for economy class; second class passengers would pay 1,000 dollars ( N516.766.83) while first class passengers would pay 1,500 dollars ( N591, 769.43).
Usman urged all intending pilgrims in the state to contact officials of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board in their respective local government areas and zones for necessary arrangement.
He said that the board had also made necessary arrangements for Islamic clerics who would give lectures on how pilgrims were expected to conduct their spiritual and moral obligations while in Saudi Arabia.
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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