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THE STATES
Mr Markus Gundiri, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Governorship candidate for Adamawa, Mr. Markus Gundiri, has promised to resuscitate the ailing agro-allied industries in the state, if elected in April. Gundiri, who made the promise in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said he planned to achieve the goal by collaborating with the private sector.
He said the major challenge of such industries had been the lack of sufficient electricity supply.
Gundiri said he would also concentrate on the exploration of the mineral deposits, to enable the state to earn foreign exchange.
He expressed the desire to contest the seat, to enable him to change the lot of the people by addressing poverty and underdevelopment in the state.
Poverty, he said, would assume an alarming proportion if left unaddressed.
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has appealed to politicians in the country to shun sentiments in their campaigns for votes.
Lamido made the appeal at Yankwashi, Jigawa, while inaugurating a new road linking Yankwashi Local Government Area with other parts of the state.
“It is unfortunate that my fellow politicians use religion, tribalism and sectionalism to seek support from people.
“This time around we are no longer going to tolerate this; we are all Nigerians and we belong to one nation, one destiny and one family,’’ the governor said.
He appealed to the people to come out en-masse and vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo.
According to the governor, the Goodluck/Sambo ticket on PDP platform is a good omen for the country.
The Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA),Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Chukwu Onwuamaegbu, has described social interaction with the civil society as necessary for the Nigerian Army to succeed.
Onwuamaegbu made the remark in Kaduna, during the West African Social Activities (WASA)/Physical Military Training, organised by the Nigerian Army depot. The event was held in honour of 65 Regular Recruit Intakes in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He said that social interactions remained vital in fostering unity between the army, their friends, families and the public.
According to him, it promotes peace, unity, understanding and affinity, thereby keeping soldiers’ minds alert.
The Kano State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has begun negotiations with the state government to find ways of improving its health care delivery.
The Chairman of the union, Malam Kabir Ado, who disclosed this to newsmen in Kano, said the decision followed the procurement of medical equipment and drugs for government hospitals in the state.
He said the forum was being attended by the representatives of the health workers in the state and officials of the state government, adding that the outcome of the meeting would determine the union’s next line of action.
On the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for the members of the union, Ado said the body had rejected the offer of 70 per cent implementation by the state government.
The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has charged five persons to a Magistrate’s Court in Jega, Kebbi State for allegedly violating the Electoral Act during the nationwide voter registration.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Kabir Ahmed, told newsmen that two of the accused persons engaged in double registration in Gwandu and Birnin Kebbi Local Government Areas. He said the commission registered a total of 1,638,325 voters during the exercise. Ahmed said the exercise was successful, stressing that some of the challenges it encountered were addressed while registration officers were orderly.
The REC said apart from the initial protests by NYSC Assistant Registration Officers who objected to their non engagement for the exercise, no negative incident was recorded.
The Kogi State Government has commenced full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for doctors in its health institutions. Dr Dorcas Onuminya, the state’s Commissioner for Health, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja said payment of the new salary commenced in July last year.
The commissioner said that nurses and other health personnel in the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, had also started enjoying the Consolidated Health Salary Scale (CONHESS).
She, however, confirmed that nurses and other health personnel in the state’s Health Management Board and the health ministry were yet to benefit from the new scale because of its high financial implications.
The National President of the Nigerian chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Mr Julius Mmejim has called on the Federal Government to train more youths in information technology and agriculture.
He made the call in Ilorin recently at a news conference held to announce the group’s Area ‘A’ National Conference tagged “Garin-Alimi 2011″.
Mmejim said that such youth-training activities would go a long way to address the menace of unemployment and youth restiveness in the country.
He urged the government to empower the youth through various skill acquisition activities, saying that the menace of unemployment had forced many youths to go into crime.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday took to court the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Raymond Omatseye, over alleged illegal transfer of the agency’s funds.
In an 11-count charge brought before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Lagos, the EFCC said that the ex-NIMASA boss illegally transferred 300,000 pounds sterling from the agency’s account.
According to the EFCC, Omatseye allegedly used the money to fund the candidacy of one Mrs Mbanefo as the Secretary-General of International Maritime Organisation.
The EFCC also alleged that Omatseye used his position as the Director-General of NIMASA to award contracts to 10 companies without approval from the NIMASA board.
The companies included Wabil Nigeria Limited, Franxeel Limited, Layol Commercial Services Nigeria Limited, Harmach Integral Services Ltd and Njamu Nig. Ltd.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has admonished Nigerians to remain united to ensure the country’s rapid development.
Obasanjo made the call in Minna recently at the launch of the re-election campaign of Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger.
He expressed dismay that those fuelling disunity in the country were those who had benefitted immensely from Nigeria through sound education and good positions in government.
The former president said that it was regrettable that these Nigerians were now calling for the country’s disunity, using religious and ethnic sentiments.
He advised all the citizens to endeavour to promote Nigeria’s unity, noting that such concerted efforts would engender the country’s development in a pragmatic way.
Obasanjo said he believed that the mistakes of Nigeria’s past leaders could be corrected by the current generation of Nigerians if they supported their leaders in efforts to foster quality governance.
INEC in Ondo State says it registered about 1.55 million eligible voters during the recently-concluded voter registration.
The INEC administrative secretary in the state, Dr Samson Awujoola, told newsmen in Akure that the electoral body was able to overcome the initial hiccups.
He said Akure North local government had the highest number of voters with about 251,468 people registered.
He said Akoko South East local government recorded the lowest eligible voters with 26, 875 people.
Awujoola further said that the all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state supported the corps members and relevant security agencies to ensure success.
Education stakeholders have advised the Osun State Government to be cautious over its plan to return some public schools to their original owners.
The stakeholders gave the advice in a communiqué, issued at the end of the two-day Osun Education Summit, held in Osogbo from February 7 to Feb. 8.
Members of the Summit Committee, Mrs Modupe Ajayi-Gbagbo, Mrs Kemi Adesina and Mr Semiu Okanlawon signed the communiqué.
The conference said the return of schools to their original owners in Osun was a very sensitive issue that needed serious deliberation and consultation before action could be taken.
The 18-point communiqué also stated that education policies should be devoid of political considerations, while appointments, recruitment and execution of projects in the education sector should be based on merit.
It also urged the state government to give the deserved priority to education to rescue it from crisis.
Automobile spare parts dealers at the Delimi market in Jos have announced their relocation to Jos-North shopping complex in the wake of the reccurrent crisis in the state.
Mr Anselem Ebosie, Chairman, Jos-North Automobile Spare Parts Association (JASPA), told newsmen in Jos that the relocation was necessitated by incessant attacks at their former base.
He said: “The crisis at Delimi has led to the loss of so many lives. The market is on the street, and we were always victims of the riots. That made it difficult for us to operate.
“The recent killing of many of our members around the market was the last straw.”
Ebosie said the traders would not return to Delimi, but listed challenges facing them at the new market to include the absence of toilet facilities and the lack of adequate security.
He appealed to Jos North Local Government authorities and managers of the market to provide the facilities to ensure a more conducive atmosphere for business.
Former Chairman of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, has expressed optimism that the people will massively vote for Governor Aliyu Wamakko during the April polls.
“Sokoto people are not clamouring for any political change because we are comfortable with the manifesto of the PDP-led administration under Wamakko,” he said.
Yusuf told newsmen in Isa that the “people-oriented programmes” embarked upon by the administration had reformed the state for optimal goals.
He said the government’s creation of jobs for over 70,000 youths and women through the skill acquisition programmes had enhanced socio-economic and political development of the state.
“What we fail to achieve in eight years was made possible by Wamakko administration in less than four years.”
He called on the electorate to vote for all PDP candidates in the April polls, to ensure continuity.
“Any person that offers you money, collect it but make sure you cast your votes for Wamakko in April,” he said.
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.
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.
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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