Nation
HYPREP Inducts 100 Ogoni Youths For Seafaring Training
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has inducted 100 Ogoni youths, drawn from four local government areas of Rivers State, for training as seafarers for a period of four months.
The induction and orientation ceremony, which took place at the corporate headquarters of Charkin Maritime Academy in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, climaxed with a tour of facilities at the academy by some journalists, with the Chief Executive Officer/ Managing! Director of the training institute, Dr Charles Wami taking the newsmen round the facility.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, said in his welcome address that the beneficiaries were the first batch of trainees for the programme.
He noted that the training of Ogoni youths in seafaring was a promise earlier made by HYPREP, and expressed delight that the induction of the first batch of trainees was a fulfilment of that promise.
He said the selection process of participants for the training programme was significantly transparent, saying, “in HYPREP, we do not work for ourselves, we work for our people.”
According to him, the induction ceremony is just the beginning for the beneficiaries, as they look up to their future.
In providing and organising the training programme, he said, HYPREP took cognizance of the fact that the Ogoni people are hardly seen working in the maritime sector, stressing that the training would provide a vast window of opportunities for the beneficiaries in that sector.
Zabbey, who was represented at the event by HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian Paul Aguiyi further noted that the training would equip the beneficiaries to get high paying jobs, adding that the project took time to choose Charkin Maritime Academy for the training, as the facilities at the institute are of high standards.
The Project Coordinator enjoined the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity offered them by HYPREP as well as cool down and learn.
While thanking the management of Charkin Maritime Academy and the trainees, Zabbey said, “We will be here again for the award ceremony.”
On her part, HYPREP’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee, said the beneficiaries were selected from the four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, stressing that the participants had applied online and were selected based on the criteria set by the Project Coordination Office.
Nzidee described Charkin Maritime Academy as the best, reiterating that it was why HYPREP selected it, in order to give the beneficiaries the very best, saying, the ball is now in the court of the participants to grab the opportunity and better their lives.
She, however, revealed that based on the experiences garnered during the training of 5,000 Ogoni youths and women, the project decided to issue concept forms, containing a code of conduct, to the beneficiaries, which she said they must sign before participating in the training programme.
She announced that the participants would each be supported with a stipend of N150,000 monthly for transportation and lunch, highlighting that only those who make themselves available for the training would benefit from the incentive.
“If you want to be vessel captains or vessel engineers, the journey starts today.Work for it,” she pleaded, stressing that the training would commence in earnest in the second week of April.
According to her, participants who fail to turn up after two weeks of the commencement of the training would be shut out.
Nzidee urged the beneficiaries to strive for the best, as only the best would be recommended to companies for employment whenever the need arises, saying, the academy would only award them certificates at the end of the training.
She also assured the trainees that practical sessions would be given top priority during the exercise.
The Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director of Charkin Maritime Academy, Dr Charles Wami, while speaking with newsmen, described the facilities at the academy as top notch, saying HYPREP made the right choice by selecting the training facility.
Also addressing the participants, Mr Christopher Wami, said the academy is a world class facility, which is well known not only in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and the West African sub-region but also all over the world, saying, “Our certificates are recognised all over the world.”
He revealed that the acronym, CHARKIN stands for Consistency; Hard work; Attitude; Resilience; Knowledge; Integrity; and Neatness.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Bright Nenubari Ezekiel, while thanking HYPREP for giving him the opportunity, confirmed that the selection process was transparent.
Another beneficiary, Mr Fred Goteh Dum stressed the need for the academy to focus more on pracitical sessions during the training.
Prof Dinebari Badey of the Stakeholder Engagement Unit of HYPREP, thanked the management of the project for all that it is doing in ensuring that the Ogoni environment is transformed, and urged the beneficiaries to always realise that the programme is not only for them as individuals but also for their communities, and emphasised the need for them to transmit to others the skills they are going to learn.
Donatus Ebi
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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