By Felicia Imohimi

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed up no fewer than 25,000 illegal pharmaceutical premises in eight years.

Dr Elijah Mohammed, Registrar of the council, made this known on the sidelines of the Public Presentation of his Scorecard on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the premises were sealed due to poor documentation, poor hygienic environment, non regularisation of papers and inappropriate and unethical behavior or conduct.

The registrar said the scorecard is an account of my stewardship as registrar of PCN from June 2014 to June 2022.

He further disclosed that before he was appointed eight years ago, there were 17 pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences faculties in the country, however, eight years after, the number of faculties have increased to 30, some will kick-start in the next few months.

The illegal pharmaceutical premises that we closed down within the past eight years are over 2,5000 across the federation.

They were closed down due to various reasons including poor hygienic environment, poor documentation, improper regularization of papers and improper behaviours in the shops and premises, he stressed.

Speaking on achievements he said the PCN is in charge of the control and regulation of the pharmacy education, training and practice.

In education, we have been able to put in place a new programme which is Doctor of pharmacy which combine both clinical and non-clinical concept of pharmacy practice.

Before now, the practice was product focused, but now it is patient focused. What that means is that whether you are in production, sale, distribution or dispensing of drugs, the patient is the focus and what impact it is going to have on our patient and with that concern, everybody is sitting up now to ensure that whatever product is coming out, the patient is paramount.

Mohammed further noted that some of the challenges the PCN was confronted with within the past eight years were that human resources and infrastructure.

We dont have enough human resources, two; is infrastructure, we dont have enough vehicles to go round to monitor and carry out enforcement across the community, he noted.

He, however, applauded regulatory agencies including NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police Force and the others for their cooperation and support over the years.

The Federal Ministry of Health have been very wonderful in our operations. They have been giving us all the policy support. The judiciary has also been supportive in terms of dispatch of cases, he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the PCN, Prof. Ahmed Mora, applauded the outgoing Registrar for putting together the scorecard saying that his efforts in mobilizing development partners to support the activities of the Council made the difference.

While describing Mohammed as a very lucky person, Prof Mora, said: One of the many things that he excelled as Registrar is his relationship with Development Partners.

The capacity building programmes initiated by these partners have been wonderful. Indeed, the Development Partners were to some extent deeply immersed in the implementation of the mandates of the Registry.

Todays programme, which is with the full support of Society for Family Health (SFH) and Bill

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) Victory Flag to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, winner of the just concluded partys presidential primary election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates of the APC at the convention elected the former Lagos State governor as APC presidential flagbearer for the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu polled 1,271 votes to defeat his closest rivals, former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi who scored 316 votes and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo who garnered 235 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Tinubu thanked President Buhari, APC leadership, governors elected on the platform of the APC, party delegates, aspirants and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the convention.

He stressed the need for unity, cohesion and understanding among all party members to ensure electoral victory for the party in the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

According to him, he holds no grudges against those who contested against him, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party is stopped from coming back to power in 2023.

Tinubu, an accountant and politician was born on March 29, 1952, and had been one of the national leaders of the APC since the partys formation in 2013.

He previously served as the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and Senator for Lagos West in the brief Third Republic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has directed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to get involved in the manhunt for Sundays attack and massacre at a church in Owo, Ondo State.

The minister gave the directive at the decoration of five Deputy Commandant-Generals of the NSCDC.

NSCDCs spokesman, Olusola Odumosu, stated on Wednesday in Abuja that Aregbesola urged the NSCDC to play direct roles rather than a complementary one in confronting bandits and terrorists.

I charge you to launch your arsenal against the perpetrators of the Owo church attack.

Play a direct role and not a complementary role by synergising with other security agencies to fish out the criminals and lets bring them to justice.

You have no excuse whatsoever not to perform going by the level of training you have received both locally and internationally, Odumoseu quoted the minister as saying.

Aregbesola said that there was great need to put an end to crimes in the country and called for the application of grassroots intelligence gathering, to secure the country.

In his remarks at the event, NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, assured the minister of the corps readiness to tackle insecurity in collaboration with other security agencies.

The service will not disappoint the Ministry of Interior and by extension the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he assured.

Audi appreciated the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board for promoting the senior officers.

He charged the decorated DCGs to improve on their performances to achieve the vision and mission of the Corps. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Zubairu Idris

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has said the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the just-concluded APC presidential primary showed his acceptability in the north as a bridge builder.

Ganduje made the remarks in his congratulatory message to Tinubu through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abba Anwar, on Wednesday in Kano.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubus landslide victory in the just-concluded presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) shows his high degree of acceptability in the north, as a bridge builder, he said.

He said the entire process was conducted peacefully and thanked all those who participated in it for promoting good democratic process.

Ganduje expressed optimism that the election would make APC stronger as the 2023 general elections draw nearer.

He praised northern governors for their unanimous decision to shift power to the south and also President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting their proposal.

This patriotic decision will further cement all parts of the country.

President Buharis role in making sure that democratic principles are safeguarded in the process is highly commendable and exemplary, he said.

Ganduje called on all aspirants that could not make it at the primary election to support the winner in the interest of the party and nation in general. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Kingsley Kubeyinje

Source: NAN News

By Angela

The Director Media, Yahaya Bello Campaign Organisation, Dr Yemi Kolapo, has said that Bello, a Presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), remains the hero of the oppressed.

Kolapo made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, following the just concluded Presidential primary of the APC, which she described as peaceful by highly compromised.

She said that amidst the compromise by some selfish elite, Bello stood as a leader for the downtrodden without a voice and name.

The All Progressives Congress presidential primary elections have come and gone. The process was largely peaceful but highly compromised.

This is, however, not new in a country where democracy is defined as the government of the oppressors by the oppressors and for the oppressors.

It is sad to note that those who should know and who many progressives had thought of as leaders with integrity are the ones working against the people they were selected to represent for egocentric reasons, she said.

According to her, in this process, one leader stands out, according to the majority of Nigerians. And that leader is one that has proven to the downtrodden and those regarded as Nigerians without surnames.

That regardless of agelong intimidation by the elite, the best of our people can stand tall without compromising the values that we should have been known for as a nation.

That leader, I say with all sense of fairness, is Gov. Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State. He is the hero of this process and has made his point loud and clear to the admiration of even his worst enemies, she said.

Kolapo stated that if there was a clear, desperate gang-up by northern governors and the leaders of a party against one person, and that person never for once disappointed his teeming supporters but rather fought to the very end.

She stated that Bello fought till the end for the interest of the masses not minding the crooked process and should be celebrated by the constituency he represents, the youth.

Kolapo lamented the mode of the primary elections, where delegates were obviously bought by the highest bidder of political parties.

A mode of primaries whereby delegates who have largely been pocketed by their paymasters and who defer to the highest bidder are made to choose flagbearers of a political party is as warped as the process itself.

It is obvious that in a bid to prove that he is not one of them, enemies of this project, Nigeria, went beyond speaking with delegates and oiling their palms to ensure that votes that did not represent Yahaya Bellos popularity were counted against his name.

But they have unwittingly made him the hero of the moment. We do not have to talk much but to pray that God Himself would deliver Nigerians from the hands of enemies of democracy.

Poverty is a tool they have used for long to keep Nigerians poor. At the right time, however, this jinx must break!

We only wish that this obvious crack in the ceiling would not eventually make the ceiling cave in, Kolapo stated.

Kolapo appreciated the media for their immense support in spite of persecution and mischievous information being churned out by detractors, describing them as partners in progress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Coalition of FCT Concerned Youths has intensified call on the need for the FCT Administration to ensure inauguration of the newly-elected six area councils chairmen in the territory.

The Convener of the youths, Mr Joshua Dangiwa, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has suspended the planned inauguration of the Six Area Council Chairmen and Councilors scheduled for May 20.

Bello, in a statement on May 19, said the suspension was due to the communication of a judgment by a court in the FCT directing the suspension of the inauguration.

The minister explained that the judgment, based on the recently signed Electoral Act of 2022, which stipulated that the tenure of office of the Chairmen of the Area Councils in FCT would now be four years instead of three years.

According to him, the existing Chairmen whose tenures were meant to expire or end on May 19, have another one year to continue, based on the new law.

So, as a law-abiding government, the FCT Administration has no option than to suspend the planned inauguration of the Six Area Council Chairmen of the FCT who were duly elected some weeks ago as a result of this injunction of the court.

The youth leader said the coalition believed that the minister stood for fairness, equity and justice, saying, we are sure that he will do anything within his purview to ensure that the six Area Council Chairmen are sworn in.

We therefore strongly insist that the newly elected Area Council Chairmen be sworn in to their respective offices, to commence the job that our people have elected them to do.

Failure to comply will leave us with no other option than to carry out a peaceful protest on all the major roads leading into the FCT, which will cause a restriction to vehicular movements.

This is in a bid to register our displeasure which also is an exercise of our fundamental human rights as enshrined in our constitution. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Christian Ogbonna

The Federal High Court in Ebonyi has nullified the rescheduled People Democratic Partys (PDP), primaries in Ebonyi and declared Dr Ifeanyi-Chukwuma Odii as authentic gubernatorial candidate of the party for the 2023 polls.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the party rescheduled and conducted a fresh primaries on June 4 and 5 after its Initial primaries in Ebonyi on May 28 and 29 that elected Odii a governorship candidate.

The Court ruled that the primary elections that produced Sen. Obinna Ogba and other candidates were illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Fatun Riman said the repeated primaries in the state on June 4 and 5 was not monitored by the Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to Riman, the rescheduled PDP primaries in Ebonyi is null and void.

One, the rescheduled primaries was conducted when the suit filed on May 30 was already pending in the court.

The primaries was not monitored by INEC, therefore, the rescheduled exercise of June 4 and 5, that elected Senator Obinna Ogba as another gubernatorial candidate and others are hereby nullified, the Judge stated.

Mr Mudi Erhenede, Counsel for Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks thanked the court for the judgement.

According to Erhenede, the ruling has interpreted constitution of the party.

Selfish individual or group interests will by no means supersede the partys interest. Good thing is that Justice has been done over the matter.

Efforts to reach the Counsel of Sen. Ogba were abortive as they left the court earlier before the judgment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Team Nigeria has arrived Kigali for KwibukaT20 Womens Cricket tournament, with 24-man contingent, comprising 16 players and officials.

Nigeria joins Uganda, Botswana and Brazil to arrive Rwanda for the tournament scheduled to begin on Thursday to June 18.

Its Nigerias second outing in Rwanda after they finished fourth place in 2021.

The countrys first game is against 27th ranked Brazilwho are nine places ahead of the West African country, on Thursday.

Meanwhile Kenya, Germany and Tanzania are still expected in Kigali. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Hamza Suleiman

Fatima Mustapha, a 42-year-old divorcee, is one among thousands of women who live under excruciating life conditions due to Vesico Vaginal Fisticula (VVF) across many communities in northern Nigeria.

Her condition is worsened by growing stigma against people living with the health condition.

Fatima, a resident of Maiduguri, the Borno capital and epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, has been abandoned by family and other members of the community who have found it difficult to bear the stench oozing from her body.

Her condition is caused by the uncontrolled discharge of urine associated with VVF.

In medical parlance, VVF is an abnormal congenital opening between the bladder (Vesico) and the vagina causing continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.

It is often caused by prolonged labour, especially for teenage mothers, during childbirth and can also be as a result of violent rape of minor.

Narrating her ordeal, the mother of two traced her condition to an injury sustained during child birth.

I gave birth at 12 and sustained a wound in my private part.

At the beginning, my husband endured the condition, but later he divorced me and I had to move
to my mothers place to seek some remedy to my condition.

Nobody wanted to associate with me. No one was ready to share anything with me.

I faced a lot of rejections in the community as people always feel uncomfortable relating with me. At a point, I almost gave up before I finally got help, she said.

Another victim, Fatima Isa, 40, said that she had the problem during her fifth childbirth and had lived with the condition in the past 17 years.

Life is not really easy because I am separated from my loved ones, including my sisters. I have been stigmatised by my families, friends and members of the community.

Nobody accepts anything from me or share his food with me. I dont go to social gatherings because of stigma. People get irritated when I go close to them, she said.

Isa said she was treated at a hospital but the condition continued unabated till she received medical surgery sponsored by humanitarian organisations.

The organisation supported me, along side other women, with free surgery at the Borno State Specialist Hospital, 10 months ago.

It also empowered us with skills training through Borno State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development.

Currently, Im into cap knitting and Im happy that I regain my normal life, she said.

The two women are among the 600 fistula survivors who underwent repairs surgery supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

UNFPA and KOICA signed an agreement on a 5-year VVF support programme to be implemented from 2018 to 202.

The project tagged: Fostering Resilience and provision of basic medical services for women and girls in Borno State, Nigeria, focuses on providing free medical surgery and skills acquisition training to VVF survivors.

Mr kelvin Chukwuemeka, Sexual Reproductive Health Specialist, UNFPA, Maiduguri office, said that an ultra-modern Fistula Centre has been established at Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.

He said that 626 women, who lost the hope of living normal life free of the involuntary dripping and leakage of urine, benefitted from free Fistula repairs at the centre.

The project, he said, was also designed to build resilience through the restoration of access to basic medical and social services in conflict-affected communities.

The project aims at enhancing access to comprehensive maternal and child care, fistula care and improve capacity for result-based data management system.

We conducted 600 fistula repair surgeries, supervised 47,429 deliveries by skilled health workers, while 108,561 survivors of Gender-Based Violence received specialised services with health and social cohesion within the last four years.

In spite of the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic at the onset of the project, its implementation was not derailed throughout the four years, Chukwuemeka said.

The UNFPA official said the women received starter packs at their treatment centres to enable them to set up their businesess and encourage their economic stability and resilience.

The beneficiaries are from Jere, Konduga and Maiduguri Local Government Areas of the state.

Available records showed that 40,361 people were reached with life-saving sensitisation messages on the prevention of Obstetric Fistula. The exercise sought to mobilise communities and create awareness on fistula repairs.

The UN agency also trained 37 surgeons and nurses to update their surgical skills to conduct fistula repair surgeries effectively.

Also, 27,598 individuals were reached with direct comprehensive and lifesaving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in supported health facilities while 126,099 individuals were reached through mobile medical outreaches to the most affected communities within Konduga, Jere and Maiduguri.

The records further indicated that 225 frontline health and social workers comprising doctors, nurses, community health workers and GBV case workers were trained on Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC), Family Planning and Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR).

This is to adequately provide quality reproductive and maternal health as well as specialised GBV services in an integrated form, Chukwuemeka said.

He said that 10 mini ambulances were procured as part of mobile clinics to support referral of individuals with emergency conditions from their homes to the health facility.

Hajiya Falmata Gambo, Director in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, says that the project has made tremendous positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Borno.

Gambo said that the UNFPA supported the survivors and mobilised them to come to the fistula centre for free surgery.

According to her, the UN group usually provide accomodation, feeding, counselling and psychosocial support up to the period victims get repaired.

After the successful surgeries, they are being refered to the ministry for rehabilitation and psychosocial support through various skills acquisition and livelihood support.

At the end, they are provided with grant and starter kits for the skills they are trained on, so that they can continue their lives and be accepted in the society and by their family members, she said.

She said that research had documented several factors responsible for the prevalence of fistula in Nigeria, major among them being early marriage and pregnancy.

On causes of VVF, she said accidental surgical injury related to pregnancy, lack of education coupled with low socio-economic status and poverty among young women, had resulted to the prevalence of the condition in the state.

About 87 per cent of rural childbirths take place at homes, she fumed.

Speaking on the development, Hassan Abdulrahman, a maternal and child specialist, said that Nigeria was one of the countries with the highest number of VVF cases globally.

Abdulrahman said that the prevalence of the condition in the country was due to failure of the government to address issues of sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls.

To address the scourge, Hassan advocated for a law to ban child marriage.

This law is necessary to save the country from the evil effects of VVF. It will tone down the number of women subjected to life of misery and stigmatisation due to obstetric fistula, he said. NANfeatures. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

• *If used, please credit the writer and the agency.

Source: NAN News

Arrest

Abuja, June 7, 2022(NAN) Security agents on Tuesday arrested three suspected handset snatchers at the entrance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Special Convention in Abuja, after they snatched a journalists cellphone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspects who were gorgeously dressed took advantage of the commotion at the gate of Eagle Square, venue of the convention to snatch the handset from the journalists pocket.

The journalist, name withheld raised an alarm after he discovered his phone was missing, attracting the attention of the security agents who rushed to the scene immediately.

But the missing phone couldnt be found even after a search on the three suspects, as they had thrown the cellphone under a nearby security vehicle.

An eagle-eyed officer however, salvaged the situation as he sighted the phone under the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

A police officer who spoke on an anonymous condition told NAN that the suspects would be taken to a nearby station for investigations and eventual prosecution.

NAN reports that security agents had in March arrested three suspected pickpockets at APC National Convention in Abuja.

The police had also arrested 10 pickpockets at the Peoples Democratic Partys (PDP) Special Convention at the National Stadium on May 28.( NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

The Consolidation Ambassadors (TCA), says only former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu can defeat Alhaji Atiku Abubakar during the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

The group said this in a statement titled, Our Stand, signed by Dr. Adelanke Peter, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.

He said for Nigeria to consolidate on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari, a bold, frank, independent, transparent, intelligent, smart-thinker like Tinubu was needed.

Peter said, Although the TCA is not biased towards any presidential aspirant contesting to be the presidential flag bearer of theAll Progressives Congress (APC).

We, however, owe it to the party and party members to guide them in terms of direction ahead of the National Convention.

Partisan politics is not all about Pierre de Coubertin, sports philosophy guiding participation in contests; it is not all about winning.

The Consolidation Ambassadors (TCA) with its firm foundation within 36 States of the Federation and FCT, emerged as worthy Ambassadors of the APC who recognised and appreciated the progress made by the President Buhari led administration.

Especially in the areas of infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, anti-corruption, digital economic transformation and all inclusive governance.

The group said it resolved to identify and unify all political structures and supporters of the aspirants that contested elective posts under the umbrella of the APC.

Particularly the 23 presidential aspirants by providing the necessary support to the flag bearers after the primaries.

It is for this reason, after due consultations and considerations, that we suggest that the party should field a candidate that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder, eye-ball-to-eye-ball, kobo-for-kobo, tactics-for-tactics.

And also strategy-for-strategy, popularity-for-popularity and national-acceptance-for-national-acceptance; with international recognition and respect.

A candidate with national acceptability, who after winning can consolidate the legacies of President Buhari, said Peter.

He said TCAs National Organising Secretary, Dr. Awwal Shafiu, with the support of other national executive members, declared the groups unflinching support for Tinubu.

Our collective resolve to support Tinubu emanates from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) choice of their presidential candidate.

It is a political development that needs careful analysis, consideration and realignment.

Without any iota of doubt, Tinubu is APCs most influential politician, his mentoring of top politicians is legendary and his national acceptance is no doubt a nonnegotiable fact that can usher our party to success come 2023 election.

In order to achieve our collective resolve to sustain, renew, unify, reinvigorate and to consolidate President Muhammadu Buhari legacies, we call on all rank and file of APC members and all Nigerians to support him, said Peter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Aminu Garko

The Commissioner of Police in Niger, CP Bala Kuryar, on Tuesday decorated 460 newly promoted personnel of the command with their new ranks.

Speaking at the Command headquarters in Minna, Kuryas said that the personnel from several divisions of the command were promoted based on their commitments to their duties.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba-Alkali, for recognising the commitment of the personnel and assured that officers of the command would continue to provide security for the state.

While decorating the officers, Kuryas congratulated and charged them to justify their elevation to the next rank with good performance and professionalism.

We will continue to do our best in the discharge of our constitutional responsibility and we urge residents to volunteer reliable information that could aid the personnel of the command in apprehending men of the underworld, he said.

The CP in decorating the promoted officers was assisted by DCP Shawulu Dan-Mamman, DC OPS, DCP Ali Hayatu Kaigama and DC SCID DCP Aboki Danjuma amongst others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abigael Joshua/Isaac Ukpoju

Source: NAN News

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) on Tuesday stormed the Eagle Square venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Special Convention in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officials went round the convention venue before finally they took strategic positions.

However, the officials declined comment when approached by NAN correspondent at the convention.

NAN reports that EFCC officials had made similar appearance at the PDP Special Convention in Abuja on May 28, without making any arrest.

The visit might not be unconnected with recent social media reports indicating that delegates were paid hugely by presidential aspirants for votes at the convention.(NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) has re-constituted the Council of the Wise to assist in continuous engagement of critical stakeholders nationwide in tackling the challenges of nation building.

The Executive Chairman of the centre, Amb. Sani Bala, inaugurated the council under the leadership of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, former President of the Court of Appeal on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the council include Malam Yazid, a management consultant, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, an educationist and politician, Eng. Ebele Okeke, former Head of Service of the Federation and others.

Bala said the inauguration of the council was very fundamental to the existence and progress of the country, adding that national unity and cohesion were key to progress of the nation.

He said that without unity no community or country would achieve its objectives, saying if there is unity then sky is the beginning not the limits.

But if there is no unity certainly there will no progress, there will be confusion, chaos and there will be deaths. Nigeria is facing very serious challenges but we thank God.

Nigeria is endowed with large number of capable and able human resource that can mitigate all the challenges. We have what it takes except one thing, the willingness to do it.

And activities such as this are meant to bring out that will out of the people so that we agree to unite, overcome, look at our differences and challenges and forge ahead as a united nation.

Bala expressed optimism that the activities of the council of the wise would contribute immensely to the unity of the country.

In her speech, Bulkachuwa explained that the potential and real contributions of the council would include but might not necessarily be limited to: unifying the various ethnic, religious, political and socio-economic groupings in Nigeria.

According to her, this will be achieved through strategic advocacy and engagements to promote constructive engagement to enhance national unity, good governance through inclusivity, justice and fairness.

She said that resurgent insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and cattle rustling in the Northwest, herder-farmer clashes in the North Central, and kidnapping, cultism, communal clashes, among others in the South, continue to threaten the peace and security of the nation.

The centre is worried that all these developments, if continuously not precisely handled could impact very negatively on the 2023 general elections and national unity.

The SCDDD has established the Council of the Wise, comprising non-partisan, non religious, reputable and committed men and women with local and national voice, who would act in interlocutory and mediatory capacities.

More importantly, the council of the wise also consists of critical stakeholders in the nation-building process and project, and who will in their respective roles utilise their enormous influence, skill, moral positions and convening power to foster a peaceful 2023 election that focuses on nation building.

She noted that with the forthcoming general elections, the Nigerian state no doubt needed help to save it from the machinations of its adversaries.

In this direction, an enormous sense of responsibility and patriotism would be required to which voluntarism and patriotism are crucial.

It is in this particular regard that the Savannah Centre in 2015 first constituted the council of the wise under the leadership of retired Justice Mohammed Uwais, Chief Justice Nigeria and today, the same committee is being re-constituted under my leadership.

Bulkachuwa commended the board and management of the centre for finding her and colleagues in the council worthy of being assigned the nationalistic and selfless duties.

Earlier, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Aderanti Cornelius, emphasised the need for government to address the problem of social inequality to enhance national unity beyond the 2023 elections.

There has to be an appreciable and corresponding change in the socioeconomic conditions of citizens for them to buy into the Nigerian project.

To achieve social equality, the safety nets of the society must be developed and sustained wherein citizens are motivated to act towards a national cause rather than personal or ethic ones.

Clearly, the future of this country lies squarely in uniting the people. Unity will promote peaceful coexistence. Peace will engender greater national productivity and economic progress and Nigeria will take its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Rev. George Ehusani, the Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Abuja advocated a network of thinking Nigerians from among Christians, Muslims and diverse ethic nationalities to give the country a sense of direction. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

An All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and former President of the Senate, Sen. Ken Nnamani, has withdrawn from the partys presidential primary, pledging to back emergence of any Southeast aspirant.

Nnamani, who disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, while briefing newsmen, said that he withdrew from the race over the partys alleged decision to jettison the zoning arrangement.

He also alleged that the primary had been monetised by some serving political office holders and some party chieftains.

He, however, expressed determination to support the emergence of any aspirant from the Southeast, noting that they have what it takes to move the country forward.

The fact that leading northerners failed to indicate interest in the race convinced many of us that our party will thread the path of honour and justice by zoning its presidency to the south after a northern president has completed eight years

But the events of recent day created the impression that zoning had been jettisoned in the APC.

The vacillation of party leaders regarding zoning of the APC presidential ticket has not created clarity in the party and injures the confidence and faith of many in the south, particularly the southeast, in the party.

It has the implication of suggesting to many in the party, including myself, that the party will allow conveniences of the moment to override foundational issues of justice and fairness.

The former President of the Senate said that another issue that confused the process for the primary was the lack of certainty on schedules and timelines.

This uncertainty, he said, frustrated effective campaign and made the primary a game for those with deep pocket who are those mostly in control of state funds and those in political offices.

And I am not in any of these groups.
In the present circumstances, it does not make any sense for me to continue in the race, as I have not had the opportunity to market my profile and ideas to the delegates of our party in a manner that allow for deliberation and introspection.

Therefore, I discontinue my aspiration and wish the party successful primary and unity of purpose so that we can win the 2023 general elections.

I will continue to engage with the party and its leadership to make sure that the ideas and values that I cherish and propagate find strong footing in the party administration and in public leadership after election.

No matter the outcome of the primary, I pray that our party does justice to the southeast that ought to present the next presidential candidate of our party, he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov.Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has condoled with his Ondo State counterpart, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, over Sundays attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which led to the killing of many worshippers.

Okowas condolence message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba

He condemned the dastardly act and called on security agents to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He expressed shock and sadness over the heinous killing of innocent worshippers at the Owo Church.

We received the news of the gruesome attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, which led to the death of many worshippers.

We join all well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this unprovoked attack at a worship centre and call on security agencies to intensify efforts towards arresting the culprits and bringing them to book.

The attack is not just barbaric but an affront on the Church of Christ, and we stand in solidarity with the Ondo people at this trying time.

On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condole with my dear brother, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu and the people of Ondo State over the gruesome attack on innocent worshippers on Sunday in Owo.

My profound condolences also go to the families of the deceased, the entire Catholic Church and the people of Owo Kingdom, Okowa said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hawa Lawal/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Delta Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu says the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa-led government will present its scorecards during the 2023 general elections campaign.

Aniagwu stated this at a press conference on Monday in Asaba while responding to certain allegations ascribed to the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, that the state government could not account for over N700 billion in the past seven years.

He noted that facts were sacred, adding that the money quoted by the senator was not up to the state civil servants wage bills for the period.

He urged people to shun campaign of calumny while directing candidates of political parties to speak on issues that would better the life of the peopleinstead of painting pictures that were at variance with reality.

He said that Okowa has discharged his duty creditably to advance development of the state with the accruing resources over the period.

I speak to you today to set the records straight. Not too long ago, I advised the Deputy Senate President to try as much as possible to trade with issues that will help his electioneering campaign and not to stray in directions that will not advance the cause of his interest.

I read somewhere, where he said that in the past seven years we have received over N700 billion and that we could not account for that and I began to wonder, our wage bill alone is even far more than that.

As a government, we have been able to show transparently through the media and other programmes through which we have empowered our youths and women across the state.

According to Aniagwu, Okowas administration over the years have impacted the people through road networks, bridges, storm water drainages, the ultramodern secretariat, Stephen Keshi Stadium,others and the riverine communities were not left out.

On Tuesday, the state government will be calibrating the Instrument Landing System (ILS) using the drone at the Asaba International Airport

The talk about N700 billion leaves one wondering because there has never been any year that we have budgeted less than N350 billion.

So, as we go into the electioneering campaign, we are going to put across to our people what our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has done in Delta, he said.

He said that on national profile of Gov. Okowa, only God can stop Okowa not man, with his performance, he will impact the national development.

We have seen a number of persons who are trying to bring down the rising profile of our governor, adding that God and the people of the state have affirmed that Gov. Okowa has performed creditably.

On Okowas relationship with former state governor, Chief James Ibori, the commissioner said that they remained best of friends, adding that Iboris leadership has never been questioned.

We believe that Ibori will continue to support any move that will lift Okowa or Delta forward.

On the PDP governorship and presidential primaries, Aniagwu described the process as free, fair and credible.

According to him, the delegates spoke and their choice for the party isdemocratic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

Osinbajo not involved in accident- FRSC

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, was not involved in an accident on Monday but helped to rescue an accident victim along Airport Road, Abuja.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Kazeem said that the vice-president and his security aides were joined by other Nigerians to pull the victim out of the scene of the accident.

He said that the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, commended the vice president for rescuing the victim, saying that it was a call to all that road safety was everybodys business.

Kazeem attributed the accident to speeding by the driver of the affected vehicle, adding that the lone victim was only injured.

The FRSC official stated that the vice-president had directed that the victim be treated on his account.

Kazeem said that the accident, which occurred at Zamani Junction, involved a Toyota Corolla with registration number GWT842AA.

One male was injured, but no one died. The victim has been taken to the Air Force Base Hospital, Airport Road, Abuja, for treatment by the vice-president convoy ambulance, as it happened in his presence.

Kazeem warned against speeding, urging road users to be calm and patient while driving. (NAN)

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Polycarp Auta

As Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, Mr Felix Hyat, PDP chairman in Kaduna State, has said that the chances of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his partys presidential candidate, are extraordinarily bright.

Atiku is a well known name in Nigeria. No name is equal to his.

He was Vice President for eight years and got 11 million votes in the 2019 presidential election. So, his chances this time are just very bright, Hyat, former aviation minister, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that Atikus focus, as he told PDP delegates, would be to unite the country, ensure adequate security and create jobs.

Nigerians must unite to save the country and strengthen the economy. Thats Atikus focus.

We also need to secure the country from bandits that make it difficult for even local farmers to produce food.

With the current insecurity, even our roads are no longer safe which has stagnated our economy. We must all unite to save and strengthen the nation, he said.

He also spoke on the allegations of a gang-up against Nyesom Woke, Rivers governor, in the presidential election.

There was no gang-up. Wike did so well and got solid votes across the country.

He was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with. But in any contest, theres always a winner and a loser. But in this particular case, it is democracy that won. No one can ignore Wike, he said.

Hyat also spoke on the chances of the PDP governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Alhaji Ashiru Kudan.

Our candidate is consistent; in 2019, we won and wanted to prove that at the election tribunal, but our call for a recount of the votes fell on deaf ears.

The ballot boxes were there and ready to be recounted, but the tribunal members were afraid to recount.

He said that Kaduna State people were solidly determined to ensure PDP victory in 2023 as the current administration had not lived up to expectations.

All the cries have worsened. The state is more indebted. Insecurity has worsened. So, the people want a change, he said.

He said that the primaries were open and all aspirants had a fair chance of picking the ticket.

That is why the losers congratulated the winner. Justice was done to everyone.

He said that efforts were in progress toward reconciling all winners and losers so as to present a cohesive front in the secondary election.

At all levels, both state and federal, the PDP has set up an elaborate mechanism for carrying everybody on board, he said.

Hyat said that many support groups had sprung up to offer PDP a strong base towards victory.

Everyone is coming on board. Everyone wants to rescue Nigeria and Kaduna State. PDP is the platform to achieve that, he said. (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

By Martha Agas

The Forum for Circular Bio economy Alliance Plateau chapter, has planted no fewer than 500 trees at Jos Wild life Park, Jos, as part of its activities to mark the 2022 World Environment day.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Jos, the chairman of the forum Alh. Suleiman Dikwa, highlighted the importance of sustaining the biodiversity of the environment through tree planting .

He said the trees were planted at the park to restore the missing fauna of the green area while some were distributed to people to do like wise in their communities.

He said the celebration of the day was a reminder of the need for concerted efforts by individuals and communities to plant trees to mitigate climate change.

Dikwa urged the youths in the state to plant trees because of their economic benefits , especially in the production of bioenergy which can be utilised to fuel vehicles and generate electricity.

Our energy problems can be solved as well. Energy is expensive to move vehicles and to cook.

Today in the United Kingdom houses are still built with mud. What we need to do is to refine our approaches in housing, in how we move, how we live and with the energy we use, he said .

In her remarks, the General Manager of Tourism Corporation, Mrs Salome Bidda, described the exercise as very significant because the park is located at the metropolis .

Jos Wild life park is situated in the heart of the city and is absorbing the carbon mono oxide and giving us oxygen, she said.

She explained that the commemoration with theme: Only One earth was also to sensitise the public on the need to protect the environment and restore the status quo of the planet Earth and promote biodiversity.

Encourage people to not only plant trees but ensures it survives, she said .

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the forum also organised the Jos Green Walk on Saturday in the metropolis to commemorate the day.

The walk was also part of campaign for the planting of 50,000 trees in Plateau.

The day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise awareness on the importance of nature.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News