By Ikenna Osuoha

Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), an Abuja-based Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), has described Chief Bola Tinubu as a unifier and a thoroughbred leader.

Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, National Coordinator of the group, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Nnam who congratulated Tinubu on his emergence as the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that his landslide victory is a testament of his capacity as both unifier and father to all.

Tinubu, overtime, has shown leadership to not just South West but Nigerians at large.

This is a man whose vision has sustained development and prosperity in Lagos even beyond Lagos, I think he shall replicate his achievements in Lagos across the country generally, he said

The ILDC Coordinator, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing transparency in the conduct of the partys Presidential primary.

He urged other political parties to toe the path of APC by giving all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity in their primaries.

Nnam said that the association, in accordance with their objective of supporting good leadership, is committed to a better and greater Nigeria.

He asserted that they are ready to support any candidate with interest of the country at heart with their 2.3 million membership strength across the country, irrespective of his party affiliation.

NAN reports that Tinubu, a national leader of the APC, emerged as the partys flag bearer for the 2023 Presidential elections on Wednesday after beating other aspirants to the ticket at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

He scored 1,271 votes to defeat his closest rivals and ex-minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

While Amaechi polled 316 votes, Osinbajo scored 235 votes to emerge first and second runner up to the national leader. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso has emerged the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for 2023 elections.

Kwankwaso, who was a sole aspirant, emerged as the partys flagbearer through a voice vote by delegates at the partys National Convention held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday.

The former Defence Minister in his acceptance remarks, appreciated all those who dropped their presidential aspirations for him and the delegates that elected him.

Kwankwaso said that he would do whatever mattered to ensure the success of NNPP and its candidates for various elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

Our party is so lucky, having young men and women with integrity contesting various positions in 2023

While congratulating all of us, I want to urge Nigerians to vote for NNPP,

He said that NNPP stood for peace, unity, stability and development of Nigeria.

Kwankwaso urged the delegates and party members not to go back home and sleep but to keep convincing eligible voters across all ethic groups and religions to vote for NNPP in the 2023 general elections.

Kwankwaso had earlier pledged that when elected, his administration would carry citizens along without favour on ethnicity or religion bias.

He also promised that his administration would provide necessary infrastructure for the development of Nigeria.

Our government will ensure that adequate roads are provided, ensure that trains are working.

We are going to improve the aviation industry to make it more effective and affordable so that many people as possible can travel either by road by water or by air in this country, he said.

He urged all party members and supporters to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards before the suspension of registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by June 30, to enable them vote in 2023 general elections.

Dont just say that you are supporting NNPP without getting your PVC, go and register with INEC.

Ensure that your family members, your friends and everyone around you register and vote, Kwankwaso said.

Also at the venue, the former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, described the convention as a moment of change for Nigeria.

This is a moment of change for our youths and women. Change for our economy and change for the nation.

Nigeria is a potentially great nation. What we need is a purposeful and committed leadership.

We need a leadership that will give sense of belonging to every citizen and entire ethnics of the country, Shekarau said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC Presidential Flagbearer in the 2023 elections.

Buharis congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The president said: Having emerged victorious he has our full and unwavering support.

Now our party must unite behind our candidate to achieve victory at the 2023 elections so that our government will continue to secure our communities, grow our economy and continue the fight against corruption.

During the primaries, there were factions and disagreements amongst the contestants and now that the process has ended we must build a united front in our party.

In this way, the APC will remain the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. Now it is time to put the process behind us.

Because what we can all agree is that the APC remains the party that can best deliver on the priorities of the Nigerian people. But the way to demonstrate that we can get on with this job is to unite.

The movement we created in 2013 is beyond individuals. Together, we made history by becoming the first party in our countrys history to unseat a party in power and propel our candidate into the Presidency through a peaceful democratic transfer of power.

We strongly believe that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will safeguard and improve on this democratic achievement and legacy.

He is the right candidate for Nigerias aspiration because he is the APCs candidate and under the continued stewardship of our party. Nigeria can achieve greatness and fulfil its destiny in Africa and the World.

The high point of this extraordinary convention of our party was the energy of the presidential aspirants and it is from amongst them that we have chosen the most popular leader.

I recognise and commend the enthusiasm and self-confidence amongst our party men and women.

I also thank the delegates for making the right decision leading to the emergence of our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed the alleged viral WhatsApp voice-note claiming Fulanis have invaded Badagry in Lagos.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commands spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday in Lagos.

The attention of the Command has been drawn to a viral WhatsApp voice-note claiming that Fulanis have camped in Muhammadu Buhari Estate, Agemowo, Badagry in readiness for a massive attack on Badagry.

The Command wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the content of the voice-note is entirely false and mischievously designed to cause unnecessary panic within Lagos State.

It is worthy of note that there is a Police Divison close to the estate Morogbo Divison.

There is also a Police Post next to the estate Mowo Outpost. Police presence and intelligence gathering in the area is top notch.

In a bid to be double sure that the claims are false, the Divisonal Police Officer of Morogbo visited the estate again today, inspected the entire facility and had an exhaustive session with the Facility Manager.

He said that the outcome of the operational visit lent credence to the futility of the voice-note.

Hundeyin said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Abiodun Alabi, enjoined residents to disregard the attack claim.

Alabi assured Lagosians that the Police Command, in synergy with sister security agencies, were fully prepared to nip any criminality in the bud.

He promised to leave no stone unturned in ensuring continued peace in the state. the spokesperson said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Sen. Bola Tinubu, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), says he bears no grudges or grievances against anyone, not even those that do not support his ambition.

Tinubu, who emerged as the APC 2023 presidential candidate at its just concluded Special Convention and presidential primary election, said this on Wednesday in Abuja.

The former two-term Lagos State governor thanked the partys delegates and leadership for making him its presidential candidate for 2023 presidential election.

I humbly accept the nomination of this convention to be the presidential candidate of our enlightened, humanitarian and great party, the APC.

I also offer my sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his calm and prudent leadership throughout this process.

I thank him, also, for his steadfast determination to ensure a level playing field and a free and fair primary process for every aspirant.

Without him, I would not be standing here today as the new flagbearer of Nigerias party, Tinubu said, adding that he didnt expect to win the primary but he won.

Tinubu, while saying that he was intoxicated by the victory, thanked the partys governors for what he described as their invaluable contributions to internal democracy and unity.

He commended the partys leadership and organisers for the conduct of a successful convention and thanked the delegates for the confidence they had shown in him.

I will prove that your choice was a wise one, you have moved our party and country towards its best future. On your mandate I shall stand, Tinubu said.

He particularly commended other aspirants that contested the partys presidential ticket with him, noting that it is a difficult thing to run for president.

Tinubu said the stiff and bold competition the aspirants offered, made the party stronger and himself a better person.

I must say a special word of thanks to the seven aspirants who chose to step down their personal ambitions for the good of the party and the unity of our purpose.

The competition is now over, those who did not support me, you have nothing to fear. I hold no grudges or grievances.

Let us each agree to join hands in defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and beating back our common foes of poverty, terror and violence.

We now have a date with destiny in February 2023, let us win so Nigeria can become the nation it is intended to be, Tinubu said.

He thanked his campaign team and close advisors, saying that their dedication, long hours and sound advice made his emergence as APC presidential candidate possible.

Tinubu also thanked his wife, Oluremi, for her patience and wise counsel, and for standing by his side, saying that he is indeed a fortunate man to have her as a wife.

While acknowledging that we were faced with challenges in the country, Tinubu said we could, with determination, unity of purpose and commitment reach our finest destiny.

With help from God, we shall make this nation better for the generations to come.

President Buhari has already laid a solid foundation in security, economy and anti-corruption, we will build upon this for the salvation of our people, he said.

He said if he became the countrys next president in 2023, he would provide meaningful education and jobs for youths to enable them strive for a better future.

The former Lagos state governor noted that the countrys teeming youths was her greatest asset, adding that his administration will create jobs for youths from the Zamfara and Osun gold deposits to the vast agricultural land across the country.

We will create new opportunities in the FINTECH sector, the creative and entertainment industries, digital skills and other areas, Tinubu said.

He added that with our collective strength, we would conquer terrorism, kidnapping and violent evil of any form.

Tinubu said the ensuing contest between the APC and the PDP for the 2023 presidency would be one of competing visions.

Our vision is of progress and the future that can be, we must defeat the PDPs reactionary ideals. Our better, more progressive vision of Nigeria shall secure a better society for all Nigerians.

May this be our task arising from this convention, let nothing stand in the way of our achieving a more just society and a greater Nigeria, Tinubu stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, pulled a total 1,271 delegates votes at the APC Special Convention and presidential primary election to emerge as its 2023 presidential candidate.

Rotimi Amaechi, the immediate past Minister of Transportation, came second at the primary with 316 votes, while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo came third with 235 votes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Source: NAN News

By Solomon Asowata

Mr Mohammad Barkindo, the Secretary-General, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), on Wednesday lauded the 2016 multilateral Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) between OPEC and non-OPEC producers.

Barkindo said it was one of the major developments that had affected the global oil industry in the last six years.

A copy of his keynote address delivered at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington DC, United States, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said: It has been immensely pleasing over the past six years to witness the evolution of the multilateral DoC between OPEC and non-OPEC producers.

It was not an easy task bringing everyone together; it took a great deal of diplomacy, and if I might say, buckets of toil and sweat. The efforts, however, were worth it.

Its collaborative nature, and its comprehensive, adaptable and robust architecture, has allowed us to face a plethora of challenges head-on and navigate the many bumps in then road that have shaken the global economy.

I am proud to recall the way in which participants in the Declaration helped pull the industry back from the brink of catastrophe following the downturn in 2014-2016.

It was a monumental effort, but one that helped the industry rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes, and, in turn, had a positive impact on the global economy, and trade worldwide.

According to him, having the Declaration in place also proved extremely beneficial in 2020, when there was a need to react quickly and forcefully in the face of the devastating pandemic.

Barkindo said the DoC decisions helped the petroleum industry to overcome the challenges witnessed in April 2020 when global oil demand went down by 20 million barrels a day.

The DoC has over the past six years also been a shelter and a beacon of stability despite any geopolitically-induced turbulence.

The commitment of the DoC to a balanced and sustainable market was evidenced only last week when participants advanced the planned overall production adjustment for September 2022, into July and August.

This was quickly welcomed by the U.S Administration, the OPEC scribe said.

He added that the importance of the Declaration had also received backing from other producers, as well as from consumers.

Barkindo said: April 2020 proved just what can be achieved with the backing of major producers and consumers at the very highest levels of government.

We can all recall how this played out here in the U.S.

With regard to the U.S, I am also personally gratified to have witnessed the evolution of our cooperation with a variety of U.S stakeholders over the past six years.

I have sat here in Washington with the Atlantic Council, as well as in Abu Dhabi, and opened talks with other U.S institutions and private sector bodies, as well with the industry, including U.S independents.

I believe this stands the organisation in good stead; with there now being a clearer understanding among engaged US stakeholders just what OPEC is about.

It is cooperation, and a word I have already highlighted, multilateralism, that will be vital to OPECs and the industrys future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

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