By Naomi Sharang

The National Chairman, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Malam Falalu Bello, says the party has not zoned out any of its political seats ahead of 2023 general elections.

He made this known in Abuja on Saturday during a meeting of the partys National Working Committee (NWC) with the Board of Trustees (BOT) and other party stakeholders.

Bello said: We have not zoned out the presidency to any part of Nigeria. Anybody from anywhere in Nigeria is free to come and contest for the presidential seat in PRP.

We are not considering zoning. Anybody can come from any part of the country to contest. What is important to us is someone who has integrity.

We will develop a template for selection of leadership in Nigeria and that template will cover the presidency, the governors and members of the national assembly.

On the level of preparedness by the party, Bello said: We shall contest, we have members that have indicated interest.

We are in all the 774 local government. We have held congresses. We are now ready to move to the last level of leadership in the party which is the national convention.

This meeting will look at what it takes to have a national convention and arrange for one to be held very shortly, he said.

Bello further said that PRP was considering alliances with other political parties to form mega parties to challenge the ruling APC and the PDP.

We are in discussion with some groups; the NC Front, and Rescue Nigeria Mission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he clocked 85 years.

Okowa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

He said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former presidents leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and, economic reforms, were hallmarks of his leadership.

Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity.

He described the octogenerian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria.

Okowa remarked that the former president had, through acknowledged efforts and effect, etched his name and Nigerias in global reckoning, adding that he was a well-respected personality in global affairs.

On the occasion of your 85th birth anniversary, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta.

As a country, we recall with nostalgia, the economic reforms in the banking, communication and health sectors, introduced during your administration which paved way for the revolution in the Nigerian economy.

At 85, you have continued to give yourself to the service of our nation in various ways, including your frequent fatherly admonitions to the nation at various levels.

I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health, guidance, protection and enduring provisions.

I wish you, our dear father, a well-deserved 85th birth anniversary celebration, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation, a faith-based organisation, has reiterated commitment to the provision of world-class Islamic and western education to the youth and children of the less privileged at affordable cost.

Director of the foundation, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, gave the assurance at the Third Annual Quranic Graduation held on Saturday in Abuja.

Al-Yolawi also said that the foundation is working assiduously to train and equip children and youths to be good ambassadors of Islam through academics and non-academic activities.

We are also committed to ensuring that the foundation becomes one of the five top Islamic centres serving humanity in the Federal Capital Territory in terms of Islamic education and formal education, and a place where the less privileged will be given attention to their religious, family, social and financial issues through various lectures, skill acquisition and empowerment programmes.

Similarly, we are determined to be a leading Islamic centre with quality and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based Quran teaching and learning.

The director explained that the mode of teaching at the foundation will be an individual approach to make sure no child is left behind, noting that students speed and achievements largely depend on readiness, parental support, determination, interest and ability of the student.

In 2016, some of our teachers received courses on ICT-based teaching and learning for the period of two months which eventually led to some changes in the curriculum, method of teaching, Days and time of Islamic session.

A unique approach in teaching Arabic letters (huruf) that grant the expected result was equally put in place. The output was so great and enviable as we are able to produce more than 50 graduands within a short period of time.

As from 2012 to 2022, hundreds of students, if not thousands, were able to learn how to read Quran, as well as writing and reading Arabic texts, although some of them did not complete Quran due to boarding school, change of location or sudden disappearance of student.

Presently, we have 44 graduands on our list and by 2023 some of them will complete their recitation of the Glorious Quran in few month.

He revealed that the foundation which was operating with 23 staff both academic and non-academic staff had
Secured ICT training Center approved by Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy through NITDA.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory League of Imams, Sheikh Tajudeen Adigun, said reading as far as Islam is concern is key to learning and a process of success in education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the high point of the event was the presentation of gifts to the overall best graduating student and others. (NAN) (www.nannewws.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday discussed issues ranging from constitutional role to security, economy among others with two prominent traditional rulers in Delta.

Osinbajo was in Delta for the thanksgiving Mass of late Chief Patrick Ideh, a renowned legal practitioner and nationalist who passed away at the age of 95.

The thanksgiving Mass was held at the Mother of The Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Warri.

After the Mass, the vice president, accompanied by Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, paid courtesy visits to the palaces of Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

Receiving the vice president in his palace, Sideso thanked Osinbajo for his respect for traditional rulers.

He said, however, that traditional rulers in the country are not happy that the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers was not considered by the National Assembly.

You have always been there for us; I am the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Summit in Abuja.

The last summit we held, you represented the president; you physically came and stayed with us throughout the summit.

On behalf of the traditional rulers in the whole country, we are appealing to you and the president to look at this again; I dont think it is too late to look at it and perhaps call us and advice us on why it cannot be done at the moment.

We are the grassroots people; and if there is any problem, you people come to us and seek our prayers because you are our children, he said.

He urged the vice president to intervene on the quest for constitutional role for the traditional institution.

In his response, Osinbajo said he was in the kingdom to honour late Chief Ideh who is an illustrious son.

The vice president said he is hopeful that the National Assembly would eventually attend to the question of constitutional role for traditional rulers.

But I think that there is a genuine desire by traditional rulers to be more intricately involved; to be more directly involved in governance and government in Nigeria.

And just going by the track record that we see even in this kingdom, it is very evident that your role has been instrumental in keeping the peace here.

So, I think traditional rulership is so important in keeping law and order and in maintaining peace in all of our communities.

At the palace of Olu of Warri, Osinbajo congratulated Atuwatse for ascending to throne of his fathers.

He said the traditional institution has a vital role to play in addressing the security challenges in the country.

As you know, coming into office, we had on top of our agenda, as the president stated, the economy, security, governance, and corruption.

The role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is critical to security; absolutely critical and I am happy that this is something that you also, not only recognises, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.

Osinbajo said that he and the deputy governor had worked extensively in some of the conflicts in oil producing communities that had led to a decline in oil production.

He said that they were able to achieve results by going round to speak to various communities.

We want to see that security challenges; oil theft and some of what we are seeing in the Delta and in many of our oil producing communities are swiftly brought to an end, he said.

Atuwatse had earlier in his welcome remarks, said that Osinbajos visit was divine as it coincided with the end of the week the kingdom visited Itsekiri communities in other parts of Nigeria, including Ogun and Kogi States.

According to him, there is an affinity between Itsekiri people and Osinbajo as the vice president is their in-law through his marriage to late Chief Obafemi Awolowos grand daughter.

In response to the vice presidents remarks, Atuwase said that traditional rulers were committed to ensuring security and unhindered oil production.

I am very happy that our deputy governor is here and will bear witness to our commitment to not only security in this axis but in ensuring that the oil production here does not dwindle, especially now with global events oil is now approaching US per barrel.

And Nigeria has to, as much as it can, benefit from that development; not quite long ago, we did something unprecedented.

Traditional rulers are here to ensure that they are bridge builders between government and the people.

We have committed ourselves to ensuring that where we had a hitch in Ogidigben where the production was shut down, we have committed ourselves to making sure that not only are things restored but the International Oil Companies (IOCs) commitment to the community, which as the cause of the breakdown, is finally resolved.

He said he is willing to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and transforming the Niger-Delta region.

Please, let the president know that once there is anything that resembles a security situation, he can call on us and he has our full cooperation, Atuwatse said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Chairman of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Ltd., Alhaji Ahmed Wadada on Saturday, felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday anniversary.

Wadada, in a congratulatory message made available to newsmen in Abuja, commended Obasanjo for his commitment to oneness and indivisibility of the country.

The PAN boss, who was a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, prayed to Almighty God to grant Obasanjo many more fruitful years.

The message read: On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to heartily congratulate you on the milestone of attaining 85 years.

I equally wish to congratulate you on your service to the country, and your commitment to oneness and indivisibility of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

There is hardly any major episode in Nigerias short history where your name and contribution does not feature.

On this special occasion, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years to see Nigeria grow and develop beyond all of our wildest dreams.

Wadada also appealed to Obasanjo to continue availing those in leadership positions the benefits of his experience and wise counsel for the unity, stability and progress of the nation.

You are a statesman who has made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of our country, Nigeria.

I salute your steadfast love for our nation and your continued zeal toward a united and prosperous Nigeria, Wadada said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

A Professor of Animal Science, Grace Jokthan, has highlighted the importance of livestock as the country march towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustaining Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Jokthan, who is a member of the Governing Council, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), spoke in Abuja while delivering the 18th inaugural lecture of the institution.

She said achieving rapid livestock production would play an important role in Nigerias attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the eradication of poverty and hunger thereby guaranteeing healthy lives.

The SDGs adopted by member States of the United Nations in 2015 is a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The availability of adequate livestock feed source has been linked to reduction in poverty, hunger, malnutrition and the economic well-being of the populace.

In Nigeria like most developing countries, many of the poor rural households have 1-3 livestock and rely on them for livelihood.

The contribution of these livestock to poverty reduction and improvement of living standard has not been fully appreciated, yet in some households, livestock remains the only source of income for meeting household needs.

The livestock sector can contribute in multiple ways to ending hunger (SDG2) and all forms of malnutrition (SDG3) through increasing the direct consumption of nutritious animal-source foods, income and revenue generation, foreign exchange and job creation.

The world livestock and its products are assets to human livelihoods and, through quality nutrition, promote human health and well-being, Jokthan said.

According to her, research shows that men are more likely to own and control larger and more valuable livestock such as cows, bulls and oxen, while women tend to own smaller valuable livestock such as goats and poultry species.

Jokthan added that the bedrock of livestock sector was hinged on the availability of high-quality feed sources and efficient feeding programmes.

She also said that training of farmers, access to information and linkages with stakeholders on the uptake of new technologies were necessary to improve farmers knowledge.

There is need for the introduction of alternative high yielding planted fodders and the development of complete feeds to benefit smallholder farmers.

This can be achieved through introducing, supporting and building capacity on the formulation of feed rations amongst small scale farmers.

More investment in research, data accumulation and information sharing between public and private sectors will be a step in the right direction as these feed sources will play an increasingly important role in the future as human and livestock population expands.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters said he was elated with the achievements of Prof. Jokthan who is currently the Director, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL).

Peters said he almost became a professor of Animal Science but eventually became a professor of chemistry.

He commended Jokthan for her research work and inaugural lecture which dwelt on indigenous feed sources: increasing animal protein supply for improved livelihoods. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Maureen Okon

Abuja, March 5, 2022 (NAN) Nigeria has evacuated 807 of its citizens from war-raged Ukraine as at Saturday.

The evacuees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in three flights.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the first batch of 450 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine arrived aboard Max Air flight 747 at 7:10 a.m., on Friday through Romania.

The second batch came aboard Air Peace Boeing 777-300 flight (APK7534) and arrived in Abuja with 183 passengers including kids through Warsaw.

The third batch of 174 evacuees arrived at 11.50 p.m. on Friday through Hungary.

Report says that many Nigerians and other nationals have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on its neighbour on Feb. 24.

The Federal Government approved the release of 8.5 million dollars on Wednesday for the immediate evacuation of at least 5,000 Nigerians fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.

On Feb. 28, the Federal Government said Nigerias diplomatic mission had received 256 citizens from Ukraine at Bucharest, Hungary, Poland and Romania following the invasion.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has been at the forefront of the evacuation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Nigerian and Canadian Business Network (NCBN), on Friday announced the appointment of Apostle Cornelius Babalola, as the president of the association, Ottawa Hub.

The NCBN, in a statement signed by the National Chairman, Mr Wale Adesanya, made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos, said the appointment took effect on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Babalola will be taking over from Mr Elaye Otrofanowei, who has served out his second term as the president of the Ottawa Hub of the Network.

It said Babalolas tenure would last for two years ending in 2024.

Babalola will continue to pursue the networks policy of empowering Nigerian and Canadian business people in the national capital region and build on a strong relationship with the diplomatic community and Canadian government.

Babalola is the General Overseer, and Senior Pastor of Tabernacle of Prayer, and the Executive Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fellowship of Yahweh Tabernacle Inc.

He is also a graduate of Columbia College Hollywood Los-Angeles, where he obtained a BA in Mass Communications in 1977, University of California (UCLA), Los-Angeles: Postgraduate- diploma in Advertising and International Marketing in 1978, said the statement.

Babalola was the Executive Chairman of Centre Spread Advertising, Lagos, Nigeria, 1986-1989, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Creative Concept International Marketing and Advertising, 1989 -1996.

He also has extensive experience spanning over 40 years in international marketing, trade and investment promotions, banking, corporate advertisements, political campaigns, andinternational development.

Speaking on the appointment, the statement quoted Babalola as saying that he would remain committed to the promotion of bilateral trade between Nigeria and Canada.

NCBN is the voice of Nigerian Business Community in Canada. We are Business Bridge Builders.

NCBN symbolises excellence, inspiration, celebration and success for all Nigerians and Canadians doing business in both countries.

We facilitate meaningful approaches to beneficial networking, embrace new ways of enriching our connections and raising awareness of our members. Rich in our membership, we embrace business people of all ages, cultures, industries and professions.

We are mentors, sharing experiences, challenges and wisdom, collaborating within the network, and ultimately building a great bi-lateral business community, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Bankole Olowookere, Head Coach of the National Under-17 women football team, the Flamingoes on Thursday assured that his team would make the country proud in their match against DR Congo on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingoes face DR Congo in Kinshasa in a second round first leg match in the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Womens World Cup qualifiers.

Olowokere told NAN in Abuja ahead of their departure for Kinshasa on Friday that they are looking to score several goals to secure their qualification from the match.

We are going to DR Congo to make Nigeria proud. This is our mission and we must complete it with perfection.

We will make sure that we will not concede any goal and we will fight well to score many goals that can ensure our qualification outrightly.

The return leg match back in Abuja will then be like a formality for the team by Gods grace, he said.

The coach said 20 players are in the squad to Kinshasa for the first leg match.

We have been working rigorously together for a couple of weeks now, and I have so much confidence in my players because they have been responding well to training.

I thank God that we did not sustain any injury during the training sessions.

So, now we are fully ready for the game, and the players will work hard to ensure good victory and we will be on course towards qualification, he said.

NAN reports that the Flamingoes will host DR Congo in the return match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 19. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has described the new Attah Igala, Matthew Opaluwa as a man of impeccable character who has been worthily selected in conformity with traditions, equity and fairness.

Bello said this on Friday in Idah when he visited the Attah at his palace before the official installation and presentation of Staff of Office.

Bello commended the hitch free process that saw the selection of Opaluwa as Attah of Igala, adding that the event would also be hitch free as the people were happy with his selection.

For a hitch-free process that culminated into the selection of Attah Igala that we have today, we appreciated God Almighty.

He is of impeccable character and he is a fulfilled personality, highly respected within his domain, in the country and across the world, we are proud of him.

We welcome each and everyone of us to this historic event and I am confident that it is going to be a hitch free event and our return back to our destinations will be a hitch-free event also, Bello said.

Responding, the Attah Igala thanked Bello for ensuring fairness, equity and due process was put in play in the selection process. Ghana

The Attah Igala pledged to work with the governor for the good of the people and the state.

I greet you and I thank you for your presence here today. Where I am here today, if my governor say I will not be here today, I will not be.

I always pray to God to put me in the position where I can act my service. Haven given me this opportunity, I will not disappoint you and my people.

I will work with you and for my people, the Attah said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in accordance with tradition, the governor after his visit to the place, he walked with the Attah to the Civic center, which was venue for the coronation.

The Attah was also accompanied on the walk from his palace to the coronation ground by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The event was made colorful with displays of masquerades and different groups who expressed joy on the installation of their choice king. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)..

Source: NAN News