By Adeyemi Adeleye

APC in Lagos State on Friday unveiled its flag bearers for the July 24 local council elections in the state.

Elections will be conducted into the 20 Local Government Councils and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state on that day.

The list of chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates was signed by the partys Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun and the committees Secretary, Mr Lanre Ogunyemi.

The party conducted its primaries across the 57 councils on May 29.

According to the party, the APC chairmanship and vice-chairmanship candidates in Agbado-Okeodo are Oladapo Famuyiwa/Ajoke Obe; Oladele Osinowo/Folake Kayode (Agboyi Ketu), Ganiu Egunjobi/Gbenga Abiola (Agege) and Ayoola Fatai/Lucky Uduikhue (Ajeromi).

In Alimonsho Sulaiman Jelili/Ibrahim Johnson (Alimosho), Dipo Olorunrinu/Maureen Ashara (Amuwo-Odofin), Oluwaseun Gabriel/Samson Aromire (Apapa), Funmilayo Akande/Olawale Olufemi (Apapa-Iganmu), Bolatito Sobowale/Omoshalewa Laguda (Ayobo-Ipaja).

Olusegun Onilude/Pedetin Kappa will contest the election at Badagry Central, Henugbe Gbenu/Rauf Ibrahim (Badagry West), Kolade Alabi/Zainat Kupouyi (Bariga).

Rasak Ibrahim/Matthew Olaleye (Coker- Aguda), Kunle Sanyaolu/Lukmon Ishola (Egbe-Idimu), Monsuru Bello/Ayodele Ayodeji (Ejigbo) and Surah Animashaun/Sikiru Owolomanshe (Epe).

Ismail Akinloye/Lateef Adesanya (Eredo), Adesegun Bankole/Adeola Adetoro (Eti-Osa), Olufemi Rafiu/John Ogundare (Eti-Osa East), Yisa Jubril/Samuel Ayodele (Iba), Abdullahi Olowa/Isiaka Olatunji (Ibeju) and Usman Hamzat/Oluwatoyin Akerele (Ifako-Ijaiye).

Olufemi Okeowo/Adejinyan Ojora (Ifelodun), Lasisi Akinsanya/Afeez Akinyemi (Igando-Ikotun), Olusesan Daini/Nuraini Okedina-Maja (Igbogbo Baiyeku), Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba/Femi Kabir (Ijede), Mojeed.

Balogun/Yomi Mayungbe (Ikeja) and Wasiu Adesina/Sade Olabanji-Oba (Ikorodu Central).

Banjo Adebisi/Olawale Ameen (Ikorodu North), Olanrewaju Sulaimon/Adesegun Aluko (Ikorodu West), Adewale Anomo/Wasiu Dehinsilu (Ikosi Ejinrin), Abolanle Bada/Olayinka Ogunleye (Ikosi/Isheri), Fuad Atanda-Lawal/Akinbowale Macaulay (Ikoyi/Obalende) and Kunle Agoro/Ayodele Benson (Imota).

Rashidat Adu/Olusegun Ogunbiyi (Iru, Victoria Island), Adebayo Olasoju/Sadiq Saliu (Isolo), Olanrewaju Apatira/Oluwayomi Lawrence (Itire-Ikate), Moyosore Ogunlewe/Saliu Babatunde (Kosofe), Tijani Olusi/Akinyemi Eshinokun (Lagos Island) and Alade Folawiyo/Adejoke Balogun (Lagos Island East).

Omolola Essein/Jubril Emilagba (Lagos Mainland), Bamidele Kasali/Oluremi Alogba (Lekki), Olabisi Adebajo/Adewale Hamzat (Mosan Okunola), Emmanuel Bamgboye/Tunbosun Aruwe (Mushin), Rasaq Ajala/Oluseyi Jakande (Odi-Olowo), Rasulu Idowu/Edna Uche-Ubochi (Ojo), and Olusegun Odunmbaku/Bunmi Oluyadi (Ojodu).

Hammed Tijani/Coker Oladipo (Ojokoro), Olatunde Folorunso/Monsuru Ogungbemi (Olorunda), Oladotun Olakanle/Olufunke Hassan (Onigbongbo), Hassan Akinola/Olanrewaju Moshood (Oriade) and Babatunde Johnson/Kafila Akanni (Orile Agege).

Almoruf Oloyede/Modupe Badmus (Oshodi), Musbau Ashafa/Abiodun Kareem (Oto Awori), Abdulhamed Salawu/Adekunle Ekinyemi (Somolu), Bamidele Yusuf/Muiz Dosumu (Surulere) and Kayode Omiyale/Adedoyin Rojare for Yaba LCDA. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismail Abdulaziz
Africas leading sugar manufacturer, the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) has unveiled an innovative sugar brand, tagged: New Look, Same Great Quality.

The ceremony for the unveiling of the white granulated white sugar was conducted on Thursday at the ongoing Kaduna 42nd International Trade Fair.

The vitamin A fortified sugar excited participants who thronged the Dangote Special Day to make enquiries.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Representative of the DSR, Bello Sadik, described the DSR as the market leader, saying the repackaged product is part of the effort at giving the consumer a superior quality.

Acting President of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, said Dangote Group has broken record in all its investments and undertakings.

He congratulated the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for the repackaged sugar product, and several other innovations.

Dangote has come to rescue Nigeria to make it self-sufficient in food and other products, he said.

Other products that were exhibited at the Dangote Special Day include: Dangote Cement, Dangote Salt and Dangote Fertilizer.

In his speech, representative of the Dangote Group at the event, Mr Hashem Ahmed, said the company had keyed into the Federal Government Backward Integration Policy to make Nigeria self-sufficient in the sugar subsector.

Hashem said that Dangote was passionate about growing Nigerias economy, which informed his current massive investment in sugar and partnership with KADCCIMA and the Kaduna State Government.

He said that the company was currently working on its integrated sugar complexes in Adamawa, Nasarawa and Taraba states, adding that when completed they would have significant impacts on growing the economy.

He said the theme for this years Trade Fair, Promoting domestic production to mitigate the current economic challenges, is apt given the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world leading to border closures.

He said the conglomerate would not rest on its oars until Nigeria, and indeed Africa settle in an enviable position among nations.(NAN)
PR:

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Abba

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, has said that there were huge opportunities to be exploited for mutual benefit of China, Yobe and Nigeria, in general.

A statement signed by Mamman Muhammed, the Director General, Press and Media Affairs, quoted Buni as saying this when the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun, paid him a courtesy call on Thursday.

He said there was also room for partnership between the Chinese Peoples Congress and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of the two countries to expand their businesses and attract infrastructural development into Nigeria.

Buni explained that the agricultural revolution in Nigeria by the Buhari regime, in consonance with the APC manifesto, saved Nigeria from food shortages during the COVID-19 global lockdown.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in his wisdom, pushed for agricultural development in which farmers massively engaged in food production which saved the country during the lockdown.

We should collaborate and continue to do business with Chinese investors in Nigeria for infrastructural development. Nigerians are willing to explore and exploit available avenues to move forward, the governor added.

Responding, Jainchun, noted that Nigeria and China had many things in common, saying, this year is a very special year for the two countries to do things that will be of mutual benefit.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and look forward to a bright future, saying that Nigeria and China can also develop a strategy for political and economic prosperity.

We can also partner for improvements in electricity, ICT, industrial growth, investment and technology, we will encourage investors to invest and create jobs in Nigeria.

The ambassador extended an invitation to Gov. Buni to visit China. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the meeting of the Police Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance of the meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Chairman of the Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

Others physically attending the meeting are the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Ministers of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello and the Chairman Police Service Commission, Musiliu

NAN reports that the acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba was also sighted at the venue of the meeting but not part of the deliberations.

NAN reliably learnt that the meeting might confirm the appointment of the acting I-G today.

President Buhari had on April 6 appointed Usman Baba as acting the Inspector General of Police.

Baba was a Deputy Inspector General of Police before his promotion.

details later.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

The aftermath of a case of alleged sexual harassment of a female non-commissioned officer (NCO) by a fellow officer is rocking the South Korean Air Force.

Air Force Chief of Staff, Lee Seong Yong, offered his resignation on Friday.

He felt responsible for the circumstances of the case, Lee announced in a statement.

President Moon Jae-In accepted the resignation, according to his office.

The NCO was found dead in May. Investigators assumed that she had committed suicide.

The soldiers family accuses her superiors of trying to cover up the case.

Earlier on June 2, a military court issued a warrant for the arrest of an air force officer who allegedly molested the NCO in her car on the way to the joint base in the western city of Seosan.

The case was about three months old by then.

The woman with the rank of sergeant had reported the incident, but her superiors had urged her to reach an agreement with the accused, according to South Korean media reports.

They had also not fully informed the Defence Ministry about the case.

On June 3, two of the soldiers former superiors were relieved of their official duties, the news agency Yonhap reported.

They were to be investigated for neglect of duty and attempted coercion.
Moon had called for a thorough investigation into the case.

Source: NAN News

Taiwan thanked both Japan and the United States for the timely offer of COVID-19 vaccines on Fridayas coronavirus cases on the island exceeded 10,000.

The Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) on Friday announced 474 new cases and 21 related deaths.

Since the pandemic began, Taiwan has confirmed a total of 10,446 cases, including 9,248 locally transmitted ones; the related death toll had reached 187.

The island of 23.6 million people with a vaccination rate lower than 3 per cent on Friday saw the arrival of 1.24 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, shipped by Japan Airlines JL 809 directly from Tokyo.

We deeply appreciate it,CECCchief, Chen Shih-chung,told a news conference, displaying a big board saying THANK YOUto Japan.

President Tsai Ing-wen said on Facebook that Taiwan was grateful for receiving the timely assistance on June 4 from Japan, a partner sharing the same values of freedom and democracy, referring to the Tiananmen massacre on June 4, 1989, in China.

Tsai on May 26 slammed China for blocking Taiwans deal with the German pharmaceutical firm BioNTech for supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

Tsaialso thanked the United States.

According to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which acts as the de facto U.S. embassy, Taiwan will be included in the first tranche of the more than 80 million COVID-19 vaccines the U.S. will share.

With the strong partnership our countries share, we know well be there for each other in times of need, Tsai tweeted.

In a speech, Tsai said Taiwan would continue to communicate with other countries in order to secure more stable supplies of vaccines. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has seized 373 vehicles with expired vehicle documents, old number plates and without drivers license in Kaduna State.

The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Hafiz Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the seizure was made during a joint operation in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.

He added that 252 vehicles were seized in Kaduna, 41 in Kafanchan and 80 in Zaria.

Mohammed stressed the need for motorists to register their vehicles and acquire new number plates.

We still have cases of motorists with unregistered vehicle papers, including tricycles and motorcycles still ply our roads and perpetrate crimes unnoticed.

If a registered vehicle is used to commit, a crime, we can easily trace the person by logging onto our ur database, using addresses of violators.

The defaulters are given ample time to acquire the new number plates, drivers license and renew their expired vehicles particulars, he said.

Muhammed said the joint operation would be sustained and thanked stakeholders involved in the exercise for their cooperation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Jessica Onyegbula

Rev. Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has urged the Federal Government to initiate dialogue with various groups to douse tension in the country.

Pam gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that while some groups have called for secession or restructuring, others called for a new constitution to reflect the wishes and aspirations of every zone in the country.

Pam, however, said that dialogue was the only way out of the present predicament the country had found itself.

He said that solutions might not be found to the various arguments and agitations by different groups unless the people came together for discussions.

Yes, government is doing a lot in terms of releasing funds and making sure security personnel are covered but it is not enough to release funds and provide names of people who occupy those offices in the security architecture.

Supervision and assessment are very important; our security agencies need to do more because the civil society and some of us are not satisfied with what is going on, he said.

Pam said that civil society seemed to lay complaints more without proffering solutions.

That is not good for our country.

I believe that once we are laying complaints, we should be able to help the government in its policy, advice and tell them what we think should be done, instead of just condemning.

We should be able to bring out some reasonable advice, he said.

According to Pam, the elites including President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Sultan of Sokoto have very big roles to play in ensuring that things do not degenerate.

We need engagement. We cannot just speak and go. Engagement with the civil society should be activated at the grassroots, possibly the six geo-political zones.

We have those representing the senatorial districts at the National Assembly and the Senate. They should be able to engage with the people and hear from them and know what to do.

From the Federal level, let there be engagement. Some of us at the peace level are already moving on engagement in the six geo-political zones.

People are heavy with so many things on their minds.

And if we do not channel the strength of the youths into good ventures and give them hope, they can use it to destroy all that we have built, he said.

Pam said he had trust in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to transform the country for the better.

He called on the government to give traditional rulers a role in the constitution as they had direct contact with the people on a daily basis. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated his Bayelsa counterpart, Sen. Douye Diri as he clocks 62 years.

The governors felicitation is conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Friday in Asaba.

He lauded Diri for his tremendous contributions through service, to the development of his state and country.

According to Okowa, since Diri came into the saddle of governance in Bayelsa, Yenagoa, the capital and other parts of the state have witnessed remarkable improvements in infrastructure and aesthetics.

He commended the governor for his determination in making a difference in the state, including assiduous work toward achieving Universal Health Coverage for Bayelsans.

I must commend you my dear brother governor for your already acknowledged accomplishments in the development of your state in the short time you have held sway.

I am aware of your efforts at ensuring that the Bayelsa Airport becomes operational to give Bayelsans the opportunity to have aviation services instead of travelling to Port-Harcourt and Owerri for such service.

Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that you are delivering universal health coverage and improving health facilities for the people of Bayelsa, and I must commend you for that.

Your selfless and impressive start as governor of Bayelsa has already distinguished you as an emerging nationalist and one to look out for in the emerging political firmament in our country.

I must also acknowledge your unwavering commitment to the course of the South-South region, especially as we contend with prevailing challenges in the region and country.

On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate a gentleman of honour and integrity, a consummate politician and budding nationalist, Senator Douye Diri, on his 62nd birth anniversary.

I am extremely proud of your great achievements in the short time you have led your state.

I urge you to continue using your God-given exalted position to render service conscientiously to your people.

On this auspicious occasion of your birth anniversary, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by divine favour and sterling attainments, Okowa added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Leonard Okachie

Mr Chuks Wabara, the Executive Chairman, Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia has urged the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) to help in the promotion of Akwete fabric through its entrepreneurship programmes.

Wabara in a statement on Friday in Umuahia by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Williams, made the appealduring a courtesy visit to the management of the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akwete people in Ukwa East LGA are well recognised in the knitting of Akwete fabric hence it was named after them.

Wabara urged the university to assist the council in its promotion by sustaining the technical knowledge in the production so that it would not go into extinction.

He suggested that the university could further assist in promoting the local fabrics by establishing a showroom in its Fine Arts Department.

Wabara, who led a delegation of his cabinet, also presented a proposal for the establishment of the Ukwa campus of the university in the council area.

The council area is endowed with tableland, water, ambient environment and humid temperature that could encourage learning.

The essence of the visit is to also extend a hand of partnership to the schools agricultural department as the council is blessed with Abia Palm plantation, he said.

The plantation, he said was capable of providing an inexhaustible supply of crude palm oil for commercial and industrial uses as well as creating jobs.

The visit is an opportunity to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maxwell Ogbulu, who is from the council area on his well-deserved appointment into the prestigious position, Wabara said.

He described it as a huge favour by Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to the people of Ukwa.

In his response, the vice-chancellor thanked the delegation and believed that the visit would create a synergy between ABSU and Ukwa land.

He also promised that the university would look at the proposals to see how the ideas couldbe translated into reality one after the other.

NAN reports that as a show of support, the vice chancellor was decorated with Akwete fabric and other gifts were presented to him. (NAN)

Source: NAN News