Pastor Enoch Adeboye (L) and President Muhammadu Buhari 

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined leaders and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in celebrating the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on his 81st birthday.

In a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Thursday in Abuja, Buhari rejoiced with the religious leader, who left his academic career to fully commit to serving the Lord.

The president equally felicitated family, friends and other church leaders within and outside the country, thankful for Adeboye’s positive influence on people and institutions, with a focus on expanding the kingdom of God on earth.

While recalling the visits and prayers, especially when he was ill and recuperating, Buhari said he remained grateful for the friendliness and wise counsels of the General Overseer over many years.

The president prayed that the God would continue to bless and guide Adeboye and his family.

In a similar development, President Buhari shared the joy of the milestone with renowned journalist, Alhaji Liad Tella, who turns 75 March 3, 2023.

The president noted that over five decades, Tella had invested in journalism, rising to the top of his career as Deputy Editor of National Concord, and Editor-in-Chief of The Monitor Newspapers.

He also celebrated Tella’s contribution to knowledge as Senior Research Fellow, Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, and his commitment to Islam.

Tella was one of the founding fathers of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), and a Federal Commissioner at the National Hajj Commission, for many years.

Buhari rejoiced with the Tella family, the media community, especially the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

He wished the Asiwaju Musulumi of Iwo land longer life in good health, to further serve God, society, and humanity at large. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
===========

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has charged the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to be magnanimous in victory by running a government of inclusion.

President and Chairman of Council, NIM, Dr Christiana Atako, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that INEC had on Wednesday declared Tinubu as President-elect, following a keenly contested election on Feb. 25, and has presented the Certificate of Return to him.

According to the NIM president, running a government of inclusion will foster national unity and integration, irrespective of religious inclination, ethnocentric and cultural diversity, and political affiliation.

Atako stated that running an inclusive government meant extending a hand of fellowship to other contestants in the just concluded presidential poll, to move the nation forward on the path of progress and development.

She advised the Tinubu to see himself as a President for all, and be mindful of the fact that power comes from God, and it is given for the benefit of mankind.

Atako charged Tinubu to ensure that only credible, honest and professionals, who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour, would be appointed as members of his cabinet.

She said: “NIM notes that the affairs of the country need to be properly managed.

“The President-elect must ensure that only men and women, who have made significant and positive impact in the unity and development of the country, are appointed as members of his cabinet.

“Those to pilot the affairs of the nation, under the new dispensation, should be men and women of integrity, accountability, probity, fairness, effectiveness, efficiency and transparency, which are some of the values the institute shares and practises.

“Sen. Bola Tinubu and the incoming government are advised to partner with and constantly consult professional bodies, who are always willing to render selfless service for the good of the nation.”

Atako enjoined the entire citizenry to close ranks and join hands with the incoming administration, to move the nation forward.

She said that would serve as the fastest way to heal the nation of the rancour and bad blood, thrown up by the partisanship experienced before, during and after the election.

“I advise Nigerians to desire and pursue peace at all times, and address any perceived injustice through constitutional means.

“The people of Nigeria should be an integral part of the leadership process, contributing to the success of governance.

“They should exhibit the much desired followership qualities of humility, support for authority, commitment to the vision of the leader, respect and trust for the leadership of the country,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==================
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Olawunmi Ashafa

By Dorcas Jonah

National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has congratulated the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on his victory at Saturday’s Presidential election, calling for an all-inclusive government.

NCWS National President, Hajiya Lami Lau, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, also congratulated the Vice-President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

She urged individuals and political parties that were not satisfied with the election results not to take laws into their hands but seek redress in the court of law.

Lau said that an all-inclusive government was crucial to nation building and transformation of the country.

She also said that increased participation of female technocrats in politics would go a long way in repositioning the country for greatness.

Lau called on the president-elect to recognise the role of women in nation-building by giving them more opportunities in governance.

“If more women are given the opportunity to serve in various government positions, they will bring hope back to the masses and the society will benefit.

”There cannot be any meaningful development without an all-inclusive government of women, youths and persons with disabilities.

”More women are needed in government, as they are the most-productive part of the society,” she said.

The NCWS national president commended women and youths for coming out en masse to vote for the candidate of their choice in the just-concluded presidential and national assembly elections.

She urged them to repeat same in the March 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections, saying that they should focus more on female candidates.

Lau also stressed the need for peace as a tool for national development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Hamza Suleiman

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Maiduguri as part his one-day official visit to Borno to inaugurate a 50-Megawatts Power Plant and other viable projects executed by the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential jet landed at the Nigerian Air Force wing of the Maiduguri International Airport on Thursday at about 11:10 a.m.

Buhari was received on arrival by Gov. Babagana Zulum, members of National and State Houses of Assembly, and some top government officials.

Other dignitaries that received the president were the Theatre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj.- Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Heads of security agencies, community and religious leaders.

NAN reports that the president is expected to inaugurate the new 50-megawatts Maiduguri Gas Power plant constructed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

He will also commission the Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Sanda Kyari, Lafiya and Mogoram Roads, before proceeding to the Maiduguri Monday Market gutted by fire recently.

Buhari would be conducted round the scene by the General Manager of the market, Mustapha Loskorima.

The President will also inaugurate the Cancer Center at the University of Maiduguri and the newly constructed Tashan Bama Motor Park, consisting of 475 shops and an administrative complex. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==================
Edited by Chidi Opara/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Some Nigerian delegates at the 2nd edition of the Engineering and Healthcare Show (EHCS) holding in Lahore.

By Maureen Okon

Nigerian businessmen and women have urged the government of Pakistan to entrench the ease of doing business to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the Nigerian delegation had a meeting the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd edition of the Engineering and Healthcare Show (EHCS) holding in Lahore.

The Nigerian delegates said this at a meeting with the Special Assistant (SA) to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Mr Malik Ghulam, when he met with the  businessmen and the Nigerian community in Pakistan.

NAN also reports that, EHCS was organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan.

NAN reports that during the meeting some of the businessmen urged Pakistan to create a platform where they can make payments with a relative ease, adding that the protocol of business transaction was difficult.

Other speakers said the prices of pharmaceuticals products were high and urged the government to subsidise the rates of the pharmaceutical products.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, the Managing Director, IBM Investment and the Leader of the Nigerian delegation to EHCS event said: ”When the government addresses these challenges, the outcome of both countries’ achievements would be commendable.”

He added that the Nigerian pharmaceutical businessmen mostly dealt with pharmaceuticals products from China and India.

Musa said: ”Jf the government will see to the price reduction of the pharmaceutical products we will patronise Pakistani products.

“We have a huge take-over, our people mainly deal with Indians and China and we believe that Pakistan is known for quality products and that is why we want to shift our market from India and China to Pakistan.

“But, our basic problem is price challenges and some are saying that the government of India and China used to assist the manufactures by subsidising their prices.

“So, we need Pakistani government to do the needful to assist business people to beat the prices in order to penetrate the Nigerian market for all parties to benefit immensely.’’

Musa also sought the support of the government of Pakistan to collaborate in setting up joint pharmaceutical factories in Nigeria to boost both countries’ existing bilateral relations.

Responding, the SA to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Mr Ghalum, assured the Nigerian delegation that TDAP would look into their concerns as it was the purpose of the expo.

“The purpose of this expo and exhibition is for business people to have first-hand interactions with manufacturers and to see the quality of Pakistani products.

“As regards to payment issue, the whole point of the event is also to identify some of these challenges that our business people are facing.

“It is also aimed at finding lasting solutions to these problems to make the ease of doing business for our Nigeria partners smooth,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

======================

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Major streets in the FCT erupted into carnival-like celebrations on Wednesday as Sen. Bola Tinubu received his Certificate of Return as the president-elect from INEC’s chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Shortly after the ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, supporters of the president-elect went into a frenzy of jubilation around Garki Area 1 shopping complex.

The supporters drove in colourful motorcade hoisting the posters of Tinubu and that of Alhaji Kashim Shettima, the vice-president-elect.

They performed various car stunts on major streets while chanting “Jagaban’’.

Malam Abubakar Mohammed, one of the supporters said they were happy Tinubu won the keenly-contested election.

“Jagaban is a good man; we are happy that he won the election,’’ he said.

Mohammed, however, called on the president-elect to focus on improving the lives of the masses.

Another supporter, Malam Nura Ismail said the victory was for all Nigerians and charged the president-elect to improve on the economic and security situation in the country.

“This celebration is to thank Allah for the victory of Jagaban (Tinubu) at the polls; we urge him to improve on the economic and security situation when he is sworn in,’’ he said.

Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 8,794,726 votes to win the 2023 presidential election. He defeated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party to emerge victorious. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=========

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated the winner of the 2023 presidential election, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

Osinbajo extended his felicitations in a message he sent to the President-elect on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier on Wednesday declared the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu, winner of the Feb. 25 presidential election.

INEC has also presented the Certificates of Return to Tinubu, and his Vice President elect, Kashim Shettima.

“I warmly congratulate the flagbearer of our great party, the APC, Tinubu, on his victory at the 2023 Presidential Elections, and his declaration as President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I also congratulate Sen. Shettima on his declaration as Vice President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In your previous years of public service, you have demonstrated a consistent fidelity to progressive and welfarist ideals, and an ability to build bridges across several divides.

“These attributes are needed especially at this time, to reach out to disaffected sections of our society and to meet the aspirational expectations of our young people who have shown such a strong desire to impact our democratic process in a positive way.

“I trust that they will not allow whatever setbacks they may have experienced to truncate their strong desire to determine the future course of our national journey.

“Through thick and thin, we must all remain focused on the objective of birthing the Nigeria of our dreams.

“I pray that Almighty God will help you to fulfil the progressive mandate of our Party, as well as your various plans to improve the security, welfare and happiness of all Nigerians,” he said.

Earlier,  while presiding over the weekly Federal Executive Council, the vice president led the ministers to congratulate Tinubu, his wife,  Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the Vice President-Elect, Shettima.

He directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to formally convey the felicitations of the council.

The vice president had also attended the formal presentation of the INEC Certificates of Return to both the President-Elect and the Vice President-Elect at the National Collation Center, International Conference Centre, Abuja.(NAN)

===

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Scientist and Supervisor at Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), says Genome Editing (GEd) technology is useful to Africa.

Akinbo spoke in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

He clarified that Genome Editing (GEd) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) were not the same in principle.

Making this distinction, he said GMO could apply Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) information from another plant or animal to form a crop, while GEd had nothing to do with external applications.

Akinbo explained that in GEd, all what was needed was already inside the plant’s DNA, hence the idea was to use the inherent information to assist the plant realise its potential.

He stated that this was known as redundant DNA which GEd technology would help to activate.

The scientist, who was responding to why African countries should take GEd seriously, argued that it was an emerging technology with new innovations that help in various areas of improvements.

He listed these areas to include climate, agriculture and health among others, adding that the technology is also a means of improving livelihoods.

Akinbo said the technology of GEd was an initiative the centre advocated with focus on agricultural productivity.

According to him, numerous crops have the potentials to produce optimally but due to the limitations caused by diseases, pests and nutrient insufficiency in the soil, among others, they failed to optimally produce.

Akinbo said in such cases, crops with these shortcomings were not to be exposed to conventional breeding techniques where the parental characteristics could not be passed from one generation to another for enhancement in yields.

He added: “But when the limitation is removed through genome editing which uses advanced breeding technique, then the potential of the crop would be enhanced and productivity in regards to yield will improve.

“This is the most important thing because Africa is an agrarian  continent that relies more on agriculture and most of agricultural productivity is very low due to pest, diseases among other inhibiting factors.’’

Akinbo lamented that the standard of Africa’s agricultural productivity was low in comparison to what is required or expected in international standards of crop yield and output.

He said through GEd technology, Africa’s crop yield and agricultural output would be improved and maximised, which would automatically impact on the Gross Domestic Products(GDPs) of African economies.

He assured that with GEd, instead of cultivating massive hectares of land for less yield as what was experienced in conventional breeding, a reduced area of land would ensure tremendous yield.

The scientist further said that GEd was helpful in addressing issues relating to climate change because there would be significant afforestation that would be going on.

He said: “Africans need food to feed the teeming population, so yield may not need to be one hundred per cent farming with improvement in efficiency and productivity scale.

“So, this technology could also help to improve and support the productivity of crops, with reduced area of cultivated land and provide enough feed for animals as well as increase their meat productivity.’’

Akinbo stated that emerging technologies were numerous but genome editing was one that made use of the technology at the DNA level, which is the information carrier in the body of any living organism.

He said that this was very important as this was one of the advantages of the technology.

Akinbo added: “The truth is that science has proven that this technology will help African nations.’’(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Ireti Kingibe

By Angela Atabo

The FCT Senatorial Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Hajia Ireti Kingibe, on Monday rejected the cancellation of the Bwari Area Council election results.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had canceled the senatorial results for Abaji and Bwari due to over voting.

Kingibe, while addressing Journalists in Abuja said that there was no over voting in Bwari Area Council, therefore, the cancellation was uncalled for.

According  to her,  a mistake in the tabulation of results should not affect the victory of a candidate.

She said she was told that the person that wrote the figure made a mistake whether knowingly or unknowingly, “and the person put two plus two equals to five”.

She added that the official now referred to the mistake as over voting.

She said that the Electoral Officer (EO) said it  was an error from the person that wrote the results “whether he did it on purpose or accidentally, was not clear”.

“All the results sheets show there was no over voting in any of the polling units. So, why cancel the result of the entire area council? We have watched them.

“They have  been looking for a reason to cancel all our strongholds and suddenly, they found an error and that can’t stand.

“They said it is not their job to look at the results sheets on over voting. We have had enough.

“They said we should go to the polls, they want to impose people on us, it will not work. The way this country is going, we’ve had enough.”

Earlier, Ireti had called on her supporters to keep calm over the delay in the announcement of election results, saying “the margin is too high for manipulation”.

Ireti said the delay in the announcement of the FCT Senatorial election was as a result of violence recorded during the election. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

The U.S. Mission says effective March 1, 2023, it will increase visitor visa validity from 24 months to 60 months for Nigerians who want to enter the U.S. temporarily for business and/or tourism. 

The visa validity extension allows Nigerians to use the visa for 60 months to make short trips to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes before having to renew their visa, a statement said on Monday.

The visa application fee, currently USD160, will not increase as a result of the increased visa validity, it said. 

“Increasing visa validity is one of several initiatives taken by the United States to reduce visa appointment wait times in Nigeria.

“The U.S. Mission continues to offer No-Interview Visa Renewals to those who meet the eligibility criteria. 

“Appointments for No-Interview Visa Renewals are readily available.” 

On No-Interview Visa Renewal, it said: “You may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L, or C1/D (combined only) visa, AND you meet each of the following criteria:

 “You are physically present in Nigeria; Your previous visa was issued in Nigeria.

“Your previous visa is in the same classification as your current application. Your previous visa was a full-validity, multiple-entry visa.

“Your previous visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next 3 months from the date of application.

“You have all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.

“You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon.

“You have never worked without authorization or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States.”

 The Mission urged that further information be sought at the website :  https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ .  

 “If you are qualified based on the above criteria, visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng to start
your application.

“Please note that processing times for the program are expected to be up to two months and
you will not be able to retrieve your passport during that time.

“Each applicant must individually meet the criteria; minors can apply without an interview only if
they meet the eligibility criteria on their own.”

On Emergency Appointments, it said: “If you have a life-or-death emergency, you may request an expedited, in-person interview;

“However, to accommodate No-Interview Visa Renewals, appointments will be very limited.

“Business travel, conferences, weddings, and graduations are not considered emergencies.

“If you have an emergency and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng or +234-1-227-8955 to request an emergency appointment.”

The Mission alerted that third parties unaffiliated with U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos
might seek to take advantage of various visa services to target visa applicants with fraudulent
offers or claims.

It advised applicants to fill out their own forms and make their appointments themselves via the
official websites.

“As future opportunities for Interview Waiver appointments become available, they will be
communicated via our website.

“Remember to rely on information only from genuine sources: https://travel.state.gov,
https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/, and https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng.

“Avoid becoming the victim of a scam!,” the U.S. Mission advised. (NAN) www.nannews.ng