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Saraki, Tambuwal, Others Congratulate Atiku Over Victory …I’ll Listen, Take Advice, Atiku Assures
President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu have formally congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for emerging as the Presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the just concluded national convention of the party held in Port Harcourt.
Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu also commended the delegates to the convention and members of the organising committee, led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State,for holding a convention in which a candidate was elected in a free, fair, transparent and rancour-free atmosphere.
“Our just concluded convention was a partisan event which the country can showcase as an example that democracy has a future in Nigeria and that when we are determined we can elect our leaders without any manipulation, intimidation and violation of the law and democratic norms.
“The credit goes to the leadership of our party led by Prince Uche Secondus, the organizing committee led by Governor Okowa, the numerous delegates who came from across the country and conducted themselves in a civil, mature and democratic manner. I give kudos to them. Ekweremadu also congratulated the other aspirants and the PDP on what he described as “crucial and rancor-free”, noting that the process was more important than everything else as all the aspirants were eminently qualified to lead the nation. Reacting to the outcome of the convention, which produced the former Vice President as the winner with 1,532 votes, Ekweremadu said: “I join our teeming party faithful and supporters to congratulate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the incoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by God’s grace, on his nomination as the standard-bearer of the PDP in the 2019 presidential election.
This is a watershed and momentous occasion for the PDP and indeed the nation. “More important in the race was the transparent, free, fair, credible, and peaceful process. “I commend the party leadership and the Convention Planning Committee for giving us one of the best primary elections in Nigeria’s history.
“Our party has, by this, demonstrated the full revival of internal democracy and total rebranding for the best democratic ethos. “I commend the aspirants for the maturity, decorum, friendship, and mutual respect that characterised the jostle for the presidential ticket. I urge them and the party faithful to continue to work together for the party’s victory in the 2019 general elections. “The mission to rescue Nigeria towers above individual interest and it is one that we cannot afford to fail Nigerians”.
Also Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, one of the contestants, who lost the nomination ticket to Atiku, congratulated the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In is twitter handle, @HEDankwambo, he said: “Congratulations to Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on his emergence as the flag bearer of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party.
We are united under one Umbrella and we will work assiduously for our party’s victory in 2019.’’
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesome Wike also congratulated the four-time presidential candidate, for the winning the party’s ticket to stand for the fifth time in 2019.
Wike, in his Twitter handle, @GovWike said: Governor Wike Congratulates former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his emergence As PDP Presidential Candidate.’’
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, also tweeted @officialKola “Congratulations to His Excellency, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, the former Vice President of our great country Nigeria as you emerge as the official Presidential flag bearer of our great party @OfficialPDPNig.
Caustic critic of APC, Reno Omokri also tweeted @renoomokri “HE @atiku Abubakar is the next President of Nigeria by God’s Grace. If you believe, all I ask is just for you to comment by saying Amen!’’
At the end of the count of the votes at the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar polled 1,532 to clinch the ticket.
The Fulani-born Waziri of Adamawa, businessman and politician beat 11 other contestants to face another tribesman, incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 2019 presidential election.
His closet rival, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, scored 693 votes.
Atiku, a native of a Fulani village of Jada in Adamawa State, was earlier at the end of votes sorting declared the winner of the primary by his agents, Messrs Gbenga Daniel and Ben Murray-Bruce.
With the win, Atiku Abubakar would have to face incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of APC and Mr Donald Duke of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and some others in the February 2019 presidential election.
About 3,274 delegates were at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt and took part in the primary.
The 72-year-old Abubakar, a businessman, who served as the second elected vice-president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Abubakar worked in the Nigeria Customs Service for twenty years, rising to become the Deputy Director before he retired in April 1989 to go into politics.
He ran for the office of governor in the Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States) in 1991, and for the Presidency in 1993, placing third after MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries.
Responding,“today, we are witnessing a landmark event because the rebranding of the PDP and the return of democratic governance in this country, we are witnessing the most credible, transparent and fairest primaries.
“I am prepared to listen to you, to take your advice so that together we can be part of the success.
“I believe we have learnt our lessons and we shall continue to improve on this,” he said even as he thanked Governor Nyesom Wike and the government and people of Rivers for playing a good host to Nigerians while the convention lasted.
Atiku said the PDP “cannot afford to fail Nigerians who having seen the failure of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are now prepared to return the PDP back to power.
“It is not just enough to say APC has failed but the PDP must be able to offer solutions to the challenges affecting this nation. That is the only way to take over power from this clueless government.
“Let us not get intoxicated by power but we should build on the achievements recorded in the past few days,” he added.
On a personal note, Atiku thanked his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he said provided him the political tutelage which has provided him with the requisite knowledge to deliver on the biggest stage.
Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Senator Saraki thanked and congratulated members of the convention planning committee for coming out with what he called “the most credible primary election in the history of the nation.”
He pledged the readiness of all the contestants to work with Atiku to bring victory to the PDP.
“We are you and we are confident that come May 29, 2019, the green, white, red colours of the party will be hoisted as we take over power in our country,” he added.
Atiku told party member that it was time to find solutions to challenges facing the nation.
The 72-year-old Fulani-born business tycoon and politician said PDP had been able to articulate the problems facing Nigeria and it was time to come back to power in order to address the problems.
The party, he said, had never conducted a much better primary since the enthronement of democracy in 1999.
Atiku, who was Vice President to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 – 2007, said: “We have witnessed the most critical and transparent primary in the history of the party.’’
He said it was time for members of the party to come together to support his ticket as he could not do it alone.
The PDP candidate said that he was prepared to consult with all players in the party to ensure the success in the 2019 elections.
He appealed to co-contestants to support him in the fight to win back power from APC.
It would be recalled that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar dramatically swung back into reckoning, in the line up of Peoples Democratic Party aspirants vying for the presidential ticket of the party.
The seemingly unbelievable turn around in fortunes for the Waziri Adamawa was propelled by Northern Generals led by General Aliyu Gusau, who had invaded Port Harcourt and were heavily canvassing his candidacy.
This development, it was gathered, came on the heels of the successful prevailing of the Northern Generals on General Olusegun Obasanjo to back down from his avowed threat never to support Atiku Abubakar for the presidency.
It was also gathered that Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and TY Danjuma having gotten Obasanjo’s nod, dispatched the Aliyu Gusau led northern Generals and leaders to go and persuade the leaders and delegates of the PDP to vote for Atiku Abubakar.
The quest to have the Waziri Adamawa as the candidate of the main opposition party came against the back drop of Western countries, who are said to have given a tacit nod to back moves to compel President Buhari to vacate office, should he lose the presidential elections, next February.
The fear in political circles has been that unlike President Goodluck Jonathan, President Buhari might not be magnanimous in defeat to concede and vacate office.
Leaders of the opposition are worried that Buhari, who is popular with the militant Muslim youths, who are his die hard loyalists, could propel them to foment trouble of unimaginable proportions should he lose.
That, it was discovered, was the major reason most of the leaders backing a Rabiu Kwankwaso candidacy wanted him as a counterpoise to the perceived militancy of the hardcore Buhari supporters.
Kwankwaso, it was believed, also has a large following among the militant Muslim youths.
Gusau and his group were scouring the Rivers State capital meeting governors and leaders and asking for their backing for Atiku.
They are also met with the aspirants and pleading with them to back down and support the initiative to have what they call the best candidate to confront President Buhari at the poll.
It is understood that their meeting with Governor Nyesom Wike was fruitful and his tacit agreement was reached to soft pedal on his backing for Governor Aminu Tambuwal who has also being approached by the northern Generals and leaders to bid his time and wait.
They were said to have also promised to back his candidacy in future.
It was understood that Generals Obasanjo, IBB, Abdulsalami, Danjuma, Gusau and a host of other leaders, who control the system in Nigeria, want President Buhari out at all cost.
A Professor of Human Anatomy, with specialty in Physical and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has expressed delight over the successful delivery of the 207th Inaugural Lecture of the university, describing it as a significant milestone in his academic career.
This is even as he commended the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Owunari Georgewill for his tremendous support in achieving the feat.
Speaking in an interview following the lecture in Port Harcourt, the scholar said presenting an inaugural lecture represents one of the highest achievements in a university career, particularly after attaining the rank of professor.
“I feel good. It is a form of achievement. An inaugural lecture is one of the peaks of an academic career in the university, especially after becoming a professor. By the grace of God, I was able to achieve that and also let the world know my area of specialization and what we have been doing over the years. It makes me feel elated,” he said.
Prof Oladipo, who was elevated to the rank of professor in 2018, noted that the journey to the inaugural lecture was built on years of focused research and dedication to his field.
Tracing the motivation behind his research trajectory, he explained that his interest was sparked and rekindled as far back as 1998 during his undergraduate studies.
According to him, he observed that much of the data used in his area of medical research were sourced from foreign populations.
“I noticed as a medical student that most of the data we used were foreign data. I felt we needed local data that are ethnicity-specific. That was the genesis of the whole journey,” he explained.
He said the realization guided his academic pursuits through his master’s and PhD programmes, as he consistently worked towards generating research findings relevant to local populations.
On the reception of his inaugural lecture, the professor expressed satisfaction with the feedback from colleagues and attendees.
“I was happy because I was able to drive home my points, and people clearly understood my presentation. I also received very encouraging commendations from some colleagues,” he said.
The academic also acknowledged the support of the university’s leadership, describing the Vice Chancellor as “highly supportive” of his aspirations and professional growth, saying, “the way the university system runs, if the Vice Chancellor does not approve your inaugural lecture, you cannot present it.”
Inaugural lectures at the University of Port Harcourt provide a platform for newly appointed professors to formally present their research contributions and academic journey to the university community and the wider public.
Prof Oladipo, however, clarified that the Head of Department(HOD) of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt currently functions in acting capacity, in the person of Dr J S Hart.
The Africa Global Development For Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica), in collaboration with Stephen Igwe and Judith Igwe International Educational System, has concluded a free eye screening outreach for residents of Rivers State.
The outreach, which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, targeted more than 300 individuals with various eye conditions. Speaking at the event, the International President of ADIAfrica, Prince Dan Mbachi, said the initiative was designed to provide access to essential eye care services for underserved communities.
According to him, the first phase of the exercise commenced in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and is expected to extend to Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while the second phase will cover other parts of the state.
Mbachi described the outreach as part of the organization’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare, equity, human dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that vision challenges go beyond medical concerns, noting their impact on education, economic productivity, and family wellbeing.
“At ADIAfrica International, we recognize that vision is not merely a medical issue; it is also economic, educational, and social. A child who cannot see clearly struggles to learn. A trader with impaired vision struggles to work. When sight is compromised, opportunity is limited,” he said.
He explained that the exercise provided eye tests, medications, visual field assessments, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related accessories, stressing that the intervention was aimed at transforming lives rather than serving as a mere charitable gesture.
Mbachi further noted that the initiative aligns with ADIAfrica’s broader mission of advancing sustainable development through practical and people-centered solutions.
Also speaking at the event, a chief from Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Livingston Akaninwo, commended the organisation and its partners for supporting vulnerable members of society. The traditional ruler expressed concern that many people with eye conditions suffer silently due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
He called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support ADIAfrica’s efforts to enable the outreach to reach more communities across the state.Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Veronica Peters Olera Pere, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative and appealed for the programme to be extended to other parts of Rivers State to benefit more residents.
By: John Bibor
A three-day intensive training programme aimed at empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, life skills, and advocacy tools to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote their wellbeing has ended at Okogbe Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The programme, which held from February 26 to February 28, 2026, was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. It brought together adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years drawn from five communities in the area, including Ubeta, Okogbe, Okaki, Akinima, and Akoh.
The training was designed to reactivate and strengthen girls’ clubs across Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on ending harmful traditional practices and equipping participants with knowledge to improve their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Throughout the three days, facilitators engaged the girls in interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty education, communication skills, gender-based violence, child rights, personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and the importance of empathy and peer support. Particular attention was given to the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM, which experts described as a serious violation of the rights of women and girls.
One of the facilitators, child protection advocate, Inyingi Irimagha, specifically of the Child Protection Network(CPN), emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices that negatively affect girls, noting that culture should evolve when it threatens human dignity and health.
UNICEF Desk Officer at the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Victor Iseberetonma, also stressed that empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence remains one of the most effective strategies for eliminating FGM.
He attributed the successful organisation of the programme to the doggedness and commitment demonstrated by UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, and others in making sure that no stone was left unturned for the smooth take-off of the programme, and particularly thanked UNICEF for the great work it is doing in the State.
Other facilitators, including Mr Unah Uchenna and Miss Lucy Uzodinma shared similar sentiments, and called for total elimination of FGM in the society.
Many of the participants described the training as enlightening and transformative, saying, it exposed them to important life lessons they had never received before. One of the girls said the programme helped her understand not only the dangers of FGM but also how to support others emotionally.
“It has educated us about what is wrong, especially about FGM and other issues affecting girls.
“We learned how to talk to people, how to empathise, how to console someone, and how to make others feel relaxed and understood,” Morrow Onisokien Burebure said.
Another participant explained that the programme went beyond discussions on harmful practices to include personal development and daily living skills.
“We learned about our values and how we should live our lives,” she said. “They taught us about menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary materials properly, how to keep our bodies clean, wash our hands, and how to be friendly even with people we don’t know,” said Dowel Victory Bakewari of Community Secondary School, Akinima.
The participants also pledged to become advocates for change in their communities. One of them stated that she would share the knowledge gained during the training with others back home.
“I will tell people about the effects of FGM and how to stop it.We need to create awareness so that people will understand why it should not continue,” Ake Beauty enthused.
Another participant noted that the training gave her a better understanding of her body and the responsibilities that come with adolescence.
“It is good because we were taught what we need to know about our bodies as girls,” she said. We learned things we should do and things we should not do, and the dangers of FGM. I will tell people in my community that they should stop practising it,” Ebere Testimony Kenneth of Akala-Olu Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata said.
Some participants also expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the programme to their in communities, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. One of them simply said, “We thank the organisers for what they have done so far. They have helped us learn things that will protect our future.”
Facilitators at the programme explained that FGM remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions in some communities, which makes sustained awareness and community engagement essential. They noted that while culture plays an important role in society, harmful practices must be abandoned once they are recognised as dangerous.
According to the organisers, the programme successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to speak out against harmful practices. They emphasised that the girls trained would serve as peer educators and change agents within their communities.
The organisers furthermore reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy in efforts, strengthening girls’ clubs, and expanding grassroots awareness campaigns across Rivers State.
As the programme came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and determination. For the young participants, the training was not just an educational exercise but a call to action — one that has placed them at the forefront of effort to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in their communities.
By: Donatus Ebi
