Flowerbud News

Month: September 2023

  • Rivers govt shuts AIT, Raypower’s operations

    Rivers govt shuts AIT, Raypower’s operations

    The Rivers State Government has shut down the operations of Africa Independent Television and Raypower FM in Port Harcourt.

     

    According to a report on the media organisation’s website, the operations were shut down by telecommunications engineers contracted by the State Government who were accompanied by armed security operatives.

     

    PUNCH also observed a live broadcast on the TV channel where the alleged contractors were seen disconnecting the wave guard from the antenna on the mast while riggers were seen dismantling the mast.

     

    The statement reads, “Meanwhile, bulldozers were also deployed by the Rivers State Government to demolish the Transmitter Complex at the DAAR Communications PLC Broadcast Centre in Port Harcourt.

    Management of the Company has been taken by surprise following the sudden turn of events as efforts were in top gear to resolve issues with the State Government amicably but the no notice incident is a heavy source of concern.

     

    “Some officials of the telecommunications contractor told AIT that they were working on a directive from above to start demolition on Sunday despite the heavy rains as against a later date.”

     

    PUNCH reported in March that the land on which the AIT/RayPower Radio station built its transmission station has been a subject of dispute between the state government and Daar Communications, Plc.

  • Breastfeeding: NAFDAC tasks journalists on reporting violation of BMS Code

    Breastfeeding: NAFDAC tasks journalists on reporting violation of BMS Code

     

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi:   The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged journalists to always report the continued violation of International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) .

    Mrs Josephine Dayilim, State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Bauchi, made the call at a one day orientation for Media practitioners and social media Influencers.

    The meeting was on promotion and biannual meeting for reporting to amplify Maternal Infant and Young child Nutrition (MIYCN) activities, organised by Alive and Thrive FHI360.

    Mrs Daliyam said the agency needed the support of journalists to monitor and report violators of national regulations by manufacturers of BMS products Code

    She said NAFDAC would prosecute and ensure that violators were jailed for a period of two years and that such companies or individuals would forfeit the offending items on conviction.

    She said the implementation of the Code was designed to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and prevent health caregivers from aggressive marketing of breast milk substitute by infant food manufacturers.

    The coordinator noted that lack of awareness of stakeholders, including the media, had also contributed to the gravity of violations currently being practiced .

    She then appealed to journalists to report such cases of violators and as well create awareness on the code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitute,

    On his Part, Mr Asimobi Chidi, state Focal Person Alive and Thrive FHI360, advised the public to desist from promotion of breast milk substitutes as food for infants less than six months and also go for local complimentary meals after six months.

    He noted that BMS posed risk of not having breast milk’s protective qualities through the high risk of contamination that could lead to life-threatening infections in young infants.

    He said the objective of the Food and Nutrition was to focus attention on the need to integrate actions to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition across the different stages

    “Window of opportunity” from preconception through pregnancy, the period of exclusive breastfeeding (0 to 6 months) and the target age for complementary feeding 6 to 24 months.”

    Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, noted that Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is not a sustainable approach in curbing the menace of malnutrition among infants and babies.

    Mohammmed, represented by Mr Dahiru Mahmood, Director, Disease Control and Immunization of the healthcare agency, said the agency would engage communities on dangers of poor nutrition on human development.

    He also urged the media to disseminate key messages using correct information to create awareness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Recall of ambassadors, bold move for diplomatic rebirth – Ex-NIDO president

    Recall of ambassadors, bold move for diplomatic rebirth – Ex-NIDO president

     

     

    By Fortune Abang

    Abuja:  Victor Ikoli, a former President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Qatar chapter has described President Bola Tinubu’s recall of Nigerian envoys globally, including Qatar, a bold move for diplomatic rebirth.

    Ikoli made this known in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday .

    Tinubu had on Saturday recalled all Nigeria’s career and non-career ambassadors.

    Ikoli, while commending development, however,

    noted that said such could pose implications for Nigeria’s diplomatic position and relations with Qatar.

    “While the decision to recall ambassadors may have its reasons and benefits, it is essential to consider the potential adverse impacts on ongoing diplomatic relations

    “The decision by President Tinubu to recall all 97 Nigerian ambassadors from embassies and high commissions across the globe, including Qatar, undoubtedly carries significant implications for Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and its relations with Qatar.

    “Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar, Yakubu Ahmed’s two years tenure in Qatar facilitated the development of strong bilateral relations and paved the way for various opportunities,” he said.

    According to him, one immediate concern is the potential disruption of these positive developments; the ambassador’s valuable experience and established relationships have been instrumental in advancing Nigeria-Qatar relations.

    “With the upcoming Qatar Expo 2023 in October, the absence of a senior diplomatic representative from Nigeria could have adverse consequences.

    “This event is not only an opportunity for economic and cultural exchange but also a moment where diplomatic representation is crucial,” he said.

    He underscored the need for urgent steps to be taken to sustain the already cordial relationship enjoyed between Nigeria and Qatar, and avoid challenges the absence of senior diplomats often posed at foreign missions.

    According to him, the recall could introduce uncertainty regarding the timeline for the appointment of a new ambassador.

    “Diplomatic transitions can be complex and time-consuming, potentially leaving Nigeria without a senior diplomat in Qatar for an extended period.

    “During this gap, Nigerian citizens and businesses may lack effective representation in Qatar, and the country’s interests could be at risk.

    “Moreover, the proactive stance of Qatar in protecting its citizens and residents through diplomatic missions is well-known.

    “Without a senior diplomat to speak for Nigerians, there might be challenges in addressing the needs and concerns of Nigerian expatriates in Qatar promptly,” he added.

    He reiterated the need for proper management of the transition process and swift appointment of new ambassador, adding that such had become important to maintain and further Nigeria’s diplomatic interests in Qatar.

    Earlier in a statement, Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, said the recall was sequel to Tinubu’s review of the state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide.

    According to him, Tinubu is determined to ensure international best practices characterised foreign and domestic service delivery to Nigerian citizens, residents and foreigners.

    Nigeria’s Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York and Geneva were exempted from the recall, due to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, to hold in September, 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng / Flowerbudnews

  • NYSC holds cultural carnival in A’Ibom to strengthen national unity

    NYSC holds cultural carnival in A’Ibom to strengthen national unity

     

    Isaiah Eka

    Nsit Atai (Akwa Ibom):  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has organised its first-ever cultural carnival in Akwa Ibom to promote national unity and its diverse cultures and traditions.

    The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, disclosed this on Saturday during the ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Vamp in Nsit Atai Local Government Area for the 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream II corps members.

    Ekwe said that the reason behind the carnival was to promote the oneness of Nigeria and bring the corps members together.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the colourful cultural carnival display by various platoons showcased multiple ethnic groups.

    The coordinator said that the NYSC carnival coincided with the host community’s festival day, adding that it would avail the corp members an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the cultures of their host communities.

    “NYSC scheme is a trailblazer in the promotion of the unity and integration of Nigeria and has been at the forefront of preserving our rich cultural heritage.

    “Hence the introduction of the cultural carnival in the orientation course.

    “Today’s event is also embellished with the Local Government Day Festival for the host communities to showcase their cultures.

    “A clear understanding of the culture and traditions of the host communities where the corps members will be posted to serve is very important in ensuring a successful year.

    “It is meant to remove prejudice, eliminate ignorance, and confirm at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups.

    “My dear corps members, I wish to inform you that though our tradition may vary from one ethnic group to another, the operational norms and cultures are similar all over the state,” Ekwe said.

    In her remarks, the Nsit Atai Local Government Council Chairman, Ms Emem Ibanga, commended NYSC for commencing the cultural carnival during the orientation course.

    Ibanga said that the introduction of the cultural carnival for corps members would continue to promote national unity and integration among Nigerians from various ethnic backgrounds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Outrage as woman whips, cuffs children for playing football into her compound

    Outrage as woman whips, cuffs children for playing football into her compound

    An outrage erupted on social media following a video that showed a woman beating and cuffing three boys for playing a football into her compound.

     

    In a video of the incident shared on X, formerly Twitter, the yet-to-be identified woman is seen whipping the underage boys and threatening to have them arrested.

    Do you want me to have you arrested? Lie down and take your hand off,’ she ordered as one of the boys pleaded for mercy.

    She then proceeded to have them sit in a puddle before being led away handcuffed.

     

    According to an X user, John Donaldson, the incident happened in Sango Ota in Ogun State

     

    These kids were said to be playing football and it inadvertently got kicked into this landlady’s compound at God Salvation Estate, behind Conoil, Sango-Ota. This woman was said to have accosted them, handcuffed them, beat them and forced them to sit in a pool of dirty water.”

     

    Reacting, @Ukusedboy wrote, “Omo it will never be well with this woman are children and those who recorded this act… Haba

    Flogging them with no remorse cos of football ⚽…”

     

    @Gbenga4Glory: This is wickedness and I hope @PoliceNG will prosecute the Landlady 😭

     

    @i_am_agbeke: Na wa o! She no born? Which kin wickedness be this?😢

    @jagabanolu: Tomorrow we shall say the government is wicked… she shud be arrested they are just children for crying out loud.

    It is, however, gathered that the woman has been arrested by the Ogun State police command.

    It is, however, gathered that the woman has been arrested by the Ogun State police command.

  • 6 die in Osun road accident

    6 die in Osun road accident

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Osun Command, said six persons lost their lives in an accident that occurred on Imesi- Ile highway.

     

    The Sector Commander, Mr Henry Benamesia, said this in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi, on Sunday in Osogbo.

     

    Benamesia said two vehilces had head on collision on Saturday at about 9: 44 p.m. due to brake failure of one of them, resulting to the death of six persons .

     

    He said that an articulated vehicle ( Red Daf ) without number plate, collided with another blue commercial truck on Imesi -Ile hill with casualties due to speeding .

     

    ” We have five dead victims taken to University Teaching Hospital in Osun (UNIOSUN) by the Nigeria Police before the arrival of FRSC team .

     

    ” The last dead victim was trapped under the truck and we were able to use extricate machine to remove the trapped body from one of the vehicles, ” Benamesia said.

  • Fuel subsidy removal: Borno Rep member contracts 15 filling stations to sell petrol at N430/litre

    Fuel subsidy removal: Borno Rep member contracts 15 filling stations to sell petrol at N430/litre

    Apparently perturbed by the increasing economic hardship associated with removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government and its attendant high prices of commodities, member representing Jere federal constituency in Borno state, Hon Ahmed Satomi has contracted 15 filling stations in Jere local government and Maiduguri metropolis to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a.k.a Petrol at the cost of N430 only per litre as his personal palliatives.

    Recall that the current official price of petrol is sold between N630 to N637 per litre which have caused motorists and passengers huge economic burden for survival.

    Addressing Journalists at the week end, the federal lawmaker who is also the Chairman House Committee on National Security and Intelligence at the national assembly, Hon Satomi said, the gesture which kick -started last Saturday 2nd September 2023 is a continuous process, as 100,000 litres were dispensed over the week end for motorists and residents irrespective of political affiliation.

     

    On why he chose and directed his committee and the contracted filling stations such as G-Nile, some NNPC mega stations, Total, Bamus Oil among others to sale the product during the week end, the lawmaker said, this will quarantee not only motorists, but even civil servants have the opportunity in joining the queue to access the product at ease.

     

    He however called on well-to-do individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture so as to impact positively on the living condition of all Nigerians, as according to Satomi, palliatives should not be carried out by government alone.

     

    “Out of my little way to cushion the economic hardship, we have initiated palliatives for selling of petrol/PMS at subsized rate for our people which have started in phases.

     

    “My committee led by Member Borno state House of Assembly, representing Jere Local Government, Hon. Abba Kolo Kyari has monitored the flagging off the exercise of 37,500 litres of petroleum products at the price of four hundred and thirty naira (N430) per litre against the government price of six hundred and thirty seven (637) to motorists and tricycles within the metropolis.

     

    “Today, the committee will monitor the second phase of about 62,500 litres to be dispensed in some selected outlets and central filling stations such as Bamus oil-custom road, NNPC filling station-Damboa road, G- Nile filling station-Bulunkutu road and Mufimai Innami-Muna road respectively.

     

    “This gesture will continue until we reach our target of 100,000 litres at subsidized rate for our people.

    Likewise, i want to call on well-to-do individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture so as to impact positively on the living condition of all Nigerians, because palliatives should not be carried out by government alone.” Satomi stated.

    He therefore urged motorists and interested members of the public to be law abiding and conduct themselves peacefully while accessing the products at the filling stations, as more of such palliatives would be provided.

  • Palliatives: Fubara Confirms receipt of N2bn, 16,800 Bags of Rice  

    Palliatives: Fubara Confirms receipt of N2bn, 16,800 Bags of Rice  

    Port Harcourt:  Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has confirmed the receipt N2billion and 16,800 bags of rice as part of the palliatives for the poorest of the poor to deal with the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
    The governor made this known at the inauguration of the state’s Palliatives Sharing Committee in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
    He said that the N2billion came from the Federal Government while the rice was put together and shared among states by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).

    “The country is at a cross-road because of  the removal of subsidy which has brought much hardship in the lives and businesses of virtually everyone.

    “For that reason, states, the federal government and other well meaning individuals are providing succour under the circumstance.
    “In that order, the NGF in their bid to alleviate the situation, decided to distribute to each state, about 16,800 bags of rice. We are also in receipt of N2Billion, which is part of the relief measure.
    “It is not just about sharing money, but applying it to something that will touch the lives of those that are in dire need, those going through much pressure at this particular moment.
    “We will come up with a decision very soon, and we will  give your (Committee) directive on what to do when the time comes,” he said.
    On modalities for fair sharing of the rice, Fubara said, “the rice is not about party, it is about the state.
    “We thought it wise and  proper to bring in all the Local Government (LG) chairmen, since you represent your respective areas. You are not the LG chairman of the PDP, but the LG Chairman of your entire LGA.
    “I won’t tell you what to do, but I think it should be a communal formula. My major charge to you is to ensure that in the course of discharging this duty, don’t tag it party.
    “Though it may not solve the entire problem, but it will touch those who really need this support.”
    He also said that Ambassador Desmond Akawor, the Chairman, Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee.
    “It is not because he is PDP Chairman, but because he is quite knowledgeable in handling these kinds of assignments and he does them very well. I have also taken the time to bring members of the EXCO in on this team.

    “This is a call to service. Take it as a very serious assignment, as whatever you are doing will definitely rub off on us as a government,” he said.

    In his response, Akawor said that it was obvious that “we are going through excruciating pains at this point in time in the history of this country”.
    “For us to have been given this assignment, we consider it very solemn.

    “For our state , we have already been doing this through various channels to alleviate the sufferings of our people. We give you one assurance; we will not disappoint you,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Peace Federation trains FCT teachers on peace, character moulding of schools’ children

    Peace Federation trains FCT teachers on peace, character moulding of schools’ children

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja:  A Non-Governmental Organisation, Universal Peace Federation (UPF), has trained primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on peace and character moulding of schools’ children.

    Its Sub-Regional Director, West Africa, Rev. George Ogurie, stated this at the closing ceremony of Teachers Training Workshop on Peace and Character in Abuja.

    Ogurie explained that 20 teachers from 20 pilot basic schools were trained on UPF’s peace and character education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Board.

    According to him, the goal is to save pupils and students from moral decadence.

    He said that UPF, a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to building a world of peace, trained the teachers to implement peace and character education in schools.

    He said that the measure became necessary following deterioration in moral, social, and educational values in the country, especially among youths.

    He added that the teachers were expected to step down the training to their colleagues and school management.

    “They will educate school children on peace and sound character development towards good behaviour for lasting peace,” he said.

    One of the dignitaries at the event, Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd), commended UPF for the initiative, describing it as “critical” to building a morally sound society.

    According to him, the entire country will be transformed positively through the initiative and put the country on the right track towards sustainable development.

    “I am confident that the problem of insecurity will soon be over since we have started to get it right from the cradle.

    “Character is the bottom line of everything; the character of people, especially the younger ones, as they come up needs to be groomed.”

    Mrs Chibi Habila, one of the trained teachers from public Primary School Dafara, Kuje, said that the training was very impactful.

    Habila noted that children no longer respect their elders among other negative attitudes.

    “We have achieved so many things that we are going to take to the children in our various schools.

    “This will help significantly in reshaping their character in line with acceptable norms in our society towards building a better and peaceful country,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

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