Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • FG to fix roads to ease fuel distribution, commuting –Fashola

    • Says funding, inclement weather major challenges

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has assured Nigerians that critical roads across the country, particularly those leading to fuel depots would soon be fixed in order to enhance fuel distribution and ease the usual high traffic during the ember months.

    Fashola spoke in his office in Abuja while responding to a request by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for urgent intervention by the Ministry on some roads leading to fuel depots without which the distribution of petroleum products during the festive months could be seriously hampered.

    The Minister, who assured that arrangements were already being put in place to fix such roads and a number of those which conditions had deteriorated as a result of heavy rainfalls, listed such selected roads to include Suleja-Bida-Lapai-Lambata; Oyo–Ogbomosho-Ilorin; Jebba-Mokwa-Tegina; Benin-Sapele-Warri; Benin-Auchi-Okenne; Enugu-Onitsha; Awka-Amansea and Odukpani-Itu roads.

    On the state of the listed roads, Fashola explained that the Suleja-Lambata-Minna Road was in a fairly good condition, adding that the failed portions were slated for emergency repairs during the ember month’s programme while work is ongoing on the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Roads where the contractor handling it has already stabilized a substantial part of the road.

    The Bida–Minna Road, the Minister explained, is a Niger State Government Road and is in a fairly good condition while the Suleja –Lambata –Minna Road; is a Federal Government road under SUKUK funding.

    Disclosing that his Ministry had commenced discussions with the contractors handling the various road projects for the commencement of repair and rehabilitation works as soon as the rains subside, Fashola said approval has been given for the Engineering Corps of the Nigerian Army to repair the bad portions of the Bokani-Makera-Tegina-Birnin Gwari Road in Niger and Kaduna States, which is currently under procurement, due to the security situation in that axis.

    He further explained that funding has also been a challenge, adding that the Federal Government would endeavour to meet its financial obligations to the contractors handling the various road projects to ensure that they returned to the sites.

    He said work on the Oyo-Ogbomosho-Ilorin Road is on-going by the contractor handling the project, which, he explained, is one of the projects that received dedicated funding under SUKUK.

    According to him, although the project is being challenged by the current weather situation and funding, the old alignment of the Oyo-Ogbomosho route is receiving palliative attention.

    On the Ilorin –Jebba –Mokwa Road, which is under a dualization contract, Fashola explained that the project has been divided into two sections with Ilorin –Jebba in Kwara State as Section1: while Section II comprises Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction in Niger State, adding that it is a new project and mobilization was still being processed.

    For Okene–Lokoja Road, which is in four sections and under SUKUK funding, he explained that all the contractors handling the various sections had been directed to do palliative work on the failed portions of the road.

    He said while a Federal Government appointed contractor is currently working on the Enugu –Onitsha Road, the bad portions of the Awka –Amansea Road are being repaired by the Anambra State Government.

    For the Odukpani –Itu Road, the Minister said the contracting firm which is handling the project, has left the site as a result of the challenges of the weather situation and funding adding that the Ministry is currently intensifying efforts to address the challenges for the company to return to site as soon as possible.

  • Oyo to revoke lands without proper documents

    The Oyo State Government has called on the people of the state to ensure that they have updated land documents so as not to have their lands revoked or property demolished. (more…)

  • Venezuela urges World leaders to stop Trump’s economic blockades

    (NEWS INVESTIGATORS) The Venezuelan Government has called on World Leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to stop Trump’s illegal sanctions of Economic blockade on Venezuela, Cuba and other countries.

    Ms Lidice Altuve, Director, Coordination of Culture and Solidarity of the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Ministry made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    She spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the 6th African Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba holding in Abuja from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25.

    Altuve said that the call from the Venezuelan government to the UN was a bid to protect the sovereignty, democracy, human rights of the people of Venezuela and Cuba.

    She said that the delegation from Venezuela to the Conference was to join voices with that of Cuba in a global solidarity to stop the U.S economic blockade imposed on Cuba for over sixty years and recently on Venezuela.

    “We came in this delegation to participate in this African Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba and we are representing our government here.

    “It is a platform where twenty nine African Countries are working in solidarity with Cuba and one of the expected outcomes of the meeting is specific solidarity with Cuba from Africa.

    “This meeting is a common struggle against the economic blockade of Cuba, fundamentally in two key points including to denounce criminal blockade against Cuba.

    “And secondly is the legitimate demand of Cuba territory of Guantanamo illegally occupied by the U.S Military.

    “Venezuela is joined to this group and talking about this blockade not just on Cuba but to Venezuela which is a violation of the international rule of law and the human rights.

    “Venezuela and Cuba are under attack, we are a victim of unconventional war against our government, our political system and the UN Assembly will be the place where we defend our sovereignty, our peace, political system.

    “This economic measures against our countries is above the international rule of law and a violation of our rights.

    “Nigeria is very powerful in solidarity movement and always on the front line playing a special role in this kind of movement especially from the labour movement, that is why we appreciate Nigeria’s support.

    Altuve said that Venezuela was a peaceful country and can resolve its problems without the intrusion from countries like the U.S, adding that there was already a peaceful resolution with the government and opposition groups.

    Also speaking to NAN, Ms Anahi Arizmendi, Director, Bicentenary Front of Women in Venezuela, said that the conference was an important forum for Venezuela to show its support to Cuba because of their historical ties.

    Arizmendi said that was important for the United Nations to rule against U.S economic blockade on other countries and to tag it a criminal action against people.

    She said explained that if one county is allowed to governise the world with actions like this, it would make the world ungovernable.

    “For the Venezuelan Woman Movement, this conference is very important because we are very grateful to Cuba, with all the social support that they gave to our revolution.

    “That is why when there is a solidarity meeting with Cuba, Venezuela will be there because we have a historical relationship.

    “We have deep relations with all the countries of Africa and because women are constitutors of peace, we build peace, we do not want war in the World.

    “So when we see aggressive actions of the government of the United States not only to Venezuela but against the world, women are in the front line so we are calling for the respect of the International Law.

    “What happened now is very dangerous and when you block countries like Venezuela, that is why we also come to this meeting because we are both countries that have been criminal blocked and it has affected our nation.

    “And affect principally woman because woman is the maker of the family, so now the blockade makes it difficult to get access to food, health and we have to work together and raise our voices to the United Nations.

    “Blockade is not only violating woman rights but a humanity crime and that is why it is important for the people to know the truth of our nation and in the case of Venezuela, we are a peaceful people.

    In his remarks, Mr Jhonny Gutierrez, Coordinator, Pan-African Movement of Venezuela said that the historical relations with Cuba, Venezuela and the African Continent cannot be overemphasized.

    Gutierrez explained the relationship as the reason for the solidarity of Africa against the human crimes of the U.S against Cuba and Venezuela which has affected the people and economy of both countries.

    He commended Africa’s support for Venezuela and Cuba at such a trying time adding that the relations between the countries of the Caribbean and the African Continent would continue to wax stronger.

    NAN reports that on Oct. 19, 1960, the U.S placed an economic blockade on Cuba and on Aug. 6, President Donald Trump announced the total U.S economic blockade of Venezuela

    With the U.S economic blockade, all entities within the United States, whether individual or government are prohibited from engaging in any economic, commercial or financial transaction with Cuba and Venezuela. (NAN)

  • Ikwuano union hails Rep. Onuigbo for peaceful, fruitful politics

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo has been commended for bringing peace and direction to politics.

    The leadership of the Ikwuano Development Union (IDU), Abuja branch, gave the commendation when they visited the lawmaker in his office at the National Assembly Complex.

    Speaking during the visit, the President of the union, Comrade Damian Mgbaramuko, commended Rep. Onuigbo for for attracting the contract for the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene federal road.

    He pointed out that Onuigbo always sought the opinion of the union in whatever he was doing with a view to identifying any challenges and seeking soutions to them.

    He therefore said that  that it became imperative for the union to visit the lawmaker to congratulate him for his victory and the polls and tribunal and to thank him for all his efforts.

    In their separate speeches, patrons of the union, Mr. John Chinasa, Elder Bright Oriaku, and Chief Mark Okezie, commended Rep. Onuigbo for bringing a burst of fresh air to politics in Ikwuano with his people-oriented projects.

    They thanks him for being a different type of politician, describing him as a dogged politician who was able to break the jinx of one-term representation.

    They therefore pledged their total and unwavering support and that of Ikwuano people to him, in all of his future endeavours.

    Vice President of the union, Mazi Ken Ikeokwu Mbagwu, stated that since Rep. Onuigbo joined politics, Ikwuano has had relative peace and focus politically.

    He said that it is clear that those following in his footsteps will bring so much more to Ikwuano because Rep. Onuigbo is raising an empowered and bolder crop of Ikwuano leaders.

    He commended the honourable member for being more interested in impacting lives than personal gains, and promised him that Ikwuano people were completely behind him.

    Earlier, His Royal Highness, Eze J.I Nwagbara, the Eze Udo 1 of Lugbe, thanked Rep. Onuigbo for attracting the contract for the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene federal road.

    He advised the lawmaker to identify viable projects that he can carry out in the four clans of Ikwuano.

    Responding, Rep. Sam Onuigbo thanked God for his re-election and victory at the tribunal.

    He recalled that the primary election that gave him the ticket to contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) was a very tough one, but God heard the prayers of Ikwuano people, despite all the challenges.

  • IE University Hosts First Digital Solutions Venture Day In Africa At Zone Tech Park, Lagos

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  IE University, a leading global higher institution based in Madrid and Segovia,
    Spain held its first African Venture Day in Lagos State on Friday the 20 th of
    September.

    Themed Growth and Scalability in Business: Crafting a Winning
    Strategy, the event was put together to help further support startups dedicated
    to providing innovative digital based solutions to everyday problems faced by
    African businesses.

    The Lagos Venture Day which held at Zone Tech Park in Gbagada Lagos,
    commenced with a welcome address from the Lagos Consul General of Spain, Mr.

    Juan Antonio Moreda Otero. According to him, “IE University, Nigeria and Spain
    are three clear dots joined by three lines which are entrepreneurship, knowledge
    and commitment”. This was followed by a keynote address delivered by the MD,
    Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), Dr. Amy Jadesimi.

    An intellectual panel discussion on Business in Tech and Sustainability was
    deliberated on where Managing Director of BPL Nigeria Limited Ajibade
    Oluwabiyi also advised founders to think 10 years into the future when starting a
    business. “When looking for that first customer, it’s advisable to keep your cost
    very low,” advised Adedeji Oduntan – Co-founder of Gokada. Other members of
    the panel comprised of founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria Limited, Dr Ola Brown;
    Senior Venture Analyst at Climate and Innovation Center, Adamu Garba; and
    Associate Director of Portfolio for Acumen (West Africa) Oluwatoyin Emmanuel.

    The insightful panel was moderated by CEO, Concept to Market, Funmi Odusola.

    Onyekachi Eke, Director of IE University (West Africa) and Sabine Yazbeck Director
    of IE University; (Middle East & Africa) shared the goals of IE which encompasses
    offering a dynamic, transformational learning environment that shapes the
    people who will go on to shape the world.

    The spotlight of the event introduced startups who pitched their innovative
    solutions to the jury made up of leaders in the tech and finance industries
    including Associate Director of IE Business School; Hans Kristofer Munthe-
    kass, Founder of TrainQuarters Stephanie Obi, Social Impact and ESG
    Manager at Alithea Capital, Temilade Denton; Programme Head, Accion
    Venture Lab Ekene Agu and; the Deputy Managing Director of Afrinvest; Victor
    Ndukauba.

    The five competing startups which had been selected based on their originality,
    financial viability and positive impact on major business challenges battled for the
    star prize of an all-expense paid trip to Spain to participate in a week long IE
    startup bootcamp and the South Summit start-up conference in Spain, 5
    million Naira cash, $15,000 promotional credits courtesy Amazon Web Services
    and 50% scholarship for any IE University’s High Impact Online Program
    (HiOP) of their choice.

    Social Lender; an organization which offers lending services to low-income
    earners who cannot provide collateral emerged winner of the Venture Day after
    being pitched by Mudiaga Ogboru. Monify; a platform which provides financial
    advisory services emerged runner-up. Other competitors included InventOne
    (pitched by Oluwatobi Oguntade) which helps users and tech enthusiasts to
    create things with little or no tech expertise, E.Farms (pitched by Victory Israel)
    dedicated to funding, training and providing digital solutions to farmers and Get It
    Done (pitched by Akinwunmi Olayemi) an app that encourages users to get things
    done on time. The audience were also given the power to select a people’s choice
    startup winner via a Twitter poll with Social Lender still emerging as winner.

    Speaking on whether the ideas from the Venture Day would profit Africa, Dr Amy
    Jadesimi said, “Nigeria should be at the core of driving growth throughout Africa
    and young people are going to be at the forefront of that. The people in this room
    today are equally instrumentally changing waves in Africa to contribute to the
    economy”
    IE hosts several events annually connecting entrepreneurial communities all over
    the world. The institution has been over time dedicated to providing solutions
    and prior to the Lagos Venture Day, held an event titled African Solutions, Global
    Problems earlier in June this year. The event featured a keynote of intellects from
    various areas such as banking, law, Fintech, technology, civil service with speakers
    presenting solutions they had applied to solve global challenges.

  • Putin, Maduro hold talks in Moscow

    (flowerbudnews) Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, in Moscow amid the ongoing political crisis in the South American country.

    Maduro arrived in Moscow on September 24. Russia has been one of Maduro’s rare steadfast allies in the face of what it has described as U.S. efforts to undermine him.

    Despite Venezuela’s extreme economic and political crisis, Moscow has kept supporting Maduro with generous loans.

    Neither Putin nor Maduro spoke about any financial aid in their opening remarks. But Putin said Russia has invested so far some $4 billion in Venezuela.

    Putin told Maduro that Russia backed dialogue between the government and opposition to find a way out of Venezuela’s political crisis.

    Separately, Russian news agency Interfax reported that Russia planned to supply up to 600,000 tons of grain to Venezuela this year.

    Maduro’s visit also comes the day after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a warning to Venezuela, denouncing Maduro in his speech at the United Nations.

    Venezuela’s opposition said earlier this month that a dialogue mediated by Norway to try to resolve the crisis in Venezuela had ended, six weeks after Maduro’s government suspended its participation.

    Maduro’s representatives walked away from the table in August to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tightening of sanctions on Caracas.

    Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Brussels, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the European Union had approved sanctions on seven more Venezuelan officials over torture and other human rights abuses, as the bloc seeks to keep up pressure on Maduro.

    Ambassadors from the 28-member bloc gave their backing to the measures in a meeting on September 25, bringing to 25 the number of Venezuelan officials under EU travel bans and asset freezes.

  • Buhari congratulates Anglican Primate-elect Archbishop Ndukuba

    (flowerbudnews) President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba on his emergence as the Primate-elect of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

    Archbishop Ndukuba was elected at the Episcopal Synod of the Church of NIgeria, Anglican Communion, which held in Asaba, Delta State on Tuesday, September 24.

    In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), the President also felicitates with members of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria on the successful election of a new spiritual leader, who will by the grace of God direct the affairs of the church in the next ten years.

    “President Buhari appreciates the role of the Anglican Church in promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, stability, education and social welfare in the country.

    “With a long and distinguished vocation as a priest for 30 years, bishop for 20 years and archbishop for two years, the President counts on the Primate-elect, who is at present the Bishop of Gombe Diocese & Archbishop of Jos Province of the Anglican Communion, to continue in propagating the qualities that epitomises the ministry of Jesus Christ, who taught his followers love, compassion and humility.

    “President Buhari also commends the outgoing Primate of the Church, His Grace, the Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, for his dedication, service and leadership, recounting the invaluable support this administration has received from the Church.

    The President wishes Archbishop Ndukuba a successful tenure as he begins a new phase of ministry as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

  • Prince Harry, Meghan visit oldest mosque in South Africa

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are keeping busy on their royal trip to South Africa.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex  paid a visit to the country’s oldest mosque, the Auwal Mosque, in the Bo-Kaap section of Cape Town. It was built in 1794.

    For the visit, Meghan ditched the denim jacket she wore earlier in the day and donned a cream-coloured headscarf. Harry changed out of his casual-collar shirt to a light-grey suit with no tie.

    Earlier in the day, the couple paid a visit to Monwabisi Beach on behalf of Waves For Change, a nonprofit that promotes surfing and also provides mental health services.

    “Their Royal Highnesses were able to hear how the sessions are building trust, confidence, and belonging,” read a caption describing the meeting on the Sussex Royal Instagram page, with a gorgeous photo of Meghan smiling.

    “And they also got to join in as children took part in ‘power hand’, which teaches them how to keep calm down [and] reflect on strengths.”

    During the outing, the two royals complemented each other’s parenting skills, though little Archie was nowhere to be seen on the second day of the family’s trip (as he may have been resting up and recovering from a little jet lag).

  • UNGA: Akobundu, Bande’s remarks kick-start high-level event against Illicit funding

    UNGA: Akobundu, Bande’s remarks kick-start high-level event against Illicit funding

    Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/ Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM)Nigeria, will make the opening remarks at a high-level side event of the ongoing 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday.

     

    This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu,  Media Assistant to NC/CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.

    Also in quick succession, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of UNGA will also be making his remark while President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver the keynote statement at the event.

    The high-level side event with the theme ‘Promotion of International Cooperation to combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFF) and strengthen good practices on Asset Recovery and return to foster sustainable development’ is jointly organised by the Government of Nigeria, Norway, Ethiopia, South Africa and Zambia.
    Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) will make brief statement on the theme.

    According to Akobundu, the event among others, aims to be a platform for exchange of views on the best ways of curtailing IFFs by 2030 and sharing of national experiences and best practices on partnership that can work.

    “During the event, discussions will focus on how to identify challenges and opportunities in International cooperation in the fight to end IFFs while drawing attention to areas that are not well covered under United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

    “The high-level event will also be used to draw attention to the imperative of addressing challenges associated with capacity building for asset tracing, freezing, management and recovery governance framework,” she said.

    It will be recalled that AU/ECA, chaired by Mbeki found that Illicit commercial activities account for 65% of Africa’s IFFs while criminal activities and corruption account for 30% and 5%.
    The UNGA side event will be used to find lasting solution to the anomaly bedevilling the continent and other parts of the world.

    Nigeria and other four other nations will be collaborating with European Union Delegation, African Union Permanent Observation Mission, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Civil Society Financing for Development, Group and the African Development and Action Forum.

    The sideline event will be attended by heads state and government,ministers and UN high level officials for a robust discussion on how to combat Illicit Financial Flow and fostering sustainable development.

    Some of the participants who will also be making statements at the event include President Sahlework Zewede of Ethiopia; Dr. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, UN, Mousa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson, African Union Commission(AUC); Thabo Mbeki, former South African President and Chair, AU/ECA High-level Panel on IFF from Africa.

    Others are: Dag- Inge Ulstein, Minister of International Devlopment,Norway; Alexander Chiteme, Minister of National Development Planning, Zambia; Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa and; Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, UNCTAD.

    Similarly, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, C.E.O, AUDA-NEPAD and a former Prime Minister, Niger Republic and; Mr. Neven Mimica, European Union Commissioner for Development.

    Panelists at the event will include: Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ms Irene Ovonji- Odida, Commissioner, Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation and former member of the Mbeki Panel and: Prof. Victor Harrison, Commissioner for Economic Affairs, AUC.

    Also on the panel are: Mr. Dereje Alemayehu, Director, Global Alliance for Tax Justice; Mr. Shawan Mathews, former C.E.O,Cantor Fitzgerald and Company and Prof. Eddy Maloka, C.E.O, APRM Continental.

    Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman,Presidential Advisory Council against Corruption (Nigeria) and a delegate from EU will be the respondents.

    The event is scheduled between 6.30pm and 9.00pm at the Conference Room 3, UN Headquarters, New York.