Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Yellow fever: Gombe confirms three cases, says source traced to Yankari in Bauchi

    The Gombe State Government says it has recorded six suspected cases of yellow fever,out of which three are reactive.

    Dr Nuhu Vile, State Epidemiologist, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Gombe.

    According to Vile, the three confirmed patients were treated and discharged, and there no death has been recorded in the state.

    He said that investigation conducted by experts showed that the case originated from Yankari, in Bauchi State,  and that the state government had set up a team to address the problem.

    Bile called on the people to always report cases of fever to health facilities for quick examination and treatment.

    ”If the result is reactive for yellow fever, the treatment is free of charge in the state,” the state Epidemiologist said.

    He said that yellow fever was caused by mosquito and therefore  urged people to sanitise their environment.

    “Yellow fever is not different from malaria that we know; the  symtoms are higher fever, headache, body pain, discoloration of eye and dark urines.

    “Do not stay until you start bleeding or the eyes become yellow; we encourage the public to report such cases of fever to health facilities immediately.

    ” By doing this, we reduce the risk of spreading it to other members of the family,” he said

    Vile advised parents to ensure that they vaccinated their children from early age during the routine immunization.

    He said that once a child was immunised before he or she attained nine months, chances of getting infected would be minimal.

    NAN

  • Tech Entrepreneur, Stephanie Obi to help Africans Monetize their Knowledge with Latest Tech Platform.

    (flowerbudnews) I was tired of seeing Africans struggle with monetizing their knowledge online, so I created a solution
    that is appropriate for Africans across the continent – Stephanie Obi, Founder, TrainQuarters.

    From vlogging everyday life experiences to shopping for groceries online and even getting
    a university degree from the comfort of your living room, technology is constantly changing
    the way we work and live.

    Knowledge is bounced off from one time zone to another in
    nanoseconds, creating a level playing field for everyone who can access the internet.

    However, this ability to share knowledge and solutions online often comes with the price of
    being tech-savvy or having the resources to pay someone, which could cost so much time
    and money.

    Thanks to Nigerian techpreneur Stephanie Obi, this is about to change with a new digital platform,
    TrainQuarters which she created with the aim of solving an age-long problem faced by modern
    content providers. According to Obi, TrainQuarters which is the first of its kind in Africa, is an
    online course platform that makes it easy for Africans to create and sell online courses.

    “The beauty
    of this is, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use the platform!” she said.
    On the platform’s simplicity and ease of use, Obi added that “after working with over 200
    women to create their online courses, we noticed a trend – The Tech! The tech is very scary.

    It is overwhelming and many times people feel stuck and disappointed. Many of them
    wanted to impact lives but they gave up because of the tech.

    We saw them struggling which
    was hard to watch so we decided to help them make it easier."
    From creating, marketing and selling courses to building a website, email list, blogpost
    hosting, etc.

    while taking away the stress and extra costs of going through a time
    consuming process, the platform is said to contain everything needed to launch an online
    course. The all-in-one platform grants users access to online courses at a discounted rate –
    rather than paying for different platforms – along with the assistance of the support team to
    enlighten and guide one through the process.

    According to Obi, whilst the platform was created with different plans for those who wish
    to teach their knowledge and expertise online, it also allows users to create and own their
    own websites, grow their online community as well as offers a simplified payment method.
    “On September 19, 2019 we will officially launch TrainQuarters and do a live demo for
    guests to see the solution we have created to provide a level playing field for Africans” an
    excited Obi revealed.

    According to her, further details about the platform and also how to
    attend this free event will be on www.trainquarters.com
    You can also visit the platform to watch the tutorial video and request an invitation to see
    how you too can monetize your knowledge.

  • NIS Set to Boost National Security, Unveils 2019-2023 Border Mgt, Strategy

    By Naomi Sharang
    Abuja,:  The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday, unveiled its National Border Strategy 2019 to enhance national security.

    Comptroller-General of the Service, Mr Muhammad Babandede presented the document in Abuja with stakeholders in the sector in attendance.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

    He said that the strategy would also help in contributing to national economic development, reinforcing social harmony and ensuring migrants’ human rights and the protection of vulnerable migrants.

    “The NIS National Boarder Management Strategy (NBMS) 2019 to 2023 articulates a renewed five-year vision and institutional approach to border management in Nigeria.

    ” This is within the scope of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Babandede said.”

    Babandede explained that when the borders were safe, it would result into a safe nation.

    “So the document has addressed the issue of national security, border security and addressed border as a means of trade.

    “It will ensure transparency; it will reduce corruption, it will help to ensure that human rights are protected and we will ensure that smugglers and traffickers are not allowed to leave or enter our country.”

    House Committee Chairman on Interior, Nasir Daura said that the house committee would ensure that the NIS was given the necessary support to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

    He said the document would help to provide the requisite protection that could ensure the respect and dignity of human rights.

    ” As a committee we will make the Nigeria Immigration Service more effective by providing the necessary budgetary support to better manage the borders.”

    In her remark, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed
    said that the effective implementation of the strategy depended on dynamic institutional framework and robust political backing.

    Ahmed was represented by a staff of the project office (migration) Mr Ekom Umoren.

    She said that the surge in transnational crimes, irregular migration, trafficking and other illicit activities would be tackled in line with national development goals as contained in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG).

    A Federal Commissioner National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Basheer Mohammed was also present at the meeting.

    Mohammed who was represented by Charles Anaelo said that the document was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to entrench international best practices in border management through a coordinated approach.

    He said that effective and efficient border management contributed immensely to overall migration management.

    “We have no doubt that implementation will be all inclusive and coordinated to ensure coherence.”

    Ms Ukamaka Osigwe, IOM Nigeria National Programme Officer, said that the document was developed through an intensive NIS and inter-agency consultations which spanned from Oct. last year to March 2019.

    She said that the rationale behind the development of the strategy was to articulate a better border management in Nigeria within the scope of the duties of the lead agency for border management which is the NIS.(NAN)

  • Ondo Govt. Executed 800 Projects In Akoko, Says Commissioner

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) The Ondo State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, on Wednesday said the state government had executed over 800 projects in Akoko area of the state.

    Igbasan said this at a consultative meeting with representatives of the four local governments at Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North- East Local Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akokoland comprises of four of the six local government areas in the North Senatorial District of the state.

    They are Akoko North -East, Akoko North -West, Akoko South -East and Akoko South -West

    The commissioner said projects executed included those on road construction and rehabilitation, rehabilitation and construction of non -functional boreholes and rehabilitation and construction of public primary schools and health facilities.

    He said the meeting was in preparation for the year 2020 budget and the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

    Igbasan said the interaction session would enable government to always include people’s priority projects that would foster better relationship and improve awareness of government’s policies, programmes and achievements.

    The commissioner, while highlighting the number of projects executed in each of the four local government areas, said 224 projects were completed in Akoko North -East, 160 in Akoko North -West, 195 in Akoko South- East and 222 projects in Akoko South -West.

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bunmi Alade, had said the forum was meant to enhance transparency and accountability in the budget preparation process of the state.

    Alade stated that the rationale behind the adoption of MTEF was to achieve accurate estimation of resources available to the state within the medium term planning horizon.

    The meeting was attended by caretaker chairmen in the senatorial district, market women, non- governmental organisations, youth leaders, farmers and other stakeholders. (NAN)

  • Gov. Bello Inaugurates Technical Support Team To Prepare State Urban Policy

    (FLOWERBUDSNEWS) Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger State, on Wednesday inaugurated a 30-man technical support team for the preparation of the state urban policy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the terms of reference of the team include to review and validate the urban diagnostic report, draft state urban policy and state’s smart city strategy and support the policy preparation process.

    He said that the committee was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring effectively the process of preparation and validation of the State Urban Development Policy (SUP).

    Bello was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, the Secretary to the State Government, who is also the Chairman of the team.

    The team was also to ensure that the resources of the state, especially land for urban development was efficiently and effectively utilised.

    Bello reiterated that his administration was committed to ensuring the development of human settlements in the state in a holistic, comprehensive and integrated manner.

    He said that the committee was saddled with the responsibility of supporting the policy preparation process through the sensitisation of stakeholders and groups.

    “It will also review the progress and provide guidance with regards to the next steps for the SUP process,” he said.

    The governor, however, said that the policy, which was initiated with the aim of ensuring the development of the human settlement sector of the state, would warrant the full participation of the people.

    He charged members of the team to be diligent in the discharge of their responsibility, adding that government was committed to ensuring the success of the policy.

    Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu, the Secretary of the team said that the SUP would help develop the state, adding that there was need for a dichotomy between the government and the people for the policy to come to reality.

    Zubairu said that the city of Minna was expanding, hence the need for the adoption of the development of urban policy in the state.

    He commended the state government for funding the implementation of the policy and called on the people of the state to work with government for the success of the policy.

    Mr Emmanuel Adeleke, an expert in Urban Development from the UN Habitat said that Africa was the fastest growing continent, hence the need to have a well planned environment.

    He said that Niger State was the only state that has taken the step to adopt urban policy. (NAN)

  • FG to adopt summit recommendations on Insurgency, insecurity

    FG to adopt summit recommendations on Insurgency, insecurity

     

    Abuja, Sept.10, 2019 (NAN) The Federal Government says its ready to adopt recommendations of the summit organised to stem terrorism, Insurgency and incidence of electoral violence in the country.

    This was disclosed by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation in his keynote address at the summit.

    This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant, to the National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria.

    The summit which has the theme ”Terrorism, Insurgency and Incidence of electoral violence in Nigeria:Role of security ‘was jointly organised by African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) and the Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.

    According to Mustapha, represented by Dr. Amina Mohamed Bello-Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, the trio of terrorism, Insurgency and electoral violence have been major setbacks to economic development and governance in the country.

    The two day summit which started on Tuesday, had participants and paper presenters drawn from the security, academia, civil society organisations and various sections of the population to brainstorm on the problems and come up with workable solutions.

    “These three ill acts have turned many people to internally displaced persons, orphans and various pathetic status.

    “The Federal Government looks forward to recommendations with nationalistic view that will be proffered by this summit,” he said.

    Similarly, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chairman of the Summit and Chairperson, Council of Eminent Persons, APRM Continental reminded participants that other nations in Africa looked up to Nigeria.

    “Remember Nigeria always lead in restoring peace to other African nations and others always strive to emulate them.

    “If Nigeria fully shun electoral violence and all forms of insecurity, other sister nations are going to follow suit.

    “Africa targets to silence the gun by the year 2020, Nigeria should once again assume its leadership role towards achieving that agenda,” he said.

    In her welcome address, Hon. Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM,Nigeria called for synergy among stakeholders on security.

    “The need to eliminate violence and insecurity had become more prominent in the country’s national life.

    “AUDA-NEPAD cannot succeed in its advocacy campaign without the collaboration of the various government security agencies including the Nigerian Army.

    “It is one of the reasons why we have convened this session and assembled the well-respected resource persons.

    ” No single person has all the answers,our hope is that, by these our efforts, we will create a community of practice that can provide evidence-based and rigorously-debated ideas on how to win this war,” she said.

    Also, Sen. Abba Ali, Chairman, National Governing Council (NGC) APRM-Nigeria said ” this Summit seeks to define the roles of Security agencies in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, militancy and electoral violence.

    “Let us always be reminded of the significance and priority of peace and security in nation building, and the responsibility which is binding on both the security agencies and the civilians”.

    Delivering his Goodwill message, Lt. -Gen Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff commended the idea of convening the summit.

    “Security and development are like siamese twins, they move in the same direction.

    “We will continue to give our best by ensuring territorial integrity, as well as safety of citizens lives and properties are well secured.

    ” I commend AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria and NARC for organising this summit at this point in time”.

    The first paper of the summit was presented by Prof. Jim Unah, a Philosopher from University of Lagos, with the paper titled ‘Terrorism, Insurgency, electoral violence and extremism as security threats in Nigeria ‘.

    The second paper of the day was presented by the Director-General, Electoral Institute, represented by Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agoha, with the paper titled ‘Addressing Challenges of Electoral Violence ‘.

    The summit continues on Wednesday and a communique will be issued at the end of the day.

  • Atiku’s Evidence Shows Buhari Academically Qualified To Be President – Tribunal Rules

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) has dismissed the application of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Mr Buhari who, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeated Mr Abubakar in the February 23 election is being dragged before the tribunal where it is being alleged that the president was not academically qualified to vie for the office.

    Delivering judgement on the application Wednesday, the presiding judge of the tribunal, Justice Mohammed Garba, said the evidence of the opposition candidate and his party presented before the tribunal shows Mr Buhari is eminently qualified to seek election into the office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    More details later…

  • SDGs Progress In Danger Of Reversal — UN Report

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  A new United Nations report has advocated for  a change of approach to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), saying that the current global development model is not sustainable.

    The report titled, “The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development”, warns that the progress made in the last two decades is facing the threat of being reversed.

    It identified the risk factors to include “worsening social inequalities and potentially irreversible declines in the natural environment that sustains us”.

    To achieve human wellbeing and poverty eradication for all, the report  advocates a “fundamental and urgent change in the relationship between people and nature”.

    It also called for a “significant reduction in social and gender inequalities between and inside countries”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a summary of the document, to be launched at the forthcoming 2019 SDG Summit, was presented to UN correspondents in New York on Wednesday.

    Prepared by an independent group of scientists, the report was commissioned by UN member states to evaluate progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

    According to the report, the current economic growth model that focuses on increasing consumption of material goods is no longer a viable option at the global stage.

    “Projections indicate that the global use of materials is set to almost double between 2017 and 2060, from 89 Gigatons to 167 Gigatons, with correspondingly increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions, and other toxic effects such as those from mining and other pollution sources.

    “The present model of development has delivered prosperity to hundreds of millions.

    “But it also has led to continuing poverty and other deprivations; unprecedented levels of inequality that undermine innovation, social cohesion and sustainable economic growth.

    “It has brought the world close to tipping points with the global climate system and biodiversity loss.

    “To change course, the world must transform a number of key areas of human activities, including food, energy, consumption and production, and cities,” it added.

    On food production, the report observed that stronger social protection mechanisms are needed to ensure food security and nutrition in developing countries.

    It noted that countries must reduce the environmental impact of their food production systems, considering the entire value chain.

    “They must reduce food waste and reduce reliance animal-based protein sources.

    “Developing and developed countries both need to increase attention to malnutrition in all its forms—including the increasingly high numbers of persons who are overweight,” it suggested.

    Turning to the energy sector, the report noted that close to one billion people are without access to electricity particularly predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    According to the report, no fewer than three billion people rely on polluting solid fuels for cooking, causing an estimated 3.8 million premature deaths each year.

    “These gaps must be addressed, while at the same time increasing energy efficiency and phasing out fossil-based power generation without carbon capture and storage.

    “This way, the world economy is decarbonised, in line with the aspirations of the Paris agreement,” it added.(NAN)

  • Kano Elders Laud Presidential Election Petition Tribunal For Fairness, Affirming Buhari’s Reelection

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) Some  elders in Kano State, on Wednesday commended the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal for upholding the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    A cross section of the elders who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the tribunal was  fairness in its verdict.

    Alhaji Usman Adamu, a resident of Dorayi quarters in Gwale area of the state, told NAN that going by the tribunal’s proceedings, it was clear that the reforms carried out in the judiciary was yielding results.

    He said  that the  petition of the PDP was a mere unsubstantiated allegations of the opposition, meant to divert  attention.

    Malam Mustapha Balarabe, a trader in the state, also said that the petitioners were only following the trend of Nigerian politicians who would never  accept election results until compelled by legal verdicts.

    Balarabe commended the five-man tribunal for delivering its verdict without fear or favour.

    NAN reports that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday upheld the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari during the Feb. 23, general elections.

    The tribunal also dismissed the petition brought by the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar challenging the president’s eligibility to contest the election. (NAN)