Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Delta community threatens legal action over oil coy’s exclusion from trust fund

    Delta community threatens legal action over oil coy’s exclusion from trust fund

     

    Abuja: An oil producing community, Aja-Omaetan in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta has threatened to sue Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) if it is excluded from the oil giant’s planned Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF).

    The community, therefore, urged the authorities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to prevail on the oil company.

    Aja-Omaetan made this known in protest letters and pre-action notices written on its behalf by their lawyer, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-Geoege, SAN, to Chevron and the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of NMDPRA and NUPRC and copies made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community is claiming that Chevron plans to excluded it from the list of beneficiaries of the planned trust fund owing to past disputes over oil spillages.

    While arguing that the NMDPRA and NUPRC, as regulators, have the duty to ensure that operators in the oil industry comply with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Aja-Omaetan community also threatened to join both agencies in the suit if they fail to prevail on Chevron.

    One of the letters reads: “Our client is one of the communities accommodating the Crude Oil and Gas Pipelines of Chevron Nigeria Limited in Dibi field, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and has been host to Chevron Nigeria Limited facilities for years without any benefits from Chevron Nigeria Limited.

    “On July 14, 2011 our client obtained a judgment from the Delta High Court in Suit No: W/105/2010 (copy herewith attached) against the Governor of Delta State, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and one other, wherein the status of Aja-Omaetan Community as an oil producing community was firmly established beyond any equivocation.

    “The Delta State Government and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) among others, have since complied with the court order/judgment by recognising and according our client all privileges and rights as an oil producing community.

    “Our client is aware that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Chevron Nigeria Limited are currently at the verge of establishing the ‘Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust’ as required under the Petroleum Industry Act No. 6, 2021.

    “However, our client’s findings show that it has been maliciously excluded from the list of qualified and entitled communities in Dibi Field in an attempt to punish her because our client took Chevron Nigeria Limited to court over crude Oil spillages.

    “Our client has written to Chevron Nigeria Limited to no avail, hence this complaint to the authority (NMDPRA).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Tinubu’s daughter, others receive Peace Achievers Awards

    Tinubu’s daughter, others receive Peace Achievers Awards

     

     

    By Joshua Olomu

    Abuja:  Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Lagos and daughter of President Bola Tinubu and other Nigerians drawn from different backgrounds, have received the 2023 Peace Achievers International Awards.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony of the 12th edition of the prestigious annual event took place on Saturday night at the Abuja Continental Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Tinubu-Ojo receive an award of Excellence in Peace and Community Developement and was also named the Best Business Person of the Year.

    Other recipients of the Excellence in Peace and Community Development award included Eze Boniface Ariekpere Ajuzie of Isiala Ngwa, Abia State, Dr Gideon Osi, and Rt Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and Dr Ubon Udoh.

    Other Nigerians who made this year’s Peace Achievers ‘roll-call’ are Dr Jim Chimezie, Hon. Dubem Oguegbu, Fatima Suleman, Asiwe Emeke, Dr Amina Mohammed, PR expert Alex Nwankwo and popular comic comedian Obinna Simon, among others.

    Awardees of the Excellence in Peace and Community include Abdurazaq Zubair, Ummusalma Rabiu, Maj-Gen Solomon Bitrus and Stephanie Onusiriuka, who was named the Sports Personality of the Year.

    Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director and chairman of the Planning Committee, who congratulated the recipients, said the award recognises individuals who have contributed immensely to nation-building, through peace-driven initiatives, education and youth empowerment.

    According to him, the 12th edition of the annual awards, with the theme “Sustainable Peace and Economic Growth in Africa”, is geared towards bringing to the fore the importance of peace in driving economic prosperity.

    He, therefore, urged the awardees to see the honour as a ‘higher calling’ towards deeper commitment to peace building in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

    “I want to congratulate all the 2023 recipients of the 12th Peace Achievers International Awards and the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

    “The Peace Achievers International Awards is a private initiative of peace Ambassador Agency to recognize individuals and organisations in Africa who have demonstrated strong commitment in serving their communities.

    “We are building a movement involving all sectors of the society that promote peace and unity in Africa.

    “There is no better time than this to honour outstanding personalities like you, so together we can build a global partnership for peace,” he said

    Amafibe explained that although there were a lot of patriotic men and women who have contributed meaningfully in the peace building project in Nigeria, it was imperative to honour the ‘outstanding’ ones.

    NAN reports that the American Management University conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Management on Tinubu-Ojo and other Nigerians at the event.

    Dr Samuel Ojong, African Representative of the University, who conducted the conferment rites, urged the recipients of the honour to be good ambassadors of the university.

    In her remark, Tinubu-Ojo expressed delight for the recognition and commended the organisers of the Peace Achievers International Awards and the American Management University for the initiative and honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Ember months: Enugu CP charges officers on implementing crime prevention strategies

    Ember months: Enugu CP charges officers on implementing crime prevention strategies

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu:  The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has charged senior police officers on implementing crime prevention strategies devised for the Ember months in the state.

    Uzuegbu gave the charge in a lecture he delivered during the Enugu State Command Security Conference held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Enugu on Saturday.

    The conference was held as part of efforts in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in Enugu State during the Ember months leading up to the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    The commissioner also ordered the supervisory officers to ensure the emplacement of adequate security before, during and after the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    “I have directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Tactical and Operational Units to ensure the strict implementation of the crime prevention strategies devised by the Command in their areas of responsibility.

    “I have further directed the officers to devise suitable contingency operational strategies to prevent and achieve a crime-free yuletide season in their respective jurisdictions,” he said.

    According to him, you (commanders and senior officers) will be held liable for any lapses in your area of security jurisdiction and specialisation.

     

    The commissioner also called on citizens of the state and visitors to continue to be security-conscious and law-abiding.

     

    “All residents and visitors in the state are enjoined to support the police in their quest to frontally tackle existing and emerging security challenges in the state,” he added.

    The conference, which had all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Tactical and Operational Units as well as the Command Management Staff in attendance, later went into closed doors. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Troops apprehend escapee of Jos Jail Break during raid in Enugu

    Troops apprehend escapee of Jos Jail Break during raid in Enugu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: Troops of Sector One of the Joint Task Force South East, code-named “Operation UDO KA II” and Department of State Security Enugu State Command have apprehended an escapee of Jos Jail Break during raid in Enugu.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

    Unuakhalu said that the escapee was apprehended during a raid operation to suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates Eastern Security Network (ESN) hideout in Ugbakwa village in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    “During the raid operations, troops apprehended one Mr Chimezie Chukwu alias Biggi an escapee of Jos Prison Break known to be a drug peddler, gunrunner and also specialised in armed robbery.

    “Items recovered from him included: six mobile phones, three mobile phones batteries, one Moniepoint POS and ATM card, two packs of substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N107,280 only.

    “The suspect and recovered items are in custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) for further investigation,” he said.

    Similarly, troops of Sector 4 deployed at Forward Operational Base in Okigwe, Imo; while on checkpoint duties, spotted an identified IPOB/ESN member on a motorcycle.

    According to the army spokesman, the identified IPOB/ESN member, when ordered by the troops to halt and alight from the motorcycle, took to his heels in order to escape arrest.

    “All efforts to stop him proved abortive, forcing the troops to open fire and neutralise the suspect.

    “Items recovered from him are two live rounds of 7.62mm Special, One ITEL Mobile phone, one small bag containing charms, the sum of N2,300 only and One Qlink motorcycle,” he said.

    Additionally, the army spokesman said that troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA II acting on credible intelligence also conducted a raid operation on suspected IPOB/ESN camps at Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He said that on arrival, the camp was already abandoned by the terrorist group.

    He said that troops, however, recovered three abandoned Sport Utility Vehicles which are two Toyota Highlander and One Mercedes Benz ML 350, which efforts are ongoing to identify the owners of the vehicles.

    “Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II, therefore, call on the law abiding and good citizens of the South-East region not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region.

     

    “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NNPC confirms minor fire at the Warri refinery

    NNPC confirms minor fire at the Warri refinery

    Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC has said the fire at the Warri refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, WRPC will not affect ongoing rehabilitation work in the place, saying it was a minor incident.

    In a statement, NNPC Limited confirmed the fire was immediately extinguished the same Friday evening.

     

    It said the fire occurred in its cooling tower, saying it was due to welding activities.

     

    MINOR FIRE OUTBREAK AT WARRI REFINERY CONTAINED

     

    This afternoon, at about 15:02hrs, there was a minor fire incident at the cooling tower of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC).

     

    The fire which occurred as a result of ongoing welding activity”.

  • Former Senate President Wabara to face PDP disciplinary committee

    Former Senate President Wabara to face PDP disciplinary committee

    Former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara will likely face a disciplinary committee to be set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State to explain some statements credited to him recently by the media.

     

    Former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara will likely face a disciplinary committee to be set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State to explain some statements credited to him recently by the media.

    This is according to the Vice Chairman and acting Publicity Secretary of Abia PDP, Abraham Amah, who said the committee will be inaugurated after the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) meeting.

     

    Amah, who made this known in Umuahia during a live programme on Flo 94.9 FM, said that Wabara, presently the acting chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), must use the occasion to apologise to the party for making statements that could bring ‘collateral damage’ to the reputation of PDP.

    This is according to the Vice Chairman and acting Publicity Secretary of Abia PDP, Abraham Amah, who said the committee will be inaugurated after the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) meeting.

    Amah, who made this known in Umuahia during a live programme on Flo 94.9 FM, said that Wabara, presently the acting chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), must use the occasion to apologise to the party for making statements that could bring ‘collateral damage’ to the reputation of PDP.

    The PDP Vice Chairman, who said that the former Senate President was at liberty to make personal statements on governance in the state and the country at large, however, said that such expression should not bring damage to the party.

     

    “In a few days’ time, the State Working Committee is meeting; in that meeting, we are setting up a disciplinary committee. He has to face the disciplinary committee,” Amah vowed.

     

    He further avowed that Wabara could only be forgiven by the party if he apologised to the disciplinary committee for his alleged unguarded utterances.

    According to him, the claim by the former Senate President that he was misquoted by the media was not acceptable to the Abia PDP until he appeared before the disciplinary committee to explain himself and offer the necessary apologies.

     

    Abia PDP recently issued a statement in which it disowned the former Senate President’s alleged endorsement of Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office.

     

    On the Abia State government’s recent directive that the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umuchieze, Umunnochi LGA, should operate as a daily market, Abraham Amah commended Governor Alex Otti for taking the step. He, however, added that the past PDP administration of Okezie Ikpeazu should also be acknowledged for bringing up the daily market template.

    He also advised Governor Alex Otti to conduct local government elections in the 17 LGAs, rather than appointing mayors for the councils, as rumoured in the media

     

  • A Heartbreaking Farewell: Palestinian Mother’s Last Hug for Her Martyred Child

    A Heartbreaking Farewell: Palestinian Mother’s Last Hug for Her Martyred Child

    In a poignant and heart-wrenching moment, a Palestinian mother bids a final farewell to her child who lost their life as a martyr. The image captures the depth of grief and love as the mother embraces her departed child, a testament to the profound sacrifices made in the ongoing conflicts.

     

    The photo serves as a stark reminder of the human toll in regions marked by conflict and underscores the resilience and strength of families in the face of unimaginable loss. It is a poignant symbol of the enduring pain experienced by countless families in regions affected by long-standing conflicts.

     

    The world watches with heavy hearts as stories of resilience, loss, and love continue to emerge from areas marked by ongoing strife, emphasizing the urgent need for lasting peace and resolution to such conflicts.

     

    Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedies and loss in these conflict-stricken areas.

  • 3-year End SARS Protest: CLO urges Gov. Soludo to implement panel report

    3-year End SARS Protest: CLO urges Gov. Soludo to implement panel report

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu:The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to implement without further delay report of Justice Veronica Umeh led Anambra State Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality and Other Related Matters.

     

    The report was submitted to former Gov. Willie Obiano a few days toward the end of his tenure on Feb. 15, 2021. The panel report was received on behalf of Obiano by then Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwudebelu.

     

    The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Saturday on the three-year anniversary of the Ending brutality of State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide.

     

    Ezekwueme reiterated CLO’s earlier appeal to Gov. Soludo to urgently constitute a Committee to articulate government White Paper on the reports and commence its implementations.

     

    It would be recalled that there were unprecedented and devastating protests across the country over the brutality of SARS across the country that led to the death of many protesters and youths on Oct. 20, 2020.

     

    The Federal Government in her wisdom directed various state governments to constitute a Judicial Panel to look into various SARS abuses, atrocities, killings, injustices and brutalities and proffer adequate compensations for the victims and prosecution of perpetrators.

     

    Ezekwueme said that then Gov. Obiano constituted a 42-member Judicial Panel, made up of men and women of impeccable character and integrity with unblemish Justice Umeh as the Chairman.

     

    “To the glory of God, the panel submitted a comprehensive and well-articulated report that if judiciously and transparently implemented will assuage the pains, agony, sufferings and predicaments of the victims and their families as well as rekindle people’s hope and confidence in government.

     

    ‘It is no longer news or new that the state received the highest number of petitions (310 petitions) throughout the country.

     

    “There were high expectations from victims, families, petitioners, Anambrarians and Nigerians on the reports of the panel.

     

    “And how the victims will be compensated and culprits prosecuted in tandem with Federal Government directive and motive behind constituting the panel as well as to forestall future occurrences,” he said.

     

    According to him, the panel recommended six hundred and ninety nine million (N699 million) to the petitioners and dismissed some due to lack of purview of terms of reference for the panel.

     

    He noted that the petitioners, their counsels and Anambrarians had been lamenting that the Anambra Judicial Panel Report merely academic exercise and efforts to douse political tension.

     

    The CLO boss also called for the payment of outstanding allowances of the Chairman and members of the panel to protect both the image, integrity of the government, the panel chairman and members.

     

    “All eyes are on Anambra as without implementations of the Judicial Panel Reports and payment of compensations to the petitioners, the committees report will be useless efforts without effect, petitioners and their counsels’ efforts will as well be fruitless efforts.

    “There is no doubt in our minds that patriotic and transparent implementations of the panel report will improve security, protection of human rights, public interest and socioeconomic justice.

     

    “This is the only way and means to ameliorate and assuage the victims, petitioners, and satisfy their legal representatives and citizens,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Expert outlines essence of interior design

    Expert outlines essence of interior design

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Tomi Olatunbode, Creative Director, Spazio Ideale, on Friday said well-designed spaces can make life more comfortable, efficient, and joyful thereby encouraging Nigerians to embrace this often under-appreciated art form.
    Olatunbode disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the ongoing 2023 edition Design Week Lagos: Made by Design Home and Hospitality Show in Lagos.
    She said many were of the opinion that interior design was an elitist affair but everyone needed to embrace it for its benefits.
    According to her, interior design was capable of brightening an individual mood with a functional space put in place, also tackling the problem of stress.
    She noted that for corporate organisations, it helps in the area of brand association and employee engagement.
    “Interior design play very important role in our life today, making our lifestyle more modern and stylish, it helps to uplift our mood.
    “Interior designers can come up with designs in spaces that would help individuals who are stressed get relieved after each day’s work.
    “This is possible because the design on any space should factor in the personalities of those who live in it as well as their requirements, objectives.
    “Interior design is for everyone, the way our spaces are designed affect who we are, how we think and our mood. Designs can change our outlook.
    “Our homes can be designed in such a way for us to gain more inspiration to achieve our goals. We can design to make an individual feel he is close to achieving his goals,” she said.
    Olatunbode advised Nigerians who were not financially bouyant to engage the services of an interior designer to seek knowledge on YouTube and other social media handles.
    Speaking on her challenges as an interior designer, she said her main challenge was gaining access to quality and affordable materials as well as artisans locally.
    She said poor power supply, and hike in diesel price, manufacturers of products used for designs face difficulties during production and the cost of those products had become expensive.
    Olatunbode, however, urged the Federal Government to take deliberate efforts in tackling the problem of epileptic power supply across the country.
    “If the product industry is supported, then materials can be much more affordable and then the masses will be able to afford the services we render.
    “For Spazio Ideale, we are an extremely creative campany, we believe that what we do is beyond imagination and we connect people to spaces through exceptional designs, so design is big for us.
    “We are people of details, we engage in experiencial designs,” she said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition will run from Oct. 19 to 22 with over 28 local and international exhibitors on ground.
    Spazio Ideale’s Designs is one of those exhibiting in Lagos and nothing short of a revelation, demonstrating the transformative power of creative design.
    By merging the past with the future, infusing African style, and embracing innovative products like the Itunu Comfort Desk, Spazio Ideale is at the forefront of shaping the future of African design. (NAN) (nannews.ng)