Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Fayose to Fayemi: My handover note ready, will address your worries

    Exactly 35 days to his leaving office, outgoing Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose on Sunday says his handover note is ready for the scrutiny of people making enquiries about his government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the governor did not cooperate with the Transition Committee set up by Incoming-Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    Fayose snubbed the request by the committee, for certain records of his tenure.

    He claimed the committeee is illegal.

    Fayose, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, urged the Governor-Elect to stop spreading falsehood about him or the finances of his administration.

    He described as mere fabrication, the claim that his government had accumulated a debt of N117 billion as against the N18 billion it inherited.

    Fayemi was “already preparing excuses for his impending failure at the tribunal”, Fayose said.

    Fayose insisted that the State Government under him has no obligation to relate with any committee not empowered by law, stating that the governor-elect should wait for the handing over note that will be handed to him on October 16.

    He said it was funny that the same Transition Committee that claimed it did not get any information from the State government estimated the state debt at N117 billion.

    He reiterated that his government only received N10 billion grant from the Excess Crude Account, which was released to all States for capital projects as well as Budget Support fund released to states by the Federal Government.

    “It is on record that Ekiti State Government was indebted to the tune of N86, 013,689,097 as at October 16, 2014 that Governor Fayose took over.

    “The debts are broken down as follows: Bank Loans; N15, 831,613,425.62, Bond; N26, 749,796,784.75, Outstanding Warrants; N15, 522,552,900.76, Outstanding to Road Contractors; N21, 286,126,749, Outstanding Remittances to FG; N709, 883,656.75, Outstanding Remittances (State Govt); N592, 995,374.89 and EKSG Public Servants Outstanding Emoluments; N5, 137,888,224.37,” he said.

    The governor counselled Fayemi to face the task of “defending the mandate that he stole and his fraudulent emergence as the APC candidate instead of treading the usual path of deceiving the public to cover up his failure”, (NAN)

     

  • 85% of Nigeria Mad people are youths – Expert

    Dr Aliyu Abubakar of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, has said that the youths account for about 85 per cent of mad people in Nigeria.

    Abubakar made the remark in a paper he presented at a sensitisation workshop for youths organised by Bizara Youth Development Association in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the paper is entitled: “Drug Abuse in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Solutions.”

    Abubakar said: “According to a recent study, 85 per cent of mad people in Nigeria are youths within the age bracket of 18-38 years.

    “The major cause of mental challenge in Nigeria has gone beyond drug-abuse as the youths now inhale lizard feces, putting their noses into pit toilets, smoking matches, smoking dried horse feces and mixing lizard feces with dye powder.

    “Drug abuse disorder is a common problem affecting about 5 per cent of the of the world population with an estimated 10.2 per cent in the USA.”

    He recalled that in Nigeria, it was recently reported that about three million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine is consumed daily in Kano State and about six million bottles consumed in the North-West.

    Abubakar added that in 2016, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency reported that about 40 per cent of Nigerian youths engaged in drug-abuse.

    The medical doctor stressed that the consequences of drug-abuse include mental disorder, liver cirrhosis, lethargy and cardiovascular disorder among others.

    Abubakar added those those abusing drugs mostly drop out of school, engage in cultism, violence, arm-robbery, thuggery, rape, lawlessness, murders and are culturally disorientated.

    In his speech, the Chairman, Bizara Youth Development Association, Malam Yahaya Nuhu advised parents to draw their children closer to monitor their movement and those they relate with.

    He advised government to introduce stiffer penalties against drug-dealers, fish them out and punish them accordingly.

    Nuhu advised the youths to be cautious of peer group influence and always ensure that they serve as worthy ambassadors of their families and communities.

    “Members of the society also have a role to play towards curbing the menace the of drug-abuse, especially by monitoring activities of the youths.

    “Additionally, community members can advise parents where necessary, and also supply vital information to relevant authorities for prompt action.”

  • India filled with cautious hope as Pakistan opens political window, says Ajay Bisaria

    ndian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria said New Delhi was filled with cautious hope as Islamabad opened political window, The Indian Expressreported.

    The statement came in the backdrop of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for better relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

    In his victory speech, Imran held out an olive branch to the Modi government by suggesting that he would take two steps if India takes one for normalisation of strained relations between the two nations.

    PM Imran offers humanitarian assistance to India’s flood-hit Kerala

    PM Imran, who is also chairman of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, also prioritised peace with India in his maiden address to the nation after assuming charge.

    In a tweet, he said Pakistan and India must engage in dialogue on issues including Kashmir conflict to move forward.

    Bisaria, addressing a ceremony in Indian city of Kolkata on Friday, said the new government in Pakistan had opened a political window and filled India with cautious hope.

    The Indian diplomat went on to say the bilateral relations received a setback after the Pathankot and Uri incident “but after the new government came in Pakistan, a new political window opened up and we are filled with cautious hope”.

    How Indian media portrayed Imran’s election victory

    “Terrorism is a deal-breaker; what is important is a bilateral conversation and that will happen when terrorism ends,” he added.

    He stressed on enhanced bilateral trade to better the ties and underscored efforts to secure release of every Indian prisoner in Pakistan and their repatriation on humanitarian grounds.

    Culled from THe Express Tribune,

    Pakistan

  • Woman docked for alleged attempt to kidnap 4-year-old child

    By Teniola Ibitola

    A 30-year-old woman, Sade Odubayo, was on Monday brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged attempt to kidnap a 4-year-old boy.

    Odubayo, whose address was not provided, is facing a charge of attempted kidnap to which she pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 1 at 5.30 p.m., at No. 4, Lower St., Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Uwadione said that the accused had attempted to kidnap the 4-year-old child of Deshino Awogundade.

    “She was caught as she was about to lead the boy out of the compound,’’ he said.

    The offence contravened Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Adedayo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Adedayo said the sureties should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    She adjourned the case until Sept. 26 for mention. (NAN)

  • Indian policewoman ‘raped’ by head constable

    A Haryana policewoman has allegedly been raped by two men, Hindustan Times reported on Sunday.

    Palwal SP Waseem Akram said a probe had been launched following the filing of a complaint on Saturday at the pertinent police station. One of the suspects happens to be a policeman too.

    Two survive rape attempts in Sargodha

    “The woman head constable has complained that she came in contact with the main accused Joginder alias Mint of Alawalpur, Palwal in 2014. She had first met him in Mahendergarh,” Akram said.

    “She stated they were in touch since then. Joginder had allegedly repeatedly raped her during her posting in Faridabad, Jind and Palwal,” he said.

    Akram said the woman also claimed Joginder introduced her to his brother in June, 2017. The man, a head constable, also raped her, she claimed.

    The woman said Joginder threatened to make her pictures public if she did not accept his sexual overtures and pay him.

    Joginder is married with two children. The complainant is also married, the SP said.

    This article originally appeared in Hindustan Times.

    Culled from The Tribune Express
    Pakistan

  • IITA wins Africa food prize

    The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan has won the distinguished Africa Food Prize for demonstrated innovations to improve “food security” in Africa.

    The pioneer in the field of “food security innovation” was announced the winner on the sidelines of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) in Kigali, Rwanda.

    According to an official statement the research institution is the first African institution to receive such distinguished award.

    The independent Africa Food Prize Committee, chaired by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has selected IITA for its deep commitment over many decades to producing a steady stream of innovations, the statement said.

    Reports show that these innovations have especially boosted the nutrition and incomes of millions of people across Africa.

    Commenting on the award, the former Nigerian president noted that IITA
    stood out for its “steadfast and inspiring commitment to a research agenda that aligns with both our African traditions, as well as the evolving needs of African farmers and consumers for the latest advances in food production.”

    “From the cassava we’re still eating today, to the valuable and nutritious soybeans we now grow in our fields, to maize varieties that can withstand drought and deadly toxins – our diets and our agriculture businesses would be much poorer today without IITA’s leadership, and its willingness to forge powerful bonds with African farmers and African communities,” he said.

    According to official estimates, overall, for Africans, the value of the crops developed by IITA and its partners now stands at US$ 17 billion and counting.

    It said that this is underscoring the research entity’s contribution to not only Africa’s agriculture, but its economy as well.

    Speaking as he received the Prize on behalf of his institution, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, IITA’s Director General, insisted on the impact of research carried out to be scaled up and made available to millions of farmers.

    “I’m extremely honoured to be receiving this prize on behalf of IITA and proud to be part of a group of researchers dedicated to building lasting and relevant solutions for the continent,” said Sanginga.

  • Tinubu solicits support for Oyetola in Osun guber election

    Tinubu solicits support for Oyetola in Osun guber election

    By Lucy Osuizigbo
    The All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday called for support for the party’s candidate in the Sept. 22 governorship election in Osun, Alhaji  Gboyega Oyetola.
    Tinubu said in Lagos that Oyetola was the best man for the job and the one to beat in the race.
    He said he was backing the renowned insurance guru and corporate player to help replicate the economic and infrastructure development witnessed in Lagos State in Osun.
    “With the impeccable credentials, competence and the sterling performance of the outgoing Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, the APC flag bearer is the best man for the job and the one to beat in the race,” he said in a statement by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman.
    Tinubu described Oyetola as a technocrat, shrewd manager and administrator, recalling how he single-handedly founded and raised his own insurance company to a place of enviable status.
    “Ogbeni Aregbesola has laid the infrastructural foundation for the state; Oyetola with his experience and expertise in the corporate world will take Osun to the next level by raising  its economic and investment profile, ” Tinubu said. (NAN)

  • Monica Lewinsky cuts Israeli interview

    (Reuters/NAN) – Monica Lewinsky cut short an Israeli interview and walked off stage after what she described on Tuesday as an “off limits” question about former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

    Lewinsky, whose affair as a White House intern with Clinton in the 1990s nearly brought down his presidency, sat for an interview with an Israeli TV anchor at a Jerusalem speaking event on Monday where the now 45-year-old anti-bullying activist delivered an address on the dangers of social media.

    She abruptly rose from her seat and strode off stage after the opening question – on whether she still expected a personal apology from Clinton.

    “I’m so sorry. I’m not going to be able to do this,” Lewinsky said before walking away.

    Clinton, asked in an NBC interview in June whether he felt he owed Lewinsky an apology, replied: “No. I have never talked to her, but I did say publicly on more than one occasion that I was sorry.”

    Tweeting about her reason for leaving the stage in Jerusalem, Lewinsky wrote: “There were clear parameters about what we would be discussing and what we would not.

    “In fact, the exact question the interviewer asked first, she had put to me when we met the day prior.

    “I said that was off limits … I left because it is more important than ever for women to stand up for themselves and not allow others to control their narrative.”(Reuters/NAN)

  • Youths riot, injure 2 policemen, destroy patrol vehicle in Jos

    Youths of Lopandet village in Du District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau have attacked and injured two Policemen attached to the ‘A’ Division of the State Police Command while on duty in the community.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in the state, DSP Terna Tyopev, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos that the incident occurred on Monday.

    Tyopev said the youths also vandalised a police patrol vehicle.

    NAN reports that gunmen had on Sunday night attacked Lopandet community, killed 11 persons and injured scores of the residents.

    “You will recall that Lopandet community of Jos South local government area was on Sunday attacked by gunmen during which 11 persons lost their lives and many others got injured.

    “As usual, we mobilised our men to the area to forestall further attacks and ensure law and order.

    “Unfortunately, the youths of the community attacked some of our men and injured Inspector James Gomos and Sgt. Muazu Adamu, of our ‘A’ Division.

    “The youths also vandalised one of our patrol vehicles, ” the police spokesman said.

    He said the injured officers were currently receiving treatment at the Police Clinic, Jos.

    He advised members of the public to see policemen as friends and partners in progress, rather than enemies. (NAN)