Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Excitement As President Tinubu Launches Renewed Hope Cash Transfer for 15 Million Households.*

    Excitement As President Tinubu Launches Renewed Hope Cash Transfer for 15 Million Households.*

     

    …. More Aggressive Poverty Alleviation Long-term Interventions On the Way – Betta Edu.

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Abuja: In commemoration of the 2023 International Day for Eradication of Poverty, President Bola Tinubu has put action to words by launching the disbursement of 25,000 Naira to 15 million households for three months.

    It is a Social Safety Net intervention to mitigate the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal and as a proven means of eradicating poverty globally.

    His determination to eradicate poverty in Nigeria is in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, which has Poverty Eradication, Food security, Economic growth, and Job creation as priorities.

    The launch was performed on behalf of the President by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume at the State House Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking during the launch of the program, the President enumerated various steps his administration has taken to ameliorate poverty in the country.

    These, according to the president, include providing the policy framework and road map for an aggressive poverty alleviation drive in Nigeria, developing the Renewed Hope Agenda for humanitarian response and poverty alleviation, and expanding the National Social Register to capture Nigerians living below one dollar ninety-five cents per day.

    Other steps, the President announced, are restructuring the National Social Investment Programme and repositioning it for quick and efficient delivery that is transparent and accountable as well as partnering with the World Bank Group and other development partners to implement Conditional Cash Transfers, business grants, and other forms of support for the most vulnerable households in the country.

    2) Investment of 100 Billion to purchase 3000 units of 20-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses for cheaper transportation.

    3) Investment of N200 Billion to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland to improve food security.

    4) The release of 2000 metric tons of grains from the strategic grain reserves to households across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

    5) The distribution of 225,000 metric tons of fertilizer and seedlings to farmers committed to the nation’s food security.

    6) The release of 75 billion to support 100,000 SMEs and start-ups

    7) Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for the Poor, Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons targeted at one million households.

    8) Renewed Hope Business Grants & Loans for Vulnerable Market women, farmers, and traders to expand their business (GEEP) targeted at 2 million beneficiaries. among other interventions from various ministries through a multi-sectoral approach.

    While noting the theme of the commemoration of the 2023 edition of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with the theme “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in Practice for All”; President Tinubu said it was no doubt in perfect alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his government.

    He added: “My government will lead from the front in seeking to ensure that all Nigerians have decent opportunities for dignified work and sustained social protection.”

    In her opening remarks, The Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, said there is a call to action for all stakeholders including the private sector development partners and other nations to support Nigeria in its aggressive drive to eliminate poverty.

    “The cardinal goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to give the poor and vulnerable Nigerians a new breath of hope which is also in line with the SDG target.”

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not relent until vulnerable Nigerians are completely pulled out of poverty by 2030”.

    According to Dr. Edu, Conditional Cash Transfers is a proven way to alleviate poverty as they give household the financial support to start micro and small enterprises, provide basic health care, and food, keep their children in school, and attend to the immediate needs of the households.

    “Mr. President during the October 1st National Broadcast announced this intervention, we have gone through a thorough rigorous process of verification for the National Social Register, giving us the Lead way to begin payments. The beneficiaries are drawn from across all states in the country plus FCT and are been done in a transparent manner that is traceable and verifiable.”

    “Beyond this, the government will be providing low-cost shelter for the poor and internally displaced persons as a form of providing that cover for them. Several other interventions, including the rural vocational skills Intervention, will be carried out at a country-wide scale. All of these are targeted at the various dimensions of poverty in the country.

    The Minister assured that many more impact-driven poverty alleviation programs are set to be deployed for the betterment of the living conditions of Nigerians.

    She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for adding Poverty Alleviation as a key thematic area of her Ministry, describing it as a first of its kind in the country.

    On his part, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, said a biometric auditing system has been introduced to ensure efficiency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds to all beneficiaries across the country.

    Doing this according to the Minister, will ensure that those who are the target beneficiaries of the funds are the true recipients. He stated that the economy will be positively affected by the conditional cash transfer. The Ministry of Finance has a coordinating role for this intervention for the economy.

    The Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, said the bank will continue to support what he described as a ‘laudable program’.

    Chaudhuri commended the political will of Nigeria’s President in removing the fuel subsidy, saying the pain will be for a short time after which Nigerians will begin to benefit from the thought-good policy.

    He assured that the World Bank will continue to Partner with the Federal Government to provide succor to the Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable citizens.

    Some of the beneficiaries who received instant fund transfers into their wallet at the venue of the launch, include the visibly poor Lanai Sulaiman, Shuaibu Hassana, Sarki Bala Gamu, Okoro Jonah, and Hamed Kosemani Isiaka. They all confirmed the receipt of the funds and commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

    Others who attended the program were the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator For Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, Senate and House Representatives Committee Chairmen on Poverty Alleviation, Permanent Secretary State House, Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunsho, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, Directors, Programme Coordinators and Managers and other top government functionaries.

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR), Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Father defiles 4-year-old daughter in Abuja – Investigator

    Father defiles 4-year-old daughter in Abuja – Investigator

    By Joy Kaka

    Abuja:  Mrs Modupe Maduba, an Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer, told an FCT High Court in Kubwa, that a 35-year-old man, Onyebuchi Ezema, defiled his four-year-old daughter.

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), charged Ezema, who resides in Zone 9, Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja, with assault to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Maduba of the NAPTIP said this while being cross examined by the defence counsel, Opeyemi Adeyemi at the resumed trial of Onyebuchi Ezema.

    During cross-examination, Adeyemi asked Maduba the time, date and place the defendant committed the said offence.

    He further asked if Maduba knew where the defendant’s wife kept the victim the day it happened and if it was possible an unknown person penetrated her vagina.

    The defence counsel also asked the investigator to describe where the defendant lived and if there was electricity on the day of the incident.

    In response, Maduba said the incident happened on April, 15, 2020 at Lugbe Zone 6, at night.

    “The defendant lives in a one bedroom self contained apartment with his son whom he sleeps with in same room alongside his wife and daughter (the victim).

    “The defendant’s wife left her child with her cousin who lives in the same village, while she went to work on the said date,” she said.

    The investigator added that she did not know if there was electricity on the day of the incident.

    Adeyemi asked if the investigator discovered any blood stain on the minor in the course of her investigation and if a finger print examination was carried out on the child to confirm if it was the defendant’s finger.

    The defence counsel asked the investigator to read out the medical report in court, if it stated that the defendant broke the victim’s hymen.

    Maduba responded that she did not see any blood stain on the victim, no finger print examination was carried out and the medical report did not state whom broke the victim’s hymen.

    Adeyemi, however, applied for a no-case submission to the court.

    Following the defence counsel’s submission, Justice Asmau Akanbi-Yusuf adjourned the matter until Dec.13 for adoption of the no-case submission. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • JUST IN; Tinubu okays staggered start of six varsities approved by Buhari

    JUST IN; Tinubu okays staggered start of six varsities approved by Buhari

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, approved the staggered takeoff of six out of 14 public universities established in the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

     

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who revealed this to State House Correspondents, said the choice of the universities — two colleges of agriculture, education and medicine each—was strategic to the skills-empowerment goals of the Tinubu-led administration.

     

    The Buhari administration approved the establishment of no fewer than 75 universities, encompassing federal, state and private institutions within seven years.

     

    However, Mamman said the Federal Government lacked the funds and qualified staffing to kick start all institutions at once as they are capital intensive.

    He added that the Tinubu administration will be “conservative” in doling out approvals for the establishment of new universities.

     

    “And then there are quite a number of universities and institutions which were approved in the last days of the last administration, which because of issues of funding, and even staff it may not be prudent to get these institutions to take off altogether at once.

     

    “So Mr. President has directed we stagger their commencement, their takeoff so that the government can properly support them,” the Former Baze University Vice Chancellor said, after he briefed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.

  • Police Detain Inspector For Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots

    Police Detain Inspector For Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots

    The Lagos State Police Command says it has identified the person in a viral video shown shooting an AK47 rifle at the Ladipo Market as Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving in a Lagos squadron of the Mobile Police (MOPOL).

    Inspector Kwanchi was seen in viral videos celebrating the reopening of the popular Ladipo Market in Lagos State with AK-47 shots to which the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, ordered an immediate probe.

     

    The spokesperson of the Lagos Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday. confirmed the inspector’s arrest in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

     

    The police officer in this video, Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving with the Mobile Police (MOPOL), has been brought in for appropriate disciplinary actions. @LagosPoliceNG condemns in its entirety all forms of unprofessional and unethical behaviour on the part of its… pic.twitter.com/IiXrXoaNVN

     

    — SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) October 18, 2023

    He said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against the officer for his unprofessional, unethical and dangerous behaviour.

    The police assured members of the public that the Command will not tolerate any form of deviant behaviour from its officers and men, while those found culpable will be dealt with by laid down rules.

    The police had on Tuesday vowed to probe the viral video, with the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, saying “We will identify the man with AK47 and do the needful. Thanks.”

  • 20-year-old UNILORIN student commits suicide after lending ‘online lover’ N500,000 — Management

    20-year-old UNILORIN student commits suicide after lending ‘online lover’ N500,000 — Management

    A 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, Sanni Hameedat, reportedly committed suicide after lending a boy she met on the social media platform, Snapchat, the sum of N500,000.

     

    According to Rubiks, the private hostel management she resided in before her demise, in a statement obtained  on Wednesday, Hameedat was undergoing her SIWES programme before the incident happened.

     

    The management asserted that the cause of her death was not unrelated to the pressure from the app agents, who were demanding fast repayment, coupled with her brother’s inability to assist her financially, which led to depression.

     

    “The cause of suicide was traced to financial misappropriation. She was entrusted with a significant sum of money by her mother. She crossed paths with a guy on Snapchat and developed a friendship.

    When the boy claimed that his mother was battling breast cancer and urgently needed N500,000, the compassionate and emotional lady decided to help him by lending him half of the N1 million she held for her mother. And the boy promised to repay the borrowed money.

     

    “However, when her mother needed the money back, the boy abruptly cut off all contact, blocking her. This left her deeply troubled and in order for her to make up the missing N500,000, she resorted to borrowing money from various apps.”

     

    Hameedat, therefore, managed to gather N450,000 from the loan apps, adding her savings of N50,000 to make up the borrowed N500,000.

     

    The management further maintained that she was reported to have ingested a bottle of pesticide popularly known as Sniper the previous night, and her roommate (name withheld), who had retired to bed early, woke up in the middle of the night to discover her in distress while she was foaming from her mouth and also vomiting.

     

    “Alarmed, the roommate sought help, and she was rushed to UITH before being declared dead,” the statement concluded.

     

    Meanwhile, both the Dean, Student Affairs Unit, Prof M.T. Yakubu, and the Head, Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun of the institution, could not comment on the issue in terse messages sent to them as they both claimed to be partaking in the 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony which kickstarted on Monday, October 16, 2023.

     

    But when our correspondent contacted the Student Union President, Ologundudu Adesunkanmi, popularly called Royal Prince, he confirmed the incident, corroborating the narration of the hostel management.

     

    He said, “The Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs are very much aware of the issue, and they have reported to the appropriate authority to begin a full-length investigation into the matter. It is sad that the university community lost her in such a devastating manner.”

     

    Details later…

  • FG to deploy orientation officers in 774 LGAs — Information minister

    FG to deploy orientation officers in 774 LGAs — Information minister

    Says no plans to muffle Nigerians on social media

     

    The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government is on the verge of deploying officers of the National Orientation Agency across 774 local government areas nationwide.

     

    Idris, who lamented that most of the information outposts in the country are unmanned, said the move is necessary to restore consciousness of nationhood, which, he said, is waning.

     

    “The national orientation agency has offices in the 774 LGAs…not all the people that will man these local government offices are there, but we are rebuilding that. We are going to put officers of the NOA around all the 774 LGAs,” Idris told State House Correspondents shortly after he briefed President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    Idris observed that “the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in this country. We’re trying to rebuild that, to reconstruct that.”

     

    “Mr. President has given me a marching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again. We’re coming up with a national discourse on orientation or reorientation. So that Nigerians can believe in their country.

     

    “People don’t even believe in leaders that they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to government offices, you don’t even see the symbol of our collective existence, flying even in public buildings.

    We’re bringing back this concept of discipline that Nigerians should have. Patriotism. Belief in the nationhood that our founding fathers have given us. National orientation is going to be at the center of it,” the minister explained.

     

    He said the FG will not deny Nigerians their freedom of expression despite the proliferation of fake news on social media.

     

    However, the FG is “looking at suggestions by the Nigerian Press Council to set up a registration scheme for journalists but is wary of concerns about “gagging the media,” Idris noted.

     

    While lamenting the use of unpatriotic language by Nigerians online, he argued that freedom of speech comes with great responsibility.

     

    “That is a very delicate line to toe. While the government, Mr. President and all of us in that sector are committed to ensuring press freedom. That freedom comes with responsibility…there is no attempt by the government to gag the press,” Idris told journalists.

     

    Addressing the plans by the Nigerian Press Council to register journalists as a way to sanitize the profession, the Minister said, “Well, that is being looked at; you know that Mr. President believes in press freedom. He believes in the freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form.

     

    “He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press that has been free is even freer. But this freedom also comes with enormous responsibility.

    You can’t just say what is not right because you’re enjoying press freedom. There will be freedom, responsible freedom.”

     

    On welfare for members of the Nigerian press in Nigeria, Idris said, “It is in the works. I have discussed that with Mr. President. He wants to see me come up with a roadmap for that.

     

    “We are going to work on that and you will get definite answers in due course. I want this to be underscored: There is no attempt by the government to gag the press. We’re going to do whatever it takes that is responsible and accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.”

     

    Idris assumed office on August 21, 2023. A day earlier, he concluded his maiden visit to the Nigerian Press Council where he said Nigerian journalists will “breathe and flourish” under the new administration.

  • Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    By Taiye Agbaje

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, discharged a journalist, Rotimi Jolayemi, also known as Oba Akewi, of allegations bordering on insulting former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, discharged Jolayemi after the case was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.
    The matter, which was listed for plea on today’s cause list, could not proceed due to the absence of the prosecution counsel, Joseph Offor, prompting the defendant’s lawyer, Soji Toki, to apply that the matter be struck out.
    Toki reminded the court that since Offor was in court on March 30 after the matter was reassigned to the judge, the prosecution had not been coming to court.
    The judge granted Toki’s application for being non-contested and struck out the charge.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter was initially assigned to Justice Anwuli Chikere in 2020 before her retirement.
    Justice Chikere had ordered Jolayemi’s remand after he was arraigned for alleged spreading of an audio file said to have caused annoyance, ill-will, hatred, and insults towards the minister.
    The judge ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headquarters, in Abuja, pending the hearing of his bail application.
    He was later granted bail before the matter was reassigned to Justice Nwite.
    While the Inspector-General of Police was the complainant, Jolayemi was the sole defendant in a one-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/105/2020.
    The prosecution was in court on March 30 when the matter came up before Nwite.
    However, he was not in court on June 15 and the case was adjourned until today (Oct. 18).
    Jolayemi, who anchors a Yoruba radio programme, “Bi aye se ri” on Osun State Broadcasting Service and Radio Kwara, was on May 5, 2020, arrested by the police for reciting a poem which was critical of the minister.
    Jolayemi, the Vice-Chairman, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, was subsequently brought to Abuja where he had been standing his trial.
    NAN
  • I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Alhaji Jalal Arabi, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has promised to reposition the commission to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    Arabi made the promise while addressing the management and staff of the commission when he assumed office at the Nigerian Hajj House, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said, ” The time has come for us to turn a new page. The Renew Hope Agenda is genuine. I don’t need to labour it. It’s genuine.

    ” You all know and I believe all of you can attest that when President Bola Tinubu was going around with some of us it was a privilege to go round with him and with those that spoke on our behalf.

    ” There was a pledge and indeed a promise at that stage that things will be better and of course in nature certainly there has to be change.

    ” And change must address things that have gone bad but of course that you want to reposition and you move forward and I believe I need your cooperation in that regard.”

    Arabi, who solicited the cooperation of the staff and management of the commission, advised those who are not ready to make sacrifices towards the success of the commission to take their leave.

    He added, ” But a constitutional provision has come in here, there is a freedom of choice. If you feel that the style is too taught for you or you can’t handle it by all means you will be at liberty.

    ” We will help you to even open the door because we have our system and we can slow down on that.

    Arabi, who said trust, sacrifice would be his cardinal principles, noted that conducting the affairs of hajj was a trust.

    He said, ” If we can all reflect to imagine one of the fundamentals of our religion in Islam that requires much more physical than all the others is hajj.

    ” So for us to be so chosen and privileged to come and participate in the discharge of that responsibility certainly makes us the chosen ones.”

    ” And I feel it is an opportunity that we shouldn’t allow sleep from.
    We have our vision, we have our mission and I know it has been pursued vigorously before now.

    ” But certainly there is always room for improvement in whatever endeavours one finds himself.”

    Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, while congratulating Arabi said that Arabi assumed office at its critical time.

    Hassan was represented by Alhaji Nura Yakasai, outgoing Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance of the commission.

    He said, ” On behalf of the staff and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) I want to use this opportunity to welcome the new chairman of the commission in person Alhaji Jalal Arabi.

    ” You step into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at a critical time. Why did I say critical time? You came actually when all the preparations for the 2024 Hajj have already started.

    ” And unfortunately also this time around the period or time given by the Saudi authorities is different from the traditional one, where we have sufficient time to do whatever we want to do.

    ” That is to arrange. Unfortunately, you have a very short time. The only assurance that I will give you is that you have a capable staff here that can assist you succeed.”

    Arabi was accompanied by the former Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, and Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice- President and other dignitaries.

    NAN

  • New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    By Bukola Adewumi

    The newly appointed Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr Bamanga Usman, has unveiled plans for the future growth of the agency, inline with President Tinubu’s economic agenda.
    Usman made this known on Wednesday when he took over from the former MD Sen. Tijjani Kaura, in Abuja.
    He said that his vision include establishment of OGFZA offices in every state of the federation regardless of their oil productibg status.
    He said that the expansion initiative is aimed at providing new investment opportunities and addressing the saturation of existing zones.
    The MD said that under his leadership OGFZA,  which is a key player in the oil and gas sector with focus on international clientele would introduce offshore banking services.
    According to him, this is to facilitate seamless international financial transactions and solidify OGFZA’s position as a global industry leader.
    “Having served as the sole OGFZA’s in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea for over two decades, OGFZA is preparing for a transformative rebranding.
    ” This rebranding is strategic in nature, focusing on engaging multinational stakeholders and reflecting the authority’s global ambitions, ” Usman said.
    He said that as part of the transformation, foreign investment offices would be established to enhance accessibility for potential investors and improve coordination.
    According to him, the key dimensions of OGFZA’s strategic approach include efficiency and trust
    He said he would elevate infrastructure to international standards and address challenges including deteriorating roads and inconsistent power supply.
    He also said that his leadership would update the regulatory framework to align with industry needs and global best practices.
    Usman said his leadership would focus on technology transfer, skills acquisition, and supporting local businesses in line with the Nigerian Content Act.
    He said he would create an investor-friendly environment and capitalising on Nigeria’s gas reserves for refining and development.
    Usman added that his tenure would prioritise the welfare of staff and foster an environment of collaboration, innovation and dedication.
    He promised to engage stakeholders and implement these strategic initiatives with the support of the community, aiming for a more result-driven and efficient OGFZA
    Speaking, the Outgoing MD, Oil OGFZA, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, described the task ahead of the new leadership of the agency as daunting.
    Kaura called on the staff members to extend the same level of support, understanding and loyalty that they showed him during his 14-month tenure.
    He said that with perseverance and energy, the new MD would overcome the challenges bedeviling the agency and succeed in leading the organisation to achieving its vision.
    NAN