Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Prof. Adedoja Solicits Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB

    Prof. Adedoja Solicits Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB

    Prof. Adedoja  Solicits  Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB
    By Adewale Owoade
    The Director General of Teachers Continuous Training Institute, TCTI, Biase, Cross River state, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, has solicited partnership between TCTI and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
    Prof. Adedoja asked for this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the NCDMB located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
    Adedoja who was accompanied by the institute’s Director of Academic planning, Dr. Godwin Ogar, had a meeting with top officials of the Agency’s Directorate of Human Resources headed by Dr. Ama Ikuru.
    Dr Ikuru used the occasion to highlight the various areas of intervention in the education sector by NCDMB over the years across the country and therefore commended the visit of Prof Adedoja to the Board .
     At the end of the meeting, they were able to identify key areas of potential partnership that would improve the quality of education in Nigeria in general and Cross river state in particular.
    Since the take off of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute in year 2020, the institute has been in the forefront in providing the needed reskilling of teachers  to meet up the current trends of teaching and learning.
    In a related development, Prof Taoheed Adedoja also visited one of Nigeria’s  foremost private libraries, The Azaiki Foundation and Public Library, which houses the Niger Delta Museum and Museum of African Arts, owned by Prof. Steve Azaiki.
    Prof. Adedoja’s portrait at the three story imposing library was admitted into the library hall of fame for distinguished personalities whose contributions to knowledge have been internationally acknowledged.
    In his remark ,Prof Adedoja , a former minister of sports and special duties commended the initiatives of the founder of the library, Prof. Steve Azaiki and charged his colleagues in the education sector to deposit their publications and research findings to the Azaiki library for prosperity. prof Adedoja promised to link the Azaiki library to the TCTI e-library
  • Nigerian Army, pillar of our national life — Adeleke

    Nigerian Army, pillar of our national life — Adeleke

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described the Military, especially the Army as the pillar of Nigeria’s survival as a nation.

    He also commended the Army for shunning anti-democratic tendencies, saying democracy is a necessity for societal development.

    A statement made available to journalists by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed disclosed that the Governor spoke while hosting the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja at his country home in Ede on Thursday.

     

    He added that the Military rather than embarking coup d’etat, should engaged in democratic correction mechanism, describing the Nigerian military as a thorough bred professional service which uphold respect for the national constitution while serving as a protector of the democratic process as well as national stability.

     

    He said, “The military, especially the Nigerian army, is a critical pillar of our national life. We owe the military accolades and commendation for securing and protecting the nation.

     

    “Our existence as a nation that is united despite challenges is linked to the patriotism and sacrifice of the military. When the civil population is sharply divided , the military remains united.On many occasions, the military saved our nation from disintegration.

     

    “Your reaching out to the civil population as a policy is a giant step to further unite the nation. I commend this civil- military rapport, the Osun state government enjoys a close relationship with the military establishments in the state”.

     

    Governor Adeleke further expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the speedy intervention during the recent Ifon -Ilobu crisis, noting “Your patriotic action is laudable. We deeply appreciate you”.

     

    Responding, the Chief of Army Staff said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide visit to army formations in the country, noting that he was at the Governor’s residence to pay homage.

    He assured the Governor of deep support for democracy and good governance, assuring that the engineering construction arm of the army is prepared to undertake projects from any willing states

     

  • What to know about Olukoyede, RCCG pastor appointed as EFCC boss

    What to know about Olukoyede, RCCG pastor appointed as EFCC boss

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

     

    Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson made this known in a statement on Thursday.

    Olukoyede is billed to serve for a term of four years, upon confirmation by the senate.

    Below are key things to know about the new EFCC boss:

     

    Olukoyede was born in Ikere-Ekiti on October 14, 1969.

     

    The new anti-graft agency chair is an indigene of Ekiti State.

     

    He is an alumnus of Lagos State University; University of Lagos; Institute of Arbitration ICC – Paris, France and University of Harvard (Kennedy School of Executive Education).

     

    He is an experienced lawyer specialised in compliance management, corporate intelligence, and fraud management.

     

    Olukoyede has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018).

     

    He is a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG.

    He served as EFCC Secretary under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2018 to 2023.

  • JUST IN: US assures Israel of support

    JUST IN: US assures Israel of support

    The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, vowed on Thursday that the United States will always back Israel but said the Palestinians also had “legitimate aspirations” not represented by militant group Hamas.

     

    “You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side,” Blinken said during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as war raged between Israel and Hamas.

     

    “But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side.”

     

    Paying a solidarity visit as Israel’s army hammers Hamas over weekend attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel, Blinken also gave a new death toll for US citizens, saying at least 25 were confirmed among the dead.

    President Joe Biden has vowed unwavering support for Israel and not called for restraint against Hamas, but Blinken hinted at the need for an eventual peace settlement — an idea that has long met resistance from the right-wing Netanyahu.

     

    “Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas’ reign of terror. We know Hamas doesn’t represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice opportunity, and dignity,” Blinken said.

     

    Speaking in unusually personal terms, Blinken recalled how his grandfather fled anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and his stepfather survived Nazi concentration camps.

    come before you not only as the United States secretary of state but also as a Jew,” said Blinken, who has a secular background.

     

    “I also come before you as a husband and father of young children. It’s impossible for me to look at the photos of families killed, such as the mother, father and three small children murdered as they sheltered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and not think of my own children,” he said.

     

    Blinken promised that the Biden administration and Congress would work together to meet military requests for Israel, which enjoys wide support across party lines.

     

    “As Israel’s defence needs evolve, we will work with Congress to make sure that they’re met,” he said.

     

    Netanyahu, speaking next to Blinken, voiced appreciation for US support and said that Hamas, which rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, should be treated like the Islamic State group.

     

    “Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated,” Netanyahu said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

     

    Olukoyede’s appointment followed the resignation of the suspended Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.

    Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda as the Secretary of the anti-graft agency for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

     

    ”By the powers vested in President Bola Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President,” President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

     

    ”Mr. Ola Olukoyede is a lawyer with over twenty-two (22) years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence. He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023). As such, he fulfills the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC.

    Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda is a public administrator with extensive experience in public finance management who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank,” the statement reads.

     

    President Tinubu therefore tasked the new leadership of the Commission to justify the confidence reposed in them

  • Day of Girl-Child: SSDO tasks girls on being ambitious, hardworking, focused

    Day of Girl-Child: SSDO tasks girls on being ambitious, hardworking, focused

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu:The South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), a non-governmental organization, has tasked girls on being ambitious, hardworking and focused notwithstanding their humble or low family background.

    The SSDO’s Programme Manager for Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) II, Mr Udochukwu Egwim, gave the task during a career sensitisation for female (girl) students of Union Secondary School, Eha Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    The career sensitisation, which also included donation of 108 free sanitary pads to female students and planting of trees in the school compound, was part of programme to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.

    Egwim said that the sensitisation and gift items, which was sponsored by ActionAid Nigeria, was part of efforts to create a new consciousness among girls that they can be great and strive to achieve great heights.

    According to him, a girl-child has all the potentials to do well and become a leader in her community and social space as well as their chosen profession or vocation.

    “We are here to wake up the can-do spirit, spirit of industry and positive ambition of the girl child, which will positively impact on the growth and well-being of our families, communities and society in the near future,” he said.

    In a lecture titled: “Climate Change Adaption Through Agroecology: Empowering Girls in Agroecology for Climate Resilience”, Dr Celestina Aga, urged the female students to embrace modern agriculture and best agro-ecological practices.

     

    Aga, who is a Director in Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture, said that modern agriculture practices hold lots of positive promises and new frontiers for young people especially girls.

     

    “Even if you are not into direct farming in terms of tilling the land; you can engage in fish farming and animal husbandry on part time basis and earn a living from it as well as prosper greatly,” she said.

     

    She noted that the ministry have modern farming trainings, grants and soft credit facilities a girl child can partake in and make a difference from and be wealth and famous in the near future.

     

    In another lecture, “STEM Possibilities and Options for the Girl Child”, Mrs Ubok Ameh, challenged the students to get exposed to the opportunities in computer and internet by learning soft digital jobs to better their future career and quest in life.

    Ameh, who is the Founder Uban Leathered Creative Works, urged the students not be to idle but be creative to contribute positively to their families and communities well-being through which they would gain respect from their family members.

     

    “Add value to your life by doing something and contributing to your family and neighbourhhod so that they can respect and value you; and then, your opinion will count in every matter,” she said.

     

    Speaking on Maintaining a Healthy Life-Style, Mrs Favour Kalu, SSDO’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, advised the students to maintain optimal personnel and environmental hygiene everywhere in order to fight against diseases.

    Kalu said: “You must maintain strict hand washing routine, keep you surrounding clean including the school, ensure your cloths are neat and decent all the time, do not smoke and do not engage in drug abuse or self medication”.

     

    A student, Miss Divine Okolie, thanked SSDO and ActionAid Nigeria for the sensitisation, adding: “The series of lectures have exposed a lot of possibilities to me, which I will venture into soon”.

     

    The Principal of the school, Mrs Ijeoma Eneje, thanked the non-governmental organizations for coming all the way from Enugu to locate the school and had made indelible impression that challenged the female students of her school.

     

    The sensitisation, which included distribution of writing materials, bags and a debate competition, was themed: “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”. (Flowerbudnews)

  • JUST IN: Tinubu appoints new CEOs for NCC, NIPOST, three others

    JUST IN: Tinubu appoints new CEOs for NCC, NIPOST, three others

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday appointed five new Chief Executive Officers across multiple agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy with immediate effect.

     

    The President made this known through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu appoints new leadership across the communications, innovation, and digital economy sectors.’

     

    He listed the new CEOs as Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission; Nkechi Egerton-Idehen as Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited; Kashifu Abdullahi as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency; Dr. Vincent Olatunji as National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and Tola Odeyemi as Postmaster General, Nigerian Postal Service.

    However, the DG of NiTDA, Abdullahi, was reappointed for a second term in office.

     

    Tinubu also approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi.

     

    Alubankudi’s appointment is meant to “maximally leverage Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion,” Ngelale wrote

  • Tinubu sacks NCC, NIPOST, NIGCOMSAT’s bosses, names replacements

    Tinubu sacks NCC, NIPOST, NIGCOMSAT’s bosses, names replacements

    NiTDA DG, NDCP CEO reappointed

     

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday sacked the Chief Executive Officers of three agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy with immediate effect.

     

    The affected CEOs include the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; the Nigerian Postal Service’s Sunday Adepoju; and Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited’s Tukur Funtua.

     

    The President made this known through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu appoints new leadership across the communications, innovation, and digital economy.

    He listed the new CEOs as Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC; Nkechi Egerton-Idehen as Managing Director of the NIGCOMSAT; and Tola Odeyemi as Postmaster General of NIPOST.

     

    However, the duo of Kashifu Abdullahi and Dr Vincent Olatunji were reappointed as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, respectively.

     

    Tinubu also approved the appointment of a new Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi

     

    Alubankudi’s appointment is meant to “maximally leverage Nigeria’s proven technological and digital economic prowess to reposition the nation’s economy toward greater financial inclusion,” Ngelale wrote.

  • Goge Africa commends bank’s investment in tourism sector

    Goge Africa commends bank’s investment in tourism sector

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Goge Africa, a tourism and cultural media brand, has commended Sterling Bank for supporting the tourism sector over the years.

    Its Managing Director, Nneka Isaac-Moses, gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday, in Lagos.

    She said Sterling Bank invested N5 billion intervention fund for tourism practitioners in the 2020, during the lockdown, when the industry was at a crossroad.

    Isaac-Moses described the intervention as a game-changer as provided support to numerous practitioners in the industry, while developing the growth and development of tourism in Nigeria.

    She emphasised the significance of having a financial institution take the lead in advancing the discourse on tourism sector.

    “Having a financial institution lead the discourse on tourism in Nigeria, is the new chapter for tourism success story in the most populous black nation.

    “Cross-sectoral collaboration is essential for tourism and economic development in Nigeria.

    “Sterling Bank entered the industry at a time when the tourism business was at the crossroads.

    “The global impact of COVID-19, the general economic downturn, increasing travel costs within Africa, and specific challenges in Nigeria such as, lack of access to tourism spots, security concerns, inadequate infrastructure and enabling environment had demoralised industry practitioners, especially tour operators.

    “Moreover, the government’s focus on oil has resulted in inadequate attention to tourism, leading corporates and financial institutions to view tourism in Nigeria as a non-viable venture,” she said.

    Isaac-Moses noted that Sterling Bank’s intervention gave hope to tourism practitioners, encouraged more people to enter the tourism space and motivated tourism practitioners to structure their businesses to meet the requirements for accessing support from the bank.

    She said other financial institutions began to take a closer look at tourism as a potential investment opportunity.

    “When we launched Goge Africa in 1999, it was a significant challenge to capture the attention of corporate entities.

    “Financial institutions, in particular, seemed uninterested in our endeavors. Therefore, we cannot overstate our excitement regarding the recent developments in our industry.

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Abubakar Suleiman, the esteemed Managing Director at Sterling Bank, for his visionary guidance.

    “We appreciate his belief in the immense potential of tourism to bridge communities, celebrate diverse cultures, and drive sustainable economic growth,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng).