Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Army varsity confers award of degrees on 417 graduates at maiden convocation

    Army varsity confers award of degrees on 417 graduates at maiden convocation

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    The Nigerian Army University, Biu, conferred first degrees in diverse disciplines on 417 graduates at its maiden convocation on Saturday in Biu, Borno.

    Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Saturday in Abuja that the tertiary institution began its modest journey on Oct. 30, 2018.

    The institution, he added, matriculated its first set of students on Feb. 18, 2019.

    The varsity began with five faculties – Arts, Management and Social Sciences, Computing, Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Natural and Applied Sciences.

    Nwachukwu stated that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, felicitated with the graduates and urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and to exploit the opportunities that abound in the country.

    Lagbaja is the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of its Governing Council.

    He said at the convocation that the Nigerian Army adopted the strategic option of non-kinetic approach to its counter-insurgency operations by establishing the university.

    He said the army also sought to achieve social inclusion, gender balance and expand diversity through education.

    He said the growth of the institution in the heart of the Northeast that had been bedevilled by insurgency, was a testament to the successes the Nigerian military had achieved in the counter-insurgency efforts.

    “The graduands are a testament to our bravery, courage, and determination to groom youths that would become solution providers and self-reliant in addressing some of the challenges of our nation,’’ he said.

    In his address, the varsity’s Chancellor, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta, His Royal Majesty, retired Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, said siting the university in Biu would continue to bring development to the community.

    Mujakperuo enjoined the graduands to strive to be entrepreneurial in their post-graduation endeavours, rather than seeking white collar jobs.

    He commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, the management, staff and students of the university, for their individual and collective roles in moving the institution in the right direction.

    Rendering the summary of honorary awardees and graduating students by class of degree, Prof. Mohammed affirmed the award of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa on Mujakperuo.

    He also affirmed the award of Doctor of Letters to the former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He said 20 of the students got First Class degrees, while 207 bagged Second Class Upper Division and 186 fell in the Second Class Lower Division. Four of the graduands got Third Class degrees.

    “Highlights of the maiden convocation were the presentation of eponymous awards to students who graduated in flying colours.

    “Ibrahim Dorcas Kutawalang of the Department of Political Science emerged the overall best graduating student with cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.84.

    “The graduate received the Pro-Chancellor’s and Vice-Chancellor’s Prizes, amongst other prized awards,” Nwachukwu stated.

    NAN

  • Kogi: Ohinoyi’s death, personal, painful loss – Ododo

    Kogi: Ohinoyi’s death, personal, painful loss – Ododo

    By Thompson Yamput

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Kogi, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has described the death of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, as a personal and painful loss to him.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the royal father died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95 in an undisclosed hospital in Abuja, where he had been receiving treatment for an old-age related ailment.

    Ododo, in a condolence message issued in Lokoja on Sunday, said he was greatly touched by the passing of the paramount ruler.

    “The late Ohinoyi was a father who loved all his children, did everything to unite his community and promoted peaceful coexistence among his people.

    “The death of our paramount ruler is a personal and painful loss to me. My prayer is that Allah should grant his soul a peaceful eternal rest,” he said.

    Ododo said that the Ohinoyi left a big shoe which would be difficult to fill, considering the wealth of wisdom and leadership qualities that had gone with him.

    While stating that the Ohinoyi would be greatly missed, the APC enjoined the people of Ebiraland to continue to live in peace with one another, as they grappled with the irreparable loss of the traditional ruler with fortitude.

    NAN

  • CNG vehicles: FG inaugurates Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres

    CNG vehicles: FG inaugurates Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres

    By Yusuf Yunus

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles pilot conversion centre in Lagos State, through the Presidential CNG Initiative (P-CNGi).

    Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer of P-CNGi, while speaking at inauguration of the FEMADAC Station on Saturday,  described the step as significant development.

    Oluwagbemi said the CNG centre would bring more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is situated at KM 42, Lekki-Epe

    NAN recalls that the P-CNGi Steering Committee has announced that seven CNG conversion centres have been established in the country.

    He said the  initiative had also on Friday handed over converted buses to State House in Abuja.

    Oluwagbemi said the event was immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices.

    “Today, as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future.

    “We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time.

    “The commissioning of the first of Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres is historic, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the P-CNGi initiative,”Oluwagbemi said.

    The engineer said that the initiative with the theme: “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” represented Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions.

    The P-CNGi chief executive officer said that CEO said that the conversion centre was not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility, but also a beacon of hope for its citizens.

    He said that the initiative would create jobs and greener opportunities.

    “More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians.

    “This works by collaborating with private sector is to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from seven to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better.

    “By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world.

    “This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs,”Oluwagbemi said.

    According to him, the conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy, it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

    The CEO said that the inauguration aligned with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefitting the people of Nigeria.

    He added: “In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement.

    “The initiatives programme director aptly noted, “Challenges will emerge, but with our unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts, we are poised to overcome them.”

    NAN

  • NDLEA arrests Hong Kong, France-bound businessmen for ingesting cocaine, heroin

    NDLEA arrests Hong Kong, France-bound businessmen for ingesting cocaine, heroin

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    NDLEA operatives arrested one Chimamkpa Emenike (38) on Oct. 20 and one Agbo Chidike (41) on Oct. 21 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for ingesting hard drugs.

    Emenike was jetting out to France with his ingested heroin while Chidike was on his way to Hong Kong with cocaine in his belly when they were arrested.

    Director, Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that Emenike was arrested at the boarding gate of the airport while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris.

    He added that Chidike was taken into custody on Oct. 21 while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Hong Kong via Addis Ababa.

    “After days in custody, Emenike excreted 72 wraps of heroin weighing 1.171kg, while Chidike discharged 49 pellets of cocaine weighing 998.53gm.

    “In his statement, Chidike claimed he is a businessman dealing in spare parts at the Alaba International market in Ojo area of Lagos.

    “Chidike was to be paid N3.5 million which he intended to use to import goods from Hong Kong,’’ Babafemi stated.

    He added that NDLEA operatives intercepted a Qatar Airways passenger, Agbo Tochukwu, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday, Oct. 25 while on his way to Oman.

    The suspect had 58 parcels of skunk weighing 29.10kg on him while undergoing processes of boarding his flight.

    “In his statement, Tochukwu claimed he migrated to Oman on May 6 and had been working as hotel attendant there before venturing into drug trafficking,’’ Babfemi stated.

    NAN

     

  • Obi-of-Onitsha urges govts to invest in youths’ creativity, talent

    Obi-of-Onitsha urges govts to invest in youths’ creativity, talent

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu: The Obi-of-Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, has urged all tiers of governments to invest in youths’ creativity and talents to give them a sense of belonging and promote creativity, industry and productivity.

    Achebe said this on Sunday while speaking in Enugu at the Grand Finale and Award Night of Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF) 2023, which was themed: “Fix It”.

    The art festival grand finale, which got 111 entries from all regions in the country and witnessed regional art exhibitions, was sponsored by MTN Foundation.

    The Obi-of-Onitsha noted that the youths should be supported in the areas of arts, creativity and entertainment as they are already doing well in both nationally and internationally space and for them to “be the best in the world”.

    The revered traditional ruler also urged youths in Nigeria to be focused and keep on pursuing positive ideals, adding: “You must always bring out that creativity and originality of your work for it to be better appreciated”.

    “For our youths to do better and continue to do well in the arts, creativity and entertainment; individuals, corporate bodies and most especially governments at various levels must encourage them both financially and morally.

    “We have to provide needed support, guidance and mentorship for them to be great and make us proud,” Achebe, who is also the Patron of LIMCAF, said.

    The Obi-of-Onitsha paid glowing tribute to the Founder and Chairman of LIMCAF Board of Trustees, Elder K.U. Kalu as well as MTN Foundation, Ford Foundation and others for sponsoring and sustaining the festival and “making it a global brand”.

     

    In a goodwill message, Mr Dennis Okoro, Chairman of MTN Foundation, said that the telecommunication giant (MTN) was sponsoring the festival as part of its civic social responsibility to support youths in the country and bring out the best in them.

    Okoro assured that the foundation would continue to sponsor the festival, adding that “it is good we catch-them-young and direct their mindsets to positive ideals and productivity”.

     

    “In MTN Foundation, our mandate focuses on education, health and human empowerment; and the sponsorship of this event is part of the educational focus of the foundation,” Okoro, who is also a teacher, said.

    In a goodwill message, Mr Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima, representative of Ford Foundation, lauded the LIMCAF for organizing the event and “being constant and intentional in integrating female artists and People Living with Disability into the festival”.

     

    Mac-Ikemenjima said that the Ford Foundation would continue to support the LIMCAF art festival for many more years to come.

    The Chairman of the event, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (retired), said that LIMCAF had done noble in providing a platform to engage over 100 youths in the country and providing a focus to their lives.

     

    Madueke also called on governments to make investing in youths a top priority, which would enhance their future and create great prospects for them.

    Speaking, the Chairman of the 7-penal jury, Mr Ayo Aina, said that the jury had taken time and efforts to go through the works and given their dispassionate judgment, adding: “We are commending LIMCAF for instituting women and People Living with Disability categories”.

     

    A consolation cash prize of N50,000 as well as endowment prizes between N300,000 and N200,000 were given to some of the artists that made it to the finals.

     

    For the major categories; Pricilla Orina won the best textile art/fashion and got N500,000; Ebenezer Adebayo won best graphic and digital photography and got N500,000; Ezechi Nwokeocha won best drawing and got N500,000 and Philip Audu won best ceramics and got N500,000 among others.

     

    Kelvin Ijiko, from Lagos zone, won best painting and mixed media (for N500,000) and also won the overall winner of LIMCAF 2023 Edition (for a prize money of one million naira).

    In a brief interview, Ijiko, whose work was titled: “Decayed Decades” and done on Pyrography medium, thanked God, LIMCAF organizers and sponsors of the event for providing him a national platform to showcase his talent.

    “I got the inspiration from God in my dream and immediately after waking up I started working on it physically and bringing it to reality. Today, God has crowned my efforts with success,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Verdict: Sen. Marafa urges opposition to bury hatchet, support Tinubu

    Verdict: Sen. Marafa urges opposition to bury hatchet, support Tinubu

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Sen. Kabiru Marafa, on Sunday urged opposition political parties to bury the hacthet and support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to move the country forward.

    Marafa gave the advice in an interview with the State House Correspondents shortly after he paid a solidarity visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said that governing a complex country like Nigeria required all hands on deck to succeed.

    Marafa said,  ” My prayer and wish for the opposition is to forget their differences and join hands with President Bola Tinubu to move the country forward, especially given the problems we have across the nation.

    ” So, we need all hands on deck now. It is over. They have done what they are supposed to have done.

    “The constitution gives them inherent rights to challenge the victory. But with the verdict of the apex court, the battle is over.

    ” Like the president said, he is going to concentrate on his job without giving anybody any opportunity to distract him.

    “So, on their part, I wish they would join hands with Mr. President to move the country forward.”

    The former lawmaker recalled that when he lost his re-election bid, he congratulated the person who defeated him.

    He added, “And i promised that the best thing that I can give the people of Zamfara Central is to cooperate with whoever they choose to be their Senator to move the zone forward.

    ” Because they elected me twice and I won convincingly in the two elections. So, if now somebody says I lost, I think I should accept the fact that in any game, there are winners and there are losers.

    ” Yesterday, I was the winner and today, I lost. I should accept it and move forward, tomorrow is another day. So, I expect also at national level for our elders to do the same.”

    Marafa said that the opposition political parties had exhausted their rights, urging, “So, it is over. Let us now move to building Nigeria. Let us now look at the plight of the masses.

    ” You know things are very difficult and hard, which is occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy which is a must. I was the Chairman of the Senate Committee of the Petroleum Downstream.

    ” So, I know what is happening in the area. Also, the rate of the dollar is adding to the difficulties in the country. ”

    NAN

  • Iyaloja Money scheme: Humanitarian Minister Begins Market Sensitisation In FCT Community

    Iyaloja Money scheme: Humanitarian Minister Begins Market Sensitisation In FCT Community

     

    ….Reaches out to widows, poor and vulnerable in Ushafa ,Other Villages

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The genuine intention of President Bola Tinubu’s target to reach out to a minimum of fifty percent of poor and vulnerable individuals across Nigeria within the next twelve months has continued to gain momentum across the country.

    This was reiterated by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, a statement by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, disclosed.

    Dr  Edu stated that the efforts to remove multi-dimensionally poor people out of poverty in Nigeria was being addressed through different programmes targeted at the Grassroot, in line with the president 8 point agenda.

    The Minister herself, who is on the driver seat, saddled with the responsibility of renewing the hopes of Nigerias daily in their millions continue this stride in the federal capital territory communities, the statement Stated.

    Residents of Ushafa village in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and many other settlements played host to the Minister Of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu,friday, as she engaged market women and petty traders ahead of the launch of the IYALOJA MONIE next month.

    The program has the target of reaching out to at least 1.5 million Nigerians nationwide.

    Excitement was, however, palpable in the air as the residents trooped out in their numbers to join the Minister, as she moved from one petty trader’s table to the other.

    The Minister who left the opulence and glitz of Abuja city centre to reach out to the poor and vulnerable people in Ushafa was pleased with the opportunity to interact with those whom the interventions are meant for.

    Newly christened “The Iyaloja Market Fund,” the non interest loan of N50,000 would be given to Phase 1 of market traders, selected from 109 markets across every Senetorial zone in Nigeria.

    The process of sensitization and enrolment is ahead of the flag off next month.

    Edu said President Tinubu truly means well for the country and had promised to remove Nigerians from multi-dimensional poverty and humanitarian crises. Presently, he is matching words with action.

    She also used the occasion to deliver a message of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the residents on various social intervention programmes of President Tinubu’s administration, creating avenues for feedbacks where necessary.

    Also, at a community engagement, attended by the community’s traditional rulers, youths, women, the aged, petty traders, and physically challenged persons, food, and nonfood items were distributed to poor and vulnerable households as part of her birthday celebrations.

    She explained that the food and non-food items presented to them were in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu, which aims to reduce multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria.

    The Minister also used the visit to monitor the inclusion of older people in the community, who have been captured to be part of the ongoing Conditional Cash Transfer.
    .
    Responding, Mabel Imeh Odiegwu, a tailor, Hassan Yakubu a petty trader, and Esther Isa, also a trader said they were taken aback by the presence of the Minister in the Community as such had never happened before there.

    They expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the Renewed attention on the poor and vulnerable in the country, noting that with speed of implementation, a lot was going to change for the better in Nigeria.

    We commend the minister who spent her birthday with us and educate us about the ‘Iyaloja monie’. “We are convinced that truly the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is real and has touched us. “(Flowerbudnews)

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, MHAPA
    28/10/2023

  • TotalEnergies donates N2m to charity homes for welfare

    TotalEnergies donates N2m to charity homes for welfare

    By Taiye Olayemi

    TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, on Saturday donated N1 million each  to two charity homes – The Care People Foundation and Galilee Foundatio in Lagos.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, announced the donation during the 27th TotalEnergies Charity Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938.

    Bouyer said the activity was deliberately organised to gradually eradicate poverty and help the less privileged in the society.

    According to him, more danations realised from individuals who participated in the tournament would also be given to the charity homes.

    “This event evokes the essence of giving, echoing the profound truth in the inspirational words of Horace Jackson Brown Jr – “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

    “Drawing inspiration from the teachings that span across faiths and humanity, we believe that all participants in this charity tournament continue to experience the unique joy derived from selfless giving.

    “Beyond the exhilaration of golf, a sport that enriches life and relationships, the act of contributing to charity adds a fulfilling dimension to our collective experience.

    “TotalEnergies places premium on a healthy work-life balance, and it remains a steadfast supporter of sports and games, recognising their social benefits in fostering unity, solidarity, networking, leadership and promoting good mental health.

    “The beneficiaries for 2023 edition are the Care People Foundation, Ibadan and Galilee Foundation, Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

    Bouyer noted that the annual recurrence of the event on the company’s calendar was a testament to its unwavering commitment to giving, especially to the less privileged.

    According to him, this was in aligning seamlessly with TotalEnergies overarching goal of becoming the world’s most responsible energy company.

    He said TotalEnergies’ involvement in golf sponsorships was extensive as the company’s charity golf tournament hold a special place in its events calendar.

    “So, we count on your generous spirit to contribute to the identified charity homes.

    “Our sponsorship extends to various events, including the TotalEnergies AFCON, National Men’s Division One and Two Basketball Leagues, Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG), and the OML 58 football tournament.

    “Golf legend Arnold Palmer proclaimed, ‘In charity, there is no excess’.”

    He applauded the collective efforts of everyone who had worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event as well as the golf section of Ikoyo Club 1938, for providing the venue and support for the charitable endeavour.

    Mrs Favour Tioluwani, Vice President of The Care People Foundation, said TotalEnergies had been of tremendous help to the charity homes, haven supported the home with several materials.

    Tioluwani said recently, TotalEnergies gave out 50 wheelchairs to the home.

    “TotalEnergies has been so consistent in supporting our children for the past 15 years, in the area of academics, feeding and all. We say thank you, we are grateful and May God continue to promote your company.”

    Also, Dr Gregory Egbadon, Executive Director, Galilee Foundation, said: “We are really grateful for this donation and a lot more you have done for us; we get subvention every year from you, infact TotalEnergies has been so wonderful to us.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 98 players participated in the tournament while Adebayo Alli emerged overall winner with 37 points; John Vassaur, the first-runner-up with 33 points and Folabi Balogun, the second-runner-up with 32 points.

    Also, for TotalEnergies staff, Mr Paul Brisibe emerged overall winner in the male category with 31 points while Adesua Adewole won the female category with 23 points. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • FG to integrate 10 million Almajiri, out-of-school children to schools – Minister

    FG to integrate 10 million Almajiri, out-of-school children to schools – Minister

    The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu has said that the federal government will soon integrate the over 10 million Almajiri and out-of-school children with the established National Commission for Almajiri and out-of-school children with a view to ensure they learn skills that will make them self-reliant.

    The Minister was speaking in Sokoto Saturday at the interaction with Ulamas and officials of the Sokoto state government on the establishment of Almajiri and out-of-school children Commission and the takeover of Government Science Technical College Wurno for the formal integration of Qur’anic education and skills acquisition system to forestall Almajiri syndrome and curtailed the number of out of school children roaming the streets.

    He said with the establishment of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children by the federal government the increased number of Almajiri and out-of-school children roaming the streets of urban centers will drastically be reduced to the barest minimum.

     

    ” I am in the state to intimate Ulamas and the state of on the existence of the National Commission for Almajiri and out-of-school children established by the federal government and to garner for your support and cooperation,” says the Minister.

     

    “We are not in any way trying to rob you of your traditional Qur’anic schools, ” we only want the students to have some vocational skills after graduation which will earn them a living and a recognize certificate after graduatión.”

     

    According to the Minister, the federal government would formally launch the program in Sokoto which is home to a renowned reformer scholar Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo of blessed memory.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the secretary to the state Alhaji Muhammadu Bello Sifawa who represented the state governor at the interaction session between the Minister, the Ulamas and school principals said, the state government would give full support and cooperation to the new commission.

     

    He said Sokoto state was the first to introduce Almajiri School in the country before the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan saw the beauty in it and officially directed the establishment of similar schools in the northern part of the country.

     

    “I am optimistic the new commission going by its contents will reduce unemployment and create jobs among the teaming graduates, the Ulamas, Almajiri and out of school children who will learn vocational skills.”

    The commission should endeavour to employ from the state Junior staff on grade level One to Sixth as done in other sectors operating in the state.

     

    The state governor Ahamed Aliyu Sokoto has made Education as one of the cardinal objectives of his administration 9 points agenda.”

     

    ” The Governor has directed the immediate renovation of staff quarters of Government Science Technical College Wurno where the commission is expected to kickstart its programs.”

     

    In his remarks, the executive secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and out-of-school children Hon Sha’aban Sharada said Nigeria has over 500,000 out-of-school children roaming the streets, which he said the commission hopes to reintegrate in its new school integration programs.

     

    He said the commission when Commencing full operation would reintegrate back to school over 10 million Almajiri and out-of-school children into the new system.

    We will also employ over 200,000 by 2017 as either facilitators, teachers, and other skills and unskilled staff in the commission’s designated schools around the country” stated the executive secretary