Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • No ransom paid for release of Benue kidnapped commissioner – Alia

    No ransom paid for release of Benue kidnapped commissioner – Alia

     

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi,: Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue said no ransom or any monetary exchanges were involved in securing the release of his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo.

    This was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

    The governor stated that no ransom or monetary exchanges were involved in securing his safe release.

    “We can confirm that the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, has regained freedom. He has since reunited with his family in Sankera, Ukum Local Government Area where he was abducted.

    “His release was as a result of intense pressure on the criminals from the gallant security operatives who were acting on the directives of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who had earlier given marching orders to them to ensure Mr. Abo’s release,” he said.

    The statement further disclosed that the kidnappers were still holding the former Chairman, Ukum LGA, Mr Washima Erukaa and his cousin who discreetly went to negotiate with them for the release of Mr Erukaa but were also kidnapped.

    The former chairman was kidnapped at a different location and date.

    Gov Alia, who welcomed back the commissioner, further warned criminals operating within the state to leave for good, insisting that they would not be tolerated in any form.

    The governor commended the security operatives for ensuring the safe release of the commissioner and tasked them to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives.

    He charged the security operatives to be ruthless on criminals and ensure that they have no room to operate in the state.

    NAN reports that Mr Abo, who was kidnapped on Sept. 24, spent 10 days in captivity before regaining his freedom.

    Gunmen came on four motorcycles about 8:00 p.m., ordered everyone in the house, including the commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down and took him away to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles. (NAN) www.nannews.ng Flowerbudnews

  • Exciting Opportunity: Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni to Train Students on Microsoft 365

    Exciting Opportunity: Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni to Train Students on Microsoft 365

    *Exciting Opportunity: Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni to Train Students on Microsoft 365.*

    Dear Members of the Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association and Everyone,

     

    I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits. We are thrilled to bring you exciting news that reflects our commitment to the growth and success of our beloved institution.

     

    The Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association is embarking on a significant initiative to empower our current students with essential skills for the digital age. We are excited to announce that we will be conducting a Microsoft 365 training program for our students in the upcoming weeks.

     

    *Event Details:*

     

    – *Training Dates:* Wednesday 18th – Friday 20th October 2023

     

    – *Venue:* CBT CENTER, SOUTH CAMPUS

     

    – *Agenda:* Our comprehensive training program will cover a wide range of Microsoft 365 tools and applications, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in both their academic and professional pursuits.

     

    This initiative underscores our commitment to providing our students with the best possible educational experiences and preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.

     

    We believe that the collective expertise and experience of our esteemed alumni members can significantly enhance this training program. Your insights, guidance, and support would be invaluable in helping our students harness the full potential of Microsoft 365.

     

    We invite all alumni members to participate actively in this program. your involvement will greatly contribute to the success of this endeavor.

     

    Together, we can ensure that our students receive the highest quality education and preparation for their future careers.

     

    Thank you for being an integral part of the Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association. Your dedication and support continue to make a meaningful impact on our institution.

     

    Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

     

    Warm regards,

     

    *Comr Olatunji OLORUNFEMI Awokoworldwide*

    National Publicity Secretary 1

    Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association

     

    For: Publicity Committee

  • NGO donates health care facilities to Oyo State govt

    NGO donates health care facilities to Oyo State govt

     

    NGO donates health care facilities to Oyo State govt

    By Adewale Owoade

    A health initiative organisation, HACEY, has donated health commodities worth millions of naira to the Oyo State government, to reduce malaria mortality in pregnant women in the area.

    The organisation also presented a new data management system to the state, to reduce the waiting time in health facilities.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Soji Adeyanju, who received the items on behalf of the Commissioner of Health in Oyo State, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, , thanked HACEY for the gesture.

    Adeyanju promised to ensure judicious use of the equipment in the health facilities.

    “We appreciate you, because HACEY is known for one thing, qualitative health impact delivery in Nigeria and of course in Africa.

    “Let me also say that, the commodities given to us today will be used appropriately to ensure that our people benefit from this donation.

    “I know when we strengthen the services at local government level, there will be less burden at the secondary and of course at the tertiary level,” Ajetunmobi said.

    Also, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji promised that the items would not be wasted, but used for the purpose for which they have been donated.

    “This intervention they are giving us at this point in time, is another way of strengthening the system that we are working towards achieving and the state will be better for it.

    “I can assure HACEY On behalf of my team, that whatever you do will not be a waste, it will showcase what you’ve done.

    “And, you can be able to beat your chest that you actually worked with a formidable team that is very resilient and industrious and it will give the best account of whatever you invested.

    “So, I can assure you there will be results for the investment and it shall be better for it,” Olatunji stated.

    Executive Director For HACEY, Rhoda Robinson, said that by contributing the health commodities to the state, it would promote access to affordable and quality health care services for rural communities.

    “We are looking forward to expanding our reach and expanding the impact of this project to cover not just Ante Natal Care but other aspect of maternal health care and health care as a whole.

    “This includes post natal care, immunisation and the likes and ensuring that we are also able to contribute improved quality and healthy care delivery within the state,” Robinson said.

    The resource person, Emmanuel Oni, explained that the data management dashboard presented to the state, would strengthen data collection.

    “It helps in strengthening data collection and management at primary health care level.
    “, Basically, it allows health care workers to organise records and also store the records on electric system that is free from damage by natural hazard,” Oni said.(NAN)

  • Why I slumped during screening- Minister

    Why I slumped during screening- Minister

    The newly confirmed minister from Kaduna state, Abbas Balarabe, has given reasons why he slumped during his screening before the Senate.

     

    The minister explained that he had suffered from exhaustion while preparing for his screening for a ministerial role.

     

    The minister after he was resuscitated explained that he got the news of his nomination on Tuesday and had stayed up all night preparing for his ‘big day’.

     

    Balarabe said, “It is basically exhaustion. I got the news of my nomination yesterday and I had to come from Kaduna.

    There were so many things to do which I attended to throughout the night.

     

    “What happened today is as a result of pure exhaustion.”

     

    “I want to thank the Senate for their understanding particularly the senators from my State ( Kaduna) who have all gathered around me since yesterday and the medical team who took care of me.”

    I am alright now, nothing is wrong with me. What I experienced was pure exhaustion which can happen to anybody,” he expressed.

    Earlier in the Senate, chaos erupted when the nominee who replaced former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai suddenly collapsed during his screening on Wednesday.

     

    Balarabe, the second nominee to face screening after Dr. Ibrahim, had just concluded recounting his experiences when the incident unfolded, approximately 15 minutes into the Senate plenary.

     

    While Kaduna South Senator, Sunday Katung, was discussing Balarabe’s administrative background in Kaduna, the nominee unexpectedly slumped while still at the podium.

     

    Following the presentation of his profile to the senators, Balarabe received an endorsement from the Kaduna lawmaker, affirming that all three senators from the state, supported his nomination.

     

    Senator Katung’s remarks were cut short when Senate President Godswill Akpabio urgently called out, “Bring water and sugar. Call Dr. Musa.”

     

    Akpabio then directed journalists and cameramen to cease filming and exit the Senate chamber.

    The nominee was subsequently taken to the National Assembly clinic.

     

    After a break of about 45 minutes, the Senate reconvened and proceeded to confirm all three nominees.

  • FG sets two-week timeline for issuance of passport by Immigration

    FG sets two-week timeline for issuance of passport by Immigration

    The Federal Government has established a new two-week timeline for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to process and issue international passports to eligible applicants.

     

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing to update Nigerians on the state of passport backlogs in the country.

     

    He stated that no Nigerian would have to wait for more than two weeks to get an international passport from now on.

    Abuja

     

    Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the Federal Government was in the process of reviewing the visa and passport policies, emphasising that visa policies must be based on reciprocity. A committee has been set up to advise the government appropriately in this regard.

     

    According to the Minister, the Nigeria Immigration Service has cleared all 204,332 passport application backlogs as of October 1, 2023, and has urged Nigerians to go and collect their passports without any additional charges.

     

    Tunji-Ojo revealed that 91,281 passports have been collected so far out of the 204,332 backlogs that have been cleared by the Immigration Service.

    While appealing to Nigerians to visit the passport offices to collect their documents, the Minister noted that NIS personnel had worked tirelessly and in shifts to ensure that passport backlogs were cleared within three weeks from the date he gave the service a marching order.

     

    “No one will ever wait for two weeks to get passports again. If you apply and have been captured, you will get your passport within two weeks,” he assured.

    The minister had set a two-week deadline for the NIS on September 7 to clear all passport application backlogs.

     

    “The immigration service operated in three shifts to ensure that we cleared the backlogs and to ensure that never again in the history of Nigeria will we have a backlog. This is not a temporary relief but a permanent solution,” the minister stated.

     

    He mentioned that NIS and its partners would upgrade their systems to improve their services, and applicants would not be required to go to passport offices for capture starting in December 2023.

    He threatened to terminate the contract of the service provider if it fails to activate the contract agreement, including the Advanced Passenger Information Service aspect, which Tunji-Ojo said would help in profiling those coming into the country, enhancing border security.

     

    He added that the Ministry had given the service provider up to January 2024 to ensure this came on board, especially now that the country is facing security challenges.

     

    “The efficiency of the Immigration service will not be sacrificed for any other interest apart from the interest of Nigerians, and all the ministry contractors who fail to activate their contract agreements will be shown the way out.

     

    “People will be able to upload their passport and supporting documents online. Only biometrics will be taken at the passport office.

     

    “We are introducing passport front offices where people can go and process their passport close to where they reside. Solution providers have been given three months to activate this, or their contract will be revoked,” the minister said

    The Minister mentioned another reform coming on board, passport tracking, where applicants, using their phones, should be able to track the processing of their passports from application to issuance date. He emphasized that these measures would help speed up the passport application process.

     

    While urging Nigerians not to bribe any officials for passports, Tunji-Ojo stated that they should report such incidents to the Ministry of Interior via 08023753414 and aa_ajiboye@yahoo.com when asked for a bribe at any passport office within the country.

     

    On the review of visa and passport policy, the Minister expressed discomfort with the visa-on-arrival policy, stating that this would be looked into.

  • JUST IN: Gov Adeleke Inaugurates Committee On Construction Of Airport In Osun

    JUST IN: Gov Adeleke Inaugurates Committee On Construction Of Airport In Osun

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has set up an inter-ministerial committee that will look into the construction of an international airport in the state.

     

    Inaugurating the committee in the Osun State governor’s office in Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday, Adeleke noted that Osun is the only state in South-West Nigeria without an airport.

    He said that the committee will initiate, develop and actualise the plan towards executing the airport project.

     

    The chairman of the committee, Dr. Bashir Salami, commended the governor for setting up the committee and assured that the members will deliver in good time.

    The proposed airport, the Isiaka Adeleke International Airport will be sited in Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Area of the state.

     

    Channels Tv

     

  • CSW: EEDC charges staff to raise benchmark to ensure optimal quality service

    CSW: EEDC charges staff to raise benchmark to ensure optimal quality service

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Enugu: The management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has charged its staff to raise the benchmark to ensure continuous optimal quality service delivery to its esteemed customers in the South-East.

     

    The Managing Director of EEDC, Mr Praveen Chorghade, gave the charge while officially flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW) at the company’s corporate headquarters in Enugu on Wednesday.

     

    According to Chorghade, I charge all staff of EEDC to raise their benchmark to newer levels and work as a team to deliver efficient and quality service to our customers.

     

    This, he said, was the only way customer affection can be achieved.

    He also emphasised on the importance of teamwork in every organization and the need for staff of the company to work together to deliver effective and quality service to customers.

     

    “As we celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week, let us raise our benchmark to newer levels and support each other to make it happen,” the managing director stressed.

     

    In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director of EEDC, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, urged every member of staff to see themselves as customer service representatives.

     

    Mupwaya advised EEDC staff to always be willing to attend to customers in distress, without seeing the responsibility as that of the Customer Service Officers.

    He said: “We are all responsible to our customers, and our continued existence is dependent on how well we are able to serve them.

     

    “We can only exist if we are able to achieve a revenue strength that is sustainable because if it ceases to exist, our service to the customers will not be achievable.”

     

    The Head, EEDC Customer Service, Mrs Ijeoma Ogudebe, encouraged her colleagues to drive the theme of this year’s event, because without working as a team, “there is no way the organization can effectively delight her customers”.

     

    “All our efforts are geared towards the customer, because they are the reason we are in operation,” Ogudebe said.

     

    Highlights of the event included cutting of the Customer Service Week cake, breakfast with customers, outreach to select schools and customers. Some customers who visited the headquarters and offices were given a special treat.

    It would be recalled that the Customers Service Week (CSW) is a global event celebrated annually by service-oriented organizations in the first week of October.

     

    CSW provides them with an opportunity to celebrate their customers; while the theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Service”. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Kaduna ministerial nominee slumps at Senate plenary

    Kaduna ministerial nominee slumps at Senate plenary

     

    Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja:  Kaduna Ministerial nominee, Balarabe Lawal on Wednesday collapsed at the Senate plenary, while responding to questions at Senate screening.

    Lawal shortly after giving his educational background collapsed at the podium.

    His sudden collapse threw the plenary session into a panic mood as senators rushed to help revive him.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpiabio, quickly called for water and sugar to be administered to him.

    Akpabio also immediately called for a closed session.(NAN)www.nannews.ng / Flowerbudnews

  • Mohbad: Police declares Primeboy wanted after Naira Marley is detained

    Mohbad: Police declares Primeboy wanted after Naira Marley is detained

    The Lagos State Police Command has declared Owodunni Ibrahim aka Primeboy wanted, following his failure to honour police invitation.

    Primeboy was invited amid investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

     

    A statement signed by the Lagos Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, read in part: “Ibrahim is approximately 1.64-m tall, male, dark-complexioned with tribal marks and Yoruba by tribe. His last known address is 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu.

    If seen, contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727.

     

    “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, hereby offers a handsome reward of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira Only) to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest.”

     

    This comes a day after Nigerian rapper, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, returned to the country to “assist” in the ongoing investigation into the death of his former signee.