Flowerbud News

Month: November 2023

  • Why Malaysia Recognises Hamas, Unveiling it’s Impact on US Relation

    Why Malaysia Recognises Hamas, Unveiling it’s Impact on US Relation

     

    Culled from NewsNav

    Malaysia’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war has unexpectedly thrust the country into the midst of a politically charged situation.

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to maintain ties with Hamas, even if the Malaysian government faces external pressure. Anwar has been one of the most vocal leaders in criticizing Israel, denouncing its military operations in Gaza as the “height of barbarism.”

    While this has gained him popularity among the Muslim majority in Malaysia, it has put the country at odds with the US, its third-largest trading partner.

    The Malaysian government has not explicitly stated that it is pro-Hamas, but it maintains ties with the group and reserves the right to engage with them in order to find solutions to the ongoing crisis with Israel.

    Malaysia views Hamas as the legitimately elected leader of Gaza, despite the lack of elections in the enclave since 2006. Malaysia has long supported a two-state solution, which advocates for separate, independent nations for Israelis and Palestinians to share the Holy Land. In support of the Palestinians, Malaysia has taken various actions.

    Political leaders have participated in pro-Palestinian rallies and discussed support for the Palestinian cause in Parliament. The Malaysian education ministry organized a Palestine Solidarity Week program in schools and colleges, and the government manages a Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine.

    Malaysia has also maintained reciprocal embassies with Palestinian authorities and has provided medical aid, food, and basic necessities to those affected by the war.

    Malaysia’s relationship with Israel has been strained for decades. When Malaysia gained independence in 1957, Israel supported its admission into the UN and traded with the country.

    However, Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, decided to eschew formal diplomatic ties with Israel to bolster the country’s Islamic image.

    Malaysian passports now contain an inscription stating that they are valid for all countries except Israel, and Israeli passport holders face restrictions on entering Malaysia.

    Religion plays a role in Malaysia’s stance, as the country’s foreign policy emphasizes the solidarity of the Muslim community.

    Some political analysts suggest that Anwar’s support for Palestinians may be driven, in part, by a desire to strengthen his Islamic credentials.

    Anwar has raised the Palestinian issue during his visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and the UAE, and has called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the matter.

    He has also emphasized that the war is a humanitarian crisis that affects both Muslim and Christian Palestinians.

    Ordinary Malaysians have expressed support for the Palestinian cause through street protests and boycotting fast-food establishments perceived to have ties to Israel. Malaysia’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war has affected its relationship with the US, with Washington criticizing Malaysia for taking a hard line against Israel’s actions.

    Nevertheless, Anwar continues to seek new US investment, indicating that policy differences have not halted economic pursuits. Among other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia supports the Palestinian struggle for independence and does not have diplomatic ties with Israel. Singapore believes in a two-state solution for peace.

    Thailand maintains neutrality, while the Philippines swiftly condemned Hamas and recognized Israel’s right to self-defense.

    Both the Philippines and Thailand have significant numbers of migrant workers in Israel and Gaza, and some were reportedly among the hostages taken by Hamas.

    In conclusion, Malaysia’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war revolves around maintaining ties with Hamas to find solutions to the ongoing crisis with Israel.

    This position has gained popularity domestically but has strained Malaysia’s relationship with the US.

    The country supports the Palestinians through various means and emphasizes the solidarity of the Muslim community in its foreign policy. Ordinary Malaysians have shown support through protests and boycotts.

    Other Southeast Asian countries have varying positions on the conflict, ranging from support for the Palestinian struggle to neutrality and condemnation of Hamas. NewsNav / Flowerbudnews

    M

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  • Untitled post 41820

     

    Culled from NewsNav

    Kuala Lumpur: In a significant move to enhance people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and China, starting from December 1, 2023, at 0000 until November 30, 2024, at 24:00, Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passports will be able to enter China without a visa for stays not exceeding 15 days.

    Visa no longer needed for short-term travel until Nov next year

    According to the Embassy of the People’s Republic Of China In Malaysia, this visa-free entry applies to purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives, and transit.

    However, individuals whose reasons for visiting or duration of stay do not align with the visa-free policy will still be required to obtain a visa before entering China.

    Malaysian citizens who have already been issued visas for China will find their visas remain valid, and any visa applications currently being processed will continue to be assessed as normal.

    For further inquiries, Malaysian citizens are encouraged to contact the China Visa Application Service Center in Kuala Lumpur.

    They can be reached at 0060-3-21760888 (available on workdays from 09:00 to 16:00) or via email at klcentre@visaforchina.org. This initiative marks a significant step in facilitating travel and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. NewsNav / Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC seizes expired, but revalidated pharmaceuticals worth N15m in Jos Raid

    NAFDAC seizes expired, but revalidated pharmaceuticals worth N15m in Jos Raid

     

    By Blessing Odega

    Jos:   NAFDAC has seized expired, but revalidated pharmaceuticals worth N15 million from a pharmacy in Jos.

    It has also seized unregistered alcoholic beverages worth more than N30 million from shops in the Plateau capital and in nearby Bukuru metropolis.

    Director, NAFDAC North Central Zone, Mr Shaba Mohammed, said on Thursday in Jos that the agency had earlier received reports that the pharmacy sold expired drugs.

    It tampers with expiry date markings on pharmaceuticals to revalidate their shelf lives, he said.

    Mohammed explained that during NAFDAC’s raid, it found a room in the pharmacy packed full of drugs with their expiry dates cleaned off, awaiting the imprint of new dates.

    “During the raid, we discovered that the pharmacy has a room were expired dates were cleaned off and the drugs revalidated.

    “These pharmaceuticals consist of both oral and injectable,’’ he said.

    NAFDAC has sealed the pharmacy and has arrested the pharmacist who failed to produce his current licence to practice as a pharmacist and the current operational licence of the pharmacy itself.

    Mohammed cautioned the public against buying pharmaceuticals from unregistered pharmacies.

    He added that complaints about drugs should be made speedily to the nearest NAFDAC office or through a call to telephone number: 08033034666.

    He also cautioned consumers of drinks and packaged foods to always look out for NAFDAC registration numbers on such products.

    Mohammed assured that raids on pharmacies and shops in Plateau would continue until the state is rid of unwholesome products. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Cleric reminds Christians on transiency of life, wants all to pursue eternity

    Cleric reminds Christians on transiency of life, wants all to pursue eternity

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: A cleric, Very Rev. Fr. Christian Onuoha, has reminded Christians on the transiency of life and need for all to work towards attaining eternity.

     

    Onuoha said this on Friday in a homily at St. Cyril Catholic Church, Egede in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

     

    The homily was delivered at the burial of Lady Grace Ndibuagu (Ezinna Oha), a major pillar of the Catholic Church in Enugu State, who dead at the age of 84.

    Onuoha noted that no man should lose focus of eternity notwithstanding how we daily work for our living.

     

    According to him, we should pursue our daily livelihood with some moderation and not to lose focus on the main thing, which is eternity.

     

    “The present life we are living is transient and due to how short it is; we have to be more focus on making a good place for our eternity in Heaven with God.

    “It is true we have to work daily for a living; however, we have to do it with moderation and ensure we are conscious of our righteous, good work and charity leading to eternity.

    “All these material things and acquisitions end here on earth within our short life-span as humans.

     

    “We must put this at the back of our minds, if we are wise,” he said.

     

    The cleric also urged all to emulate Lady Ndibuagu’s commitment to the growth of the Church and care of the needy.

    Responding, Prof. Eddy Ndibuagu, one of the sons of the deceased, described his mother as devoted Christian, virtuous woman and someone generous.

     

    “Her charity and giving to the less privileged and people around her is exception.

     

    “Her demise is not only felt by children and mentees but also everyone within her neighborhood,” he said.

     

    Ndibuagu, a professor of community medicine and clinic research, thanked all that left their businesses and endeavour to be with the family for the burial.

     

    “I pray that God in his bountiful mercy will give you safe trip to your destinations and strengthen you with sound health, Amen,” he added. (Flowerbudnews)

  • State, LG Accounts Freezed In Kogi

    State, LG Accounts Freezed In Kogi

    Kogi State Government has directed the freezing of all State and Local Government Accounts with immediate effect.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris said no imprest or any form of payment should be made to anyone from Government Account henceforth.

    According to the statement, all “Standing Orders and Investment Instructions are hereby Cancelled forthwith”.

    ” All Kogi State and Local Government Accounts are hereby FROZEN with effect from today, Thursday 22nd November 2003.

    –The Nigerian Post.

  • NAFDAC Goes Tough; Warns -Don’t obstruct Our Operatives during inspection, it’s an offence — S/East Director

    NAFDAC Goes Tough; Warns -Don’t obstruct Our Operatives during inspection, it’s an offence — S/East Director

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned manufacturers, shop owners of foods, cosmetics, drugs and medical devices against obstructing itsofficials during inspections.

    Mr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC South-East Director gave the warning during the South East Zone Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Thursday in Enugu.

    He said that the Food and Drug Act gave NAFDAC officials the power to enter premises any time without warrant search.

    According to him, the person who contravenes the provision of the Act is liable to conviction.

    “The law gives the provision that any proceed made from the sale of unregistered product will be forfeited to the Federal Government,” he said.

    Mr Victoria Akudo, Servicom Officer, said that Servicom was all about service delivery and customers satisfaction.

    According to Akudo, the service by the Agency must be timely, transparent and have quality.

    “Servicom only protect you when you do the right thing. When a process is taking time unduly or when you are not satisfied with the services, Servicom comes in,” she said.

    The Principal Regulatory Officer, Mrs Ogechi Ude, who spoke on Post Marketing Surveillance, said that it was the regulatory function of the Agency that involved in the assessment of the quality of all NAFDAC regulated products throughout their shelf life.

    Ude urged the stakeholders in the food, drug and cosmetics etc to source and buy registered products, adding that they should train their workers to always check products when they were closed to expiration date.

    She said that NAFDAC had deployed cutting edge technologies to fight against substandard and falsified products.

    Mrs Paschaline Ibiam, the Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, who spoke on good manufacturing and hygiene practices, urged them to be consistent in whatever they are manufacturing.

    According to Ibiam, staff of manufacturers should have access to medical treatment, while staff for packaging labelling system should be properly trained.

     

    Dr Cletus Harrison, NAFDAC Regulatory Officer. said that the Agency’s Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) is where registration is done online.

     

    Harrison urged the stakeholders to have a personal email address for proper communication with the agency as registration could now be done with their phones.

    One of the stakeholders, Mr Emmanuel Eze, expressed joy over the forum, while urging NAFDAC to be organising the programme at least two times a year.

     

    The forum is a two days event, the second day would involve the pharmaceuticals stakeholders within the zone. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Communities should tap their tourism potential maximally — Omotosho

    Communities should tap their tourism potential maximally — Omotosho

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The President of Travelogue Communications Ltd,Mr Ayo Omotosho, says local communities must begin to benefit optimally from the exploration of their tourism potential.

    Omotosho spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Lagos.

    He said that tourism was a tool that could be used to drive revenue inflow as well as increase employment creation, among others.

    The tourism expert said there was the need to create more awareness on such opportunities, which the upcoming Destination Tourism Show would aim to achieve.

    Omotosho said that the show, holding in Lagos, with the theme, “Celebrating Diversity in Tourism and Hospitality”, was the fifth edition of such.

    He said that the programme, slated for Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, would help to promote community-based tourism through the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

    According to him, the programme would feature Lagos Local Government Tourism Market, (LLGTM) with a roadshow to communities, giving those communities visibility.

    “The 5th Destination Tourism show holds from 29th to 30th November 2023 at Freedom Park and Eko Hotels respectively.

    “This year’s destination tourism show will have a special focus on community-based tourism, tourism officers from each of the local government area in Lagos will expose the tourism potential within their local government to the public.

    “This will give room for proper education on tourism and in the long run, help to market those potential for improved wealth creation.

    “This is to add tourism values and sensitise both the state and local authorities in Lagos State to increase the capacity of local governments to generate and earn tourism revenue.

    “The roadshow on community-based tourism will provide an opportunity for business to busines (B2B) and a showcase of handicrafts, including a tantalising journey through local cuisines,” he said.

    Omotosho noted that through the roadshow, the needed education would be created.

    He said this would also create more employment opportunities for the youths in the local communities by way of opening windows of development for tourism assets and infrastructure in the local government.

    Omotosho said to encourage others to do more, those who had done well in tourism, culture travel trade and allied services would be recognised on the second day of the programme.

    He said these would include local government chairmen who supported community-based tourism development in their various communities in Lagos.

    The tourism expert said the event would enrich the participants, particularly the conference session which would be an eye-opener and help in attracting investors

    “Tourism opens minds to unlimited opportunities and there are lots of tourism business opportunities in the local communities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Arts forum enlightens students on innovative digital tools

    Arts forum enlightens students on innovative digital tools

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The African Art Awakening Forum (AAA) on Wednesday educated no fewer than 150 students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and others on the application of innovative digital tools in arts.

    Mr Raphael O’Que-Guale, President, AAA, during the workshop held at YABATECH, expressed his commitment to enabling students explore the boundless possibilities that technology could offer in advancing the arts industry.

    The workshop had the theme: “Digital Empowerment: Leveraging Technology For African Art”.

    O’Que-Guale, represented by Mrs Florence Onochie, an artist, said that after the  workshop some of the students would be engaged in an art contest.

    According to him, the overall winner will  be given a return ticket to Canada, while the first-runner-up will be compensated with N100,000 and  second-runner-up will be given professional art supplies worth N50,000.

    “At this age of rapid technological advancement, the fusion of arts and technology can be a powerful catalyst for transformative change, providing new avenues for expression, promotion, and distribution of our rich artistic heritage.

    “As we embark on these three days of insightful discussions, immersive workshops and the celebration of artistic brilliance through our art contest, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and exploration.

    “The African Art Awakening Forum is not just a conference, it is a dynamic platform for dialogue, exchange and most importantly, inspiration.

    “Our agenda is to stimulate your minds, ignite your creativity and foster meaningful connections,” he said.

    Dr John Adenle of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Lagos, enlightened the students on the essence of engaging digital tools for arts.

    “Digital tools enable artists to combine various elements, such as animation, sculpture, photography and painting to develop new art forms.

    “Digital art breaks boundaries through interactive installations as well. Sensors and other technologies allow viewers to take part in artwork from digital artists,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Kunle Adeyemi, Director, International Quality Assurance, YABATECH, highlighted the importance of digital image manipulation; digital media techniques; digital printmaking; digital computer and printing; artificial intelligence and art generators.

    According to Adeyemi, digital technologies has explored some of the ways in which computers are useful tools for the artist.

    He noted that this was not only in terms of the preliminary development of artworks that were realised in other media, but also in the creation of autonomous digital artworks.

    He said: “It is a known fact that artists are more commonly originating work on the computer or scanning drawings, paintings, print works or photographs and working on them digitally.

    “It has become easier to create black and white line artwork on film or black-and-white, halftone, photographic colour separations on films to make stencils for screen printing or plates and blocks for other methods of printmaking.

    “With the development of the digital media, which makes possible the manipulation of slides, prints, digital photographs, much in the way, a painting is developed and modified by using computer software.

    “It can then be easily said that photography has moved closer to painting and the boundaries in all the genres of art are coming closer to each other by the day.”

    An Impressionistic Painter, Dr Peacemaker Alexandra, took the students through the digital techniques in painting as he advised them on the need to embrace digital technology.

    He said it was outrightly possible to do installation art work digitally.

    “Digital art has come to stay, so, digital empowerment is important, you need to think more on digitising your works,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Buba Urges ICT Graduates to Create Employment From Lessons Gained from DTAC Digital Initiative

    Buba Urges ICT Graduates to Create Employment From Lessons Gained from DTAC Digital Initiative

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, (DTAC), Hon.  Yusuf Buba Yakub, has urged participants at the just-ended DTAC ICT training to create employment rather than be waiting for white-collar jobs that may not readily be available.

    Buba made the call at the closing and certificate-presentation ceremonies for graduands of a 3-month training workshop organised by the Directorate as part of youth empowerment efforts.

    (Buba hands over the certificate of participation to one of the graduating trainees at the event)

    The DTAC DG noted that the training the participants had received was to prepare them for future endeavours, a statement by Nkem Anyata-Lafia, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Director General stated.

    Buba said that DTAC under him would try to provide more training opportunities in other areas where the participants could deploy the knowledge garnered to diverse areas and challenges of life.

    The DTAC boss said:
    “I am sure that even from the age of 1 most of you here had begun to play with mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

    ”This is the direction the world is headed and we all must face that direction. This was why at the commencement of the programme I had challenged you all to make yourselves available and make the best of this time .

    ”I am certain today that since we flagged off this training you have learnt one or two lessons that will prove useful to you in the future.

    “I encourage you to continue to deepen what you have learnt these past months, since these instructors will still be with us to guide you through whatever dark areas you may still be experiencing with regards to the programme.”

    (Participants at the event offer a standing ovation to the DTAC boss at the end of his speech)

    ”We will give you all the support you need to succeed. As you wait for white-collar jobs, learn to do things with your hands, it will make all the difference. I did the same thing in my time;and today the story is different,” the DTAC Boss assured.

    Speaking earlier to welcome participants and officers of DTAC to the event, the Ag. DTAC Director of Administration, Shehu Mohammed described the outcome of the training programme as “heartwarming.”

    He thanked Hon.Buba for what he said was the first-of-its-kind at the Agency and promised to make it a part of the Agency’s annual programme.

    Also speaking, team-lead of the Strammed Ltd training group, Ubong Anye , thanked DTAC for the opportunity to showcase what he and his array of instructors could achieve when offered the desired platform. He said the programme was designed to run in-person in a classroom situation for five weeks after which the trainees would be exposed to the practical aspects of the training for the rest of the three-month period.

    Certificates of participation were later presented to graduands of the training programme by the Director-General of the Agency, Rt. Hon. Buba.

    (A group photograph of the graduands with DG of DTAC and officials of the Agency)

    Over fifty graduands, including Corps Members and staff of both the Media and ICT Units of the Agency, were among those who graduated from the programme.

    Hillary Tyato Greno and Shuaib Muhammad Dazhi, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the Management of DTAC for the knowledge received.

    They promised to use the knowledge of Digital Content Creation and Marketing Tools received to promote the Agency and enhance their livelihoods.

    Apart from the Agency’s DG and the Ag. Director of Administration, who played various roles on the occasion, other members of the DTAC Management present were:Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, Director of Programmes;Mr. Idris Saidu, Ag. Director, Finance and Accounts as well as Mrs Rahila Ayuba Kaura, Ag. Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, among others. (Flowerbudnews)p