Flowerbud News

Month: December 2023

  • Sports minister hails Super Falcons WAFCON qualification

    Sports minister hails Super Falcons WAFCON qualification

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has hailed the Super Falcons on their successful qualification for the 2024 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for Morocco.
    The minister said the team displayed an impressive level of determination and teamwork, securing vital victories during the qualifiers to solidify their place in the prestigious WAFCON.
    He lauded the Super Falcons for their remarkable effort in showcasing the nation’s prowess on the continental stage.
    “The qualification of our Super Falcons for the African Women’s Cup of Nations is a testament to the dedication and talent of our exceptional players.
    “Their outstanding performance reflects Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
    Enoh emphasized the significance of women’s football in Nigeria, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Super Falcons in inspiring young athletes and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sporting prowess across the nation.
    “Through their hard work and commitment, the Super Falcons have not only secured a place in this prestigious tournament but have also inspired a new generation of aspiring female footballers.
    “Their success resonates beyond the field, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young women in our country,” he added.
    The minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting the team and other national teams.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons of Nigeria, nine-time champions on Tuesday defeated their host 2-1 for a 7-1 aggregate win in the final round of the qualification series.
    NAN
  • French minister expresses support for EFCC’s anti-graft war

    French minister expresses support for EFCC’s anti-graft war

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    French’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas, Laurent Baile has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

    EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in statement in Abuja on Tuesday said that Baile made the disclosure while on a courtesy visit to Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede.

    “Baile congratulated Olukoyede on his appointment and sued for greater collaboration with the EFCC on modalities for tackling cybercrimes and associated criminalities.

    “Discussions were also held on issues pertaining to joint investigations and intelligence sharing,” Oyewale said.

    He quoted Olukoyede as also appreciating the visit and restated the Commission’s resolve to driving the war against economic and financial crimes on the right focus.

    “ We are determined to properly focus the mandate of the Commission in the overall interests of Nigerians.

    “The overriding aim of fighting economic and financial crimes is to grow the economy, stimulate development, create jobs and remove bottlenecks against sustainable development.

    “We will be more professional in the way we do our jobs and we will adhere strictly to the rule of law,” he said.

    Olukoyede commended the French government for its longstanding support for the EFCC and called for greater synergy in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes.

    Baile was accompanied by Verin Emmanuel, Interior Attaché  at the French Embassy.

    NAN

     

  • Gov. Bello creates humanitarian ministry, lauds FG’s social investment programme

    Gov. Bello creates humanitarian ministry, lauds FG’s social investment programme

    By Thompson Yamput

    Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday announced the establishment of a Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Bello, in a statement issued in Lokoja by his Media Aide, Oogwu Muhammed, made the declaration during the official kick-off of the Federal Government’s Grant for Vulnerable programme under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Government House.

    The governor lauded the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme.

    He explained that the establishment of the new ministry was in line with the overarching vision of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims to uplift 50 million Nigerians from poverty annually.

    “My administration has put the necessary legal framework and legislative authority for the creation of this humanitarian ministry.

    “The Grant for Vulnerable Groups, specifically targeted at the most economically disadvantaged members of the society, will provide beneficiaries with a cash sum of N20,000, ” he said.

    “It’s our belief that the grant will effectively contribute to the administration’s goal of pulling millions of Nigerians out of the poverty bracket.

    *We have over the years undertaken various initiatives to reduce and eliminate poverty in Kogi, which include free education in primary and secondary schools, quarterly distribution of food palliatives, and free healthcare programme for pregnant women and children.

    “Additionally, the government has undertaken the responsibility of covering examination fees for public school students, releasing funds such as the N497 million disbursed for the 2024 WAEC fees in October.

    “This is as a result of my administration’s Zero-out-of -School-Children initiative, which has yielded substantial results.

    He expressed confidence that the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, would build upon these achievements and strengthen ties with the federal and local governments for the overall welfare of the people, ” Bello said.

    During the ceremony, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Kogi women for their unwavering support for the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

    Edu noted that beyond the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, the Federal Government had implemented over 20 social programmes targeting poverty alleviation, food security, and human capital development.

    The minister revealed that, as part of the inaugural phase in Kogi, 3,000 individuals benefited from the programme.

    The State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative, and commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for rolling out numerous initiatives to combat poverty, socio-economic inequality, and enhance security in the state.

    NAN

  • Oshiomhole urges Labour to revisit management of Contributory Pension funds

    Oshiomhole urges Labour to revisit management of Contributory Pension funds

    By Joan Nwagwu

    Sen. Adams Oshiomhole has called on organised Labour to revisit the management of the Contributory Pension Funds.

    Oshiomhole said this at the 8th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The theme of the conference was “Trade Unionism in the Era of Economic Crisis: Addressing the Increasing Poverty Level of Nigerian Workers”.

    The former Governor of Edo State  alleged that Federal and State Governments were borrowing from the contributory pension funds at a low interest rate, thereby breaching the concept of establishing the contributory pension scheme.

    According to him, “I know I resisted the idea of contributory pension to be managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), when I was the NLC president.

    “These PFAs are profit seekers. You cannot give me 6 per cent return on my pension savings at an interest rate of 25 per cent.

    “This is unfair. It means the worker is  getting poorer. You must not accept that because you are the greatest contributors to the economy.

    “Today, the pension scheme is over N11 trillion deducted and ought to go into mortgage investments for workers who had retired.

    “If the N11 trillion is put into mass housing, workers, upon their retirement, would not be homeless.

    “I want to urge you all to revisit these monies that PENCOM is managing, who is borrowing and what are they doing with the money,” he said.

    He added that the scheme was supposed to address workers social capital needs.

    Oshiomhole also condemned the recent brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

    He, however, faulted the nationwide strike which temporarily grounded social and economic activities in the country for two days.

    “Often times, Iabour leaders seek implementation of their demands from governments with biased positions that are not well articulated, giving the government officials upper hand in their negotiations.

    He said the labour movement must always approach issues in a united front, even though the capitalists will always find ways to break or fragment them.

    On the fuel subsidy policy of the government, Oshiomhole urged workers not to lament their sorry situation but to put on their thinking cap and wriggle out of the dire situation.

    He said rather than spend time agonising over government policies that are not working in their favour, they should engage as a united front to press home their demands to those in authority.

    NAN

     

  • Police arrest 15 suspects, recover 20 stolen vehicles in Kano

    Police arrest 15 suspects, recover 20 stolen vehicles in Kano

    By Aminu Garko

    The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday announced the arrest of 15 suspects and recovery of  20 stolen vehicles in different parts of the state.
    This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relation Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa in Kano.
    He said that the arrest and recovery of the stolen vehicles were as a result of the command’s commitment to ending all forms of criminality in the state.
    Kiyawa said, ” We are fully committed towards combating cases of theft of motor vehicles and all forms of criminal activities in our areas of supervision.
    ” In the last one month, the police command consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the protection of lives and properties of all residents of the state.
    “This is in furtherance to the directives and vision of I-G  Egbetokun to all police commands and formations to implement community-based policing, intelligence-led policing and the display of professional competence for effective service delivery.
    ” The state police became committed by combating and nipping in the bud cases of motor vehicle theft in the state.
    ” We embarked on a series of crackdown operations that led to the arrest of  15 suspected motor vehicle thieves and recovery of 20 exhibit  vehicles,”he said.
    The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, while appreciating the  people for their understanding, cooperation and support, reiteratedthe commitment of the command to live above board.
    He further urged everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement, person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest police station for prompt security action.
    NAN

     

  • UCH Nurses’ Week: CMD describes nurses as backbone of clinical care

    UCH Nurses’ Week: CMD describes nurses as backbone of clinical care

     

     

    UCH Nurses’ Week: CMD describes nurses as backbone of clinical care

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, has described nurses as the backbone of clinical care in the world.

     

    Otegbayo stated this while declaring open the UCH School of Nursing Week 2023 with the theme: “Nursing with a Difference: Roles of Nurses in Curbing Quackery in Today’s Healthcare System”.

     

    At the event organised by the National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses and Midwives (NANSNM), UCH Chapter, Otegbayo said that hospital services will be better if there are good nurses.

     

    “Nurses are the backbone of clinical care, other professionals in the health sector just interact with patients in a matter of minutes but nurses are with the patients all the time.

     

    “That is key in terms of the care that they receive.

     

    “Any hospital which rises in terms of clinical care, it will be because of the good nurses and if it is going to go down, it will be because of nurses.

     

    “I want to say that it is good as you, student nurses, are doing this. If you want a tradition or culture to last you have to involve the youths.

     

    “I must appreciate all the nurses’ leaders here for involving you the students right from the very onset to know what is right,” he said.

    The Keynote Speaker, Dr Isaiah Olabisi, who was represented by Esther Olabisi, cautioned against quackery in the nursing profession.

     

    He described a quack as any individual that provides healthcare services without the requisite academic qualification and one who does so either fraudulently or out of ignorance.

     

    “We have people who still do not know that they have to go to school to be trained to become a nurse.

     

    “We have statutory bodies that regulate the practice of every profession and nursing is not excluded.

     

    “We have the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

     

    “In general, if you see any individual who is practicing or who claims to be a healthcare professional in a country and does not possess a legal requirement by this statutory body, that person is a quack.

     

    “Nurses, we must take a giant step in combating this silent cankerworm that has destroyed the healthcare system,” Olabisi said.

    Also, the guest speaker, Olayiinka Adekola, said fighting quackery is a collective effort and should be taken seriously.

     

    “If you want to fight against quackery in our health system in the country, as nurses we can’t do it alone; we must collaborate; it’s everybody’s responsibility although nurses will play a pivotal role.

     

    “Together we can build a healthcare system in Nigeria that is resilient, trustworthy and dedicated to delivering quality care for all.

     

    “Empowering us, we must say no to quackery, we must uphold professional excellence in Nigeria,” Adekola said.

     

    In their separate remarks, the Principal, UCH School of Nursing, Dr Adenike Olaniyi, and Head of Nursing Education, UCH, Dr Pauline Guobadia, said that creating awareness concerning quackery is timely.

     

    Also, the Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), UCH branch, Comrade Funmi Faminu, said nurses must not rest until the bad eggs are flushed out of the profession.

     

    In his closing remarks, the president of the association, Emmanuel Oriowo, thanked all stakeholders in the healthcare sector and organisers for the success of the event.

     

    Awards were given to outstanding personalities in the health sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Shiites condemn aerial bombardment of Kaduna worshippers by Nigerian Army

    Shiites condemn aerial bombardment of Kaduna worshippers by Nigerian Army

     

     

    …Demands prosecution of perpetrators

    Abuja:  The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiites, on Tuesday, condemned the killing of scores of Muslim worshippers in Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna State by the Nigerian army.

    The IMN, in a statement by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, on behalf of the Islamic group under the leadership of His Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H), said the perpetrators of the act should be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.

    It reads: “A report reaching us revealed that more than 150 Muslim worshippers were massacred by the Nigerian Army in Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna State. The attack took place on Sunday, December 3, 2023, using a military drone.

    A reliable source from the village confirmed that the purpose of the gathering was to celebrate Maulud; thus, hundreds of Muslims faithful within and nearby the village gathered within the vicinity of the village to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Unfortunately, the Army strike befell the Maulud gathering.

    “According to eyewitness, the strike happened several times. The first strike happened around 11:00 p.m., and people rushed to provide first aid. After 30 minutes from the first strike, the second strike hit the village.

    “Maulud, the birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), is a very important ritual in Islam that connects Muslims with the love and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Due to its importance, Muslims do spend a couple of months celebrating the birthday.

    In September 2023, the federal government and numerous state governments in Nigeria declared Maulud public holiday.

    This became compulsory for all individuals and corporate organisations operating in Muslim communities to be aware of this important festive period. Consequently, the Army attack on Muslim worshippers in Tudun Biri is unacceptable and condemnable.

    “Numerous national dailies report that the Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the Tudun Biri massacre that left hundreds of Muslim worshippers killed at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State. The army said the attack was a mistake. It is in record that this type of massacre, referred to as a mistake, took place several times in this decade alone, especially in the north-east and northwest. To refer to this atrocity as a mistake is unacceptable. The Nigerian Army should be held responsible for this massacre.

    “Nigerian security forces have repeatedly killed civilians in settlements, camps, villages, and cities. In 2014, a Nigerian military aircraft dropped a bomb on Daglun village in Borno State, killing 20 civilians. In 2015, more than 1,000 disciples of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky were massacred in Zaria by the Nigerian Army. In 2017, 76 people were killed by the Nigerian Air Force strike on a refugee camp in Rann Camp in Borno State. In 2022, 64 people were reportedly killed by the Nigerian military’s airstrike in Mutumji Community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. These are unacceptable and condemnable atrocities, and a deafening silence on these atrocities will result in the reoccurrence of another massacre.

    “In view of the foregoing, the Islamic movement, under the leadership of His Eminence, Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H), condemned the Tudun Biri Massacre and demanded the following:

    “1) All people of conscience should come out publicly to condemn these atrocities and demand justice for the people of Tudun Biri.

    “2) The perpetrators of this massacre should be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.

    “3) An investigation should be conducted to ascertain what happened, the number of people killed or injured, and the losses incurred by the people of Tudun Biri as a result of this massacre.

    “4) The Nigerian Army, Kaduna State Government, and the Federal Government of Nigeria should pay compensation to the families of victims of the Tudun Biri massacre.”/ Flowerbudnews

  • Torture: FG moves to tackle legal, administrative bottleneck

    Torture: FG moves to tackle legal, administrative bottleneck

     

    Abuja:  As part of the effort to eradicate issues of torture in the country, the Federal Government says appropriate measures have been put in place to checkmate lapses in legal and administrative frameworks.

    Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, made this known on Tuesday at the training for members of National Committee Against Torture (NCAT) in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day training was organised by Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, France, with the support of Australian government.

    It was titled: “The Legal Framework on Torture and Effective Implementation of the Anti-Torture Act 2017.”

    (Mr Mathew Mechan, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Nigeria; the Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu and Mr Emmanuel Nwakeze, ACG Operations of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and member representing NCoS Against Torture at the opening of the two-day training on Tuesday in Abuja.)

    Jedy-Agba, who stressed that the issue of torture was one that the nation was desirous of eradicating, however said that “there is need for more to be done to ensure that torture by public officials comes to an end and that victims able to seek and obtain justice.”
    She said it was for this reason that the Attorney-General of Federation reconstituted the NCAT, now known as Committee Against Torture, Nigeria.

    “While i am aware of the legal and administrative constraints associated with investigating and prosecuting torture, i wish to solicit the support and input of members to devise creative means of address the problem of torture in Nigeria, particularly in our detention centres,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Mathew Mechan, the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Nigeria said the Australian government was proud to support Nigeria, through the ASF ProCAT Project, to enhance Nigeria’s counter torture measures throughout the justice system.

    “I know that all of you were chosen to be members of this prestigious committee and to participate in this training because of your expertise, knowledge, leadership, and commitment to defending human rights.
    “I am sure that the training you receive today will go a long way to help you in discharging the responsibilities that accompany your selection to this committee.

    “| was pleased to note during a recent roundtable between development partners and Minister for Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, said that the Nigerian government acknowledges it needs to engage in correctional services reform.

    “The Honourable Minister was very frank and forthcoming that Nigeria faces many problems, including allegations of institutionalised torture.

    “Both he and the international community agreed we needed to work together to put an end to such practices, as well as hold perpetrators to account,” he said.

    Mr Emmanuel Nwakeze, ACG Operations of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and member representing NCoS Against Torture, said the service had been in the forefront of campaign against torture.

    He said as part of the effort to giving the NCoS human right disposition, the name was changed from “prison,” which signified torture to “correction,” which removed torture and ensured rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates to the society.

    (Mr Mathew Mechan, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Nigeria; the Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu and Mr Emmanuel Nwakeze, ACG Operations of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and member representing NCoS Against Torture at the opening of the two-day training on Tuesday in Abuja.)

    According to him, there is a section in our law which says no inmate should be tortured, this is under the new dispensation of NCoS Act 2019.
    The Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said the training was a way the organisation provides support for the NCAT to effectively discharge its mandate.

    “One of the reasons torture continues to occur, in fact with impunity, is lack of accountability,” she said.

    Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said perpetrators of torture must be held responsible in their individual capacity to stem the ugly tide.
    She urged law enforcement officers to perform their duties within the confine of the law.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • ASUU bemoans mass resignation of lecturers in public varsities

    ASUU bemoans mass resignation of lecturers in public varsities

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says most departments and units in Nigeria’s public universities are understaffed as a result of teachers leaving for greener pastures.

     

    Prof. Ayo Akinwole, Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, stated on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, that Nigeria’s public universities are in pitiful condition, with stress and dissatisfaction obvious on the faces of poorly paid lecturers.

     

    He said, “Except President Bola Tinubu arrests the situation by reviewing the conditions of service in terms and salaries, allowances, and infrastructure, many good hands will continue to resign and leave the country. Unfortunately, the same government that is not funding education has a National Assembly proposing to establish 32 more universities.

    The ASUU chairman said bad and delayed pay, unpaid allowances, bad infrastructure, lack of respect for the academic community, and a seemingly vanishing hope are some of the factors responsible for lecturers resigning in recent months.

     

    According to Akinwole, building more institutions will not fix the problem.

     

    “The union has received reports on how colleagues resign on a monthly basis because of the way lecturers are treated and poorly remunerated in Nigeria.

    Universities around the world are poaching more quality hands, and if not halted by the government, through intentional reviewing of upward conditions of service, it will be difficult to retain the best hands.

     

    “Vice Chancellors cannot single-handedly employ to replace staff as urgent as it is needed again. They have to contact Abuja for approval, which may take six months to a year, if not more, before they get approval. By this time, the best candidate has gone to a more serious country that respects quality.

     

    “Sadly, people from higher up there from the Ministry of Education to legislators themselves want to dictate who the universities should employ,” the Oyo State ASUU chairman added.