Flowerbud News

Month: January 2024

  • NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on substandard, contaminated syrup

    NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on substandard, contaminated syrup

     

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
    has notified the public about five contaminated syrups allegedly going round in World Health Organisation (WHO) regions.

    The notification is contained in a public alert No. 037/2023, signed by the Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

    The agency listed the WHO regions to include: America, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific.

    It stated that the five oral liquid dosage forms (syrup and suspension) were also detected in the Maldives and Pakistan,

    Some of the affected products have also been detected in Belize, Fiji and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

    The agency listed the sysrups as: ALERGO Syrup, EMIDONE Suspension, MUCORID Syrup, ULCOFIN Suspension and ZINCELL Syrup, adding that “a total of 23 batches of the products are affected and the stated manufacturer is PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD (Pakistan).

    “In November 2023, samples of five different batches of ALERGO syrup were screened for non-compliance by the quality control laboratory of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).

    “This is in accordance with the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) test for Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol for inclusion in the International Pharmacopoeia.

    “The routine screening detected potentially unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants.

    “Laboratory testing conducted by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA) confirmed that all five batches
    were contaminated with ethylene glycol at levels ranging from 0.62 to 0.82 per cent w/w relative to the accepted limit
    of not more than 0.10% w/w.
    “A follow-on inspection of PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD was conducted by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

    “The DRAP review of the manufacturing facility and manufacturing records suggested that diethylene glycol/ethylene glycol as contaminants may be present in other products and batches manufactured by PHARMIX LABORATORIES (PVT.) LTD.

    “The safety and quality of these products can, therefore, not be guaranteed,” Adeyeye quoted DRAP as saying.

    The NAFDAC boss said that as precautionary measure, DRAP had instructed PHARMIX LABORATORIES to stop production of all oral liquid dosage medicines and issued
    a Recall Alert for the five different oral dosage manufactured by the company.

    She disclosed that Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

    According to her, toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.

    The NAFDAC boss stated that manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, especially syrups that contain excipients, are at risk of contamination with EG/DEG such as glycol, sorbitol, and/or glycerin/glycerol.

    Adeyeye added that the substandard products referenced in the alert are unsafe and that their use, especially in children, may result to serious injury or death.

    She stated that although the products are not registered by NAFDAC, they may have been distributed through formal and informal markets to other countries or regions, including Nigeria.

    She implored importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to exercise caution and increase vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the substandard cough syrups.

    She said all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers, adding that products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked when buying.
    The director-general advised the public, who are in possession of the listed products not to sell or use the products, but submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    She urged those who may have used the products to seek immediate medical advice from qualified healthcare professionals.

    She also advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of adverse drug reactions, or substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office on
    0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

    She encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse or side effects related to the use of the medicinal product to the nearest NAFDAC office, or
    through the use of E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med- safety application available for download and IOS stores or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Breaking: President Tinubu suspends Edu

    Breaking: President Tinubu suspends Edu

     

    By Ismail Abdulaziz
    Abuja:  President Bola Tinubu has suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu with immediate effect.

     

    A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said this was in line Tinubu’s avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

    Ngelale said that the President directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

    He said the suspended Minister was also directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

    The suspended Minister was further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

    (Bales of relief materials delivered by Dr. Betta Edu to distressed persons in plateau state recently)

    Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes.

    (Bales of relief materials delivered by Dr. Betta Edu to distressed persons in plateau state recently)

    This is with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. NAN (Flowerbudnews)

  • Osun State’s Omoluabi Holdings’ Assets hit Over N2 Billion – Alimi

    Osun State’s Omoluabi Holdings’ Assets hit Over N2 Billion – Alimi

     

    By Iyiola Olalere
    Oshogbo (Flowerbudnews) The investment base of the Osun State owned Omoluabi Holdings Limited has grown beyond two billion naira.and may surpass 3 billion in the next few years, Alhaji Kola Alimi, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer has disclosed.

    Alimi made the disclosure while speaking in an exclusive interview with Flowerbudnews in Oshogbo over the weekend.

    He expressed his resolve to further boost the the economic viability of Omoluabi Holdings by steadily expanding the business portfolio of the investment company.

    Alimi said that Omoluabi Holdings had potentials to help increase the Grand Domestic Product (GDP) of Osun state tremendously, and could also become a major contributor to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

    ‘Omoluabi Holdings currently have investment in security business, water production, property development,, etc, Alimi said, adding that there were plans to strengthen the company’s training components to become the ”springboard for developing professionals and skilled labour that could fit into organisations”.
    .
    Alimi said that plans were underway for Omoluabi Holdings to establish an Ultra-Modern Auto Repair Trading workshop.for general automobile repairing and training of efficient modern auto-repair manpower.
    .
    He said that the company’s bulk purchase component would be revitalised to become a source of varied essential commodities and products for the people of Osun state.

    He disclosed that Omoluabi Holdings had business pact with Nestle Nigeria which seemed to be dormant, but could be revived, adding that the company would also prioritise provision of products such as cement and other food products.

    Alimi said that the company also have working relationship with Ibile Holdings in Lagos and the Oodua Investments among others, saying, ”we are collaborating to develop property

    Until his appointment, Alimi, a successful businessman was a very senior retiree of Nestle, Nigeria.

    He was appointed by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to revitalise the state owned Omoluabi Holdings based on his vast experience and competence. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Tinubu orders probe of palliative scandal

    Tinubu orders probe of palliative scandal

     

    By  Monday Ijeh

    Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has ordered investigation into alleged payment of funds into a private account by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris disclosed this in a satement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

    In the statement personally signed by the Minister, he stressed that the Tinubu’s administration is committed to transparency and has zero tolerance for corruption.

    “We are aware of the narratives circulating widely and wish to assure Nigerians that the government takes these issues most seriously.

    “The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is transparent and accountable to the people.

    “It is committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated and utilised effectively and efficiently to address the needs of Nigerians,” he said.

    The minister said the federal government was determined to unravel the truth as it related to the matter.

    .Idris said that his ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by the public over the allegation.

    He added that the order by the president was to ascertain the accuracy and validity of the reported details.

    Idris assured that appropriate action would be taken to ensure that any breaches and infractions were identified and decisively punished, in line with the administration’s commitment to public accountability and due process.

    ,

    The Minister, however cautioned against dissemination of unverified claims by the people

     

    “The Ministry is committed to providing timely updates to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of the investigation.

    “We urge Nigerians to exercise patience as the investigation unfolds. The government is focused on ensuring a fair and unbiased process,” he saud

    Idris assured that the findings would be communicated duly and transparently to the public. (NAN)/ Flowerbudnews)

  • N3.4bn debt: Oyo A-G faults Makinde’s claim of lack of funds to pay

    N3.4bn debt: Oyo A-G faults Makinde’s claim of lack of funds to pay

     

    Abuja:  The Accountant-General (A-G) of Oyo State, Mrs K. O. Adegoke, has faulted claim by Gov. Seyi Makinde that the state lacked capacity to pay the N3.4 billion debt owed to former Local Government Areas (LGAs) chairmen and councilors sacked on assuming office on May 29, 2019.

    Adegoke’s position is contained in a fresh document filed by one of the state’s bankers before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a garnishee proceeding initiated by the ex-council chiefs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the garnishee proceeding was initiated against Makinde, Oyo State and others, following the Dec. 8, 2023 judgment of the Abuja Court of Appeal, ordering the governor to pay the debt, which now stood at N3,425,300,000.

    In the court document, the Oyo A-G revealed that there were sufficient funds in the state’s account with First Bank of Nigeria Limited and that the bank had been directed to set aside the N3,425,300,000 for the settlement of the outstanding judgment debt.

    NAN reports that the Supreme Court had, in a judgement on May 7, 2021, declared Makinde’s sack of the council officials, before the end of their three-year tenure, as unlawful.

    The apex court also ordered him to pay them the salaries and allowances they ought have earned for the tenure, which the Oyo State government later estimated at N4,874,889,425.60.

    The governor authorised the payment of N1.5 billion in 2022, leaving an outstanding sum of N3,374,889,425.60 (about N3.4 billion).

    Makinde later applied to the High Court of the FCT, via a motion filed on April 3, 2023, praying to be allowed to pay the outstanding debt in instalment of N300 million every six months, a request Justice Anote Ebong rejected.

    He had, in the motion, claimed among others, that Oyo State had no resources to pay the judgment debt and that the state would be unable to meet its obligations should the debt be paid in a manner deferent from what he proposed.

    Justice Ebong,vin a ruling on April 27, 2023, ordered one of the state’s bankers, First Bank of Nigeria, to immediately pay the ex-council chiefs N1,374,889,425.60 and directed Makinde to pay the remaining balance of N2 billion in instalment of N500 million every six months, with the first instalment payable on July 31, 2023.

    But Makinde appealed Justice Ebong’s decision at the Court of Appeal, Abuja and repeated his claim that his state was broke and would be unable to meet its obligations should it comply with the order by the FCT High Court.

    In a judgement on Dec. 8, 2023, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal dismissed Makinde’s appeal; ordered him to comply with Justice Ebong’s order and awarded N50 million cost against him.

    Armed with the Dec. 8 judgment of the Court of Appeal, the ex-council chiefs led by Bashorun Mojeed Ajuwon, went back to Justice Ebong’s court for an order attaching Oyo State government’s accounts in 10 banks in a fresh garnishee proceeding.

    It is in response to the court’s order for the banks to show cause why the garnishee order nisi should not be made absolute against them that one of the banks tendered the letter by the Oyo State A-G.

    In the letter, Mrs Adegoke said: “We wish to inform you that First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has already set aside the sum of N3,425,300,000.00 on Oyo State Joint Local Government Allocation Account,” in respect of the garnishee order by Justice Ebong.

    First Bank, in its response to the garnishee order, confirmed that it had sufficient funds in Oyo State’s account to cover the judgment debt.

    It added that “Oyo State has an account with the bank with funds sufficient to cover the judgment sum of N2,050,300,000.00.”

    At the resumed hearing in the garnishee proceedings on Jan. 5, Makinde’s lawyer, Alfred Akinjo-Nelson, told the court that his client was unhappy with the Court of Appeal decision and has appealed to the Supreme Court.

    When asked by Justice Ebong what his client’s grievance was with the judgment debt, Akinjo-Nelson said Makinde and the other judgment debtors were not contesting the judgment debt, but were uncomfortable with the mode of payment ordered by the judge.

    The lawyer also faulted the suggestion by Solomon Umoh, SAN, a lawyer to Access Bank Plc, one of Oyo State ‘s bankers, that other banks affected by the garnishee order nisi should be excused in view of the revelation that sufficient funds had been reserved with First Bank to defray the judgment debt.

    Although lawyer to the judgment creditors (the ex-council chiefs), Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, agreed that the other nine garnishee banks be excused, except First Bank, Akinjo-Nelson disagreed with the submission.

    Akinjo-Nelson, therefore, sought time to respond to some applications filed by the judgment creditors, including one in which they are seeking to play a recording of an alleged media chat by Makinde, where he was said to have commented on decisions by the various courts on the case.

    Justice Ebong adjourned the matter until Jan. 18 for hearing in the pending applications and possibly continuation of the garnishee proceedings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • Ndiomu mourns Delta traditional ruler , Ayemi-Botu

    Ndiomu mourns Delta traditional ruler , Ayemi-Botu

     

    Abuja: Maj-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has commiserated with the people of Delta over the demise of King Charles Ayemi-Botu of Seimbiri Kingdom.

    Ndiomu described the death of the prominent monarch in Burutu Local Government Area as “a big loss to the Niger Delta.”

    He spoke during a condolence visit to the family of the departed traditional ruler in Warri, Delta, and the statement was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    The PAP boss said the late monarch was a lover of peace who was committed to the development of the Niger Delta region.

    He said since he assumed office as the interim administrator of PAP, the late Ayemi-Botu had been a pillar of support, offering very useful advice that had helped in his approach to some issues.

    Ndiomu, who regretted that King Ayemi-Botu left at a time he was mostly needed, said he would be remembered for his good works, particularly in his native Seimbiri Kingdom, where he ruled for an eventful 29 years.

    While urging the family to take solace in God, he tasked them to sustain his legacies, assuring that the PAP under him would support in any way it could during the funeral rites.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that King Ayemi-Botu, who died on Oct. 5, 2023, at the age of 75, was crowned in April 2,1994, in line with the customs and tradition of Seimbiri Kingdom.

    He was presented with the staff of office on April 4, 1995 by the then Military Administrator of Delta, Group Captain Ibrahim Kefas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • NUJ hails Buni, YEDC over restoration of electricity supply in Yobe

    NUJ hails Buni, YEDC over restoration of electricity supply in Yobe

     

    By Nabilu Balarabe
    Damaturu:  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe Council, has commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe for his role in the restoration of power supply in Damaturu, the state capital.

    The union’s commendation is contained in a statement issued by the council’s Chairman, Alhaji Rajab Mohammed, and made available to newsmen in Damaturu on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that two 330KV power towers, conveying electricity from Gombe to the state, were recently vandalised by suspected insurgents.

    The incident, which occurred at Kasesa area of Damaturu, plunged Yobe and its residents into blackout that lasted for more than 30 hours.

    Mohammed said Buni’s sterling leadership within the period was critical to the restoration of power in the capital city.

    “Recall that immediately the incident occurred, the governor contacted the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    “That call led to the contract award for reconstruction of the vandalised towers.

    “The governor equally directed the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) to restore the 33KV line from Potiskum to Damaturu with immediate effect,” he said.

    The NUJ chairman also lauded YEDC for its quick response in restoring electricity to Damaturu and called on TCN to ensure the reconstruction of the towers in good time.

    He called on the people of the state to continue to pray for peace and prosperity in the country.

    He wished the Christian faithful merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

    NB/USO

  • FCT-IRS Charges MDAs, Employers to File 2023 Income Annual Returns on or before Jan. 31st

    FCT-IRS Charges MDAs, Employers to File 2023 Income Annual Returns on or before Jan. 31st

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Yhe Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has urged Ministries, Departments, Agencies of government and other employers of Labour in FCT to file their annual returns of income for 2023 on or before January 31st ,2024.

    In a statement signed by Mustapha Sumaila,, Head Corporate Communications, FCT-IRS, the Service said that the return must be from all revenue sources of such MDAs etc, for the year ended, (31st December, 2023).

    ”This is in compliance with Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) which mandates all employers of labour in the FCT to file annual returns before January 31 of every year using the prescribed forms, Form G and Form H1 respectively,” FCT-IRS stated

     

    The Service said that Sections 94, 95 and 96 of PITA stipulated penalties for non-filing, incorrect/false declaration and late submission, warning that it would not hesitate to enforce the laws on defaulters.

    ”Organisation that wish to file online may visit www.fctirs.gov.ng and click on create account or click on login for those that already had accounts, adding, ” or you can proceed to any of the FCT-IRS offices to submit electronic copies of your returns”.

    FCT-IRS said that ”forms are also available in the 15 offices including the Service’s headquarters for those who may want to file manually,”.

    It enjoined employers of labour, organisations and agents to file their returns before the January 31 deadline, warning, ”otherwise the late filers and non-filers will be penalised in accordance with the law”. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Interior Ministry, NIDCOM, Others Hold Demo Session As Passport Application Goes Fully Automated Tomorrow

    Interior Ministry, NIDCOM, Others Hold Demo Session As Passport Application Goes Fully Automated Tomorrow

    The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo alongside the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, on Saturday held a demo session with key stakeholders and development partners.

     

    The session was put together to present the automated passport application process set to launch on Monday, January 8, 2024.

     

    Tunji-Ojo who chaired the session, noted that constructive criticism that would enhance and improve the system was discussed.

     

    Notable participants at the session included, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) represented by Stephen Matete; Dr. Joe Abah, Country Manager at Development Alternatives Incorporated; Tijjani Mohammad Musa, Founder of Kwandala Foundation; David Afolayan, co-founder of Technext.

     

    Others are Akintunde Babatunde, Director of Programmes at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development; Lanre Lasisi, Journalist and Community Development Practitioner; Samson Itodo, Founder of Yiaga Africa; Adeyemi Adewoye, Good Governance Advocate; Mukhtar Mudibbo representing Connected Development (CODE), among others.

     

    The planned launching of the online passport application platform will stop indiscriminate extortion of Nigerians at the passport offices, as transactions are now automated.