Month: March 2024

PSC Condemns Recent Police Millings, Condoles IGP on Cases in Imo, Delta States

As Arase says CPs Found Wanting Should be sanctioned !

By Biola Lawal

Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Police Service Commission (PSC), has condemned the new wave of killings of Police Officers on official duties, saying , the Officers were Nigerians who deserved support, encouragement and protection of the citizens.

The Commission condoled the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun on the unfortunate developments happening at a time when all efforts should be on to rid the nation of militancy and banditry, Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC said in a statement.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police said the killings were worrisome and urged the IG to take another look at the capacity of Police state Command leaderships in the country.

Dr. Arase noted that there must be consequences for the avoidable incidents adding that any State Commissioner of Police found incompetent, derelict and operationally/tactically porous should be eased out to avoid these huge Police casualties.

He lamented that “we have had more than a fair share of these ugly developments in recent time and called for an integrated intelligence policing.

The PSC Chairman condoled the families of the slain Officers and said time has come for state Command Commissioners to rise up to the occasion.

He enjoined the serving Officers not to be demotivated by these ugly developments but to reenact their indomitable fighting spirit that the Force is known for to ward off this new wave of assaults. (Flowerbudnews)

March 25, 2024
Hajj Fare Jumps to Over N8M for New Registration as NAHCON Releases New Development

By Biola Lawal

Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released new financial guidelines and developments on 2024 Hajj, disclosing that anyone newly registering for the Hajj would now pay about N8 million naira.

Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director, Public Affairs,
NAHCON, said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews that the hike was due to fluctuation in the naira rate against dollar:

Persons who have already paid for the Hajj would also need to pay additional over N1 million naira only due to government assistance and benevolence of rich Muslims.

The Full Statement:

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON) appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in.

This show of support gives the Commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise.

At this juncture, the Commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements.

It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory time line released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing.

NAHCON endeavored to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry.

However, non to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024.

Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks.These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge.

What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government.

Federal Government saw wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies including persuading cost reductions.

Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline.

This had remained the Commission’s dilemma. To make matters worse, now about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9million and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission.

Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims.

This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation.

Commendably, government’s policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost.

The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceeding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equatible spread of the Federal Government’s intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate.

Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed android pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024.

The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after.

Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status.

Below is a table detailing number of pilgrims that have paid the Hajj fare according to states and they remain the number expected to benefit from the intervention:

S/N
STATES
ACTUAL NO.OF SEATS PAID FOR

1
ABIA

2
ADAMAWA
1,767
3
A/IBOM
–
4
ANAMBRA

5
BAUCHI
2,290
6
BAYELSA
13
7
BENUE
87
8
BORNO
1,780
9
C/RIVER
0
10
DELTA
40
11
EBONYI
13
12
EDO
265
13
EKITI
186
14
ENUGU
18
15
FCT,ABUJA
2,489
16
GOMBE
1,262
17
IMO
98
18
JIGAWA
1,260
19
KADUNA
4,656
20
KANO
2,906
21
KATSINA
2,654
22
KEBBI
3,344
23
KOGI
13
24
KWARA
3,100
25
LAGOS
1,857
26
NASARAWA
1,866
27
NIGER
3,200
28
OGUN
925

29
ONDO
491
30
OSUN
1,548
31
OYO
1,047
32
PLATEAU
1,345
33
RIVERS
42
34
SOKOTO
3,563
35
TARABA
1,000
36
YOBE
1,290
37
ZAMFARA
1,596
38
ARMED FORCES
403

TOTAL
48,414

However, any new registration for 2024 Hajj from today, 24th of March will attract the full sum of N8,225, 464.74 from the Adamawa/Borno axis. From the North zone,fresh depositors will pay N8, 254, 464.74 whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8, 454, 464.74 as Hajj fare. All categories are to pay within the same deadline.

While the Commission regrets the short notice, it has become inevitable due to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s stern warning to Nigeria regarding the delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework. Before now, NAHCON had pleaded for an extension which had been reluctantly granted and now the Ministry’s patience is wearing thin.

As for those who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj, they are advised to formally request for refund from their states which will be treated with all seriousness.

The next four days are crucial for stakeholders, especially those willing to intervene in support of their pilgrims, to take necessary actions and ensure smooth Hajj arrangements.

NAHCON remains committed to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and seeks cooperation from all parties involved. (Flowerbudnews)

March 25, 2024
Livestock Production: Oyo State model gets high rating

Livestock Production: Oyo State model gets high rating

By Adewale Owoade

The National Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Sanusi Abubakar, has commended the commitment and delivery of livestock production in Oyo State.

Abubakar rated the state high at a 3-day livestock production stakeholders’ engagement by the World Bank Task Team and the National Coordinating Office on the L-PRES Support Mission to Oyo State.

The event targeted the implementation of a $500 million World Bank Project by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to improve productivity, commercialisation and resilience of livestock value chain.

The coordinator said the Governor of the State, Seyi Makinde, has created a conducive environment for investors in livestock production.

Stakeholders were later taken to a livestock production hub at Fashola Farm Oyo to assess the state government’s commitment in dairy and beef production.

They were hosted by the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr Debo Akande, and the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Kola Kazeem.

Abubakar, while speaking with journalists at Fashola Farm Settlement in Oyo Town, said Oyo State is one of those states that have keyed into the project.

He said some places have been earmarked as Livestock Service Centre and the project can further enhance Fashola Farm to move it forward.

“We are here in Ibadan, Oyo State, in continuation of our implementation support mission, we went to some states like Bauchi, Gombe and Enugu and we are here in Oyo State to wrap-up the event.

“We have the mandate of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyiari, to hasten up the implementation of this livestock programme in Nigeria, that is why we are going round for the implementation mission.

“We are here in Fashola Farm, a renowned place for livestock breeding and commercialisation of the livestock value chain that has been here since 1968 and we are impressed with what is happening here.

“We went to sites where they are training stakeholders on artificial insemination, livestock and pasture centres and are impressed with what is happening here.

“Thankfully, Oyo State is one of the states that is participating in this project and we are here to see how we can support the state.

“The aim of the project is to improve productivity and commercialisation of livestock value chain.

“If you improve productivity and commercialisation, certainly the citizens will get more money and will also help in our nutrition; you cannot do nutrition without livestock,” Abubakar said.

Also, L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Kazeem, said the mission of the project implementation team is to lend support to Oyo State in livestock production and development.

He disclosed that other agric hubs are currently being established at Ijaye for Ibadan Zone, Eruwa, Ibarapa Zone and others at Oke-ogun and Ogbomoso Zones.

“We have a team from about 16 states of the country who were in the state to witness what the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has been doing in terms of agricultural production and agribusiness development in the state.

“Fashola Farms is a signature project for Oyo State and for other states to emulate.

“When we talk of livestock centres, you cannot find this kind of facility and arrangement that we have in Fashola Agribusiness Hub in any other place.

“That is why everybody here is fascinated with what they have seen,” Kazeem said.

In his remarks, Akande who is also the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, said the state has enormous potential in livestock production.

“L-Pres is prepared to support the efforts of the state government to bring foremost acknowledgement of livestock rearing value chain, not just for cattle but also for poultry, piggery and other livestock sectors in the state.

“This we believe, in short, mid and long term, is going to create a major impact on our agricultural value chain especially in the livestock area.

“We will listen to our farmers, we want to understand where their challenges are and through that understanding we would be able to respond to it.

“One good example is what you saw today when we were meeting with all those cooperative farmers that are telling us about the challenges they have on artificial insemination.

“This is part of what L-PRES will be doing as well,” Akande said.

The programme had in attendance World Bank representatives, a representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and the Executive Director/CEO Development Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Ijeoma Ozulumba.

Also in attendance were the state project coordinators in all the beneficiary states as well as stakeholders in the livestock production sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the L-PRES, with the support of the World Bank, will create the enabling environment, including provision of infrastructure, for investors in the livestock value chain in Oyo State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

March 25, 2024
Goge Africa celebrates 25th anniversary, unveils FOGA

By Taiye Olayemi

Goge Africa, a culture and tourism promotion platform, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with colourful and interesting cultural presentations, as well as fashion and arts exhibitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Goge Africa was founded on Oct.1, 1999 by Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses.
The celebration, held in Lagos, also featured a contest for the Face of Goge Africa (FOGA), aimed at showcasing the richness of Africa’s creative in fashion, art, and modeling talents on a global stage.
The contest had 25 African youths, aged between 18 and 25, compete for FOGA, after series of screening.
After going through series of intellectual examination, fashion parade and other categories of contest, five winners emerged.
Sandra Kaba from Liberia won a trip to the Gambia, courtesy of Gambian Tourism Board while Adebowale Victoria won a ship cruise to the Bahamas, courtesy the Royal Caribbean.
Also, Adewale Mary bagged one million Naira cash prize, courtesy Goge Africa Foundation; and Nwagu Eustess-Malcolm will benefit training at the London Fashion Week, sponsored by wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, founder Nigerian Fashion Week London.
Another winner , Emeruem Emeka will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to The Gambia, to be sponsored by the Gambian Tourism.
Nneka Isaac-Moses, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed her joy for the remarkable achievements recorded since inception of Goge Africa.
She said FOGA was deliberately created to help empower African youths in gaining entrepreneurial skills.
She said the platform received applications from six countries: Burundi, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia and Nigeria.
She said another phase of the contest would be held soon, as a modeling runway agency in America has also demanded the service of two black Americans who would emerge Face of Goge.
“This is the inaugural event for Goge Africa 25th anniversary celebration. I feel so fulfilled that we have been able to create the platform we have always wanted to.
“Success is when we have successors. We have created FOGA platform to help African youths so that they do not struggle so hard and suffer the way we did.
“We shall groom the five winners to become professional models and provide training to them in areas of media and tourism promotion.
“All the contestants that made it to the finals shall enjoy mentorship from us as well and training opportunities,” she said.
Also, expressing his joy, Isaac Moses, said, “I feel so elated and fulfilled that now we have hope for young Africans not to struggle like we did.
“We are on the right trajectory and I will like to appreciate MTN, Access Bank from Angola, Dr Angela Adamu, President of the Association of Spouses of Nigerian Ambassadors (ASNA) and other individuals that gave prizes. The goodwill is so ennormous.”
NAN reports that celebrities in attendance at the event included renowned Nollywood veterans like Sola Shobowale, Joke Silva, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Emeka Ossai, Adenrele Edun, top government functionaries and international delegates. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

March 25, 2024
Palm Sunday: Be humble, peaceful, cleric urges Christian faithful

Flowerbudnews

Pastor Mrs Ibijoke Ogundipe of the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch has urged Christians to be humble and peaceful in all their dealings.

Mrs Ogundipe, also a prophetess, gave the charge in a sermon to mark the Palm Sunday Service titled: “The King of Glory,” in Abuja.

Preaching from Psalm 24 and Matthew 21: 1 to 11, the clergywoman said the Palm Sunday, which signified the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, was done in humility and peace.

According to her, Jesus Christ came in a humble manner into Jerusalem, riding on a colt of a donkey.

“The triumphant entry was a demonstration of the nature of his kingdom.

“If Jesus Christ is worldly, he would have gone for the best and latest car in our contemporary world.

“The kind of Messiah the Jews expected was the one that would liberate them from the hands of the Romans, the powerful nation at the time.

“Jesus did not come with force to conquer the world; he did not conquer the nations, but our hearts and minds,” she said.

Ogundipe described Jesus as “a man of peace and humility personified.”

“These are things we should do as we celebrate him and confess him as our lord and saviour.

“We should exhibit all these qualities as his followers

“I want us to be humble and peaceful in every of our dealings.

“We should know that Jesus has absolute power

“As children of God, we are supposed to seek his guidance and open our heart to his transformative power.

“Let us live a life that is ready to honour God with everything we have.

“We should, through our character and relationship with one another, prove to the world that we are Christlike,” she enjoined.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prayers were also offered for the church, Nigeria and its leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

March 24, 2024
US sues Apple for monopolizing smartphone market

The United States has accused a foremost global technology company, Apple, of monopolizing the smartphone market and hindering competition. (more…)

March 24, 2024
Lassa fever: NCDC records 20 deaths across 16 states as cases rise

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said there are new cases of Lassa Fever in the country with a record of 20 deaths across 16 states in one week. (more…)

March 24, 2024
SENEGALESE OUT IN THEIR NUMBERS TO ELECT A NEW PRESIDENT*

By Paul Ejime

Senegal’s 7.4 million registered voters came out in large numbers on Sunday to choose a new leader to replace outgoing President Macky Sall, whose attempt for tenure elongation after 12 years in office almost threw the country into political crisis.

According to various reports from across the country’s major cities such as Dakar, Thies, Diourbel, and Saint Louis, the process took off relatively smoothly with many voters in orderly queues as early as 5 am under the watch of security agents within perimeters of the polling centers.

In the eastern region of Ziguinchor, some youths were reported to have staged a protest on the eve of the voting day against the alleged busing of voters from neighbouring Guinea Bissau into the region by agents of one of the candidates. But balloting took place in the region and authorities said they were investigating the allegation.

The official voting time is 8 am to 6 pm, but some voters including women and youths, were already waiting for the arrival of electoral officials and materials at some polling stations, hours before the opening, especially in Diourbel, the nation’s second-largest city after the capital Dakar.

Mr Georges Mpany, 76, was the first to cast his ballot by 8.05 am, while a 68-year-old visually challenged man, Gallo Sow was assisted by a young female voter to cast his ballot at the Ecole Mane Diarra polling station in Diourbel.

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Most of the polling stations have between 200 and 600 registered voters and the polling officials were optimistic that all eligible voters in the queue by 6 pm would be allowed to vote.

After the political tensions and uncertainty over the rescheduling of the presidential vote, and the Constitutional Council’s intervention the election was moved from 25th February to 24 March featuring 19 candidates including one woman.

Some of the voting materials including ballot papers, marking on the ballot boxes and the accreditation badges still bore 25 February as the election date, since there was not enough time to effect the date change.

On Friday, Karim Wade, the candidate of the former ruling party PDS, declared his support for the opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in what political observers consider a potential game changer, capable of swinging victory in the first tound in favour of Faye, the anointed candidate of opposition figure Ousmane Sonko.

If none of the 19 candidates gets the constitutionally required 50% + 1 vote in the first round of balloting, the two frontrunners will square up in the run-off vote.##

March 24, 2024
Lagos police task force impounds 257 motorcycles

The Lagos State Police Command task force has impounded 257 motorcycles otherwise known as Okada for plying restricted routes listed by Lagos State Government. (more…)

March 24, 2024