It was learned that the gunmen contacted the families of the victims and informed them of their demands.
Agroup of gunmen who abducted three students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Thursday, March 28, have demanded N14 million to release two, FIJ has learned.
It was learned that the gunmen contacted the families of the victims and informed them of their demands.
By Salisu Sani-Idris
A marriage counsellor, Dr Aisha Adaviruku, has cautioned Muslim couples against anal intimacy as it is prohibited in Islam.
Adaviruku, made the call at the Ramadan Weekly lecture titled, ” Preparing Our Children for Marriage: Islamic Approaches, organised by the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, on Saturday in Abuja.
Adaviruku said that the Islamic legal system teaches Muslims everything about life, including how couples should have intimacy and train their children.
She said “another regular challenge that comes to my counseling class is based upon intimacy.”
She noted that parents hold a very huge space in ensuring that their children understand the true essence of marriage.
She, therefore, implored parents to enroll their children in premarital counseling especially those who are due for marriage.
” As parents we are good role models for what an Islamic marriage should look like. The first thing that we should remind our children about marriage is believe in God.”
She also cautioned Muslim couples against going outside the fold of Islam in search of solutions to their marital problems or challenges.
Adaviruku emphasised that marriage in Islam is an act of worship, saying “we do married only to seek for thr pleasure of Allah.”
She particularly advised married women to be grateful to their spouses whenever they discharge their responsibilities to them.
Earlier, Sheikh Shuaib Agbarere said ” if we don’t get married right, we can’t get our nation right.”
Agbarere, who is a legal practitioner by profession also warned against premarital sexual intercourse.
” Let us tell our young daughters that a man should not say because I have known your father and mother we are in marriage already we can do anything.
” No, you cannot do anything until when the wedding is pronounced,” he said. (NAN)
By Biola Lawal
Flowerbudnews: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cracked down on drug hawkers in Apapa area of Lagos seizing Illicit drugs worth about N50 million naira.
The operation, which was conducted by NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate targeted raid on drug hawkers operating in the Apapa area and its surroundings.
A NAFDAC state obtained by Flowerbudnews said that the operation was part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to combat the distribution and sale of unauthorised pharmaceuticals.
(NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)
Numerous hawkers were apprehended during the operation, while a wide range of illicit drugs were confiscated.
The siezed drugs included aphrodisiacs, narcotic substances (including tramadol), antibiotics, and over-the-counter medications.
”The combined street value of the seized drugs amounts to approximately Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000.00),” the NAFDAC statement disclosed.
It said that the individuals arrested would be prosecuted accordingly, and the confiscated drugs were slated for destruction. (Flowerbudnews)
By Taiye Olayemi
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, on Friday urged Nigerians to work unanimously in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Ade-John made the call during her visit to La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The minister was received by the Founder of the beach resort, Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, who led her and her entourage on a tour of the vast 65 acres of the resort.
“Through initiatives like La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, we harness tourism’s power to showcase Nigeria’s beauty and diversity while fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
“I urge all stakeholders present to continue supporting endeavours that celebrate our Nigerian identity and promote our cultural heritage, ensuring places like La Campagne Tropicana serve as beacons of pride and inspiration,” she said.
The minister said she would be deeply committed to promoting and preserving the Nigerian heritage for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
She described the tourism asset as a beacon of creativity and ingenuity.
She appreciated Akinboboye for allowing her team to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian culture and heritage visible everywhere at the resort.
She also expressed her appreciation to the management of the beach resort for its unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to showcasing the best of Nigeria.
According to her, she remains optimistic that her visit will mark the beginning of a new era, a renaissance of Nigerian culture and heritage shining brightly for generations to come.
“La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is a beacon of creativity and ingenuity, a testament to Nigeria’s richness and diversity.
“Through its intricate presentation of architecture, cultural practices, cuisine, and entertainment, the resort encapsulates the essence of our unique identity, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate our heritage.
“As we gather amidst the breathtaking beauty of this resort, let’s reflect on the significance of our shared cultural heritage.
“Nigeria, with its myriad traditions, languages, and customs, is a treasure trove of diversity, a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored and celebrated.
“This resort serves as more than a destination for leisure it is a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, a space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, share, and celebrate what makes us uniquely Nigerian,” she said.
As part of the tour, the Minister went on a boat cruise; inspected the holiday homes at the resort; and the Bolekaja bar- a heritage of transport scenario of the nation in the 60s, preserved at the resort for future generations.
The minister also went on tour to the founder’s camp, where Akinboboye first landed at age 26, to begin the actualisation of his dreams.
Then a tour of the houses with live trees strutting out of their roofs as well as the Oja Africa where all African nations have a stand, to sell their artefacts, arts and culture, and many other locations around the resort.
Ade-John also had the opportunity to witness a rare performance of Ara Thunder, one of the major stars of Atunda Entertainment, also founded by Akinboboye.
Earlier, Akinboboye appreciated the Minister for her visit.
He emphasised that tourism was not just about sites and destinations but also about the culture and traditions of the people. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Flowerbudnews
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s well-taken 42nd minute penalty separated nine-time African champions Nigeria and reigning champions South Africa in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifying match at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Friday night.
Chinwendu Ihezuo was upended in the box just minutes earlier as the Super Falcons broke forward once more, and the Spain-based Ajibade made no mistake in heaving the ball past Kaylin Swart.
Returnee forward Ihezuo was a real pain in the neck for the Banyana, as her pace unsettled their rearguard several times, but Nigeria failed to make hay from dead-ball situations before and after Ajibade’s strike.
In the second half, the Banyana took over the midfield with Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane and Nomvula Kgoale showing pace and invention, but Osinachi Ohale and Christy Ucheibe in the Nigeria central defence closed them down now and again.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called upon to make a world-class save midway into the second half, when Jermain Seoposenwe fired a belter from 20 yards after a good pass from the precocious Thembi Kgatlana.
Substitutes Esther Okoronkwo and Rinsola Babajide added some spark to the Super Falcons’ foreline, but they could not get past the outstanding Kaylin Swart.
Attention has immediately shifted to Tuesday’s return leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, where there is still so much to play for with the Falcons only a goal up in the fixture.
The Banyana will fly back to Johannesburg on Saturday morning while the Super Falcons will fly out of Lagos on Sunday night.
Flowerbudnews
Members of the Islamic Movement, also known as Shi’ites, on Friday, accused the United States (US) and security agencies of alleged plan to disrupt their procession in commemoration of the International Quds Day.
Prof. Dauda Nalado, in a statement on behalf of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of His Eminence Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H), made the allegations in Abuja.
“It is obvious to all and sundry that the United States of America (USA) is supporting the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, mostly women and children in Gaza.
“The USA is doing all it can to stop global support for the oppressed people of Palestine, including the over 40-year-old annual free Palestine rally and procession being observed by the Islamic Movement under the leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky (H) in many cities across Nigeria.
“The USA embassy in Abuja has released a mischievous letter depicting the planned Quds Day protests of today, Friday, April 5, as confrontational. Again, the Nigerian Police Force made an unusual release to the same effect.
“We would like the public to take note of the following facts:
“International Quds Day is being observed globally, even in the USA, Britain, France, and Israel.
“This great day is being observed by people of conscience, people with human minds. It is not an affair of Shiites only.
“It is not for Muslims only. It involves people of conscious that cuts across religious and ethnic boundaries.
“In Nigeria, this great day has been observed by Muslims from different understandings and by Christians alike for almost four decades now.
“This day is being observed through marches, protests and demonstrations in many cities, including the capital, Abuja, in Nigeria.
“There is no issue of confrontation. Whenever there is pandemonium, it is solely brought about by an attack by the security operatives who are ordered from ‘the above’ to prevent citizens from exercising their rights.
“We therefore wish to inform the public that the observance of International Quds Day is purely a demonstration of support for the people of Palestine, and there’s no cause for alarm or disruption of peace,” he said.
By Flowerbudnews
The Enugu State Government has urged the Federal Government to bring to reality its resolve and pledge to build the Enugu International Trade Fair complex to international standard according to its master plan.
Gov. Peter Mbah made the call on Friday in Enugu while declaring open the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair.
The fair, which is being organised by
Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), is themed: “Promoting Made in Nigeria products for global Competitiveness.”
Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, noted that for equity, there was a need for the Federal Government to build and complete the fair complex just as it had done in Kaduna and Lagos fair complexes.
According to the governor, we cannot easily explain to our people why this fair complex is not developed, while that of Kaduna and Lagos had been fully built and developed by the Federal Government.
“I charge the Federal Minister, here present, to make a formal memo to the Federal Executive Council for its development. We cannot aviod to wait any longer on this vital economic development move,” he said.
He also called on the chamber and organised private sector in the region to work towards it through executive and legislative lobbying and advocacy as well as media awareness on the matter.
The governor also called on the chamber and other sister chambers in the South-East and South-South regions to open lobby for the opening up of viable waterways commercial businesses and goods movement through the River Niger Port, Ibom Deep Port and Oguta Port among others.
“This is to facilitate trade and large movement of goods as well as check the excess use of the roads to convey goods, which is more expensive,” he said.
Mbah said that the state had passed and signed it Electricity Act, which means that very soon it will give licence to private investors to produce electricity in the state.
“We know how vital the place of constant and reliable electricity to industrialization and economy growth of our dear state,” he said.
On the theme of the fair, he said that it was apt, adding that it was only through massive productive activities especially goods patronized by Nigerians can lead the country to prosperity.
“It is also good we add quality and value on every made in Nigerian product we are promoting to gain global competitiveness and acceptability,” he said.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, noted that with its wealth of agricultural and mineral resources, Enugu State is in a prime position to lead the push for products made in Nigeria.
Nnaji said that the state’s potential for various industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, and building materials, sets the groundwork for substantial economic change and industrial growth.
He said: “To make the most of this potential, it’s vital for the state to encourage investment and offer financial incentives to businesses. Enugu’s key location and the increasing demand for local products highlight big market opportunities.
“This effort is supported by Presidential Executive Order Number 5 and the goals of my Ministry to use innovation, science, and technology as the main drivers of economic change.
“We are dedicated to improving the quality and appeal of locally made products, demonstrated by our backing of engineering developments and research efforts.”
In a welcome address, Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), called on Federal Government through the CBN to reconsider reviewing downwards, interest rate.
Jideonwo noted that policies of government especially as it affects credit to SMEs should be made to work by using the business associations as buffer for her members that are genuinely in need of credit facilities to expand their business operations.
According to him, now is the time to support the startups/SMEs which will in turn, tackle the issue of unemployment, insecurity, hunger, etc, in our country, for wealth creation.
“There is no gainsaying that this will go a long way to unleash the economy of most states in the Federation and thereby expanding the frontiers of the nation’s economy.
“One of the unique features of the 35th Enugu International Trade Fair, is the presence of the second 1000sqm Marquee Tent designated to accomodate SMEs from Enugu State.
“All thanks to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba for sponsoring the installation of this tent where all SMEs are showcasing their products and services.
“By this, the ingenuity and new ideas in the state would be brought to bear for commercialization. We have also made entry to the Fair complex free to all visitors. This is aimed at driving more traffic into the Fair.
“Interestingly, we have resolved to make this fair a pilot fair to boost our match making strategy to provide a more amenable atmosphere for interface between Researchers, Prototype Innovators and Investors for enhanced linkages to enhance and unleash the industrial sector/SMEs.”
By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews) The Nigerian Navy has been commended for the string of recent successes it recorded against economic saboteurs, especially crude oil thieves in the creeks of the Niger Delta area.
Former Naval Spokesman, Navy Commodore Kabir Aliyu, who gave the commendation in an interview with Flowerbudnews on Friday, particularly lauded Nigerian Navy for bursting a 9.6 Million litres capacity illegal refinery in the creeks of Rivers State few days ago.
(Former Naval Spokesman, (Rtd) Navy Commodore Kabir Aliyu)
”This is a significant milestone in the war against crude oil theft,” Navy Comdre Aliyu (Rtd) stressed, adding that with current determination and effectiveness of naval operations against oil bunkerers, the oil thieves could be defeated.
The former Naval Spokesman urged the Navy to intensify the operations to totally eliminate the criminal elements sabotaging the national economy and depriving the country of the much needed revenue for growth and development.
Comdre Aliyu (Rtd) also commended the media for its support for the naval efforts in the Niger Delta, citing the example of Flowerbudnews’ robust reports of the recent naval operations.
(Former Naval Spokesman, (Rtd) Navy Commodore Kabir Aliyu)
”With encouragement from media like Flowerbudnews whose proprietor had vast experience in Defence coverage and reporting, the security agencies will continue to make breakthrough in sanitising our maritime domain against all sorts of illegalities’ the Retired Naval General stated.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder uncovered and dismantled 16 illegal refineries with capacity to refine 9.6million litres of crude oil around Elem-krakama community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Navy also arrested 14 suspects, including a woman at the illegal refining site, who allegedly attached 14inches pipe to siphoned over 210metric tonnes of crude oil from wellhead 15 within OML18 operated by NNPC.
Speaking on the successful Operation, NNS Pathfinder Commander, Commodore Desmond Igbo, said the suspects were arrested in the act of crude oil theft and illegally oil refining activities (Flowerbudnews)
governor of Russia’s Murmansk region was stabbed on April 4 after a meeting with residents in a local town hall, Russian news agencies quoted the governor’s press service as saying.
Governor Andrei Chibis was attacked in the city of Apatity and wounded in the stomach, the agencies reported, quoting the governor’s press service.
“There was an armed attack and [Chibis] suffered a knife wound in the stomach. The attacker has been detained,” the reports said.
Chibis’s press service confirmed to Interfax that the governor was wounded and hospitalized. The agencies reported that he was taken to Apatitsko-Kirov hospital.
“The governor is currently in surgery. He is conscious and made his own way to his car. On his way to the hospital he was talking and answering questions,” the reports said, describing him as “courageous” and “cheerful.”
TASS reported that his life was not in danger.
There was no information about a possible motive for the assault.
Telegram channel Baza said the alleged attacker is a 42-year-old resident of Apatity. It said he was wounded during his arrest.
Chibis was appointed acting governor of the Murmansk region in March 2019 by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. Later that year he was elected with 60 percent of the vote on the first ballot. His term is scheduled to end in September