Flowerbud News

Month: April 2024

  • NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians on Controversial Nestle Infant Product not Registered in Nigeria

    NAFDAC Reassures Nigerians on Controversial Nestle Infant Product not Registered in Nigeria

     

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has assured that the controversial Nestle Infant milk product is not registered, nor in circulation in Nigeria

    NAFDAC Director General Prof Mojisola Adeyeye gave the assurance in a statement on Sunday in which the Agency
    reacted to a media publication (not Flowerbudnews) that stated that ‘:“Nestle, the world’s largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases”.

    Prof. Adeyeye clarified that ‘:Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria.

    ” The range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children”.

    The NAFDAC Boss assured Nigerians of the safety of infant food on sale in Nigeria, stressing that the Agency always exercised due regulatory diligence in registering infant and young children foods for consumption in the country.

    She stated: ”the Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

    ‘:This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.

    ”Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.

    ”Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigeria’s positions during food standards development.

    The statement read!

    NESTLE ADDS SUGAR TO INFANT MILK SOLD IN POORER COUNTRIES”: NAFDAC’S RESPONSE

    The attention of the Management of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to The Guardian online publication of 17 April 2024 being circulated widely to the general public via social media stating that “Nestle, the world’s largest consumer goods company, adds sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases”.

    The report goes further to state that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results of analysis, and examination of product packaging revealed added sugar in the form of sucrose or honey in samples of Nido, a follow-up milk formula brand intended for use for infants aged one and above, and Cerelac, a cereal aimed at children aged between six months and two years.

    The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

    This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.

    Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.a

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.

    Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigeria’s positions during food standards development.

    Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria.

    The range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children –

    Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.

    The scope of the standards covers processed cereal-based foods intended for feeding infants as complementary food from the age of six (6) months.It is important to mention that these national and international food standards for processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children permit the addition of sucrose, fructose, glucose, glucose syrup or honey to products consisting of cereals which are or have to be prepared for consumption with milk or other appropriate nutritious liquids provided the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed the stated levels of 1.8 g/100 kJ (7.5 g/100 kcal);

    and specifically the maximum level of added fructose shall not exceed 0.9g/100kJ (3.75g/100kcal).

    For cereals with an added high protein food which are or have to be prepared for consumption with water or other appropriate protein-free liquid, carbohydrates (if sucrose, fructose, glucose, glucose syrup or honey) are added provided the amount of added carbohydrates from these sources shall not exceed 1.2 g/100 kJ (5g/100 kcal); and specifically the maximum level of added fructose shall not exceed 0.6g/100kJ (2.5g/100kcal).

    It is important to note that carbohydrates are made of building blocks of sugars and can be classified according to how many sugar units are combined in their molecule. Glucose, fructose and galactose are examples of single-unit sugars, also known as monosaccharides.

    Double-unit sugars are called disaccharides, among which sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar) are most widely known.Infant and young children’s foods are strictly regulated by NAFDAC in recognition of the vulnerability of the target population and measures are in place to monitor and enforce compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the national regulations – Marketing of Infant and Young Children Food and other Designated Products (Registration, Sales, etc.) Regulations.

    The Agency recently, on 22 March 2024, held a stakeholders’ engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria (AIFMN), anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) Directorate to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.

    The NAFDAC Management wishes to reassure the public that the Agency is fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations. (Flowerbudnews)

    MANAGEMENTNAFDAC………safeguarding the health of the Nation.

  • Breaking: 400 Level UNIABJ Student, Murjanatu, Declared Missing,

    Breaking: 400 Level UNIABJ Student, Murjanatu, Declared Missing,

    By Zainab Musa (A budding Writer)

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): A 20-year old 400 level female student of the University of Abuja, Miss Murjanatu Zubairu has been declared missing.

    A Correspondent of Flowerbudnews reports that, Murjanatu, of the Faculty of Education, Department of art Education had not been seen since Friday, 26th of April 2024.

    Reliable sources told Flowerbudnews that the missing student ”left Lugbe to come and see her Project Supervisor or so, from then she didn’t return home and her line has not been going through since then”,

    Her Height is said to be 5’7, Hair; Black and also black in Complexion and was ‘Last seen: Friday April 26, 2024 at 5:30pm at Piwai, Lugbe, Abuja. When she left for her off-Campus hostel at Gwagwalada,” the sources told Flowerbudnews.

    A Muslim, Murjanatu Zubairu, is also the
    Nigeria Universities Education Student’s Association of Nigeria (NUESAN).

    A notice by UNIABJ Student Union’s Director of Information, said anyone with any infor MN ation the whereabout of Murjanatu should contact:

    Josh = 08060705205
    *Mr. Umar Zubairu = 08032907735*
    Or, 0901 861 8038*
    *07031328164 SUG Director of information.”. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Otu inaugurates 50,000-hectare rice farming initiative in Ogoja

    Otu inaugurates 50,000-hectare rice farming initiative in Ogoja

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, has initiated a large-scale rice cultivation project, spanning 50,000 hectares in Ogoja.

    The endeavour is supported by a credit scheme, in which the state allocates N150 million monthly, towards agricultural development initiatives.

    The ceremony marking the commencement of the project took place in Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area of the state.

    Otu also affirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to revolutionising the agricultural sector st the project flag-off.

    He emphasised the direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the extensive 50,000 hectares.

    Otu said: “We are engaging with groups of farmers, as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.

    “We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations.”

    Acknowledging the critical importance of food and energy security, the governor also assured farmers of the government’s full support.

    He stated: “We are committed to working along with every farmer, and ensuring the provision of essential resources.

    “I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders. I emphasise our long-term commitment to this course.”

    A credit-guarantee scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers.

    Otu highlighted the scheme’s independence from the government, underlining the monthly allocation of N150 million towards the initiative.

    Otu, who urged individuals to seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, emphasised the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.

    He further urged individuals to take action, rather than wait passively for sustenance.

    He noted that there were abundant resources bestowed upon the state by divine providence, adding that there was the need for industrious efforts.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebekpo Jnr., earlier in his remarks, emphasised the government’s strategic approach to agricultural development.

    He also emphasised the importance of clear policies to attract private sector investments, adding that Gov. Otu administration’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the economy was not in doubt.

    Ebekpo said: “Significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River State, will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.

    “The initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”

    A rice-cluster farmer, Madam Agatha, also expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative.

    She highlighted the under-utilisation of the state’s rice mill, due to productivity constraints, while emphasising the potential for increased production.

    The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association in Cross River, Emmanuel Anoh, made a projection of a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare.

    He  stressed that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.

    Anoh also hailed the Cross River state government’s dedicated efforts and expressed confidence that the laudable initiative would benefit the populace.

  • TMSG to Yahaya Bello: Follow AGF’s advice, submit to EFCC

    TMSG to Yahaya Bello: Follow AGF’s advice, submit to EFCC

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has asked former Governor Yahaya Bello to heed the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi and submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts of law to clear himself of allegations of financial malfeasance while in office.

    This, according to the group, is because the commission has not, in any way, erred but doing its lawful job by asking the former Kogi State’s Governor to appear before it for questioning.

    The group explained that EFCC is mandated by law to scrutinise and enforce accountability of persons in government positions, which is also in line with the anti-corruption policy of the President Bola Tinubu administration

    In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG described the stand-off between the former Governor and the EFCC as unnecessary, saying it is an affront on the sanctity of the law and the integrity of the President’s war against corruption.

    “We have carefully watched all the drama and subterfuge that continue to trail the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Governor Yahaya Bello, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the curious attempts to politicize the routine matter of the request by the graft fighting agency to ask former Governor Bello to meet with its investigators.

    “For us, the intervention of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asking the former Kogi governor to subject himself to EFCC’s scrutiny is a clear signal in this regard, not only on the position of law, but also on the stance of the President Bola Tinubu administration on anti- corruption.

    “It should be clear by now to all Nigerians that strict accountability in governance occupies a cardinal place in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. To serve this purpose, his government has shown zero tolerance to cases of corruption since assuming office.

    “So the EFCC, by inviting the former governor Yahaya Bello, like it did with past and previous officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the immediate past Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, is in tandem with its policy and character to nurture a culture of probity and accountability in governance.

    “As a staunch member of our Party, we believe that Yahaya Bello has no reason to fear. It is a process that is not predetermined. We urge him to heed the advice of the Attorney General and make himself available to EFCC’s investigators as required by extant laws.

    “We also advise members of the ruling party who have been up in arms against the anti- graft agency to be circumspect in their reaction to the issue.

    “We see their anti-EFCC stance as a wrong signal and wonder what their response would be if opposition elements decided to constitute obstruction to invitation by the anti graft agency to former public officials who are not APC members.

    “For us, Yahaya Bello owes it a duty to the state and the people he governed, if not to himself, to give account in line with our laws, and global best practices; it should not be seen as a witch hunt.

    “So rather than running from the law, this is a unique opportunity for Bello to face it with a view to preserving his integrity and honour which may qualify him for higher national responsibilities in the future.” The statement added.

    TMSG also urged the EFCC not to be deterred in its efforts at enthroning sanity, probity, and accountability in governance at all levels in the country.

    *END*
    [4/28, 1:09 PM] Mohammed Momoh: *PDP not in a position to advise President Tinubu on governance-The Democratic Front*

    *PDP should stop dabbling into what they do not know – The Democratic Front*

    A pro-democracy group,The Democratic Front (TDF) has said that the People’s Democratic Party PDP can not arrogate to itself to deliver on the nation’s economy having plunged it into ruins for good sixteen years.
    “Imagine a political party that failed woefully and landed the country in its present parlous economic state now pontificating on efforts to revitalize the national economy as if they ever had any clue.

    “Rather than bury their heads in shame because of the roles the former ruling party played in bringing the country to its knees, they are busy pontificating on the bold initiatives and reforms being initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman Danjuma Mohammed and Secretary Wale Adedayo while reacting to the communique issued by PDP at the end of it National Executive Committee meeting, the TDF argued that the country has still not recovered from the mindless plundering of the economy in the PDP years.

    it said: “The position of the PDP calls for outright condemnation and repudiation by every well-meaning Nigerian. If the party’s NEC had limited itself to its desperate but unrealistic bid to unify the dilapidating structures of a deeply divided political party, which the PDP has become, that communique would have attracted better attention.

    “The absurdity and the manner the NEC members exhibited pretentious insensitivity to the tragic consequences of their Party’s 16 years of misrule resonates the role PDP played to hinder the growth and development of the Nigerian state.

    “A political party which plundered Nigeria’s hard earned resources and brutally squandered its national patrimony for those lenghty years is expected to display remorse and responsibility on matters of economic revitalization and statecraft.

    “Who will easily forget the ring-fencing of hundreds of state-owned companies and investments through an opaque privatization process, the massive diversion of oil revenue into private foreign bank accounts as well as the unconscionable sale and concession of the Nigeria power sector to unqualified and incompetent proxy companies.

    “How about the loss of public funds under an alleged doubtful and dubious petrol subsidy regime, the deliberate neglect and abandonment of public infrastructure in the face of huge revenue earnings and allocations, and the flagrant disregard for the ethics of social democracy and the rule of law under the direct supervision of three PDP administrations? All these brought the nation down on its knees and unleashed poverty and economic misery on Nigerians.

    “This litany of PDP’s failures and unprecedented maladministration will remain evergreen in our collective memory as a people. So it is egregiously ridiculous that PDP NEC members will cast aspersions on President Bola Tinubu highly performing economic team and asked him to reverse his impressively successful economic policies.

    The group also used the opportunity to provide some insight into the gains of the Tinubu administration in the last few months.

    “In less than a year of inception, the President’s economic team has pushed through policies that have led to increased revenue accruals into the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), better economic outlook and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection, a more stable naira against other currencies, increased foreign exchange inflows into the country.

    “The prevailing security situation in the country is a testimony of how well the President has performed in ensuring the security of lives and properties since he came to power. The safe rescue of 137 school children that were kidnapped at Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State without payment of ransom, and the decline in the rate of insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings on the highways, particularly in the north, further showcases the outstanding achievements of President Bola Tinubu in the area of national security.

    “We therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his economic team to remain focused and refused to be distracted by the PDP shenanigans.
    Only the ongoing task of laying the solid foundation for genuine economic growth and political stability in Nigeria is worth your attention,” it added.

    End

  • NJF mourns Sen. Ayogu Eze, says demise ‘left a vacuum

    NJF mourns Sen. Ayogu Eze, says demise ‘left a vacuum

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF) has mourned Sen. Ayogu Eze, former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone, which is within the Nsukka cultural zone of Enugu State.

    “Sen. Eze demise has left a vacuum among members of the Forum,” the Chairman of NJF, Mr Benson Ezugwu, said in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.

    The statement said that it was with deep shock and utter disbelief that “we, the members of the Nsukka Journalists Forum received the news of the demise of our dear brother, colleague and member, Distinguished Sen. Eze, who died on Thursday, April 25, 2024.”


    According to the statement, there is no gainsaying that his death has left a vacuum in NJF as we the younger generation in the forum still looked up to him to tap from his vast experiences in journalism and politics.

    It said: “Sen. Eze was a consummate journalist and politician, who had passion and untiring interest in the development of Nsukka as a Cultural Zone.

    “While as a Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial district, he fought relentlessly for the creation of Adada State.

    “The effort led him into facilitating the location of Voice FM in Nsukka and also initiated moves for a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) station to be located in Nsukka.


    “He also facilitated the employment of many of our youths in several media houses in Nigeria. He did all these within his first four years in the senate and in his position as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Information.”

    It said that Sen. Eze made valid contributions to the growth of Nigerian democracy through his incisive comments and motions on the floor of the Senate.

    “He proved his journalistic acumen as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Information as he always gave the press clear and concise analysis of developments in the Senate.

    “His early death at 66 therefore is but a monumental loss to, not only NJF but the entire Nsukka Cultural Zone.

    “The Senator is simply irreplaceable.
    We take solace in the fact that he made his humble contributions to the growth of humanity. May his soul will find eternal rest, Amen,” it added.

  • 9th-Mile Chamber is poised to bolster sustainable economic growth in Enugu – President

    9th-Mile Chamber is poised to bolster sustainable economic growth in Enugu – President

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Chief Ozo Ugwu, President of 9th-Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (9CCIMA), says 9CCIMA is poised to bolster sustainable economic growth in Enugu State and beyond.

    Ugwu told journalists on Sunday at 9th-Mile Corner, Enugu, that the new City Chamber would be an industrial hub set to redefine the economy of the state.

    He noted that the Chamber would open up businesses in the state as 9th-Mile is a gateway to the entire South-East geo-political zone.


    According to him, the 9th-Mile will soon be a big industrial park where there will be a pool of graduates that would be trained in anti-ICT crime, adding that they will partner with Enugu State Government with a view to adding value to the system.

    Ugwu said: “The 9th-Mile Chamber of Commerce will partner with industrialists and entrepreneurs in Enugu West Senatorial Zone to bolster sustainable economic growth in the area.

    “The Chamber cardinal objective is to promote entrepreneurs and businesses in the zone, in the state, and the country at large through business and commerce support.

    “Today, we have three City Chambers in Enugu State namely; 9th-Mile Chamber, Nsukka Chamber and just lately we have Awgu Chamber.


    “But of all these, we believe that 9th-Mile Chamber purposely serves and have what it takes, just because by nature, 9th-Mile is positioned to be Gateway to the entire South-East in terms of commerce and industry,” he said.

    The Chamber boss said that the 9th-Mile area is blessed with a free trade zone, which was commissioned in 2022, adding that the 9th-Mile Chamber of Commerce is blessed naturally and infrastructurally.

    He noted that the area is blessed naturally with a water basin that cannot be equalled to any water in West Africa, adding: “This is why all the beverage industries are rushing to be at 9th-Mile axis of Enugu State.”

    “You can name them: the Nigerian Breweries, The 7up and all other water bottle companies like the Mbaka and co, from Ugwu Onyeama down to 9th Mile, you cannot count the number of water industries that have come to be.


    “You think of other infrastructure development, you think of access roads. These roads goes to the North, it goes to the East into Enugu. It goes to the South West and to the South-South and that is why it is called ‘Gateway’ to the South-East.

    “With the coming of 9th-Mile Chamber, we have come to harness all these private sector-government inter-relationships to have flourishing ease of doing business.

    “We want to build up 9th-Mile the way it should be. Like Lagos, you cannot know boundary of the city centres and the rural centres as they all came to be fused into one,” Ugwu said.

  • PDP not in a position to advise President Tinubu on governance-The Democratic Front

    PDP not in a position to advise President Tinubu on governance-The Democratic Front

     

     

    PDP should stop dabbling into what they do not know – The Democratic Front

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): A pro-democracy group,The Democratic Front (TDF) has said that the People’s Democratic Party PDP can not arrogate to itself to deliver on the nation’s economy having plunged it into ruins for good sixteen years.

    “Imagine a political party that failed woefully and landed the country in its present parlous economic state now pontificating on efforts to revitalize the national economy as if they ever had any clue.

    “Rather than bury their heads in shame because of the roles the former ruling party played in bringing the country to its knees, they are busy pontificating on the bold initiatives and reforms being initiated by President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman Danjuma Mohammed and Secretary Wale Adedayo while reacting to the communique issued by PDP at the end of it National Executive Committee meeting, the TDF argued that the country has still not recovered from the mindless plundering of the economy in the PDP years.

    it said: “The position of the PDP calls for outright condemnation and repudiation by every well-meaning Nigerian. If the party’s NEC had limited itself to its desperate but unrealistic bid to unify the dilapidating structures of a deeply divided political party, which the PDP has become, that communique would have attracted better attention.

    “The absurdity and the manner the NEC members exhibited pretentious insensitivity to the tragic consequences of their Party’s 16 years of misrule resonates the role PDP played to hinder the growth and development of the Nigerian state.

    “A political party which plundered Nigeria’s hard earned resources and brutally squandered its national patrimony for those lenghty years is expected to display remorse and responsibility on matters of economic revitalization and statecraft.

    “Who will easily forget the ring-fencing of hundreds of state-owned companies and investments through an opaque privatization process, the massive diversion of oil revenue into private foreign bank accounts as well as the unconscionable sale and concession of the Nigeria power sector to unqualified and incompetent proxy companies.

    “How about the loss of public funds under an alleged doubtful and dubious petrol subsidy regime, the deliberate neglect and abandonment of public infrastructure in the face of huge revenue earnings and allocations, and the flagrant disregard for the ethics of social democracy and the rule of law under the direct supervision of three PDP administrations? All these brought the nation down on its knees and unleashed poverty and economic misery on Nigerians.

    “This litany of PDP’s failures and unprecedented maladministration will remain evergreen in our collective memory as a people. So it is egregiously ridiculous that PDP NEC members will cast aspersions on President Bola Tinubu highly performing economic team and asked him to reverse his impressively successful economic policies.

    The group also used the opportunity to provide some insight into the gains of the Tinubu administration in the last few months.

    “In less than a year of inception, the President’s economic team has pushed through policies that have led to increased revenue accruals into the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), better economic outlook and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection, a more stable naira against other currencies, increased foreign exchange inflows into the country.

    “The prevailing security situation in the country is a testimony of how well the President has performed in ensuring the security of lives and properties since he came to power. The safe rescue of 137 school children that were kidnapped at Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State without payment of ransom, and the decline in the rate of insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings on the highways, particularly in the north, further showcases the outstanding achievements of President Bola Tinubu in the area of national security.

    “We therefore urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his economic team to remain focused and refused to be distracted by the PDP shenanigans.
    Only the ongoing task of laying the solid foundation for genuine economic growth and political stability in Nigeria is worth your attention,” it added. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Police arrest 2 kidnap suspects, rescue expectant mother in Enugu

    Police arrest 2 kidnap suspects, rescue expectant mother in Enugu

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested two kidnap suspects while rescuing an expectant mother unhurt along Eke-Egede Road in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State.

    The Command Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Saturday in Enugu that police operatives acting on intelligence-guided discreet investigations had arrested two male kidnapping suspects in connection to the incident.

    Ndukwe noted that the identities of the suspects had been withheld for investigation reasons, for the alleged abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA, around 9:45 p.m., on April 22, 2024.

    According to him, this was after the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, swiftly led a crack team of police operatives, complemented by Neigbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guards, to rescue the woman on April 23, 2024, around noon, barely 24 hours after her abduction.

    He said: “Providentially, the woman, later identified as Mrs Chinwendu Igwe and already in her expected period of delivery, delivered a male child and, upon her rescue, was taken to the hospital.

    “She and the baby were medically attended to and are in good condition courtesy of the Enugu State Government, which has undertaken to foot the medical bills of the mother and newborn.

    “A preliminary investigation into the incident has revealed that the woman, unaided and for reasons yet-to-be ascertained, knowing that she was within her expected period of delivery, embarked on a journey by land with two of her children from Lagos to her paternal home in Egede, Udi LGA.

    “She got to 9th Mile around 9 p.m. Lacking a convenient means of conveyance, she boarded a commercial motorcycle, with the motorcyclist electing to transport her and her two children due to her state of pregnancy.

    “However, while on their way, the abductors attacked them, beat up the motorcyclist, and abducted the woman into the forest, leaving the rider and the children behind, before a team of police operatives responded upon intercepting information on the incident, could get to the scene.”

    The Command Spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police had ordered the manhunt of other members of the kidnapping gang at large.

    Ndukwe said that the commissioner enjoined media houses to always maintain accuracy and objectivity when reporting security information of this nature to avoid misinforming the unsuspecting public and violating laws and ethics of media practices.

    “The commissioner, however, bemoans the fact that Mrs Igwe decided to embark on such long-distance travel by land and unaided, considering her heavy pregnancy and the time of movement to her final destination.

    “Neither did she consider stopping by and having her husband, who resides in Enugu metropolis, take her to the said paternal home at a later time. Hence, he urges all and sundry to exercise discretion and caution in such circumstances.”

  • Court awards N300m fine against police over alleged killing of 3 Shiite’s members in Zaria

    Court awards N300m fine against police over alleged killing of 3 Shiite’s members in Zaria

     

    Flowerbudnews

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered the police authorities to pay a cumulative sum of N300 million to the parents of three Shiite members allegedly killed by its officers while on Islamic procession in 2022 in Zaria.

    Justice Hawa Buhari, in a judgment, held that the “applicants’ rights as guaranteed under Sections 33, 38, 39, 40, 42 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); Order 2, Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12 of the Fundamental Right (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009; Article 4, 8, 10, 11 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights 2004 is hereby enforced.”

    The judge held that the sum of N100 million which must be paid to each parents of the deceased, making a total of N300 million, as compensation and general damages, would attract a 10 per cent interest per anum until the amount is fully paid.

    Justice Buhari, in the judgement delivered on April 22, 2024, and a certified true copy of the judgment order made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, consolidated the three separate suits filed by the three next-of-kins of the deceased.

    “Upon respective counsel move and adopt their respective processes, the court consequently considered same and hereby orders as follows:

    “Suit No: FHC/KD/CS/138/2022, Suit NO: FHC/KD/CS/140/ 2022 and Suit No: FHC/KD/CS/146/2022 are hereby consolidated.

    “The sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) be paid to each parents of the deceased as compensation and general damages with a 10 % interest per anum until the amount is fully paid.

    “The respondents shall tender a public apology to the applicants in one national daily for the breach of their fundamental right,” she declared.

    It would be recalled that three applicants; Magaji Yusuf, Muhammad Lawal and Aliyu Badamasi had filed the suits marked: FHC/KH/KD/138/2022, FHC/KH/KD/140/2022 and FHC/KH/KD/146/2022 respectively before the court.

    They alleged that on August 8, 2022, the officers of the Nigerian Police shot and killed Jafar Magaji, Aliyu Lawal and Muhsin Badamasi while observing their religious act of worship; Ashura Procession in Zaria City.

    They had sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 7, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, AC Surajo Fana (Area Commandant, Zaria), Ibrahim Zubairu (Divisional Police Officer, Kasuwan Mata, Sabon Garin, Zaria Division), and Kasim Muhammad (DPO, Zaria City Division) as 1st to 6th respondents respectively.

    The applicants, in the motions on notice dated September 26, 2022 and filed September 26, 2022, by their team of lawyers, including H.G Magashi, M.D Abubakar and Dr Yusha’u Shaikh, sought seven reliefs.

    They sought a declaration that the shooting and killing of Jafar Magaji, Aliyu Lawal and Muhsin Badamasi on the said date while on religious procession was illegal, unconstitutional and flagrant violation of their fundamental right to life as guaranteed by Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right Act Cap A9 LFN, 2004.

    They, therefore, prayed the court for an order mandating the respondents jointly and severally to pay to them the sum of N200 million each for violation of the fundamental rights of their deceased brothers.

    They equally sought an order, directing the respondents to tender a formal apology to them by publishing same in two national dailies that are circulating in northern Nigeria.

    But the respondents, in their preliminary objection dated and filed on November 8, 2022, sought an order striking out the three suits for want of jurisdiction.

    Besides, they also filed a counter affidavit in opposing the suits

    But Justice Buhari agreed with the submission of the applicants’s counsel, and assumed jurisdiction on the matter.