Flowerbud News

Day: July 25, 2024

  • NEMA, ANSEMA sensitize Anambra LGs on proper waste management, flood preparedness

    NEMA, ANSEMA sensitize Anambra LGs on proper waste management, flood preparedness

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (ANSEMA) have carried out sensitization on proper waste management and flood preparedness across the four high flood prone Local Government Areas in Anambra.


    The sensitisation in Anambra West, Anambra East, Ogbaru and Ayamelum Local Government Areas (LGAs) witnessed the commencement of physical downscaling of flood risk and proper waste management to the LGAs/communities that are high flood prone areas in the zone.

     

    Declaring the sensitization open in Anambra West local government council headquarters at Nzam community on Thursday, the acting South-East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, said that the sensitization was meant to build capacity of the people on the need for proper waste management and flood preparedness.


    Echeazu said that sensitization was held at the various flood prone local government council headquarters to ensure the attendance of local government authorities, traditional rulers, community leaders/members and other relevant stakeholders.

    According to her, downscaling the early warning measures to especially those classified as high flood prone areas became necessary for efficient and effective disaster risk management.


    “I am calling on local government chairmen, among other stakeholders, to manage local flood risks by clearing the drainages and discouraging indiscriminate waste disposal.

    “The council stakeholders should be giving report of water levels on daily basis to both NEMA and ANSEMA.


    “There is also need to identify higher grounds for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to seek shelter in the event of flood disaster,” she said.

    The coordinator pointed out the dangers associated with improper waste management such as defacing of the environment, breeding of mosquitoes which causes malaria, cholera and other health-related cases that could lead to death.

    Echeazu also encouraged the local government authorities and stakeholders on the need to have functional Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) as well as community flood response team and plan.

    She noted that the sensitization has commenced in Anambra State and would be extended to other states in the zone namely: Ebonyi and Enugu States.

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of ANSEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, appreciated NEMA for the “massive and important early warning sensitization exercise.”


    “I urge all the stakeholders here to help us to spread this message of proper waste disposal and taking proactive flood preparedness and mitigation steps to their various communities, villages and neighbourhoods and to ensure that no one is left out,” Odenigbo said.

    The executive secretary also informed participants that the state government had designated holding centres to accommodate those that might be displaced by the impending flood disaster “as we pray it doesn’t occur”.

    He encouraged the Transition Chairman and LEMC members to pay adequate attention to NEMA template for disaster reporting because “it is only the statistics of the affected population in our database that will determine who gets what during the distribution of relief materials.”


    According to him, disaster management is a business for everyone; hence all hands must be on deck to ensure a safe, free and liveable environment.

    In a presentation on “Flood Preparedness and Waste Management”, which was delivered by Senior NEMA officials, Mr Nnanyelugo Ezeani and Mr Kingsley Okolo, urged stakeholders to extend the message to their communities, villages, neighbourhoods and families for them to take proactive measures against the predicted flooding.

    The both presentation, which were made in Igbo language for the understanding of all stakeholders, advised all to embrace cooperative farming and transfer of risk through insurance for easy recovery of their losses in event of any disaster.

    The Local Government Chairman and community leaders in attendance at Anambra West, Anambra East, Ogbaru and Anyamelum LGAs appreciated the effort of the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, for her good initiative in extending and downscaling the sensitization to their LGAs.

    A community leader in Nzam community, Chief Obinna Anyadike, used the opportunity to advise their people to take serious the issue of proper waste management and flood preparedness as well as enumerated proactive measures all should take to minimise material and human losses.

    The sensitization, which offered a brainstorming session, opportunities to make inputs and ask vital questions, witnessed the distribution of flyers on Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparedness tips in both English and Igbo languages to all stakeholders.

  • No going back on nationwide LG Thank You Solidarity Rally for Tinubu – PSM

    No going back on nationwide LG Thank You Solidarity Rally for Tinubu – PSM

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Progressives Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African students movement, says it will be going ahead with its planned Nationwide Thank You Solidarity Rally over local government autonomy.

     

    The President of PSM, Mr Bestman Okereafor, told newsmen in Enugu on Thursday that as progressives “we strongly believe the autonomy granted to local government means freedom from captivity and oppression”.

     

    Okereafor noted that the autonomy granted to the local government would greatly help improve the grassroots economy in no distance time.

     

    According to him, PSM also believes that it takes the will and courage of a determined and people-focused leadership of President Bola Tinubu to reverse the fortune of the council areas for greater posterity and economic liberation at the grassroots.

     

    “The PSM planned peaceful Nationwide Thank You Solidarity Rally for President Bola Tinubu holds in August 2024 nationwide,’’ he said.

     

    He also said that the over 100 per cent increment in wages of workers nationwide by President Tinubu would also help stabilise the economy at this critical time.

     

    The PSM boss also appealed to state governors to comply with the new minimum wage to alleviate suffering of Nigeria workers at the state and local council levels.

     

    In another development, the PSM boss called on the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, to do more in averting the planned nationwide protest over economic hardship.

     

    Okereafor said that the movement was still not unaware that Abiodun, who doubles as the Governor of Ogun State, held a meeting with some selected and one faced youths in Ogun State alone.

     

    According to him, the said meeting excluded a very sensitive yet most important critical stakeholders in national development the students’ constituency at this important time.

     

    “It is rather worrisome that the few selected youths rather than speak on the current issues, demand for empowerment of our youths, fix bad roads in the state among other challenges confronting the state, were busy negotiating for Commissioner for Youth slot.

     

    “This is coming when his Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has asked Nigerians to hold their various governors accountable for performance.

     

    “At this critical time, state governors ought to be weary of the outcome of a nationwide protest,” he said.

     

    The PSM boss noted that at this critical time, “we expect the southern governors’ forum chairman and other governors to have reached out to youth leaders across southern states for a possible meeting on chatting a way forward.

     

    “Information at our disposal shows the “End Economic Hardship Protest” is currently gaining more popularity in Ogun State, and the entire Southern Nigeria because the Chairman was misled by some mischievous persons to meeting the set of youths he met.

     

    “We call on Gov. Dapo Abiodun to as a matter of urgency right his wrongs because Ogun State and entire Southern Nigeria may be most hit should the nationwide protest continue as threatened,” he added.

  • Kenya: President Ruto Weeps Following Youths’ Ruto Must Go Demand

    Kenya: President Ruto Weeps Following Youths’ Ruto Must Go Demand

     

    By Garba Hussein

    Kenyan President William Ruto bursted into tears and wept  uncontrollably following persistent demand by youths that he must step down.

    A commentator urged African leaders to RESPECT the Citizens and note that Power is transient.

    He described the happenings in Kenya,  lesson to other African leaders whose people are truthfully suffering severe hunger and deprivations.

  • Protests are legitimate but no room for insurrection, anarchy in a democracy-IMPI

    Protests are legitimate but no room for insurrection, anarchy in a democracy-IMPI

     

    By Danladi Ahmec

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews):  The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has decried the manner some individuals and groups are laying the groundwork for insurrection under the cover of a peaceful protest.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju, the policy analyst group noted that although protests are acceptable in a democracy, no government will tolerate a call to anarchy, riots, disturbance of public peace, purposeful violence, and destruction of private or public property.

    A peaceful protest is often organised, orderly, and non-violent. It is supposed to be orderly, a situation where protesters are not expected to go out of control or resort to committing crimes, the Policy Group counselled.

    IMPI said: “For several weeks, we have quietly watched as some individuals and groups mobilized for what they call ’10 days of rage’ starting from August 1. Their mode of preparation gauged from their actions and speech shows that they may be bracing up for riots, chaos, and violence, which are antithetical to peaceful protest.

    “Engagement in peaceful protest as a means to reduce cost of living in this country should be seen from the perspectives of actions being taken to ameliorate whatever conditions that are considered unpalatable.

    “And interestingly, within the time some were mobilizing for the protest, the administration of President Bola Tinubu had continued to roll out policies and programmes targeted at stemming the effects of the global cost of living crisis as it affects the country.

    “Rather than acknowledge that the administration had not been sitting idly or ignoring the need to provide succour for the people, a group of disgruntled elements who will not settle for less but anarchy had continued to use the social media space to steer mutiny and rebellion against the government, ostensibly for political reasons.

    “A close look at the list of demand shows that what they called a protest against the cost of living crisis is indeed a call to anarchy in the short term, and regime change in the long term.

    “We wonder how a protest ordinarily aimed at drawing attention of government to economic issues, if the claim of reducing costs of living is real, should include amongst others, giving Nigeria a new constitution through a Sovereign National Conference and the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu who is standing trial before a court of competent juridiction, among others.

    “How can anyone rationalize the call for President Tinubu to scrap the Senate, approve a minimum wage of N250,000, and carry out an ‘immediate reconstitution of the electoral body, INEC?

    “Many of the demands are beyond the powers of the President so from an analysts point of view, we see the protest as an opportunistic attempt by conflict entrepreneurs and power mongers to capitalise on the crisis of cost of living to wage a war of attrition and insurrection against a duly elected government.

    “We urge Nigerians to see the protest call as nothing but a call to anarchy because we sincerely do not know how the federal government could accede to the demands.”

    IMPI also picked holes in the narrative that the President Tinubu administration is not doing anything to provide relief for the citizenry.

    “While we acknowledge that economic reforms have brought some hardship in their wake, it is not true that the administration has not been responsive to the issues.

    “Some of the initiatives include a reduction in the number of taxes from 60 to 10 as well as the elimination of withholding tax for businesses with annual turnover of N25m.

    “There is also a N36bn Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cost effective alternative to petrol for mass transit that will see the introduction of 30,000 CNG powered vehicles aside from a one-off N10bn allocation to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for the procurement of buses under the National Support and Infrastructure Programme.

    “To stem the tide of rising food inflation, President Tinubu recently approved a 150-day duty-free window for food imports while also introducing measures to ramp up local food production.

    “And for the youth population, there is a historic Student loan scheme that is up and running while the reinvigorated National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) would be rolled out in a few day’s time to put N110bn in the hands of young business owners,” the IMPI added.

  • Alake of Egbaland commissions modern 600 bed spaces Taofikat’s Hostel in University of Ibadan

    Alake of Egbaland commissions modern 600 bed spaces Taofikat’s Hostel in University of Ibadan

    Alake of Egbaland commissions modern 600 bed spaces Taofikat’s Hostel in University of Ibadan.

    Olatunde Ajayi

    The Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo on Wednesday commissioned a modern 600 bed spaces Hall of Residence and supermarket built by the Otun Iyalode Of Egba land, Chief Mrs Taofikat Abolaji Afolabi, at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

    The Monarch in his remarks, commended Afolabi for the project. He stated that the project is an individual contribution towards education, adding that the government alone cannot do everything that has to do with education.

    He urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such projects and invest in education. The monarch, however, noted that such investments in education would not only be of benefit to the students but also to the donour of the project.

    In his goodwill message during the event, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, expressed gratitude to Afolabi, saying that the hostel is very special, as it would go a long way towards ameliorating the sufferings of students on campus who are finding it difficult to get accommodation.

    The project, according to Professor Adebowale, signifies a milestone in the university’s commitment to
    improving students’ living conditions on campus and increasing the number of bed spaces to ensure that
    students study in a more improved, decent, conducive, and serene atmosphere.

    Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, noted that the hostel will reduce the stress being faced by the students.

    The VC appealed to students to make the best use of the facility, ensure decency, and shun acts that could sabotage the resources that the donour has committed to making their hostel experience more pleasurable.


    Speaking, the proprietress of the project and Iyalode Parakoyi of Ibadan Land, Alhaja Taofikat Afolabi, stated that the project is a symbol of her commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.

    Afolabi also added that the hub is designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies.

    Adding that the hub is not just a hostel but a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence, it is also a
    place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.

    “The grand opening of Iyalode Taofikat Hub, this magnificent new hostel, is a dream come true for me, and I am thrilled to share this momentous occasion with all of you.

    “This hub is more than just a building; it is a symbol of our commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.

    “It is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration. I am proud to have played a part in making this vision a reality, and I am grateful to the university authorities for their support and partnership.

    “As a philanthropist and a champion of education, I believe that every individual deserves access to
    quality education and comfortable living conditions.

    “This hub is designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies, build lasting relationships, and create unforgettable memories.

    “Iyalode Taofikat Hub is not just a hostel; it is a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence. It is a
    place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.

    “I envision this space as a catalyst for academic excellence, personal growth, and community
    development. Within this hub, you will find state-of-the-art facilities, including a restaurant serving delicious and nutritious meals, a bakery offering fresh bread and pastries, and a supermarket stocked with all your daily needs.

    “To the students who will call this hub home, I charge you to make the most of this opportunity.
    Embrace the spirit of community, respect one another’s differences, and support each other’s
    aspirations.

    “Remember that your time here is a precious gift; use it wisely. I pray that the students who pass
    through this hostel will attain higher levels of success, so I can be proud of them,” she concluded.

  • We’ll upgrade Ibadan Airport in 18 months – Makinde

    We’ll upgrade Ibadan Airport in 18 months – Makinde

    We’ll upgrade Ibadan Airport in 18 months – Makinde

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, says his administration will achieve the upgrade of Ibadan airport to international standard in 18 months.

     

    Makinde said this at the Hijrah 1446 luncheon organised by the state government on Wednesday, in Ibadan.

     

    The governor who said that the state had the resources to drive the project, urged the people to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace would reign irrespective of religious differences.

     

    He said his administration would continue to do things in the interest of the people and the development of the state.

    “This is a responsible government and it is your government and we will always do things in the best interest of Oyo State.

     

    “Before the end of this week, I will make announcement on the committee that will champion the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport.

     

    “I am more than confident now that before my tenure ends, those going for Hajj operation would take off from Ibadan to Mecca and Medina.

     

    “When I make the announcement on or before Friday, I will give them 18 months to complete everything, because we have the money to make it happen.

    “So, my message for us is to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign supreme.”

     

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, acknowledged the total support of Governor Makinde to the Muslim Ummah, saying this had ensured peace and development in the state.

     

    In his lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Sheik Najimudeen Alkubroh, extolled the uncommon virtues of Governor Makinde.

    He noted that with his style of leadership, he had proven to be the kind of “worthy leader that Nigeria needs.”

     

    The chairman on the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, called on Muslims and Islamic scholars to always remember the new calendar year and teach their followers the importance of Hijrah.

     

    In their separate goodwill messages, Prof. Kamil Olosho, Prof. Musliudeen Yahya and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu emphasised the need for the declaration of Hijrah holiday in the country.

     

    In his speech, the chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the 2024 Hajj exercise.

     

    The event had in attendance the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of a former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja.

     

    Also in attendance were Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; members of the League of Imams and Alfas and other top government functionaries, among others. (NAN)

    OWO

  • Hardship: DSS recovers 2,000 diverted bags of FG’s rice in Katsina

    Hardship: DSS recovers 2,000 diverted bags of FG’s rice in Katsina

    Flowerbud News

    The operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS) in Katsina State Command, have recovered 2,000 bags of rice out of the 20 trucks donated to the state by the Federal Government.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recovered rice was allegedly diverted by some government officials.
    NAN also reports that the gesture by the Federal Government was to cushion the effects of the current economic hardships in the country.
    The DSS officials in the state, who confirmed the negative development, however, declined further comments on the issue and preferred not to be anonymous.
    An investigation conducted revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were deposited in a store at the Central market, Katsina.
    It was some people who alerted the DSS on Wednesday night, who immediately swung into action.
    The Chairman, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, expressed shock over the issue.
    Abdullahi lamented how the Federal Government donated the palliatives to the vulnerable but were allegedly diverted by some unpatriotic people.
    The chairman vowed that they would continue to follow the case up to its logical conclusion.
    He, therefore, advised the government to investigate the matter with a view of punishing those behind the diversion.
    Also commenting on the matter, a resident of Katsina, Suleiman Kofar-Durbi, said that was an unfortunate development.
    “It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerables and some people diverted it.
    “People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.
    The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Alhaji Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.
    “Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.
    “We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.
    Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to Gov. Dikko Radda, Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.
    ‘He said, ‘The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.
    ‘The rice allocated to the minister  were 1, 200 bags.”
    NAN
  • Breaking News: Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    Breaking News: Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

    Flowerbud News

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is dead.
    The Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Alex Ogbonnia confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Enugu.
    “Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone.
    “Ohaneze is yet to issue an official statement on the demise of our President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, but he is gone.
    Aged 82, Iwuanyanwu was elected the President General of the apex Igbo cultural organisation on April 20, 2023 following the sudden death of his predecessor, Prof George Obiozor.
    An unconfirmed report said that the octogenarian died in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on Thursday, July 25.
    NAN reports that Iwuanyanwu is the second President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to die in office after his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor, died in office.
    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the Igbo community and beyond.
    NAN
  • Toxic petroleum products: Senate vows to expose saboteurs in oil sector

    Toxic petroleum products: Senate vows to expose saboteurs in oil sector

    Flowerbud News

    Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the  Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the alleged economic sabotage in Nigerian petroleum industry, stated this while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

    Bamidale said the committee would carry out the investigation in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    “We are taking this task seriously with a view to addressing fundamental issues that pose grave threats to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability and public health as a federation.

    “In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in midstream and downstream sectors.

    “We are utterly committed to this mandate, we shall carry out this national assignment without fear or favour.

    “We shall be fair and just to all parties with a view to promoting and protecting the strategic national interests of our fatherland.”

    According to him, the committee will examine the pre-shipment and pre-discharge test parameters adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.

    This, he said was to uncover loopholes, if any, being exploited to get toxic petroleum cargos into the country.

    He said the committee would determine the level of compliance of NNPCL’s direct sale and direct purchased arrangements in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    According to him, it will beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the
    Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.

    “We will enquire from the NNPCL the status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.

    “We will also meet with stakeholders in  the oil and gas industry, with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products.”

    Bamidele also said that the committee would engage with NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of government-funded oil refineries.

    He said the committee would also investigate how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing among other terms of reference.

    According to him, Senate did not constitute the committee to intimidate and witch-hunt any party.

    He, however, said that the committee was constituted for the purpose of ensuring social and economic justice in the light of grim realities facing Nigeria.

    He assured the public that the committee would pursue the investigation with utmost diligence and integrity.

    “We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector.”

    He called on all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully with the investigation, adding that the committee was dedicated to safeguarding interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector.

    “Together, we can ensure that such an incident does not re-occur and that the integrity of our fuel supply chain is maintained and the timelines for the start-up of funded oil refineries, are determined.”

    He said a public hearing with concerned stakeholders to unravel those behind illicit importation of hazardous, substandard petroleum products into Nigeria would held from Sept 10 to Sept 12.

    NAN