Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Children’s Day: Mutual funds hit over N8.6tn in Nigeria – SEC

    Children’s Day: Mutual funds hit over N8.6tn in Nigeria – SEC

    By Our Correspondent

    The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) says Nigeria’s collective investment or mutual funds targeted at children has grown to N8.6 trillion.

    The Director-General of the commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said this on Tuesday at a 2025 Children’s Day event in Abuja organised by Ryan and Jasmine Consult in collaboration with Assertium.

    He said that the commission is pushing for improved investment literacy among children in Nigeria.

    Agama noted that early preparation of children on investment culture, sensitisation on Ponzi schemes, and other investment literacy is key to the SEC.

    According to him, children’s investment, which usually comes from collective investment or mutual funds in the capital market, is expected to grow bigger because children have remained the majority of Nigeria’s population.

    “It is important to start preparing our children earlier around investment culture, sensitisation against Ponzi schemes, and, of course, making them more confident about the future this country has for them.

    It is a great time to teach the children about the ethos of investments. For us at SEC, this is what we love to do to catch them young through teaching.

    ” President Bola Tinubu has the children at heart. It is important we, the agents of the President, do the work that we need to do by getting the people to know the value of financial literacy, the value of investment in education, and saving money for the future of the children themselves.

    “Investment for children usually happens with what we call the collective investment scheme or mutual funds.

    ” That is our investment in children. because children below the age of 18 years cannot invest in the capital market. The collective investment is growing, over N8.6 trillion now in Nigeria; we believe it will grow bigger.

    ” In terms of the demography of Nigeria, you can understand that we have more children than adults. It is so important we inculcate the value of investing in children so that right from the cradle,” he stated.

    Contributing, the representative of Ryan and Jasmine and Group Chief Executive Officer of Assertium, Monsurat Ayoola, and Monitat Amoyegbe, empahaised the need for children to be taught how to invest at an earlier age.

    ” We are celebrating Children’s Day today. Our wonderful youngsters. It is just to have fun and learn in the same spot. We created the platform to enable children to control their butterflies in their systems and give them confidence to invest.”

    A participant at the event, Modesire Makajuola, said she has learned how to save and invest in goods and services.

    ” I have learned how to save and invest in goods and services. I will want the Nigerian government to build roads and be firm in politics. Happy Children’s Day to everyone,” she stated.

  • Bade Emirate joins Great Green Wall’s campaign on environmental restoration

    Bade Emirate joins Great Green Wall’s campaign on environmental restoration

    By Ahmed Abba

    The Emir of Bade, in Yobe, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, has expressed willingness to partner with the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in the fight against desertification and land degradation in Northern Nigeria.

    The royal father made the pledge on Sunday while receiving the Director-General/CEO of the agency, Saleh Abubakar, MFR, and his delegation at his Palace in Gashua.

    The visit was part of the agency’s ongoing high-level advocacy tour across the 11 frontline states affected by desertification.

    It was to strengthen traditional and institutional partnerships for the successful implementation of the Great Green Wall initiative.

    Abubakar said the Great Green Wall project was a pan-African programme dedicated to restoring degraded lands, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.

    He described the emir as a royal father with deep passion for environmental sustainability, expressing optimism that the emirate’s support would accelerate the implementation of the agency’s work plan.

    “We are here to seek the support of traditional institutions such as yours, which play a vital role in mobilising communities and ensuring the long-term success of environmental restoration efforts,” Abubakar stated.

    Responding, the emir emphasised the critical role of traditional rulers in promoting environmental awareness, mobilising grassroots participation, and protecting restored ecosystems.

    “The restoration of our environment is a sacred duty.

    “We are honoured to collaborate with the NAGGW in this important national and continental mission,” the emir said.

    Suleiman reaffirmed the emirate’s commitment to supporting community-driven development and sustainable environmental practices.

    Earlier on arrival in Yobe State, the NAGGW delegation paid a visit to the North-East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) in Gashua, where it explored areas of partnership and collaboration in environmental restoration and rural development.

    The delegation also visited the 40-hectare plantations; woodlots, shelterbelts, fodder grass in Gajammo Community Nguru, 2km shelterbelts, each at Government College Nguru and Government Girls’ Secondary School, Nguru.

    The Great Green Wall initiative, launched by the African Union, aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create millions of jobs in the Sahel region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Senator Yaroe inaugurates classrooms, office in Adamawa community school

    Senator Yaroe inaugurates classrooms, office in Adamawa community school

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Sen. Binos Yaroe, representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, has inaugurated a reconstructed three-classroom block and a principal’s office at Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Kpasham, in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    Speaking at the event on Friday in Kpasham, Yaroe explained that the project was executed through the corporate social responsibility initiative of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    He noted that the opportunity to nominate the project was granted to him by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Sen. Mukhail Abiru.

    The senator underscored the importance of education to national development, stressing that meaningful learning cannot occur without a conducive environment.

    “The greatest investment any nation can make is in the education of its youth.

    The decline in the education sector, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, is alarming, but interventions such as this are beginning to reverse the trend,” he said.

    Yaroe expressed appreciation to the NDIC for funding the project and thanked Abiru for the opportunity to nominate a beneficiary community.

    He also congratulated the people of Kpasham and urged them to ensure the facility is properly maintained in order to justify the investment.

    In his remarks, the NDIC representative, Malam Ismaila Mahmud, reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to education and community development through its corporate social responsibility efforts.

    Salihu stated that the project reflects NDIC’s dedication to fostering national progress through educational support.

    “Education is the foundation of any progressive society. Investing in it benefits not only the immediate community but contributes to the development of the entire nation,” he said.

    He expressed hope that the upgraded facility would provide a conducive learning environment and inspire excellence among students and teachers alike.

    The Principal of GDSS Kpasham, Mr Homotufe Bware, expressed gratitude to the NDIC and Yaroe for their contributions to the school’s development.

    “Today marks a significant milestone, made possible through the NDIC and the visionary leadership of Sen. Binos Yaroe. We deeply appreciate your support and consistent advocacy for education.

    “We remain committed to working with you to ensure our students have access to the tools they need to thrive,” he said.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Indiscriminate cutting of trees worse than terrorism – Daura Emir

    Indiscriminate cutting of trees worse than terrorism – Daura Emir

    By Abbas Bamalli

    The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar-Faruq, says indiscriminate cutting of trees is worse than terrorism because it poses significant threats to the environment.

    The Emir stated this in Daura on Friday, when he hosted Saleh Abubakar, the Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), on a high-level advocacy visit to the Daura Emirate Council.

    According to the emir, the emirate council has taking the act of tree cutting in the area as a serious offence, because it can have devastating consequences for the community.

    The royal father said that for a very long time, the emirate council had concluded that cutting trees was equivalent to killing of a human being.

    According to him, because of the importance of tree planting, the emirate has provided serious punishment against anyone found guilty of cutting trees.

    He added that most of the environmental challenges facing many areas, was due to the none challant attitude of cutting down trees.

    Umar-Faruq said that Daura emirate council was the first across the country, especially in terms of tree planting.

    “The emirate council is fully ready to support the agency in the distribution of the date seeds, because it will reduce unemployment, and also insecurity,” he assured.

    The emir also promised to further sensitise the public on the importance of tree planting in the area, urging the people to plant and nurture trees to combat deforestation and protect the environment.

    He urged the agency to address deforestation and its impact on the environment, which could lead to desert encroachment and climate change.

    Earlier, the agency director general, said the advocacy visit was to seek the support of the emir to fight the encroachment of the Sahara deserts.

    According to Abubakar, the encroachment is really affecting farm lands, killing domestic animals, hence the need for the residents to adopt the culture of tree planting, in order to make the environment better.

    He said that the encroachment had been happening for a long time, but it was beyond expectations in recent times.

    “Therefore, if prevented, we’re going to witness the needed raining season, and it will enable the farmers to harvest more and boost the economy.

    “In the recent time, we’re experiencing too much of heat unlike before, it’s only the planting of trees that can prevent this situation,” he said.

    According to him, while on his way to Daura, he was impressed to see the vast lands and the tree planting along the environment.

    He told the emir that the agency would visit the 11 northern states where it operates and Katsina was one of them, while Daura was among the most important areas to visit.

    “The agency has plans to distribute across our operating states, about 5 million Saudi Arabian date seeds, which can grow and be used in four years,” Abubakar said.

    According to him, when planted and harvested after four years, Nigeria can generate over N300 billion out of it, in order to boost the country’s economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency operates in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, and Katsina states. (NAN)

  • NAGGW boss inspects 5 million afforestation seedlings project in Jigawa

    NAGGW boss inspects 5 million afforestation seedlings project in Jigawa

    Alhaji Sale Abubakar, Director General and Chief Executive Officer/CEO of the National Great Green Wall Agency (NAGGW), on Thursday inspected the Sulaiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited, managers of the date palms nursery seedlings in Jigawa State.

    Abubakar said that the date Palm seedlings being raised were part of the Agency’s plan to procure and distribute 5 million date seedlings across the 11 frontline states of the Northern Nigeria.

    He said that the project intended to generate about N300 billion for Nigeria in the next few years.

    The DG presented a souvenir to the Chairman/ CEO of Sulaiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited, Alhaji Bashir Aminu (Dan Amar Dutse), shortly after inspecting.

  • NAGGW begins high-level advocacy engagement to combat desertification in 11 frontline states

    NAGGW begins high-level advocacy engagement to combat desertification in 11 frontline states

    The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), on Thursday kickstarted the first phase of its high level advocacy engagement in Jigawa state as part of it continued efforts to combat desertification across the 11 frontline states of the Northern Nigeria.

    The Director-General of NAGGW, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, led a delegation of the management team of the Agency to pay a courtesy visit to Dr Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change of Jigawa state in his office at the state Secretariat.

    Abubakar said that the project would also restore the degraded lands, and enhance climate resilience across the affected states.

    The director general said that the visit focused on reinforcing collaboration, assessing ongoing interventions, and identifying new opportunities for sustainable land restoration under the Great Green Wall initiative.

    He emphasised the significance of Jigawa State as the premier State for the Advocacy visit due to the pre existing relationship and partnership the Agency had with the State.

    ” Our presence here is not just for advocacy but to thank the Jigawa State Government for giving the Agency a listening ear, and unending support through providing the land needed by the Agency for planting and land regeneration projects.”

    Responding, Dr. Kazaure acknowledged the relationship between NAGGW and the Jigawa State Government as well as thanked the
    Agency for according Jigawa the honour of being the first State for the advocacy visit.

    ” Jigawa State Government is dedicated to working with the NAGGW towards achieving its mandates which also aligns with His Excellency Governor Umar Namadi’s 12 point Agenda,” he said.

    He urged the Agency to consider the need for retstrategizing to help curb vandalism of Agency’s projects in communities through increased community engagements and further collaborations with the State Government.

    The delegation then paid a visit to Suleiman Farms to inspect the date palm seedlings being raised as part of the Agency’s initiative to supply and plant 5 million date palm trees across the 11 frontline States of the country.

    The initiative is in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda towards improving macro economic stability, human capital development and poverty reduction.

    NAGGW’s visit to Jigawa State is part of a broader outreach aimed at promoting collaborations, stakeholder engagement, and promoting positive environmental practices in the fight against desertification and land degradation.

  • Linkage Assurance bags B+ stable outlook global rating

    Linkage Assurance bags B+ stable outlook global rating

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Linkage Assurance Plc, a non-life insurance company, has been assigned a long-term Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) of “B+” by AM Best, a global credit rating agency.

    The outlook for both the credit rating and the issuer credit profile is stable.

    Dr Imo Imo, Chief Strategy and Product Officer, Linkage Assurance Plc, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Imo said AM Best’s rating reflects Linkage Assurance’s strong balance sheet strength, in addition to its adequate operating performance, favourable business profile, and effective enterprise risk management framework.

    He explained that this development places Linkage Assurance among the select Nigerian insurers evaluated by AM Best, reaffirming its position as a significant player in the country’s insurance landscape.

    Linkage Assurance Plc is listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and currently operates 14 branches across Nigeria.

    The stable outlook signifies that, barring unforeseen events, Linkage Assurance Plc is expected to maintain its current credit profile over the near to medium term. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • CIFM lauds FEC’s approval of Group Life Assurance for public servants

    CIFM lauds FEC’s approval of Group Life Assurance for public servants

    By Taiye

    The College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM) has lauded the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the Group Life Assurance scheme for federal public servants, paramilitary and uniformed personnel.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FEC on Monday approved Group Life Assurance Scheme for government workers, paramilitary and uniformed personnel.

    It also appointed 17 nsurance underwriters for the group life ansurance cover for the year 2025/2026.

    Dr Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector, CIFM, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said this marked a significant step toward enhancing workers’ welfare and financial security.

    She said that the development would help in boosting insurance penetration in Nigeria, currently at 0.4 per cent.

    She added that this move would also support the 10- year roadmap target of the National Insurance Commission’s (NAICOM), aiming to increase insurance penetration to 2.1 per cent by 2033.

    She said, “The FEC’s endorsement of life insurance for public servants is a significant step toward enhancing their welfare and financial security while also promoting insurance penetration in Nigeria.

    “This move can provide valuable protection to public servants and their families, ensuring they receive financial support in times of need.

    “By expanding insurance coverage, Nigeria can improve its insurance penetration rates, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development.”

    The Rector noted that the policy’s implementation might encounter challenges due to the insuring public’s limited knowledge and cultural beliefs.

    She emphasised that overcoming this challenge would require stronger collaboration, effective enforcement, and strict compliance.

    She added that expertise in insurance and technology, coupled with sustained awareness campaigns to educate consumers, would be essential to drive growth.

    “The success of the Group Life Insurance scheme relies on timely premium remittance and coverage implementation.

    “By providing this scheme, government is fostering trust and creating opportunities for growth in the insurance industry.

    “So, effective management of the 17 appointed insurance underwriters is crucial for seamless policy implementation and claims processing,” she said.

  • Experts to x-ray aviation financing, investment models at conference

    Experts to x-ray aviation financing, investment models at conference

    By Itohan Laserian

    The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) is set to discuss sustainable aviation financing and investment models to foster industry growth.

    LAAC will discuss the issue at its 29th annual conference to hold in Ikeja.

    The Chairman of the conference committee, Mr Wole Shadare, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    According to him, the conference will be a platform for constructive dialogue and a rallying point for shaping the future of aviation.

    “The conference will cover a wide range of issues central to Nigeria’s aviation development, including: airport infrastructure development, aircraft leasing and financing mechanisms.

    “The others are Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) funding, aviation fuel supply and pricing, regulatory reforms and consumer protection, navigational infrastructure and airspace management, insurance, risk management and sectoral investment strategies.

    “In recognition of the critical role of financing in sectoral growth, leading Nigerian banks and financial institutions have confirmed their active participation in this year’s conference.

    “The event has garnered significant support from state governments that own and operate airports, affirming their commitment to the sustainable development of aviation infrastructure across Nigeria,” Shadare said.

    He said that industry players, who had contributed to aviation development over the last two decades, would be honoured at the event.

    He added that regulatory bodies, domestic and international airlines, ground handling companies, travel agencies, and allied service providers in the ecosystem had pledged support for the event.

    The conference with the theme: “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects”, will hold on Aug. 7.

    The conference will also feature launch of a commemorative publication entitled “Celebrating Champions of Aviation Development” to recognise those who played significant roles in transforming the sector since 1999.