Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Film distribution: Actor Chidi Mokeme lauds creation of BRS Studios

    Film distribution: Actor Chidi Mokeme lauds creation of BRS Studios

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme, has commended the establishment of BRS Studios, a platform to enhance film content, deepen distribution and improve creativity in audiovisual works from Africa.

    BRS Studios was established by Joy Odiete, Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema; Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah and renowned filmmaker, Chris Odeh, recently in Lagos.

    Mokeme, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said the initiative was insightful.

    He described it as the right tool to further entrench the African cinema which is blessed with abundant talents.

    “The platform will definitely take the industry further, because it will allow creatives the opportunity to explore their imaginations unrestrained by resources and logistics.”

    He said that the partnering companies had clearly stated that the joint venture would serve as a special vehicle to push projects of greater proportions while pursuing their individual businesses and specialties.

    He noted that the trio were bringing their different experiences and expertise in scriptwriting, directing, production management, as well as marketing to create a world class audio-visual outlet out of Africa.

    Also, renowned filmmaker, Charles Novia, said Nollywood was in need of such collaborations to enable it attain the desired heights.

    “We have been stressing the need for this kind of partnership in the industry. I am happy that BRS has set the stage rolling in this regard.

    “I would not be surprised to see others copying this initiative under various guises and names; the fact remains that this is good for Nollywood,” he said.

    Film producer, Uzodimma Okpechi, enjoined the team to give the platform the commitment it deserved so that the set goals would be realised.

    Ramsey Nouah, with over three decades of acting and more than 200 movies to his credit, owns Ramsey Films and has directed the remakes of classics like ‘Living in Bondage – Breaking Free’ and ‘Rattlesnake’.

    Joy Odiete, the producer of ‘Gone’, ‘Money Miss Road’ and ‘Owambe’ amongst others is the brain behind Blue Pictures, a renowned local and international independent film distributor/film sales agent.

    She has been a sub distributor to Warner Brothers Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Black Sheep Entertainment and other independent studios in the U.S., UK and South Africa for over 19 years.

    Chris Odeh has almost 20 years experience in the film and TV industry. He has also produced over 15 films, including Rattlesnake – The Ahanna Story, Choke, Nneka, the Pretty Serpent, Aki and Pawpaw, Love, Lust and Tokunbo, amongst others

    He is the Senior Producer of Sozo Films and Ramsey Films, and a consulting producer for Play Network Studios, Blue Pictures, Take Out Media and Urbane Productions. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Wenegieme emerges acting DG of FEMA, pledges consolidation

    Wenegieme emerges acting DG of FEMA, pledges consolidation

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mrs Florence Wenegieme, the former Director Forecasting, Response and Mitigation of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday emerged as the Acting Director-General of the agency.

    Wenegieme’s emergenced followed the retirement of Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Sabo, the former acting D-G of the agency who existed the service.

    Sabo, who announced his retirement at a management valedictory
    meeting, urged Wenegieme to keep the FEMA flag flying particularly in the areas of flood mitigation and search and rescue.

    While receiving the handover notes, Wenegieme thanked the out going Sabo for his contributions towards the realisation of the FEMA bill.

    She described Sabo as a mentor and promised to put in her best to sustain the gains of her predecessors.

    ” I pray for the wisdom and cooperation of the staff to keep the flag flying. I promise to put in my best to sustain what you and the pioneer DG have put in place,” She said.

    She called for the cooperation of staff to ensure a peaceful and harmonious working environment.

  • UNICEF, Agency inaugurates tree planting campaign in Adamawa

    UNICEF, Agency inaugurates tree planting campaign in Adamawa

    By Ibrahim Kado

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), has inaugurated a tree planting campaign in Guyuk Local Government Area of the state.

    The campaign is to mark 2024 World Environmental Day with the theme “Accelerating Land Restoration, Drought Resilient and Desertification Progress”.

    Mr Williams Wakili, UNICEF WASH facilitator in Adamawa, at the inauguration said that “the day goes beyond symbolic gesture”.

    According to him, the day is focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, as the nation faces degradation, desertification and drought.

    “So, the day is about fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, responsibility and actions aimed at preventing damage to the environment through human activities and protecting the earth“, he said.

    In his remarks, Tanko Audu, Adamawa Commissioner for Water Resources, said it was a fact that desert encroachment had eaten deep into the earth, hence, the need for afforestation

    Represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Mundi Ibrahim, Audu called on the people in the area to stop indiscriminate failing of trees, and to ensure planting of more trees to protect the environment.

    Also, Mr Emmanuel Esly, Programme Manager, RUWASA, called on the people to make great impact in restoring the environment for more rainfall.

    According to him, without rainfall, there will be a lot of challenges in the environment and changing times have changed the environment to something else.

    “There is the need for people to do their best to restore the environment by planting more trees,” he said.

    Similarly, Dishon Dan-sanda, the traditional ruler of Guyuk LGA, thanked and appreciated Adamawa government, UNICEF, and all stakeholders for the steps taken to protect the environment.

    “Therefore, I will make sure to enforce these to the letter with the aim to protect our environment, and I will not tolerate indiscriminate felling of trees without planting another”, he assured

  • Iddo community celebrates Elegba Ejiwa Festival in Lagos

    Iddo community celebrates Elegba Ejiwa Festival in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Iddo Community in Lagos Mainland on Wednesday celebrated its annual Elegba Ejiwa Festival to ward off evil from the land.

    The celebration witnessed a combination of cultural and spiritual activities from seven coastal communities namely Ido, Oniru, Ikate-Elegushi, Ojora, Ilashe, Irede and Ilado.

    Community members, especially traditionalists, from these areas came out in their numbers with colourful and spontaneous dance and musical performances.

    Chief Ismail Folaji, the Olorogun-Ide of Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the final ceremony of the seven-day festival that it was meant to encourage peaceful co-existence within the community.

    Folaji, who is the chief organiser of the ceremony, added that the festival was to promote sanctity of traditions and ensure prosperity in the land.

    According to Folaji, the festival is also to celebrate the remembrance of the ancient traditional ruler of the community known as Olofin Atekoya.

    He said, according to history, the legend’s story resonated as a beacon of leadership, courage and strength.

    “This festival is the time set aside to offer prayers for peace and prosperity for Iddo community and its indigenes, the state and the entire nation.

    “It also serves as a form of reunion for the sons and daughters of Olofin, home and abroad.

    “Elegba Ejiwa is an age-long festival that dates back to the 15th century.

    “We are encouraged to continue this festival annually because we have received beautiful feedbacks whereby our people are making progress and living in peace.

    “This, for us, promotes tourism because we have our friends from Ogun, Osun and other states coming to celebrate with us,” the chief said.

    Correcting the wrong perception about the festival, especially those who believed human blood was usually used for the annual sacrifice during the ceremony, Folaji said this was not true.

    He said blood from domestic animals were used and not human blood.

    The chief noted that the celebration of the festival would now be done in turns by the other six coastal areas of Oniru, Ikate-Elegushi, Ojora, Ilashe, Irede and Ilado, starting with Oniru.

    He said that the Elegba Ejiwa Festival had been improved on as it was now being celebrated for seven days instead of the former three days. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Olukoya committed to bringing my father’s 25 years musical dream to fruition- Esho

    Olukoya committed to bringing my father’s 25 years musical dream to fruition- Esho

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Bimbo Esho, Managing Director, Evergreen Musical Company, has commended the efforts of Dr Daniel Olukoya, Founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), toward actualising her father’s 25 years musical dream.
    Esho, in a statement on Sunday, said that Olukoya’s unbridled love for music would finally turn around his father’s dream, Chief Femi Esho, who is the Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olukoya, General Overseer (GO) of the MFM Church partnered Esho to build a musical museum in Nigeria, located at Anthony in Lagos.
    The musical museum is known as “Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation”.
    “This bequeaths to future generations a strong philosophy on music while appreciating the sheer artistic genius of Nigeria’s renowned musical talents, many of whom had been forgotten”.
    She said this was a viable platform to ensure music of yesteryears continually gain prominence which had been the age-long goal of the company.
    She said her father’s 25 years musical dream had been to have a functional musical museum which could be seen as an experience centre where people could visit to gain knowledge on all genre of music from 100 years backwards.
    “If there is any lesson I have learnt in life, it is to share our vision and dream with like minds, so it doesn’t die with us.
    “Over the years, I have watched how many individuals reach the peak of their career and fame but end up dying without achieving their dreams.
    “Recalling the very first day my dad met with Dr Olukoya to discuss the Evergreen Project, he said Dr Olukoya told him that he was 100 per cent interested in the project.
    “There is no doubt that both men have intense and undiluted love for music. They have over the years selflessly given so much in ensuring that the Evergreens don’t go into extinction.
    “I have always had the conviction that the collaboration between these great men would birth that which generations will benefit from,” she said.
    Esho noted that aside Olukoya being an accomplished and respected preacher of the word and leading one of the most popular churches in Nigeria today, he also taught music.
    She said Olukoya wrote his first song in 1976 and his church choir was widely regarded as one of the best in the world, having won several international choir competitions in Europe and other parts of the world.
    According to her, the cleric has supported many musicians in achieving their goals.
    “Olukoya breathes, drink and eat quality music. Today he has over 200 hymns and songs to his credit.
    “Olukoya, who is the patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, has shown us that his word is his bond. His consistency in ensuring that my dad’s dream of 25 years is brought to fruition is mind blowing .
    “Not only has he used his goodwill together with ours to ensure we secure a magnificent edifice that perfectly matches the Evergreen Dream, his financial and moral contributions have been invaluable.
    “The museum, upon completion, will be an experience centre where people in and outside Nigeria will be privileged to see our country’s musical worth and history.
    “There will be on display music from 1914, musical relics, old musical instruments, head bust of artistes, original vinyl of artistes, books, documentaries, cassettes, reel to reel, gramophone as old as 100 years, journals, cassettes and more,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Anniversary: Miyetti Allah hails Tinubu’s commitment on security, agricultural dev’t

    Anniversary: Miyetti Allah hails Tinubu’s commitment on security, agricultural dev’t

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, agricultural development and enhanced security since his assumption of office.

    The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the commendation in a congratulatory letter to Tinubu, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Friday in Abuja.

    ” Congratulations to Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Tinubu on your one year in office.

    ” On behalf of the over six million pastoral communities in Nigeria, the Chairman Board of Trustees, The National Executive, Management and staff of MACBAN, I wish to congratulate you on your successful one year anniversary in office.

    ” Your one year in office, though tumultuous but stands you as a man of courage, conviction and vision with Renewed Hope to make Nigeria great.

    ” Your commitment to developing Nigeria’s infrastructure, Agricultural development and enhanced security is a testimony that you are not only up to the task but to deliver dividends of democracy to the larger Nigerians populace.”

    Othman-Ngelzarma noted that the Renewed Hope agenda on Agriculture which intends to make Nigeria self-sufficient in its food security entails massive investment in both agronomy and livestock production.

    He said, ” In view of this, MACBAN looks forward to your promise of creating a Ministry for Livestock to handle the N15 trillion Industry and its value chain.

    ” The industry stands to provide millions of quality jobs to Nigerian youth wallowing in unemployment and abject poverty which is a threat to National Cohesion and the security in the country.

    ” To achieve this objective, there is the need for immediate establishment and inauguration of the livestock implementation committee which you promised during the report presentation.”

    Othman-Ngelzarma also appealed to Tinubu to allow for the stand-alone existence of the National Commission for Nomadic Education for the continued well-being of Nigerian nomads.

    He added, ” We appreciate the efforts of security agencies in the country in combating crime but we express concern with the way and manner in which innocent pastoralists are being profiled and extorted.

    ” Yours Excellency, the hope you exude should be made a reality to strengthen the faith of ordinary Nigerians on your renewed hope agenda.

    ” We will continue to support you in your quest to strengthen institutional frameworks to make Nigeria and Nigerians the pride of Africa in innovation and productivity.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Tourism: Curb vices in your operations, Lagos commissioner tasks stakeholders

    Tourism: Curb vices in your operations, Lagos commissioner tasks stakeholders

    By Taiye Olayemi/Adeyemi Adeleye

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to curb drug usage, vices and environmental nuisances in their operations.
    Benson-Awoyinka made this remark in her address at the Tourism Stakeholders’ engagement with the Hospitality Sector on Thursday in Lagos.
    The theme of the event was, “Addressing Current Industry Challenges, Exploring Emerging Trends, Understanding Policy Frameworks and Unveiling Collaborative Opportunities Within the Entire Hospitality Value Chain.”
    The commissioner said these issues must be dealt with by operators in the hospitality industry to make Lagos, a destination of choice.
    “The sanctity and safety of your establishment also comes into focus, drugs, vices and environmental nuisances play a major role and such must be curbed to further make us a destination of choice and enhance Lagos as a ‘Live, Work and Play’ environment.
    “From our local artisans to hoteliers, travel agencies and transport providers, every stakeholder in the entire value chain has a crucial role to play.
    “We must leverage our collective strengths to build a robust and resilient hospitality sector,” the commissioner said.
    Benson-Awoyinka said that the engagement with tourism stakeholders in the hospitality sector to address critical issues, emerging trends, and opportunities within the industry had become overdue.
    According to her, there is the need to always share views on how to improve the sector and continue to operate in line with acceptable best practices.
    She said: “The hospitality sector plays a vital role in the economic development of Lagos State.
    “This sector does not only provide employment to thousands but also serves as a gateway for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and unparalleled hospitality.
    “We are all not unaware of the significant challenges our industry faces, from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to evolving customer expectations and increased competition.
    “With this gathering, we want to address these challenges head-on. We must adapt to the changing landscape by embracing new technologies and sustainable practices .”
    The commissioner said that emerging trends in the sector such as digital transformation, eco-tourism, and personalised customer experiences are reshaping the way hospitality businesses are being done.
    She said that it had become imperative that players stay ahead of these trends to remain competitive and relevant.
    She noted that the state was committed to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality sector to thrive.
    “Our policy frameworks are being continually reviewed to ensure they support growth, innovation, and sustainability.
    “We are also focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting Lagos as a prime tourist destination.
    “We strive to make the industry, as with other climes, data-driven, through the capturing of the entire hospitality sector on a database we can also share with the rest of the world.
    “We are digitising our registration processes and will no longer operate manually in this capturing process.
    “You must also agree with me that data is important not only for growth and expansion but also for security of lives and property within and around your establishment,” she added.
    Seeking the cooperation of players, Benson-Awoyinka said that the ministry was striving to make the methodology seamless.
    “By working together, we can create a seamless and memorable experience for tourists who depend on such data in that critical decision on destination choice.
    “As practitioners in this sector, let us continue to organise ourselves orderly and conduct our businesses in the most professional manner,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Provide soundproofing, no-smoke signals in hospitality establishments -LASEPA

    Provide soundproofing, no-smoke signals in hospitality establishments -LASEPA

    By Taiye Olayemi/ Adeyemi Adeleye

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Thursday warned hospitality operators to desist from encouraging noise pollution in their hotels, clubs, restaurants and others.

    The General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, gave the warning during a stakeholders’ engagement with the hospitality sector, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the programme was, “Addressing Current Industry Challenges, Exploring Emerging Trends, Understanding Policy Framework and Unveiling Collaborative Opportunities Within the Entire Hospitality Value Chain.”

    Ajayi advised hospitality operators across the state to put in place soundproofing in any hospitality facility where music was put to use, to guide against noise pollution.

    He said the essence of the soundproofing was to ensure that noise did not filter out to disturb individuals around the facility.

    “It is our collective responsibility to protect the environment, a healthy environment is necessary for the growth of hospitality businesses.

    “Noise is a menace, people develop ear problems due to exposure to noise but many don’t know this.

    “We have 55 per cent permissible noise alert for residential areas in the day and 45 per cent at night. We have same for the hospitality facilities.

    “We want an environment without noise, so soundproof your environment. Also, we have always advised that no-smoke signals should be used in hospitality firms.

    “It can be embarrassing to expose visitors at hospitality facilities to cigarette smoke, rendering them secondary smokers, it can be dangerous to their health.

    “You also need to ensure a place is usually created for emission of generating set smoke. We all need to encourage a healthy environment,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Lanre Mojola, General Manager, Lagos State Safety Commission, emphasised that safety remained key in the hospitality industry, saying “operators must build a system and facility that is absolutely safe”.

    He called on operators to take leadership and be committed to safety of tourists to foster zero accident, injury and fatalities.

    “There must be a system in place to take away all risks. All facilities must be safety-compliant and this begins with each one of us. Safety is a collective thing and all of us must put on our safety caps,” Mojola said.

    On his part, Olabisi Adelabu, General Manager, Lagos State Parking Authority, said that hotels and restaurants must have adequate parking space in their facilities.

    Stressing the need for all practitioners to be responsible in all things park-related, Adelabu said that the authority was not out to disrupt tourism business but to ensure businesses do not infringe on the rights of others.

    Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transport, related vibrant hospitality industry to efficient transport systems, saying that operators must adhere to all transport and parking rules and regulations.

    “There is no way you can have a vibrant tourism business without transportation,” he said.

    Giwa urged operators to be committed to the provision of adequate parking space as well as training of their parking officers.

    Earlier, Mr Solomon Bonu, Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the efforts of the private operators in the hospitality industry.

    Bonu urged them to channel their energy toward working with government to enact laws that would spur the growth of the industry.

    Mr Ayodele Subair, Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), hinted on the state’s plan to harmonise taxes and levies for ease of payment for hospitality operators.

    “Payment of taxes and levies should not be seen as a burden, these are necessary to put in place the needed infrastructure development and qualitative social services,” he said.

    Responding, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “I want you all to know that the ministry will continue to engage you, even in major decision formulation.

    “The essence of this engagement session is to ensure Lagos continues to takes its pride of place as a choice destination for tourists.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Benue Govt. reveals plan to upgrade ATPoly for technical skills acquisition

    Benue Govt. reveals plan to upgrade ATPoly for technical skills acquisition

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Benue State Government has unveiled plans to engage foreign-based professionals to provide practical skills in technology and Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Akawe Torkula Polytechnic (ATPoly), Makurdi.

    Dr Martins Agena, Rector of the Polytechnic, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Agena said this was to equip the youths with requisite knowledge for international certifications in technical skills that would make them self-reliant.

    He said the move was part of Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s administration’s deliberate steps to ensure the polytechnic met international standards.

    According to him, it was also meant to deliberately expose Benue indigenes to skills that will make them productive and valuable to the society.

    He said the management of the Polytechnic had finalised plans with foreign technical partners who are professionals with reputable institutions in the UK, Canada and U.S.

    He noted that these partners were willing to serve as resource persons to lecture students on skills acquisition at the institution.

    “There are non-governmental organisations and individuals out there who are willing to support innovative ideas. They are there to support science and technology, which is the core of technical education.

    “Private individuals and friends alike are much more willing. We have met over and over, and they are willing to come to our aid.

    “It may seem very difficult but will be simple by the time we embark on doing the right thing.

    “We are engaging professionals who have the technical know-how, people whose knowledge have already been tested in the developed world like the United Kingdom. So, we have no doubt in doing what we are planning to do now.

    “We are now in a global village where the boundaries are no longer there. The resource persons we are engaging don’t need to travel to Benue State or Makurdi for them to lecture our students.

    “We are going to create classroom technology that is virtual for now, and in the end, we will hold our lectures conveniently and human resource will not be a problem at all,” he said.

    Speaking on the challenges currently faced by the institution, Agena said polytechnic education was highly needed in the 21st century, because of its capacity to build skills.

    He said he was not deterred because he had the backing of the governor, who, he said, was desperate and deliberate to improve the lives of Benue people, especially the youths.

    “Of course, the difficulties are there but I have a governor who confided in me, who has confidence in me and who said he wants this place to turn things better for the society.

    “For now, Gov. Alia is determined and deliberate about giving the citizens and indigenes of the state the technical skills that will make them self-reliant.

    “He has been insistent, since I came on board, that I give him the necessary requirement for the polytechnic to be of global standard, so, the government is not taking it lightly. He is serious about that.

    “The government has prioritised education in the state and that could be the first way of fighting insecurity.

    “By the time you pack most of the youths off the streets and give them education, using the required skills to thrive in today’s world, they will have no time to indulge in some of these criminalities we have in our society,” the Rector added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)