Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Evergreen Musical Coy begins construction of musical museum in Lagos

    Evergreen Musical Coy begins construction of musical museum in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Evergreen Musical Company has begun the construction of a musical museum in Ikeja, Lagos.

    It’s Managing Director, Bimbo Esho, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the museum upon completion would be called “Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation”.

    Esho said that the museum would help to upscale the promotion of music of yesteryears with sound moral values.

    She said the idea was to also bequeath 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.

    According to her, the project was birthed following the collaboration between Chief Femi Esho, Founder of Evergreen Musical Company and Dr Daniel Olukoya, Founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry.

    She said the edifice would accommodate a music museum, music library, gallery showcasing head burst of artistes, display of over 1,000 pictures of Nigerian musicians from 1914 till date.

    She explained that there would also be relics of the musicians’ costumes, old musical instruments, an event centre for music concerts, cinema theatre, recording studio and so much more.

    According to her, Olukoya, an ardent lover of good music had been of huge financial support to the project.

    She noted that the founder of Evergreen Musical Company would remain the chairman of the foundation while Olukoya had been selected as the Patron.

    “The project is a massive one, it is a historic landmark project that will stand the test of time and outlive all of us.

    “Dr Olukoya has been more than supportive to our cause. He has been magnanimous and we remain eternally grateful to him for his love and support for this dream. But there’s still plenty of work to be done.

    “This magnificent edifice is situated at Oyedele Ogunniyi street, Anthony Village, Ikeja, Lagos. We are still calling on all music enthusiasts, lovers of Nigerian music all over the world to come support this dream.

    “It will be a contribution to a legacy that will be sustained for generations to come, all of the enduring morals and intrinsic values that our music of yesteryears taught us, all of which is lacking today.

    “The edifice is a place the youth can come to enjoy quality music and research into the past musical history of some of Nigeria’s most accomplished musicians of the 50s, the 60s down to the 90s,” she said.

    Esho said that the construction should be completed before the end of the year. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Indian group seeks Modi’s re-election

    Indian group seeks Modi’s re-election

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP), Nigeria chapter, on Saturday urged Indians in Nigeria to vote Indian Prime Minister for third term in office.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Indian general elections is from April to June 2024.

    Mr Pravin Kumar, General Secretary of OFBJP, made the call during a forum on Modi’s achievements in his last two terms in office as well as canvass votes for him.

    Kumar said that Modi had recorded remarkable achievements in the digital sector, rubbing off on other sectors including industrial, health and education.

    He urged the youth to ensure Modi’s re-election to enable them benefit more from the friendly educational policy he created, which allowed for easy access to soft loan with minimal interest for students.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made useful policies for the common man in India.

    “We want continuity in governance so that we can achieve the Bharatiya Janata Party’s vision for 2047 when India will be celebrating its 100 years independence,” he said.

    Also, Vikas Kane, Vice-President, OFBJP, said Modi had been instrumental to sporadic infrastructural development in India in the last 10 years.

    Kane noted that Modi built the world’s longest highway tunnel known as the ATAL tunnel as well as Asia’s longest tunnel, the Zojila tunnel.

    According to him, this allowed for improved job creation for the youths.

    “We want to support Modi so that infrastructural development in India can be upscaled.

    “In the last 10 years of Modi’s reign, 84 additional airports have been constructed with the previous 74 airports, so, we have 158 functional airports now.

    “In the last 10 years, road construction has grown from 91,287 kilometres to 146, 145km. This is impressive and we want him again,” he said.

    Chief Sanjay Jain, President, Indian Cultural Association (ICA), said Modi had been known as an honest person who priotised the interest of Indians first before personal interest.

    Jain said Modi transformed Indian economy from the 10th strongest economy to the 4th now.

    He said according to the International Monetary Fund, India’s Gross Domestic Product had grown by 7.6 per cent from 2023 to 2024, by virtue of Modi’s innovative governance system.

    According to him, Modi has taken conscious efforts to boost the economy of the nation and it is worthy of commendation.

    “We want Modi’s re-election in as much as he is physically and mentally fit.,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • NDE trains 20 unemployed youths on environmental beautification in Adamawa

    NDE trains 20 unemployed youths on environmental beautification in Adamawa

    By Talatu Maiwada

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has commenced the training of 20 unemployed youths in Adamawa under its 2024 Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS).

    Malam Abubakar Nuhu-Fikpo, Director General NDE, disclosed this at the inaugural ceremony of 20 beneficiaries for the 2024 EBTS, in Yola.

    Represented by Mrs Pwa-Angulma Josia, Head of Human Resources NDE, Adamawa, Nuhu-Fikpo said the programme
    was part of its continues effort in addressing unemployment in the country.

    He said EBTS was designed to create decent jobs to unemployed school leavers and drop-outs, through land scaping value chain in the 36 states of the federation and FCT.

    He said the scheme under its Special Public Works Department would train beneficiaries on skills including; plaster of paris(pop), hard landscaping (holticulture), soft landscaping (flowering) and drainage.

    “We are here to inaugurates the three months training of 20 participants under the 2024 EBTS, with the prospective participants are drawn from various local governments in the state.

    “The aim of the training is to promote environmental renewal inhabitation in urban and rural particularly towns and cities offering skills ecstatics, protection, sanitation among others, he said”.

    Nuhu-Fikpo encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and acquire the needed skills that would enable them set up their businesses and became job creators.

    Malam Nuhu Bello State Coordinator NDE, Adamawa underscored the importance of skill acquisition, saying such would help towards poverty eradication and national security, as there are no available government jobs.

    Represented by Na’amar Jonah, Head of Department Small Scale Enterprise(SSE) NDE, Bello said the programme would adopt open apprenticeship skill, to enable each beneficiary achieve their desired goals.

    “Open apprenticeship is where a beneficiary is allowed to chose a skill of their choice, then attached to a Master trainer to be trained in theory and practical for the training period.

    “I urge you beneficiaries to be diligent, and respectful to your trainers to learn the necessary skills and successfully complete the training to improve your lives and your family, Bello said”.

    Malam Suleiman Yaros, EBTS master trainer encouraged trainees to be dedicated in achieving their goals as each trainee would work with professionals to acquire experience and business ethics.

    Bello Mohammed a prospective trainee expressed gratitude to NDE for the opportunity to be trained in his desired skill.

    “This training opportunity is what we expect from our government and leaders, because it will empower some of us that are jobless and roaming the streets,’ he said”.(NAN)

  • National museum, others digitalise Nigerian heritage sites for preservation

    National museum, others digitalise Nigerian heritage sites for preservation

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Lagos office on Thursday unveiled digitalised documentaries of Nigerian heritage sites.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was unanimously carried out by NCMM, Institut Français de Recherche en Afrique (INFRA-Nigeria) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
    Speaking during the unveiling, at the National Museum, Onikan, Dr Babrabra Morovich, Director of INFRA-Nigeria, said that the digitised heritage sites cut across monuments and artefacts from Ibadan, Benin and Ile-Ife.
    She said the challenges encountered in the course of the project had to do with disseminating the research work to all Nigerians, adding that this was the most important aspect of the project.
    Morovich said the benefit of the project was directed at the public who had been provided with a platform for easy understanding of what heritage meant.
    “We collaborated with CDD on this project and we have worked on digitalising heritage sites and archival materials in Ile-Ife, Ibadan and Benin, for the purpose of preserving them for the future,” she said.
    Also speaking, Dr Sa’eed Husaini, Acting Director, CDD, said the primary purpose of the project was to preserve materials that were potentially endangered and to disseminate those materials as well as render them accessible for all.
    Husaini said the project was in six components and each of the components currently had at least one website for the public to access information, archival materials that had been digitised and uploaded.
    According to him, the public could now visit those sites and download their desired materials.
    “The findings and entire work done by various researchers and archeologists are extremely fascinating.
    “The project has run for two years now and we are now opportuned to engage with the materials provided to bring them to a new audience in a new generation, this is one that I cherish,” he said.
    One of those engaged in the project, David Afolayan, Chief Executive Officer of GIS Konsult Ltd., identified emerging problems he came across in the course of executing the project.
    Afolayan said climate change posed serious threat to most heritage sites across the nation, citing the example of the town of a thousand gullies in Auchi, Edo State and series of floods at heritage sites within Ibadan.
    He added that the analogue way of record-keeping had become obsolete and inadequate, making him embrace new technologies for the project.
    Afolayan said in digitalising the religious architectural heritage of Ibadan and urban archeology mapping of the pavements of Ile-Ife, he had engaged the Geographic Information system (GIS) as the best technological platform.
    According to him, GIS integrates computer hardwares, softwares and humanwares for collating, processing, analysing and displaying geographically referenced data to solve complex problems.
    He said in the course of the project, he had trained no fewer than 100 researchers, students and stakeholders.
    “In the course of this, we have developed Ibadan religious heritage map, Ifa pavement archeology map, digitalisation of Ibadan religious heritage and photogrammetry and video game applications of heritage sites in 3D models,” he said.
    Also, Femi Olanrewaju, an Architect, noted that no fewer than 137 churches, I42 mosques and 127 shrines had been digitalised as well as two Egungun festivals, to provided resourceful materials for all.
    This, he said, was to encourage promotion of religious tourism in Nigeria.
    Mrs Nkechi Adedeji, Curator of the Lagos Museum, harped on the need for heritage conservators to be well informed in the area of heritage preservation, using the GIS.
    She encouraged them to consistently come up with laudable ideas to protect the nation’s heritage resources for future generations
    Prof. Adisa Ogunfola of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), advised on building of a digital interpretation centre, for all the urban archaeological heritages of Ile-Ife, in partnership with the National Museum, Ile-Ife.
    He said the successful medieval Ile-Ife recapturing had ensured future security for all.
    “With the project, we have been able to secure the captured medieval Ile-Ife for posterity against the possible blotting out of its traces by pending urbanisation,” Ogunfola said. (NAN)

  • Aeroport launches new courses to boost capacity in aviation

    Aeroport launches new courses to boost capacity in aviation

    By Taiye Olayemi

    An aviation institute, Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management (ACATM), has introduced additional three professional courses to boost manpower development in the aviation sector.

    In a statement on Friday in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr Oludayo Taiwo, listed the additional courses as Aviation Management, Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) course and Drone Piloting.

    Taiwo said that addition of the three specialised aviation courses was delibrate to have a value chain curriculum that would help the aviation and travel sector to produce professional workforce.

    He said that the courses would provide opportunities for students interested in building a career in the travel and aviation industry.

    According to him, the college has experts in the field to start training.

    Giving an overview of the HLO course, Taiwo said that the course was designed to equip students with the basic skills required to perform the role of an offshore helicopter landing officer.

    He said that theoretical knowledge would be balanced with practical training.

    “Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) can pursue exciting careers in various sectors, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue operations and executive transport. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Group urges FG to encourage development of traditional medicine

    Group urges FG to encourage development of traditional medicine

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Patriots for the Promotion of Black Culture Foundation (PPBCF) has urged government at all levels to encourage the development of traditional medicine for local use and export.

    Prince Ayinla Oniru, founder,PPBCF, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, said that every part of Nigeria is blessed with herbs to cure numerous ailments.

    According to Oniru, traditional medicine is an aspect of African cultural heritage that must be developed for global acceptance.

    He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which sought to bolster the economy by prioritising Universal Health Coverage aimed at adequately tackling Nigeria’s health challenges, had not been achieved.

    According to Oniru, the Federal Government should take giant steps to invest in training local herb sellers.

    He advised Nigeria’s traditional herb experts to engage in constant research to enable them standardise their expertise and align with international best practices.

    “To develop traditional herbal medicine for local use and commercialisation, collaborations between modern medical practitioners and traditional medicine is quite important.

    “African herbs are our heritage and we have not been able to tap from its ennormous potential.

    “As a traditionalist, I can tell you that we are yet to tap from our huge herbal resources, there are many local leaves, sticks that are of immense health benefit which Africans are unconscious of.

    “We have herbs capable of curing fibroid, asthma, arthritis and many other ailments but our government have a lot to do to open this space up.

    “If the space is opened up, then we can generate the needed revenue from herbal medicine as a country,” he said.

    Oniru noted that the greatest setback for the growth of herbal medicine was faith-based as many believe herbs contain some fetish substances.

    The founder, who said this perspective was not true, however, cautioned local herb sellers to desist from cutting corners and extorting their clients.

    He said that they should rather make deliberate efforts to minimise cost of these herbs to encourage patronage.

    The traditionalist also said that people’s inordinate consumption of sweet substances keeps them in bondage of health challenges.

    He, however, advised Nigerians to minimise consumption of sugary drinks to stay safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Carnival Calabar partners Yanga Lotto, ASSITEJ for improved entertainment

    Carnival Calabar partners Yanga Lotto, ASSITEJ for improved entertainment

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Carnival Calabar Commission on Monday announced its partnership with Yanga Lotto and ASSITEJ Nigeria to improve on entertainment and educating activities for children.

    Dr Gabe Onah, Chairman of the Commission made this known during a media briefing in Lagos.

    Onah said the partnership was a deliberate move to take the Carnival back to the private sector to guarantee its sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yanga Lotto is a digital gaming platform .

    Also, ASSITEJ is an international body dedicated to the artistic, cultural, and educational rights of children and young people across the globe.

    Onah noted that Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River desired to explore the 2024 edition of the carnival to improve creativity in children and ensure that citizens were enriched through the power of creativity, culture and tourism.

    He said that the partnership with ASSITEJ Nigeria and Yanga Lotto necessitated those ideals.

    “We are happy that we are taking Carnival Calabar back to the private sector and that is the way to encourage sustainability.

    “The theme for the year’s carnival was unveiled on March 24 as ‘Our Shared Prosperity’,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Derrick Kentebbe, Executive Chairman, Yanga Lotto expressed readiness to ensure that the gaming platform generated huge fund for the carnival through lottery and more.

    Kentebbe said the the platform would engage the Genz in the course of the carnival.

    “I can see the passion of the Carnival Calabar team here and I am sure the 2024 edition of the carnival will be the most successful ever. Expect a lot from Yanga games this year,” he said.

    Dr Pamela Udoka, President of ASSITEJ Nigeria, noted that Nigerian culture and arts had been focused more on adults while the younger ones lose touch with African values.

    Udoka said ASSITEJ Nigeria would be engaging the children and the young adults in conferences, workshops, theatre productions, panel discussions in the course of the carnival.

    According to her, this was to spur children’s creativity, enlighten them on embracing culture and encourage talent discovery.

    “We are trying to use Carnival Calabar to drive participation for children and young adults.

    “So we will be hosting ASSITEJ Nigeria Theatre Festival, exclusively for the young ones,” she said.

    Unveiling the programme for the carnival, Mr Effiong Ekpenyong, Special Adviser, Events Management, Governor’s Office and Tourism Development, said the carnival would begin with lighting of Christmas trees in the Canaan City.

    He said the carnival will start on Dec. 1 with HIV AIDs walk day to the festival village and the official opening of the carnival.

    “Each day of the carnival will be an experience, we will feature comedy night, reggae night, boat regatta at the Marina Resort waterfront, barbecue night and more.

    “We will feature a mega concert where A list Nigerian artistes will perform for free and we have a mini theme known as ‘Sweetness Continues’,” he said.

    Mr Austine Cobham, Executive Secretary, Carnival Commission, said the carnival would be a 32-day event.

    Cobham said ahead of the 32-day carnival, the first Dry Run heralding the carnival would hold Oct. 20, the second dry run would be on Nov. 2 while the third and final dry run would hold Dec. 8.

    “The cultural carnival would hold on Dec 26, as well as the Kings and Queens performance; the children carnival, now called the junior carnival will take place on Dec. 27.

    “The Carnival Calabar, known as Africa’s biggest street party, will be on Dec. 28, Bikers Parade will hold Dec 29 while the Street party will be on Dec. 30,” he said.

    Mrs Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Managing Director of OKHMA Global, official marketing company for the carnival said, “We are proud to be associated with Carnival Calabar, we appreciate the sponsors.

    “This year, we are looking at taking the relationship further, we seek infrastructure partnership to be able to create cabins for the carnival.

    “We also want partners in the area of drinks, we usually have attendance of over two million people, we stream the carnival in over 42 countries, it is a viable platform for sponsors to come on board,” she said.

    Ikechi Uko, the Carnival Calabar Consultant commended the commission for standing tall for 20 years, making the carnival to run smoothly and welcoming innovations.

    Uko described the carnival as the biggest tourism product Nigeria had sold to the world, adding that it also stood the test of time.

    He said Carnival Calabar had encouraged institutional memory, ensured bye-in from the people and separating the spiritual from the carnival. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Indians in Lagos strategise for Prime Minister Modi’s 3rd term re-election

    Indians in Lagos strategise for Prime Minister Modi’s 3rd term re-election

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) on Thursday evening held a meeting with Indians in Lagos to strategise toward the third term re-election bid of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
    With keen analysis of the political developments in India, OFBJP Nigeria constituted the Nigeria’s executive committee saddled with the responsibility of engaging Indians on political developments and galvanising support from Indian diaspora in Nigeria.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Indian general elections had begun since April, to be concluded in June.
    Mr Pravin Kumar, General Seceratary of OFBJP, emphasised the need to be committed to the values and principles of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
    Kumar said going forward, a weekly meeting had been designed for all Indians to deliberate on key issues shaping the electoral narrative and to formulate effective strategies to further the BJP’s vision for India.
    He said the weekly meetings would serve as a platform for constructive dialogue, where members exchange insights, analyse data and brainstorm innovative approaches to bolster the BJP’s electoral prospects.
    “From assessing voter sentiment to identifying areas for outreach and mobilisation, the committee remains actively engaged in steering the party’s campaign efforts toward success in the upcoming elections,” he said.
    Mr Sanjay Srivastava, Convener of the meeting, said: “As we approach the 2024 general elections, the steadfast dedication of the OFBJP Nigeria’s executive committee to bolstering the BJP’s initiatives and enriching India’s democratic fabric remained unwavering.
    “Reflecting on the remarkable achievements of Modi’s Government over the past decade fills us with pride, and we eagerly anticipate the continued support and votes of fellow Indians.
    “Together, let us propel the momentum of progress, nurturing a flourishing India, a beacon of development and opportunity for all.
    Srivastava further educated Indians on Modi’s manifesto to be achieved from 2024 to 2047.
    He said Modi promised continued focus on economic reforms to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, with targets for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion and job creation.
    Accordingly to him, the Prime Minister also pledged further investment in infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity, including high-speed rail networks, modernisation of ports and urban rejuvenation initiatives.
    “He has promised to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality healthcare services, with a focus on preventive care, telemedicine, research and development.
    “Also, he has expressed commitment in comprehensive reforms in education sector to improve access, quality and relevance of education at all levels, including vocational training and skill development.
    “These among many other things, Modi has pledged to work on and we must all remain committed to supporting his victory in the forthcoming election,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Be ready to serve pilgrims voluntarily, NAHCON urges medical team

    Be ready to serve pilgrims voluntarily, NAHCON urges medical team

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has implored the members of the National Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj to be ready to provide efficient services to the pilgrims voluntarily.

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, gave the charge on Saturday in Abuja during the screening and inauguration of the team ahead of the inaugural flight scheduled for May 15.

    Arabi explained that the system had changed, adding that the primary aim was to volunteer to work as diligently members of the medical team for the 2024 Hajj.

    He said, ” Fundamentally, you should be ready to do the job and you should be ready to volunteer to do it. That is the primary thing. Do it first whatever follows that will be it.

    ” We on our own volition applied because we want to do it. You have been invited here, I mean those that applied to participate in the medical team because you believe that you have something to offer.

    ” And I know without an iota of doubt that we all know what is expected of us before, during and after applying for what you want to do.

    ” And I am conscious of the fact that we know we are in a space occupied by over 200 million but we were only trying our luck, believing that if we are destined to participate Allah will make it possible for us to participate.

    ” I don’t mean to scare us anyway, but i owed you the duty to remind you as to the weight of the responsibility that you are about to embark on.”

    According to Arabi, it is gladdening that all the members of the team have agreed to render voluntary services.

    He added, ” And you are volunteering to do it, that is something worth commending not even a commendation from me a mortal but commendation from the person that created me and you.

    ” What is important and expected of you is the service and the voluntary service but that is not to say that you won’t be acknowledged for whatever contribution you have make.”

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi.
    The NAHCON boss, however, said that if it was envisaged that there were going to be challenges some funds would be given to the members of the medical team to address them.

    ” But certainly not as before, probably not even near what you used to receive in the past.

    ” We don’t expect anything less from you as Muslims, we don’t expect anything less from you as men and women of honour in your various professions, ” Arabi said.

    On his part, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Mr Anofi Elegushi, said the medical team was one of the most important aspects of the hajj operation.

    He said, ”Because, a right thinking person will not lead over 60,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform hajj without putting standard medical arrangements and facilities for them.

    ” Also also have competent medical personnel that will man the facilities and I want to advise our medical team to prepare their minds to be able to tolerate our pilgrims.

    ” Because, the kind of patient you are attending to in various medical facilities are not the same patient that you will be dealing with.

    ” They are different people entirely, so you have to be patient with them because some of them believe that you are rendering services that they paid for.”

    Also, the Head of the 2024 Hajj Medical Mission, Dr Abubakar Ismael, said, “those that have been screened here, we are already screening their documents in accordance with what the Saudi authority advises us.

    ” So that at the end of the day once we collect all their documents as soon as we get to Makkah we just submit the documents in an external hard drive and they will help us to register all our medical personnel.”

    He urged the members of the medical team to always put service to humanity first before money or any material gain in the world “and the sky will be our limit.

    Ismael said, ” These are going to be our watchwords in Makkah, Madinah and during our stay in Muna, Arafat and Muzzalifah.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 65,500 pilgrims from Nigeria are expected to join their counterparts from around the world to perform the 2024 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)