Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Runsewe mourns late Zimbabwean tourism icon, Kaseke

    Runsewe mourns late Zimbabwean tourism icon, Kaseke

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Chief Olusegun Runsewe, President, World Craft Council, Africa region, has commiserated with Zimbabweans and the family of late Dr Karikoga Kaseke, former Chief Executive Officer, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

    Runsewe, in a statement on Sunday, expressed shock at the death of late Kaseke, the longest serving chief tourism officer of Zimbabwe.

    He recalled Kaseke’s dedication and commitment to the dream of bringing African countries together to form a huge bloc in marketing African tourism to Africans and the world.

    “Together, Kaseke and I were determined to change the perception of African tourism under the African Tourism Initiative.

    “He was my deputy, a very great pan Africanist and tourism giant.

    “Kaseke was humble and unassuming, willing to see through the dream of Africans visiting Africa and taking the advantage of our rich culture and history to change our narratives at world tourism expositions and which we did together across the world,” he said.

    Runsewe urged the government and people of Zimbabwe to immortalise the late tourism pathfinder, as he gave his all not only to tourism development in Zimbabwe but to the entire African continent.

    “I will personally miss Kaseke. He was a reliable and dependable partner, a lover of African cultural tourism togetherness.

    “May God rest his soul in peace and give his family and the government and people of Zimbabwe the fortitude to bear his passage. Africa has lost a great son,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kaseke, a former army officer and liberation war fighter, died Feb. 29 after a long illness.

    He was said to have been unwell after suffering a stroke in 2018

    Kaseke was buried on March 7, at his rural home in Matienga Village, Chivero, Mhondoro.

    He served as Permanent Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development and CEO for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Afro-soul sensation, Emelonye unveils musical video of BBC award-winning song

    Afro-soul sensation, Emelonye unveils musical video of BBC award-winning song

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Nigerian Afro-soul musician, Uchechi Emelonye, has released the long-awaited video of ‘Underwater’, an award-winning single, which clinched the BBC Music Introducing Record of the Year 2022, in Lancashire, England.

    Emelonye, in a statement on Thursday, said the single was released March 1, under Emelux Records and Finctown imprint.

    She said that the three-minute long video was directed by JJ Coombes and currently available at https://youtu.be/AQ8eGc4XujY?si=8UMB_foEC57OVd-s , where it garnered thousands of views within hours of its release.

    According to her, the visuals offers refreshing scenes and footages to accentuate the deep lyrics of ‘Underwater’.
    She said that ‘Underwater’ was her second official video after ‘Little Black Bird’, shot in 2020 by popular Nigerian music video director, Sesan.

    Speaking on her extraordinary talent, Emelonye said, “I address realistic themes because I want people to relate to my music. I can sing about everyday things to big social issues, I don’t have a limit on the places my songs can go.

    “I chose Afro-soul because I have always been a vocal person. I have always felt I had something important to say or spoken up about things I am passionate about.

    “Music is the medium in which I feel most confident vocalising my thoughts and feelings. I have also always felt that the tone of my voice was different and capable of making people feel different textures which is a trait most soul singers have.”

    The ‘Underwater’ video currently enjoying airplay on major TV networks had its audio released in October 2022 alongside ‘Sunrise to Sundown’, another hit single of hers. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Ramadan: Shari’a council urge clerics to preach against violent protests

    Ramadan: Shari’a council urge clerics to preach against violent protests

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria has advised the Federal Government to create community feeding centres for the vulnerable during the forthcoming month of Ramadan.

    The President of the council, Sheikh Abdulrrasheed Hadiytullah, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Hadiytullah urged clerics to use their respective podiums during Ramadan to advocate for the establishment of an expansive social safety net to provide immediate relief to the poor.

    ” In this regard, we appeal to the Federal and State Governments, to provide immediate relief and succor to the multitudes of the disadvantaged against the stifling economic hardships.

    ” In addition, we call on all governments to also consider organising community feeding for them, in as many centers, especially during the time of iftar (breaking of fast).”

    He also enjoined clerics to use the month of Ramadan and preach against resorting to violent protests against the government.

    ” We earnestly implore our esteemed Ulamah (clerics ) to exemplify the highest standards of methodology during their Ramadan Tafseer activities.

    ” In view of the pivotal role of religious leaders in guiding the Muslim Ummah, especially during this sacred time of spiritual reflection and enlightenment.

    ” We should always remember the Prophetic saying that the Ulamah are the successors of the Prophets).

    ” We therefore beseech you to employ a compassionate and inclusive approach to ensure that messages resonate with the diverse audience within the community.

    ” The Tafseer sessions which should serve as platforms to promote unity, tolerance, and understanding among followers, emphasizing the core values of Islam, such as compassion, justice and kindness.”

    He urged Nigerians to strive for dialogue and constructive engagement with governments to address their concerns.

    According to him, Islam encourages Muslims to seek solutions to problems with their leaders through peaceful means only.

    He said ” violence only begets more violence, and it is our duty as responsible citizens and followers of Islam to promote harmony and stability.

    ” Together, let us channel our grievances through peaceful avenues, foster a culture of tolerance and cooperation for the betterment of our society.”

    He emphasised the need for the governments at all levels to take concrete steps to address incidences of corruption, leakages and wasteful spending.

    ” Corruption is like a cancer, which destroys everything noble and undermines the principles of good governance.

    ” It is perfectly justified to ask our leaders, why should the ordinary Nigerian be made to bear the brunt of insecurity with trillions being spent on the security agencies without positive result or accountability?

    ” Why should the ordinary Nigerian suffer difficulties from power failure and its skyrocketing cost with over 20 billion dollars wasted on power, without positive results or accountability?

    ” There is no doubt that we cannot reasonably expect solutions to issues bedeviling our lives until our leaders summon the political will to address the issue of corruption, whenever, wherever and whoever is involve”

  • APC youth group lauds reforms in agricultural quarantine services

    APC youth group lauds reforms in agricultural quarantine services

    By Diana Omueza

    The All Progressives Congress – National Youth Advocacy Front (APC-NYAF) on Monday lauded the result oriented reforms in the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services on improved services.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Jubril Ekwote, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the result oriented policies on-going in the agency was worthy of recognition.

    “As one of the frontline youth group and foot soldiers that worked so hard, mobilised, canvassed and convinced Nigerians to vote for APC and in extension, President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.

    “We have the moral responsibility to follow-up, monitor, assess and make remark on the activities and scorecard of all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “This is to ensure that they all live up to the task in this present APC-led administration and renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu,” he said

    Ekwote said that the group had committed to assessing some MDA’s doing well and could confirm that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service was exceptional.

    “One of such agencies making serious headway is the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service under the leadership of the acting comptroller general, Dr GS Audu.

    “The excellent performance and critical reforms Audu is putting up in the agency has convinced Nigerians that sometimes, when you want to effect positive change in an agency, you just need to appoint an “insider”.

    NAN reports that Audu rose through the ranks, ascended to the position of Deputy Comptroller General before recently taking over as the comptroller general in acting capacity when the pioneer Comptroller General, Dr Vincent Isegbe’s tenure elapsed.

    Ekwote said that since assuming office, Audu vowed to make business easier for agro exporters in line with the presidential business enabling environment council’s effort within the export environment.

    He said that he was striving to enhance and fast-track exportation by expediting inspection and certification services, streamlining application processes and automating quarantine procedures.

    “The acting CG, in his effort to curb double taxation has put machineries in place to optimise operations at interstate control stations and to eliminate haulage of agro commodities and eliminate illegal operators causing bottleneck on federal highways.

    “As part of strategy to motivate and boost staff morale towards maximum output and repositioning of the agency for better service delivery, over 100 officers of the agency whose promotion was long overdue have been confirmed.

    “With all these positive reforms and repositioning process for optimal performance and service delivery going on in the agency, we hereby pass a vote of confidence in the leadership capacity of Audu.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Sunday Dare, Obaseki, Runsewe, others get recognition at 4th Sportsville Awards

    Sunday Dare, Obaseki, Runsewe, others get recognition at 4th Sportsville Awards

    Taiye Olayemi

    The Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, and Sen. Orji Kalu on Friday got awarded for their contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awardees were honoured at the fourth Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.

    Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, Nigeria Golf Federation also bagged the recognition award.

    Mr Frank Ilaboya, Convener of the award said Runsewe was honoured for his immense contributions to sports in Nigeria and most specifically the sport of golf.

    Ilaboya said Runsewe in 1999, led women to the women under 20 Worldcup in Germany, where he used the opportunity to leverage business opportunities for Nigeria.

    He said Runsewe’s keen interest in sports was followed by the establishment of Sports Weekly in 1994.

    “Today, Chief Runsewe is the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation and under his watch, the game of golf has witnessed a new level of development.

    “Runsewe, in 2021 hosted the first ever national conference of stakeholders in the golf,” he said.

    In his response, Runsewe said “Thank you for this. I feel very proud as a Nigerian being celebrated in my lifetime.

    “This is one honour I will cherish for life. I dedicate this award to all Nigerian that lost their lives in Ivory coast during the All Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    “I want to thank the former Minister for Sports, Dr Sunday Dare for the support he has given to golf during his tenure.

    “I like to challenge all sports lover, Nigeria must take the right position in sport. Our Nigerian referees need to be educated, right now, they hardly invite our referees to multi-national matches, we need to change our attitude.”

    Other eminent sports personalities were also rewarded for their various contributions to the growth of sports in the country.

    Dare got awarded as ‘Sports Administrator of the Year’, while Gov Godwin Obaseki of Edo was honoured for providing a state-of-the-art sporting complex, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.

    Others are Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye; Victor Ochei, former Delta commissioner for sports; Chief Solomon Ogba, and Igoche Mark.

    Also on the award list is Eddington Kuejubola, a one time coordinator of the Super Eagles; as well as ace sports journalist and FIFA recognised World Cup attendee, Mr Kunle Solaja, who both got special recognition awards.

    Sam Ochebo, President of Handball Federation, got an award for his landmark achievements in development of handball in Nigeria.

    The long list of awardees also has Hajiya Zainab Saleh, for pioneering the promotion of women in Karate in Nigeria, while Mrs Hauwa-Kulu Akinyemi, a retired director, got recognised for her prowess in sports administration at the Federal Ministry of Sports.

    Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, got an award for championing the growth of Cricket in Nigeria, while Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Jenkins Alumona and Chikelue Iloenyosi also got rewarded for efforts in their various fields.

    Oladimeji Oshode was awarded ‘Media Officer of the Year’.

    A post humous award was given to Late Sebastian Brodricks.

    Speaking on the event, it’s Chairman and Head of Local Organising Committee, Segun Odegbami, said that the award has made significant development in recognising those that have made sports great in Nigeria.

    “This is an opportunity today to recall bits and pieces of our history, particularly the most successful sides.

    “Those that received the honours are the ones who have made significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria either in corporate organisations or individual.

    “This is a good opportunity for us to recall that history, those who have performed excellently, so I am delighted to be part of this history.

    “The award that I also received was a big surprise for me, though not as a footballer, or journalist, but as a chairman of the event,” he said.

    In his response, Dare said that he foresees a great future for Nigerian sports given the foundation he had laid while he was the minister.

    Also, Akpata said that he would continue to lay solid foundation for cricket in Nigeria.

  • Ramadan: Traders pledge to stabilise price of food items

    Ramadan: Traders pledge to stabilise price of food items

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Arewa Traders Association of Nigeria (ATAN) has pledged to work with all its members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to stabilize price of food items in the holy month of Ramadan.

    The newly appointed FCT Chairman of the association, Alhaji Habib Muhammad-Gajo, made the pledge in his acceptance speech on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gajo, who paid tribute to the founding members of the association, also promised to reinvigorate a new chapter that would be different in outlook and impact.

    He expressed readiness of the association to partner with the FCT Administration and the Federal Government to go after those hoarding food items.

    “This, according to him, will crash and stabilise the price of food items in the nation’s capital and the country at large.”

    Earlier, the National Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Dr Abdulaziz Bature, urged the members to provide the needed leadership in its bid to overcome the critical economic challenges facing the country.

    He also emphasised the need for unity of the traders in the nation’s capital.

    In his remarks, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, urged the new leaders to run an all-inclusive administration.

    “Your hard work, ability to work and loyalty that has given you this appointment that I believe will motivate you to provide effective leadership, which we know you are courageous in seeking the rights of which you are leading.

    “We hope this your short appointment for six months will bring good progress to the people of FCT.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other appointed officials of the association includes Dalhatu Usman-Garo, Secretary; Ayuba Maluri, Treasurer; Shuaibu Abdullahi, Financial Secretary and Abdullahi Adamu as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

    Also elected were Malam Rabiu Muhammad, Organising Secretary, Musa Dikko, Muhammad Tukura and
    Shuaibu Jibrin as members of the exco committee. (NAN)

  • Alleged Defamation: High Court acquits journalists, chides police, magistrate over shoddy trial

    Alleged Defamation: High Court acquits journalists, chides police, magistrate over shoddy trial

    By News Desk

    The Kwara State High Court, sitting as an appellate court in Ilorin, has discharged and acquitted two journalists convicted of publishing a defamatory article against a rice factory, faulting the police and trial magistrate’s ruling.

    In February 2023, a magistrate’s court convicted Alfred Olufemi, an investigative reporter, and Gidado Shuaib, editor of Abuja-based News Digest, over a report against Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited.

    The report published in News Digest in 2018 detailed how the company’s staff members smoked Indian hemp freely within its premises, violating relevant laws and health regulations.

    But the journalists immediately appealed the judgement at the state High Court, where a three-man panel reviewed the trial court’s judgement.

    The journalists’ lawyer, Yunus AbdulSalam, urged the appellate court to quash the lower court’s conviction. The Abuja-based lawyer argued that the respondent, the prosecution at the lower court, did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt as the report of the police investigation it relied on was already issued before the appellants were invited for questioning.

    He also argued that the trial magistrate did not regard the testimony of the journalists’ key witness and their defence, among other issues raised during the trial.

    Delivering its judgement on 14 February, a three-man panel comprising Justice M.O Adegbite, Justice S.B Olanipekun and Justice S.M Akanbi, ruled that they had no difficulty in resolving the issue in favour of the appellants.

    “We find merit in the appeal, set aside the conviction and sentence. We allow the appeal and enter a verdict of discharge and acquittal for the appellants,” said the presiding judge, Justice Akanbi.

    Reacting to the outcome of the appeal, the journalists’ lawyer, Mr. AbdulSalam described the decision of the court as a victory for his clients and press freedom in Nigeria.

    “For nearly six years, these young journalists fought to reclaim their innocence and I’m happy that the appeal court delivered justice. This is a win for truth, press freedom and rule of law,” he said.

    Meanwhile, in the 25-page judgement obtained by PRNigeria, the presiding judge took a swipe at the police and the trial magistrate over their roles in the conviction of the journalists.

    “I think with all due respect to the learned magistrate, he came to the conclusion after taking into consideration the prosecution’s investigation report which came out before the arrest and invitation of the Appellant.”

    The judges stated that besides the fact that the evidence of the prosecution witness sharply contradicted the evidence tendered by the witness, the report coming out before investigation leaves much to be desired.

    They maintained that despite the contradiction in evidence presented by the prosecution, the trial court took the narration of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) hook line and sinker.

    “The shoddy and shady investigation embarked upon by the police must have misled the trial magistrate court to its finding without regard to the evidence of the Appellants,” the judgement read.

    “Investigation report came before an invitation of the Appellants to exhibit P6 and the defence of the DW1 were jettisoned for the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. Every doubt ought to have been resolved in favour of the defence in criminal cases

    They maintained that despite the contradiction in evidence presented by the prosecution, the trial court took the narration of the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) hook line and sinker.

    “The shoddy and shady investigation embarked upon by the police must have misled the trial magistrate court to its finding without regard to the evidence of the Appellants,” the judgement read.

    “Investigation report came before an invitation of the Appellants to exhibit P6 and the defence of the DW1 were jettisoned for the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. Every doubt ought to have been resolved in favour of the defence in criminal cases.

  • Viksit Bharat 2047: Indians in Nigeria reiterate commitment toward vision

    Viksit Bharat 2047: Indians in Nigeria reiterate commitment toward vision

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Indians in Nigeria have reiterated commitment toward the actualisation of their country’s ‘Viksit Bharat at 2047’, a vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence.

    This vision encompasses various facets of development, such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, social progress and good governance, to make India a developed nation by 2047.

    Mr Sanjay Srivastava, a Social Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of AI Ticks Nigeria, during a webinar session with some other Indian nationals highlighted India’s remarkable progress in the global economic landscape.

    Srivastava said the meeting was centered around the theme: “Indian Economy and Viksit Bharat”.

    He emphasised Bharat’s ascent to the status of the world’s fourth-largest economy and projected its trajectory toward becoming the third-largest economy by 2027.

    He underscored key factors contributing to this growth, notably the significant improvements in India’s ease of doing business ranking and the proactive measures taken to attract foreign investment.

    Srivastava highlighted Nigeria’s burgeoning economy driven by its sizable population, particularly its youthful demographic.

    He juxtaposed this with India’s superior positioning, emphasising the nation’s conducive business environment and enhanced global reputation.

    Also, Prof. Anil Kumar of Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, shed light on the economic landscape preceding 2014, characterising it as a period of policy paralysis and potential fragility for India’s economy.

    Kumar commended Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s administration for implementing robust measures that revitalised the economy.

    He highlighted key initiatives such as the Jan Dhan Account-based Direct Benefit Transfer system, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Make in India campaign.

    He emphasised the distinctive feature of the Modi government: its commitment to translating policies into tangible outcomes.

    He also argued that this commitment, coupled with effective policy implementation, had positioned India on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

    He underscored the government’s focus on transforming Bharat into a global manufacturing and supply chain hub, supported by the establishment of world-class infrastructure, including highways and roads.

    Kumar emphasised the importance of these initiatives in generating employment opportunities, particularly in the unskilled and unorganised sectors, thus triggering a multiplier effect on the economy.

    Mr Pravin Kumar, Chief Finance Officer of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in Nigeria, provided insights into India’s path toward attaining developed nation status based on purchasing power.

    He said that India currently boasts a purchasing power of 9,000 dollars per month, while the United States stands at 25,000 dollars per month.

    According to him, once India achieves parity with the United States in terms of purchasing power, it will transition into a developed nation.

    He applauded India’s efforts in simplifying visa and passport procedures, making it easier for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to address their concerns at embassies.

    He emphasised the significance of this streamlined process in fostering a conducive environment for NRIs and enhancing their engagement with Bharat’s affairs.

    He also discussed the nation’s s strides in improving its export scenario, particularly by enhancing the export clearance system.

    “This focus on facilitating trade and expediting export processes contributes to bolstering India’s global competitiveness and expanding its presence in international markets,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • NICO begins indigenous language training in NYSC camps

    NICO begins indigenous language training in NYSC camps

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has secured approval from the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to teach Nigerian languages in NYSC camps.

    Chief Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of NICO, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by his Media Assistant, Mr Caleb Nor.

    Ajiboye said that the move was part of NICO’s efforts to promote Nigeria’s culture.

    “Language is a veritable component of culture.

    “To this end, the nationwide indigenous language training for corps members by the institute will kick-start with a pilot scheme in Abuja at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Kubwa on Thursday, Feb. 29.

    “This is with instructional sessions in the three major languages – Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba – as well as the language of the host community which is Gbagyi.

    “The on-camp language training is designed for corps members to learn languages other than their mother tongues, especially the language of their host communities, for ease of communication and interaction.

    “It is expected that the training will metamorphose into Community Development Service (CDS) groups to further broaden their knowledge of the languages learnt,” he said.

    Ajiboye said that by being proficient in the languages, corps members could interact more effectively with members of their host communities and improve in their communication skills during community development initiatives and other interactions.

    He said that the programme would foster harmonious coexistence, create a sense of pride in indigenous languages, foster national pride, unity and identity, as well as encourage preservation of the indigenous languages.

    He said the institute had, over the years, successfully organised three editions of the indigenous language programme in 15 locations in the country.

    According to Ajiboye, the August edition holds annually during long vacation while the weekend edition holds periodically during weekends to enable language learners who are too busy during weekdays to attend.

    The barracks edition, he said, was created for officers and men of the military and paramilitary organisations.

    “Past beneficiaries and participants of the NICO language training have adjudged the programme worthwhile.

    “The enthusiasm with which the programme is accepted shows that NICO has indeed taken a right step in the right direction.

    “It is, therefore expected that the NYSC edition of the language programme will serve as a crucial platform for nurturing unity, cultural exchange and national harmony among Nigerian youths,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)