Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Ara seeks sponsorship for 3rd All Female Traditional Drummers Festival

    Ara seeks sponsorship for 3rd All Female Traditional Drummers Festival

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Popular female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, on Friday, urged the Bank of Industry (BOI), corporate organisations and embassies to support the third edition of the All Female Drummers Festival.

    Olumuyiwa, popularly known as Ara, who made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lagos, said the festival would hold later in the year.

    She said the festival, which was her personal initiative was meant to celebrate the beauty of African culture and promote all traditional female drummers in Africa.

    According to her, the festival is also designed to empower and inspire female ‘talking drummers’ across the world.

    She said since the festival began in 2022, she had only struggled to host each year’s edition through assistance from friends.

    “We need support from BOI, embassies and some corporate organisations to make the festival a sustainable one as we also grow our cultural heritage through drumming.

    “The festival goes beyond playing musical instruments, it aims to inspire our women to do more, it will be a three days event, featuring seminars on issues that affect the girl-child, it will inspire and empower the girl-child.

    “The festival is a viable project for brands,” she said.

    Speaking on the previous editions of the festival and her impact in the industry, Ara said she felt so fulfilled as more female traditional drummers continued to emerge through her interventions.

    She said learning about traditional drumming had deepened the female drummers’ knowledge of the Yoruba culture that surrounded the language and proverbs.

    “I observed that the drumming profession is predominantly male dominated, so I stepped up in ensuring that more women embraced it.

    “Today, we have female talking drummers as young as nine years and as old as 62 years, I have been an inspiration to many of them, this is huge for me.

    “The theme for the third seminar is “Female But Not Only” which means, there is more to every woman than the mere fact of being a woman and her beauty.

    “There will be an award session that will honour those who have promoted African culture through the drumming.

    “We will also have a command performance where female traditional drummers across the world will be performing. We will feature workshops, exhibitions and drumming competitions,” she said. (NAN)

  • Tourism growth: Practitioner commends private operators

    Tourism growth: Practitioner commends private operators

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Convener of Destination Lagos Awards, Apata Samson, has commended private tourism practitioners for their selfless and consistent efforts in grooming the industry.
    Samson gave the commendation during the inauguration of a nomination committee for the maiden edition of Destination Lagos Award, on Thursday in Lagos.
    He said: “I have observed that the private practitioners in the tourism industry have done a lot in repositioning the industry but they have not been well appreciated.
    “So, the Destination Lagos Awards is created to appreciate these individuals and government, who have worked tirelessly in ensuring the industry stands strong.
    “Many of these practitioners have embraced professions as tour guides, travel agents, tour operators, car hire operators, destination marketers, artistes and more.
    “Their efforts have complemented government’s efforts in the industry.”
    Samson announced Mr Frank Meke as the Chairman of the committee; Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board, as the Vice Chairman and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji as the Secretary.
    He said other members of the committee included: Mr Okunlola Gabriel, Mr Iyiade Adedamola, Mr Ibrahim Ladejobi, Mrs Bosede kosemani, Mrs Chinyere Ibe, Mr Jimoh Babatunde, Omolere Afagbai and Taiye Olayemi, among others.
    He said that the committee comprised of diverse seasoned professionals with expertise in various tourism related fields.
    He urged them to engage their wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process for the upcoming awards.
    “This is the maiden award, after this, it will be held annually,” he said.
    Earlier, Meke urged the committee members to begin work on the entire nomination and ensure thorough research in the process.
    “It is time to recognise those practitioners working at their various corners to make sure our industry remains competitive.
    “I urge everyone of us to put in our best in this venture so that such practitioners can be spurred to do more,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Forex instability poses threat to our business – Hajj operators

    Forex instability poses threat to our business – Hajj operators

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), has identified instability in the foreign exchange (forex) market as a major threat to the Hajj and Umrah industry in the country.

    The outgoing President of AHOUN, Alhaji Nasidi Suleiman, stated this at the association’s Annual General meeting (AGM), held at the National Mosque, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

    Suleiman said that it was no longer news that the rate of exchange was rising rapidly.

    “This is coupled with the economic hardship in the country. All these have posed a lot of threats to our business in several ways than ever before.

    “We can no longer make forecasts or plan even for weekly, monthly and annual transactions, due to the instability in the forex market.

    “We cannot give fares for Umrah packages except on a daily basis due to the volatility in prices for both the Visas and hotels.”

    Suleiman also lamented that the changes in the Umrah Visa regime by the Saudi authority through the quarterly allocation which started earlier than usual this year, had created tension in the market.

    “Tension was also created by the changes introduced on the number of companies to operate Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

    “And the timing for the closure of issuance of hajj fares and the complexity associated with merger and consolidation of companies to work together, have worsened the situation instead of providing a soothing relief of hope to our members.

    “As we gathered here today, very few of us can boast that they will be able to sell all their hajj slots allocation in time, to be able to meet the visa closure dateline.”

    Suleiman, however, said that vision 2030 of the Saudi regime had liberalised hajj processes and management and provided opportunity for full private sector participation in all Hajj services.

    He restated the commitment of the association to engage the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to push for greater role and responsibility in the provision of good services to Nigerian pilgrims.

    He thanked the commission for its unwavering support throughout his tenure as the president of the association.

    Also, the association’s outgoing General Secretary, Alabi Ishola, urged the incoming leadership to continue to work towards ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims get value for their money.

    On his part, the Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, congratulated the outgoing leadership of the association for their contribution to the hajj and umrah industry.

    The AGM which was attended by members of the association from the 36 states and the FCT, featured presentation of an award to the immediate past leadership of NAHCON. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Valentine’s Day: Ajai-Lycett, Adewale, others urge Nigerians to show love, compassion

    Valentine’s Day: Ajai-Lycett, Adewale, others urge Nigerians to show love, compassion

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Nigerian veteran actress, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, has advised Nigerians to express love toward one another as they celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.

    Ajai-Lycett, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos said that individuals must be deliberate in looking out for one another and show compassion, especially in this difficult times.

    “For me, love is everything, I place a great value on love. Valentine’s Day reminds us to show love and always be compassionate. We should look after one another.

    “I will be in doors on Valentine’s day but will be attending a programme tagged “Valentine Day for Widows”, the next day after Valentine,” she said.

    Also, veteran fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, urged Nigerians to look inwards and prioritise their individual homes and immediate families as they celebrate the day.

    “Valentine is a special day to show love, I will be taking my wife out on a special date to make her happy. Everyone should prioritise their homes in this season of love.

    “I advise everyone to dedicate the day for their partners, go extra miles to make them happy. We all should make one another happy,” he said

    Prominent female drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa said that every day should be celebrated like Valentine’s Day.

    “Everyday should be like Valentine’s day for all, we should all always be reminded that nothing actually belongs to us, we should be committed to showing and sharing love,” she said.

    ”My son remains my Valentine as he has promised to bake a cake for me to celebrate the day. We will be celebrating it together.”

    Actor Babaseun Faseru said he would be giving out to the less privileged in the society on Valentine’s Day, as a demonstration of his love to them.

    Faseru encouraged Nigerians to eschew bitterness, anger and frustration, and remain optimistic that things would get better.

    “Valentine’s Day is a day set aside to celebrate our loved ones. It is a day to remember the power of sacrifice.

    “Though we should celebrate our loved ones at every opportunity we have but on this day, we should be intentional about it.

    “At this time and phase of our dear country, where there is so much hunger and hardship, I will be stretching my hand of help to the needy around me as a show of love to them.

    “I do not have as much that can go round but I shall sacrifice and do the needful to at least put smiles on the faces of a few.

    “I know it will not be easy as these things stare at us in the face everyday, but negativity, anger, frustration will not do our health any good, worries are never the solution.

    “We should be intentional about this season of love and stretch our hands of help to our neighbours and the needy,” he said.

    Actress Laide Bakare said, “Yes, it is the season of love, I want everyone to stay happy and hardworking. Valentine should not be an excuse not to work,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • NIHOTOUR pledges support to host Africa Youth Tourism Festival

    NIHOTOUR pledges support to host Africa Youth Tourism Festival

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has pledged support to host the maiden edition of Africa Youth Tourism Festival in Nigeria.
    Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Director-General, NIHOTOUR, said this during a meeting with organisers of the festival led by Ayo Omotosho, in Abuja.
    Kangiwa said that African youths must begin to see tourism as a positive instrument of vocational living.
    He assured that the institute would lead stakeholders and delegates in culinary tourism in Nigeria to showcase varieties of African cuisines to the world.
    Omotosho acknowledged NIHOTOUR as a reputable organisation in tourism and hospitality training.
    “We find it worthy to associate with NIHOTOUR in the epoch-making African youth tourism festival slated for April 16 to 20, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
    “The five-day event will feature conference, exhibitions, musicals and cultural display,
100 talking drummers, African food carnival, hospitality fiesta, city tour of Lagos, beach tourism party, talent discovery, fashion show and more,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • YEDC partners NERC to foster customer relationship in Damaturu

    YEDC partners NERC to foster customer relationship in Damaturu

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on Monday, engaged its customers and stakeholders inorder to foster customer relationship and ensure excellent service delivery.

    Mr Ibrahim Salisu, Regional Manager YEDC Yobe, said this at the Customer and Stakeholders engagement forum in Damaturu, Yobe State.

    Salisu said that the event was aimed at sensitising customers and stakeholders about recent developments in the sector including vandalism and operations of NERC Forum in Yobe.

    “The meeting is to sensitize customers to channel their complaints to the NERC forum in the event that their concerns reported to YEDC remain unresolved.

    “During the engagement, the new NERC Forum members were introduced, along with their contact details for easy access by customers.

    ” This initiative ensures that customers always have access to the forum when the need arises.

    “YEDC remains committed to enhancing customer experiences and fostering transparent communication, we also encourage all customers to actively participate in the NERC Forum and utilize the platform to voice their concern.”

    Salisu further emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers, while assuring that YEDC would continue to work diligently to promptly address and resolve customer complaints.

    According to him, “the event brought together representatives from various sectors, including the Military, Paramilitary, Civil Society, and Industrialists underscoring the importance of collaboration in ensuring efficient electricity distribution and customer satisfaction.

    Mr Bashir Adam, NERC representative, highlighted that the NERC Forum operates independently and neutrally, serving as a reliable avenue for customers to seek justice when their complaints remain unresolved by YEDC.

    The engagement featured informative presentations by YEDC specialists on critical topics such as vandalism and energy theft prevention.

    Other presentations include; cashless and online payment platforms, and effective customer resolution mechanisms.

  • Indian’s head of foreign affairs lauds Prime Minister Modi’s performance in office

    Indian’s head of foreign affairs lauds Prime Minister Modi’s performance in office

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of Department of Foreign Affairs, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has commended Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for his laudable achievements since 10 years in office.

    Chauthaiwale, in a statement on Saturday said that as the Prime Minister goes ahead for the third term re-election, he deserves to be considered for another mandate.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Modi has served as the 14th Prime Minister of India since May 2014.

    He commended two of Modi’s first term policies on demonetisation and implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST).

    He said that the policy on demonetisation caused a lot of disruption initially but later won the support of the poor as they believed in Modi’s war against black money and corruption.

    He noted that while GST implementation was disruptive for businesses, transiently slowed down the economy and ran into teething troubles, the new tax regime made the Indian economy efficient and modern.

    “In both instances, the prime minister did not hesitate to put his political capital on the line because he felt the decisions were needed.

    “Modi’s strength is his direct communication with people, explaining the rationale behind major decisions, and the humility with which he asks people to tolerate short-term pain, especially in case of demonetisation and lockdown during COVID-19.

    “He converted a crisis relating to non-availability of cash into an opportunity by launching the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and encouraging people to use digital payments.

    “Today, UPI is viewed globally as a transformative technology for its ease and security.

    “India’s emergence from the COVID-19 crisis has much to do with Modi’s ability to impose a national lockdown and then keep public morale up by leading by example,” he said.

    According to Chauthaiwale, there is a significant capacity-building in India’s healthcare infrastructure and success in the manufacture and supply of critical medicines and vaccines.

    He said India achieving 200 core vaccinations was irrefutable evidence of Modi’s leadership.

    “A consistent facet of Modi’s leadership style is ’empathy’ for common people and this increases the chances of success.

    “This process enables him to listen to feedback from the grassroots and accordingly select the right policies,” he said.

    Also, Mr Sanjay Srivastava, President of Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) Nigeria, said using Indian development as role model for other developing countries would go a long way in global overall development.

    He said Modi’s bold and brave leadership styles had transformed India in diverse ways.

    According to him, India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with record-breaking growth rates and unprecedented job creation.

    Srivastava noted that Modi’s government had successfully brought about unprecedented unity in India, particularly, Non Resident Indians (NRI) worldwide commending his diligent efforts and accomplishments.

    “As India strives to become the world’s third-largest economy, Indian businesses, entrepreneurs, and NRIs should wholeheartedly commit themselves to the goal of VikshitBharat, signifying India’s development in this Amritkaal, the golden era of Bharat,” he said. (NAN)

  • Kenya Tourism Board woos Nigerian tourists for safari adventure

    Kenya Tourism Board woos Nigerian tourists for safari adventure

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Kenya Tourism Board on Friday urged Nigerians to visit the country for safari and other tourism adventure.

    Mr Alex Tunoi, Marketing Manager, Kenya Tourism Board, made the call during the ‘Magical Kenya Roadshow’, held in Lagos, an event geared toward promoting tourism between Nigeria and Kenya.

    Tunoi said that the roadshow was also organised to grow tourist arrivals to Kenya because of its enormous tourism potential.

    “At the moment, we are receiving just about 35,000 tourist arrivals from Nigeria annually, we intend to grow that number by 10 per cent over the next couple of years.

    “We have come with our trade partners like tour operators, hoteliers and more to develop packages for Kenya market.

    “We are focusing on West Africa as part of our key source market to grow numbers of tourist arrivals. We noticed that Africans are beginning to travel and they are looking for new destinations to travel to.

    “And we are here as Kenya to offer this opportunity. There are a lot of new development happening within the cities in Kenya, we can offer opportunities for shopping, golfing, safari, beach exploration and more.

    “We are open for city adventure, the most patronised aspect of tourism in Kenya from Nigeria,” he said.
    According to Tunoi, the Kenyan government has eased all travel restrictions to make the country more accessible to tourists.

    He said that Kenya remains safe and affordable for all.

    Also, Mr Consaga Khisa, Managing Director of Destination Connect, a tour company, said that Kenya had been declared a visa free destination for most African nations at the beginning of the year.

    “We are here to foster relationships between Kenya tourism players and our partners in Nigeria.

    “We welcome Nigerians to Kenya, our hotels and communication systems are of best standards, our airport transfer vehicles are fitted with wifi.

    “We have the highest skating drills in Africa,” he said.

    Mr Steve Biko, Regional Sales Manager, SAROVA Hotels and Resorts in Kenya, expressed readiness to host tourists during the 2024 edition of Magical Kenya, coming up later in the year.

    “We are ready to accomodate tourists during Magical Kenya.

    “It is very important that we capture the Nigerian market, we have lots of similarities culturally and it is time for Africa to use their culture to appreciate what each country has to offer.

    “We are indigenous to Kenya, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the hotel. We create experience customers will enjoy and we are focused on guest experience,” he said.

    The Sales Manager, Kenya Airways, Mr Richard Matthews, said that the airline would soon increase its flight frequency to Nigeria. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Cost of Living: Cleric tasks FG on effective fiscal, monetary policies

    Cost of Living: Cleric tasks FG on effective fiscal, monetary policies

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    An Abuja-Based Islamic cleric, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi has urged the Federal Government to come up with effective fiscal and monetary policies to address the rising cost of living in the country.

    Al-Yolawi made the call while delivering the Jumma’at sermon titled,” Prayers, Repentance and Taking Measures: Way out to High Cost of Living in Nigeria,” on Friday in Abuja.

    ” It is very imperative for the Federal, State and Local Governments to come up with decisive actions to address the underlying economic challenges facing the country.

    ” This may include implementing sound fiscal and monetary policies to stabilise the economy, curb inflation, and promote sustainable growth. “he said.

    He also advised the government to prioritise investments in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, security and healthcare, to create jobs, stimulate economic activities and improve the quality of lives in the country.

    According to him ,the high cost of living is a multifaceted problem that touches every aspect of lives.

    He said many families were finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

    ” From the rising prices of essential goods and services to the increasing cost of housing, healthcare, and education.

    ” The situation is exacerbated by factors such as inflation, economic instability, and inadequate social safety nets, leaving many citizens struggling to provide for themselves and their loved ones.

    ” As citizens we have a responsibility to advocate policies that prioritise the well-being of all Nigerians, especially as the month of Ramadan is fast approaching.

    ” We urge our leaders to address the root causes of the high cost of living and to implement concrete measures to alleviate the financial burden on ordinary citizens. “he said.

    He also emphasised the need for government to take steps to improve the efficiency and transparency of public institutions, to combat corruption and ensure that resources were used effectively for the benefit of the people.

    ” This may include strengthening accountability mechanisms, promoting good governance, and cracking down on waste and mismanagement in the public sector.

    ” Additionally, the government must prioritise social welfare programmes and safety nets to provide assistance to the most vulnerable members of society.

    ” This may include expanding access to healthcare, education, and social services, and providing targeted support to low-income families and individuals.”he said.

    Al-Yolawi, however, enjoined the citizens to reflect on the concept of moderation and simplicity in their lifestyles.

    ” Islam encourages us to live within our means, avoid extravagance and wastefulness, and prioritise our needs over our wants.

    ” Also, let us not underestimate the power of community and mutual support in times of need. Islam places great emphasis on the concept of brotherhood and sisterhood, and encourages us to help one another in times of difficulty.

    ” While the challenges of high living costs may seem daunting, let us remember that with every trial comes an opportunity for growth and renewal.

    ” Let us turn our hearts and minds towards a powerful and transformative tool that is available to us all: prayers (Duas). In the face of the high cost of living in Nigeria, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.

    ” However, we must remember that as Muslims, we have a direct line of communication with our Creator, and through prayer, we can seek guidance, mercy, and relief from our difficulties.” (NAN)