Flowerbud News

Author: Jaami-al khair

  • Army denies allegations of neglect on widows’ welfare, lists welfare packages

    Army denies allegations of neglect on widows’ welfare, lists welfare packages

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja: (NAN/FBN) The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of neglect of widows of fallen soldiers, saying it has institutionalised a robust welfare system that provides death benefits to the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased personnel.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Anele said the clarification was necessary to address a publication alleging neglect of widows of fallen soldiers and raising concerns about sexual harassment and bribery during the processing of death benefits.

    She said that while the Nigerian army recognised the emotional and socio-economic challenges faced by the families whenever their breadwinners passed on, the army found the publication disturbing.

    According to her, the welfare benefits include the Gratuity paid by Military Pension Board while the Nigerian Army pays for the burial expenses, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) financial support and Group Personnel Accident Insurance.

    “Others are the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS), Benevolent Funds, Group Life Insurance and death gratuity.

    “It also facilitates the withdrawal of the late personnel’s contribution from the Federal Housing Scheme and renders the same to the NOK.

    “These schemes are systematically disbursed to widows and NOK upon completion of due documentation and verification.

    “In addition to the highlighted financial benefits, the Nigerian Army runs a robust scholarship programme for the children of deceased personnel.

    “This programme supports beneficiaries up to the tertiary education level,” she said.

    Anele said the welfare programme simply reinforced the Nigerian army’s ongoing commitment to the long-term welfare of fallen soldiers’ families.

    “Nonetheless, Nigerian army requests the individual(s) making these allegations to kindly come forward with facts specifying details of the benefit(s) that have not been received with the identity of the deceased personnel involved, so that the appropriate records can be checked and any legitimate concern(s) addressed accordingly.

    “Without concrete details or formal complaints submitted through official channels, it is challenging to verify or resolve any case effectively if any,” she added.

    On the allegations of sexual harassment in the course of processing deceased personnel’s benefits, Anele said the army takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously.

    She said that no formal complaints had been received through its Human Rights Desks or investigative channels as at the time of the response.

    Army spokesperson encouraged anyone with credible evidence to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action.

    She reiterated the Nigerian army’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse or exploitation.

    “While we sympathise with the emotional and socio-economic challenges faced by some widows of our fallen heroes, we will appreciate the cooperation of concerned individuals to verify facts and engage officially before disseminating unverified claims that could undermine public trust or cause distress to other affected families.

    “The Nigerian army remains steadfast in supporting the welfare of its personnel and their families, both in service and after death,” she said.

  • Nigeria joins EBRD to boost economy

    Economy
    By Nana Musa
    Abuja, May 16, 2025 (FBN) The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has confirmed Nigeria’s admission into the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

     

    This development aims to support Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform efforts.

     

    This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Mr Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry.

     

    Edun led Nigeria’s delegation to the EBRD 2025 Annual Meetings in London, where the country’s accession was formalised.

     

    “This is a proud day for Nigeria. Our accession to the EBRD marks a major milestone in our economic reform journey,” Edun said.

     

    He affirmed the government’s commitment to building a transparent, rules-based economy that attracts private investment and drives inclusive growth.

     

    The EBRD directs over 80 per cent of its financing to the private sector, supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large-scale investments in vital industries.

     

    Edun said Nigeria’s membership will open access to development finance and technical support in energy transition, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister also held bilateral meetings with officials from France and the United States.

     

    These meetings further reinforced Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in global economic governance.

     

    The theme of the 2025 Annual Meeting is ‘Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths’.

     

    Edun stated that Nigeria is ready to leverage EBRD’s expertise to drive growth, create jobs, and improve citizens’ lives.

     

    He said the partnership will unlock opportunities for transformation, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global economy.

     

    The minister noted the development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

     

    The 2025 meetings gathered leaders from over 70 countries to discuss inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainable development.

  • NSCDC calls for Community Service for Students to prevent disaster

    NSCDC calls for community service for students to prevent disaster

    Prevent

    By Philomina Attah

    Abuja, May 15, 2025 (FBN) Mr Hammed Aboderin, Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has called for a proactive approach to disaster management by leveraging Nigeria’s large student population for community service.

    Aboderin made the call during a stakeholders’ meeting on 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Abuja on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for stakeholders towards ensuring constant sensitisation to avoid the reoccurrence of flooding in Nigeria.

    Aboderin emphasised NSCDC’s commitment to prevention rather than reaction, highlighting the agency’s strong partnership with NEMA.

    He proposed integrating community development, particularly environmental sanitation into academic certification for tertiary students.

    With over five million students in Nigeria’s higher institutions, he suggested that dedicating just one hour per semester to cleaning drainage systems could amount to nearly 10 million hours of community service every three months.

    According to him, such efforts will significantly reduce flooding and related disasters.

    He also recommended incentives similar to programmes in countries like the Philippines, where individuals receive rice in exchange for collecting plastic waste, to encourage participation.

    Aboderin advocated for practical disaster management training, starting from a young age, and advised that community service become a standard part of academic and youth organisation activities.

    He said that the initiative would foster disaster resilience and also turn Nigeria’s population into an asset for national development and environmental protection.

    Mr. Oyegade Adeleke, Deputy General Manager, Climate Services, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet), commended the timeliness and effectiveness of early warning systems for disaster management.

    Adeleke said that Nimet had provided a comprehensive seasonal forecast as early as January and February, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders were covered.

    He said that disaster managers, particularly those at NEMA should not rely solely on the annual forecasts released at the beginning of the year.

    “It is not enough to listen to the forecast in January or February alone.

    “NEMA must follow us for the January forecast, for the February forecast, for the March forecast, and so on,” he said.

    According to Adeleke, forecasts are updated regularly, sometimes even every two weeks, and these updates provide more accurate and actionable information as the season progresses.

    “If we have not prepared enough in January, February, or March, there is always another cycle coming, and new forecasts for April, May and beyond,” he said.

    He urged all disaster management agencies to engage continuously with Nimet’s monthly and bi-weekly forecasts to ensure timely and effective preparedness.

    He reinforced the agency’s commitment to keeping the nation informed and prepared.

    The Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, Mr. Onimode Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of collective action in tackling the growing threat of floods and related hazards across Nigeria.

    “Our engagements today have been enlightening, and we have collectively identified key areas of focus to enhance Nigeria’s flood preparedness and response capabilities,

    “Among the critical strategies discussed were, improving the accuracy and timely dissemination of flood warnings to at-risk communities, and supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at reducing flood risks and promoting national resilience.

    “We also discussed fostering stronger partnerships among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure a coordinated and effective response during flood disasters,” he said.

    The Director urged all stakeholders to carry the momentum forward, stressing the need for inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused efforts.

    “Let us leave this meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to building a more resilient Nigeria.

    “Together, we can make a difference and save lives, livelihoods, and communities from the devastating effects of flood disasters,” he said.

    Participants were reminded to remain dedicated to implementing the recommendations and strategies developed, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind.

  • Trade tensions: Global economy stands at fragile turning point -UN

    Trade tensions: Global economy stands at fragile turning point -UN

    Trade

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, May 16, 2025 (FBN) The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) has said that the global economy stands at a fragile turning point amid escalating trade tensions and growing policy uncertainties.

    UN DESA, in a report published on Thursday, stated that tariff-driven price pressures were adding to inflation risks, leaving trade-dependent economies particularly vulnerable.

    It stated that higher tariffs and shifting trade policies were threatening to disrupt global supply chains, raise production costs, and delay key investment decisions – all of this weakening the prospects for global growth.

    The economic slowdown is widespread, affecting both developed and developing economies around the world, according to the report.

    For instance, in the United States, growth is projected to slow “significantly”, as higher tariffs and policy uncertainty are expected to weigh on private investment and consumer spending.

    Several major developing economies, including Brazil and Mexico, are also experiencing downward revisions in their growth forecasts.

    China’s economy is expected to grow by 4.6 per cent this year, down from 5.0 per cent in 2024. This slowdown reflects a weakening in consumer confidence, disruptions in export-driven manufacturing, and ongoing challenges in the Chinese property sector.

    By early 2025, inflation had exceeded pre-pandemic averages in two-thirds of countries worldwide, with more than 20 developing economies experiencing double-digit inflation rates.

    This comes despite global headline inflation easing between 2023 and 2024.

    Food inflation remained especially high in Africa, and in South and Western Asia, averaging above six per cent. This continues to hit low-income households hardest.

    Rising trade barriers and climate-related shocks are further driving up inflation, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated policies to stabilise prices and protect the most vulnerable populations.

    “The tariff shock risks hitting vulnerable developing countries hard,” Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said in a statement.

    As central banks try to balance the need to control inflation with efforts to support weakening economies, many governments – particularly in developing countries – have limited fiscal space. This makes it more difficult for them to respond effectively to the economic slowdown.

    For many developing countries, this challenging economic outlook threatens efforts to create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle inequality, the report underlines.

  • Metro Lagos begins demolition of illegal buildings in GRA, others

    By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

    Lagos, May 9, 2025 (FBN) The Lagos State Government will begin enforcing building regulations in Ikeja GRA this weekend. Demolition of illegal structures is scheduled to start on Saturday.

     

    Mr Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made this known during a meeting with developers and residents of Ikeja GRA.

     

    He stated that the time for issuing warnings was over. Enforcement, he said, would begin immediately, beginning with building markings and demolitions on Saturday.

     

    “Thank you very much. As elders say, a journey of a million years begins in one day. I’m ready to lead.

     

    “If I get approval, I’ll start painting and marking buildings owners won’t like. I will remove them,” Oki said.

     

    He explained that enforcement would start in Ikeja GRA and then move to Ikoyi and Banana Island. The state would no longer tolerate lawlessness.

     

    Oki said LASBCA officers would accompany him and remove buildings that visibly breach approved building plans, especially those with extra floors or altered use.

     

    “The operation will continue for two to three weeks. Anyone who feels untouchable will be arrested and jailed.

    “We are past the warning stage. We’ll seal and demolish any non-compliant structure. My officers are ready,” he said.

     

    He clarified that the initiative is not about wealth or aesthetics but about maintaining order and safeguarding public interest in residential areas.

     

    “If your approval was for a three-bedroom flat, don’t convert it to four. Don’t build higher than allowed. Follow the rules,” he said.

     

    Oki said LASBCA would not accept payments or offers to regularise as substitutes for compliance with planning regulations.

     

    “You will pay heavily. Nobody told you to build beyond approval. You’ll be held accountable and prosecuted,” he cautioned.

     

    He criticised property owners who sent engineers to the meeting, calling it a sign of disrespect to the government and community.

     

    “This isn’t just about buildings or money. It’s about being responsible and thinking about others. In the UK or US, people obey planning laws,” he said.

     

    He noted that past notices and invitations were ignored, adding that the government would no longer tolerate breaches of planning laws.

     

    “This is our second meeting. Yet, the same people send representatives. You can’t keep breaking the law without facing the consequences.

     

    “Enough is enough. We’re restoring order to GRA,” he said.

    He also condemned the obstruction of access roads, especially those leading to key facilities like the Lagos State General Hospital.

     

    “Emergency vehicles can’t get through due to parked cars. If someone dies in an ambulance, who will take responsibility?” he asked.

     

    Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), Chairman of the Ikeja GRA Residents Association, voiced strong support for the government’s actions.

     

    “We are very satisfied, even excited. Enforcement begins tomorrow. The message is simple: everyone must obey the law.

     

    “That’s all we ask — residents and government alike. Without rule of law, there can be no meaningful development,” Banire said.

     

    The Flowerbud News  (FBN) reports that Ikeja GRA residents have long raised concerns about overcrowding, illegal conversions, and blocked access to public infrastructure.

  • NYCN rejects planned ‘Take It Back Movement’ nationwide protest

    Protest

    By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

    Kaduna, April, 6, 2025(FBN)The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has disassociated itself from the ‘Take It Back Movement’, nationwide protest scheduled for Monday while suing for peace especially among the youths.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has called on the organisers of the planned protest to rescind their decision, describing the timing of the demonstration as ill-conceived and mischievous.

    The National President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Kaduna.

    He said they reached their decision considering the fragile state of the country, particularly the Northern Nigeria, and the potential for further unrest.

    Abubukar said, “We wish to stress the need to prioritise peace and unity during these critical times.

    “We are urging Nigerian youths to explore alternative and non-violent means to express their concerns.

    “We are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions across various regions and the current socio-political climate.”

    He stated that NYCN was committed to empowering and developing Nigerian youths, in spite of the frustrations and aspirations of young Nigerians.

    “In the light of the current situation, the nation requires calm, dialogue and patience rather than actions that could further destabilise the fragile peace many patriotic Nigerians are working hard to uphold,”Abubakar added.

    The national president, however, said NYCN recognised the legitimacy of the grievances that led to the calls for protest.

    He ephasised that peace and national stability should remain the highest priorities.

    Reflecting on the recent recent “End Bad Governance” protest, he said, the council expressed concern over the loss of lives and property valued in millions of Naira.

    Abubukar sadly recalled that the protests were hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants.

    “No one desires a repeat of such tragic events,”he said.

    Abubakar emphasised the crucial need for unity as one force to advocate rights and work together to build stronger and more inclusive Nigeria.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerian youths to remain calm, avoid any form of violence, and continue engaging in peaceful and legitimate activities.

    According to Abubukar, this is to allow the government to address the pressing issues at hand.

    He also urged young Nigerians to come together in solidarity not protests, but through peaceful and constructive engagements that could foster lasting change.

    Abubakar reiterated the council’s commitment to working alongside government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the voices of the youths were heard through peaceful and appropriate channels.

  • $23bn net foreign exchange reserves ‘ll stablise exchange rate- Uwaleke

    Rate

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Abuja, April 7, 2025 (FBN) A financial expert, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, says the current size of Net Foreign Exchange Reserves (NRER) at 23.11 billion dollars will  positively impact on the value of the Naira.

    Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is also the President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria.

    He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, accretion to external reserves puts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a stronger position to defend the value of the naira.

    “The CBN can leverage rising external reserves to intervene in the forex market whenever it becomes necessary to stabilise the exchange rate,” he said.

    He, however, raised concerns that the increase in the nation’s foreign reserves had been largely on account of temporary FX inflows such as Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) and foreign loans.

    He said that they represented unsustainable sources of growing external reserves.

    “Impatient capital such as FPIs carry a lot of risks and have the potential of destabilising the economy whenever they leave the country.

    “Against this backdrop, the government should pay more attention to diversifying the export base of the economy, especially via agriculture and solid minerals.

    “The government should also create the enabling environment that attracts sustainable Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) ,” he said.

    NAN reports that the CBN recently revealed that the NFER stood at 23.11 billion dollars at the end of 2024, their highest level in three years.

    The apex bank said that the development signalled a major improvement in the country’s external financial position.

    It said that the NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as currency swaps and forward contracts, stood at 3.99 billion dollars at the end of 2023.

    According to the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, the improved position was due to substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities, notably swaps and forward obligations.

    Cardoso cited measures aimed at boosting forex market confidence and reserves, alongside increased non-oil foreign exchange inflows.

    “This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability.

    “We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms,” Cardoso said.

    He said that Gross external reserves also climbed to 40.19 billion dollars at the end of 2024, up from 33.22 billion dollars the previous year.

    “Reserves declined in the first quarter of 2025 due to seasonal factors and foreign debt interest payments, the CBN anticipates a steady uptick in reserves throughout the second quarter,” Cardoso said.

  • 1,800 applicants get teaching appointments in Kwara

    TESCOM

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    Ilorin, April 7, 2025 (FBN) The Kwara state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has shorlisted 1,800 applicants for teaching appointments in the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onile, made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

    Onile said that the shortlisted applicants emerged from a screening exercise, which included computer based test, and interviews spanning over three months.

    ”The shortlisted comprises 790 (44%) for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialised subjects; and 59 for technical subjects.

    ”They will be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission,” he said.

    Onile advised applicants who appeared for the interviews to check their status on the portal, adding “those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children.

    ”The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Mukail Aileru.

    ”The test will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday.

    “Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday, April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday, April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday.

    “The drug test certificates will be sent to the commission by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb altering,” he said.

    The official said that successful applicants would also sign a bond not to seek transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas.

    “Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospital as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation, during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes.

    “They will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer, while other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process,” Onile added.

  • Eno empowers 500 petty traders with N50m grant

    By Sunday Bassey
    Eket (Akwa Ibom), April 5, 2025 (FBN) Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, on Saturday, provided N50 million grant for 500 petty traders in Eket in the effort to assist them make a difference in their businesses.
    Eno, at inaugurated a 5000-capacity Conference Hall in Eket Local Government Area of the state, explained that the beneficiaries were petty traders under the Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative.
    The governor, who was represented by Mr Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, further explained that each of the 500 petty traders would receive the sum of N100,000.
    According to him, the money will make a lot of difference for the petty traders in the area.
    “This is Arise Agenda at work in the local government; this government is desirous of seeing more of this project in the landscape of every local government areas in Akwa Ibom.
    ‘’The project reflects collective vision for progress and determination to complement the transformative ARISE AGENDA, championed by the administration,’’ he said.

    Eno urged the council to ensure that monitoring mechanism was put in place to monitor how successful the beneficiaries were able put the grant to use.

    He, however, commended the council for achieving the conference hall project, describing it as landmark since it would serve as a place for meetings.
    Also speaking, Mr Akaniyene Tommey, the Eket Local Government Chairman, said that the event was not merely infrastructure and economic empowerment celebration but a tangible evidence of unwavering commitment to people’s growth and prosperity.
    Tommey said that the ARISE AGENDA of Gov. Eno led-administration was a well-crafted roadmap designed to uplift the socio-economic standards of Akwa Ibom.
    He said the facility was designed to serve as a premier hub for major events, conferences, and social gatherings.
    “It will be a key driver of our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and will also create numerous employment opportunities in the area,” Tommey said.
    The Chairman explained that the N50 million grant to 500 entrepreneurs was a clear demonstration of the resolve to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are the backbone of the economy.
    He said the proposed Ultramodern Eket legislative complex would mark another stride in infrastructural development journey when completed.
    One of the beneficiaries,  Mrs Deborah Willie, commended the Chairman for finding her worthy to benefit from the empowerment grants.
    She promised to use the money judiciously in order to grow her petty trading business in the area.
    The highlight of the event was the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ultramodern Eket legislative complex.