Flowerbud News

Author: Lawal Abdullahi-Jubril

  • Reps hopeful Kehinde Bello vows equitable distribution of meaningful projects

    Reps hopeful Kehinde Bello vows equitable distribution of meaningful projects

    By Lawal Abdullahi-Jubril

    A House of Representatives aspirant, representing Ijebu North- Ijebu East- Ogun Waterside Federal constituency, Kehinde Bello, has assured residents of equitable distribution of meaningful development projects across all communities in the constituency if elected.

    Bello gave the assurance while addressing supporters, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.

    Bello noted that his representation would prioritize fairness by ensuring that no ward or community is neglected in the execution of development initiatives.

    He explained that his vision is to attract projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary people.

    Bello stressed that development must be people-centered and evenly spread to achieve sustainable growth.

    The aspirant further stated that he intends to establish a transparent system for identifying the needs of different communities.

    Through consultations with traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations, and other stakeholders, he said his office would ensure that projects reflect the real priorities of the people.

    Bello also promised to champion empowerment programmes that would create opportunities for young people and women across the constituency.

    He noted that economic empowerment remains a key factor in reducing unemployment and strengthening local economies.

    He said effective representation goes beyond making laws, adding that a legislator must also serve as a bridge between the people and government institutions.

    Bello assured constituents that he would maintain open communication channels to keep residents informed about projects and policies affecting them.

    While highlighting the importance of accountability, Bello pledged to regularly brief constituents on his activities if chosen to represent them.

    According to him, transparency and periodic engagement with the electorate would help build trust and ensure that public resources are used for the collective good.

    Bello reiterated that unity among communities would be essential to attracting federal attention and development projects.

    He encouraged residents to work together and support initiatives that promote peace, cooperation, and progress within the constituency.

    He lauded the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state led by Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the party Chairman, Yemi Sanusi and the leadership of the party in his federal constituency for ensuring the stability and growth of the party.

    NAN/Flowerbudnews

  • Badagry-Sokoto superhighway to unlock border communities, boost trade – Rep. Isiaka

    Badagry-Sokoto superhighway to unlock border communities, boost trade – Rep. Isiaka

     

     

    Gboyega Isiaka, representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, says the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway will unlock economic opportunities for border communities and reposition the South-West as a major trade and industrial gateway.

    Isiaka spoke to newsmen on Friday in Imeko on the sidelines of a formal reception for defected leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress in Imeko Afon local government area of Ogun.

    The House Committee Chairman on National Planning and Economic Development noted that the highway’s passage through Owode-Afon and its linkage to Imeko-Afon would significantly boost economic activities in the area.

    According to him, the scale of the Badagry–Sokoto project reflects a deliberate economic strategy by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to drive growth through infrastructure development.

    He described the road as a strategic economic corridor linking coastal trade in Badagry with agricultural and commercial hubs in the North, while opening up border towns previously excluded from national economic planning.

    Isiaka added that the highway, connecting Owode in Ogun to Badagry and extending to sub-Saharan trade routes, would strengthen Nigeria’s participation in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He said the project would improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, enhance food supply chains and create opportunities for agro-processing, logistics and light manufacturing.

    The lawmaker commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure-led industrialisation, noting that efficient logistics were essential to productivity, food security and national competitiveness.

    “This project shows an understanding of development as a system. Infrastructure remains the backbone of industrial growth and economic integration,” he said.

    Isiaka urged party members to complement political growth with responsible leadership and effective service delivery.

    He also called for unity within the party in Ogun, expressing optimism that the APC would record decisive victories in the 2027 general elections based on governance, infrastructure delivery and inclusive politics.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the defected leaders included Lisa Adejobi and Mujjidat Balogun

    NAN/FLOWERBUDNEWS

  • COCOA PRODUCE BUYERS ASSOCIATION MEETS IN IFE SOUTH, MOVES TO CURB COCOA THEFT AND SUBSTANDARD TRADE

    COCOA PRODUCE BUYERS ASSOCIATION MEETS IN IFE SOUTH, MOVES TO CURB COCOA THEFT AND SUBSTANDARD TRADE

    By Lawal Abdullahi-Jubril

    Araromi Okeodo (Osun State): The Cocoa Produce Buyers Association of Nigeria, Ife South Local Government Chapter, held its local meeting on Tuesday, November 4, at Area 5, Araromi Okeodo, Osun State.
    The meeting took place at the residence of the chairman of Araromi Okeodo’s Produce Buyers, Mr. Mukaila Olawuyi, who also serves as the vice chairman of the association at the local government level.
    The secretary, Mr Sikiru Abioye, presented a report on the previous meeting held at Fadaka Village, Area 5,  before forwarding two key agenda items the association aims to achieve.
    A major issue discussed was the growing insecurity and rising cases of cocoa theft across villages and towns within the local government area.
    In response, the association announced several countermeasures designed to curb theft and promote transparency in the cocoa trade. These include:
    A ban on the purchase of wet cocoa beans.
    Prohibition of cocoa buying during late hours of the day.
    Stopping the use of congos for measurement instead of standard kilograms.
    Restriction on night-time transportation of dried or wet cocoa beans.
    The association also addressed the problem of substandard cocoa beans being traded in the market.
    A report from the local task force revealed the seizure of cocoa shaft purchased around several villages, allegedly to be mixed with raw cocoa beans — a practice that lowers quality and damages the reputation of local produce. Similar seizures have reportedly been made by the Osun State Task Force in various locations.
    Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mukaila emphasized that only Grade 1 and Grade 2 cocoa beans meet the standard required by exporters and urged all members to maintain these quality levels.
    “This development will benefit the local government, the state, and the nation as a whole,” he said.
    Nigeria remains one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world, ranking behind Ivory Coast and Ghana in West Africa, and Indonesia globally.
    The association called on the local, state, and federal governments to support efforts in tackling insecurity and the trade of substandard cocoa. It also appealed for empowerment initiatives for youth, elderly citizens, produce buyers, and farmers to strengthen the agricultural sector. (flowerbudnews.ng)
  • Untitled post 65806

    IGP commends Osun CP for maintaining peace

     

    By Lawal Abdullahi-Jubril

     

    Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has commended the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mohammed Abba, for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment.

     

    In a statement by CSP Yemisi Opalola, Police Spokesperson on Wednesday in Osun, Egbetokun gave the commendation during a visit to the Police Command in Osun on Tuesday.

     

    Opalola said the IGP was in Osun with the aim of supervising and gaining firsthand view of the situation in the state.

     

    She said the IGP, represented by Ari Muhammed Ali, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in-charge of Operations, commended the officers, who worked tirelessly over the week to maintain peace and order.

     

    “He also commended the Osun Commissioner of Police for his exemplary leadership and role in ensuring a peaceful and secured environment.

     

    “He praised the officers and men for their dedication and hard work, and expressed gratitude for their support,” she said.

     

    The spokesperson said the IGP concluded by thanking the officers for supporting the nation and the Police force. (NAN)

  • World Bank trains beneficiaries on certification for export potential

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Lagos, Sept. 14, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Support (APPEALS) project of the World Bank and the Federal Government on Monday trained its beneficiaries on certification and regulations.

    Mrs Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, the Lagos State Project Coordinator of APPEALS, said the training was to increase export potential of the project’s beneficiaries.

    The theme was: “Meeting of Certification and Regulatory Agencies with APPEALS Beneficiaries.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APPEALS Project is a six-year project developed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders.

    Sagoe-Oviebo said there was urgent need for farmers to begin to contribute to the foreign coffers of the Nigerian economy through export of locally produced products.

    According to her, farmers should be abreast of the standard that will earn their products premium prices.

    “We are training our farmers on best practices that will ensure that they get certification from relevant agencies and to ensure that they are getting premium prices for whatever they are selling.

    “This training is part of the activities to support our beneficiaries.

    “This training will enlighten them in the certification and to understand the regulations so as to increase their export potential.

    “A lot of our beneficiaries are encouraging us with the pace at which they are adopting the technologies we have demonstrated to them.

    “As at the last quarter, we had over 70 that had adopted.

    “Many of them are ready to run with what we have taught them, because it is not enough to provide grants, but to teach them how to put it to good use,” she said.

    Sagoe-Oviebo said that the project had acquired a rice colour sorter machine to further prove the quality of rice and enhance the productivity of rice farmers in the state.

    The coordinator also revealed that five thousand farmers had been trained in the three value chains of the project (rice, aquaculture and poultry).

    Also, Dr Sadiq Yunus, a Deputy Director, Export Division, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said that the training was necessary for better understanding of export procedures to help cushion effects of COVID-19 pandemic on farmers.

    Yunus said that NAFDAC was ready to propel Medium Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) through facilitations at no cost.

    “All our processes for product registration are automated and online.

    “You can sit at the comfort of your office and upload your documents for whatever licences you want.

    “Local products that are exported with NAFDAC licence have more value in the host country. There are processes to certify a product satisfactory to issue health certificate for that product.

    “This training is to teach them what to do to ensure that their products are considered safe and of good quality, not only for the local markets, but also the international market,” he said.

    Commenting, Mrs Oladosu Olanike, an expert on standardisation, spoke on Standardising Production and Processing of Aquaculture Products for Export Market and High Earned Market.

    Olanike said farmers should identify potential customers, meet the standards of the importing country and ensure to achieve competitive pricing.

    She highlighted reasons why farmers should target high earned market, high class point of sale and presentation and product packaging. (NAN)

  • Lagos Govt restates commitment to sanitise drugs distribution

    Lagos, Sept. 23, 2020 (NAN) Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, says the state remains committed to halting the ugly trend of having unqualified personnel handling pharmaceutical products.

    Abayomi spoke in Lagos on Wednesday while reviewing the reports of the sealing of 21 Pharmacies, Patent Medicine shops and unlicenced premises by the state’s Task Force.

    He said the state government would continue to insist that the environment for the dispensation of medical care should be suitable for the promotion and maintenance of good health.

    According to him, the affected pharmacies and patent medicine stores were located at Alakuko, Ajegunle, Ologogoro, Ijaiye, Abule-Egba, Agbado and Agege in Alimosho, Ifako-Ijaiye and Agege Local Government areas of Lagos.

    The commissioner said they were shut by the State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods for offences bordering on illegal operation and operating beyond scope of practice through sale of unethical products.

    Abayomi explained that the affected premises were sealed for offences including: operating without licence, engaging unqualified persons to man and dispense drugs to unsuspecting citizens.

    The commissioner said other offences were displaying and storing drugs in unconducive environments which compromised the potency of the drugs and render them ineffective.

    He said such practices were unacceptable and vowed that the state government would do whatever was necessary to enforce the law and sanction erring operators.

    The commissioner, however, said that only licenced patent medicine vendors were authorised to sell only drug products in their original packs in approved pack size as produced by the manufacturing companies.

    Abayomi said the law prohibits dispensing and wholesaling of drugs by patent medicine vendors, and also prohibits wholesalers operating outside their scopes by selling drugs in retail.

    Also, Mrs Mosunmola
    Backley, Acting Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, said that the state government would not relent in its efforts to stop the inherent dangers associated with operations from unlicenced pharmaceutical outlets and drug shops.

    Backley said that the task force through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Pharmaceutical Services Directorate, had been re-energised to intensify the ongoing war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicenced and illegal premises.

    “This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitise the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the state,” Backley said.

    She said that an investigative meeting would be held with owners of the sealed premises to make further inquiries on the status of the premises.

    Backley said that the meeting would notify them of the procedures and appropriate conditions to be met for reopening in line with the government regulations and payment of administrative fee.

    She said that the enforcement and compliance raid by the state task force was done in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

    Others are Federal Task Force on Fake Drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command. (NAN)

  • Osun receives COVID-19 Vaccines

    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo: The Osun State Government says it has received doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government.
    Mrs Funke Egbemode, the State’s Commissioner For Information and Civic Orientation, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo.
    Egbemode said that the state government delegation received the vaccines at Akure Airport at about 7:11pm.
    She said the government was prepared to preserve and administer the vaccines, adding that the state government had trained 300 health workers for the vaccination.
    Egbemode also said that government had installed storage facilities (cold chain) across the 332 wards in the State.
    She assured residents of the state that the government would soon commence the vaccination in line with the scheduled guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
    The Commissioner advised citizens to shun the misinformation about the vaccines.
    She added that the vaccines had been scientifically tested and certified fit for human use by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
    Egbemode added that in spite of the administration of the vaccines, citizens should continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols laid down by the government. (NAN)

  • NAFDAC wants herbal medicines practitioners to collaborate with researchers on acceptable products

    By Kemi Akintokun

    Lagos, Sept. 8, 2020 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged herbal medicine practitioners to collaborate with researchers to make herbal products internationally acceptable after clinical trials.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the agency, made the plea on Tuesday.

    Adeyeye said in a statement that the African Traditional Medicines Day that holds every Aug. 31 should be a daily reflection of who we are as Africans.

    She said that many Nigerians were using herbal medicine every day.

    “NAFDAC has been focussing on making traditional herbal medicines prominent with regards to its activities.

    “To this end, in March 2019, long before the advent of COVID-19 in Nigeria, we called for a meeting of all stakeholders including academia, herbal medicine practitioners and legal practitioners.

    “The essence of the meeting was to engender a culture of collaborative efforts aimed at promoting research, discovery and production of herbal products,” she said.

    According to her, herbal medicines renaissance in Nigeria had already begun.

    She said the country has the biodiversity and complementary human capital to sustain herbal medicines production.

    “The Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is making loans available to qualified manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.

    “The CBN has also launched the Health Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme to fund successful proposals on translational R&D and manufacturing of therapeutics, herbal medicines and medical devices for infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

    “In addition, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is funding COVID-19 related herbal medicines clinical trial research through NAFDAC administrative oversight.

    “The agency currently has about 40 applications on COVID-19 related herbal medicines submitted by interested parties, many of these are for listing, while only very few are for clinical trials.

    “It is important to note that while the listing of herbal product guarantees safety, it is for two years at the first instance.

    “An herbal product that has successfully gone through clinical trials would receive NAFDAC full registration and the claims of efficacy and cure can then be made by applicants,” she said.

    Adeyeye said that further step to enhance collaborative efforts between the various stakeholders in the herbal medicines industry was the institutionalisation of confidentiality agreement among the parties.

    “NAFDAC Legal Services Directorate developed the document and will broker the agreement.

    “This is necessary to assure traditional practitioners that intellectual property will not be lost in the process of collaboration.

    “The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Trade Mark Office, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion and patent legal practitioners in the area of protection of intellectual property were brought into discussions with the researchers and practitioners by the agency.

    “NAFDAC development of modalities for registration of herbal products is to encourage the growth and standardisation of the sector,” the director-general said.

    She said that the ultimate goal, with regards to traditional herbal medicines was to come up with products that were not only marketable in the country, but also acceptable globally.

    Adeyeye said this could only happen when NAFDAC, as the regulatory authority, subjects products that were submitted for approval to global standards.

    She, however, encouraged everyone with products to bring their applications forward.

    According to her, registration procedures are already made simple through the published template of required documentation, guidance on registration and clinical trials and the agency’s online platform. (NAN)

    KOA/GOK

  • NAFDAC warn against falsified Proximexa Suspension 125mg/5ml

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, Sept. 17, 2020 (NAN) The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned against buying and using of falsified Proximexa Suspension 125mg/5ml, with Lot No. C830116 currently in circulation in Nigeria.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye made this known in statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    According to Adeyeye, the agency has been informed by Allen and Hanburys (A & H) Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd. on the circulation of the drug presently in the country in retail outlets.

    She said that the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml Lot No. C830116 was labeled with fictitious manufactured date with Sept. 2019 and to expire in Sept. 2022.

    Adeyeye said that the drug, which was manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd., was packaged to be genuine, therefore, urged Nigerians to desist from the brand.

    According to her, the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml (Cefuroxime Axetil 125mg/5ml) with Batch No. C830116, manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd., has its manufacturing date as Sept. 2017, which expired on Sept. 2019.

    She said that the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml manufactured by Glaxo Operations UK Ltd. was registered by NAFDAC with NAFDAC Registration No. A4-6143.

    Adeyeye said that the genuine proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml “is an antibiotic drug used in treating a wide variety of material infections including bronchitis, urinary tract infections and pneumonia.’’

    She said that Glaxo Operations UK Ltd. had also confirmed that it did not manufacture the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml.

    She, therefore, implored importers, wholesalers and retailers to desist from illegal importation, distribution and sale of the falsified product.

    According to her, surveillance has been strengthened by NAFDAC at all port of entry to prevent illegal importation of the falsified proximexa suspension 125mg/5ml.

    Adeyeye said that the agency had also heightened surveillance in the 36 states and FCT to prevent distribution and sale of the said drug. (NAN)
    AG/DOE/GY