Flowerbud News

Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

  • Court fines NYSC N5m for tagging Gov Mba’s certificate fake

    Court fines NYSC N5m for tagging Gov Mba’s certificate fake

     

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja: A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, awarded N5 million in damages against the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, for alleging that the corps’ discharge certificate held by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was fake.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in the judgment, held that the Director-General of the NYSC and the corps, who were defendants in the suit, were guilty of misrepresentation of material facts.

    The judge held that the certificate presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, by Mbah was authentic and validly issued by the NYSC.

    Justice Ekwo further held that evidence before the court showed that the governor, though mobilised for service in 2001, completed his service in 2003.

     

    According to the court, Mbah, midway into his service, sought and, after receiving permission from the NYSC to attend the Nigeria Law School, was reinstated into the NYSC in 2003.

    Besides, the judge said that while the NYSC did not challenge the evidence that Mbah served in the law firm of one Udeh, he criticized the corps for not charging the governor for forgery if they believed that they didn’t issue the said NYSC certificate to him.

     

    He concluded that the NYSC was mischievous and acted in bad faith by denying Mbah’s NYSC certificate.

     

    Mbah had sued the NYSC and its Director, Corps Certification, Mr Ibrahim Muhammad, for publishing a disclaimer denying the issuance of a discharge certificate issued to him on January 6, 2003.

     

    Justice Ekwo, on May 15, restrained the NYSC, Muhammad, and any of their agents from, henceforth, engaging in such publication pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    The order followed an ex parte motion moved by Mbah’s counsel, Mr Emeka Ozoani (SAN).

    But the NYCS, in its preliminary objection dated May 19 and filed May 22, sought an order dismissing or striking out the suit for want of jurisdiction and competence.

    Giving three grounds of argument, the corps said that Mbah did not appeal to the president as required by the provisions of Section 20 of the National Youth Service Corps Act, Cap N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 before instituting the suit against the defendants.

     

    It argued that an appeal to the president was a condition precedent to instituting an action against the defendants in any court of law in Nigeria.

     

    According to the NYSC, consequent upon the refusal of the plaintiff/respondent to comply with the provisions of Section 20 of the National Youth Service Corps Act, this suit is premature for the jurisdiction of the court to crystalise.

     

    The NYSC had, on Feb. 1, written a letter signed by Mr Ibrahim Muhammed saying that the corps did not issue the NYSC certificate belonging to Mbah.

    Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared the winner of the Enugu state governorship election held on March 18 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

  • Kogi Guber: Igbo Community Pledges 100% Block Votes For Ododo, APC

    Kogi Guber: Igbo Community Pledges 100% Block Votes For Ododo, APC

    assures Bello of total support

    In less than one week to governorship election in Kogi State, the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Confluence State has pledged 100 percent block votes, to ensure an overwhelming victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Usman Ododo.

    This is coming as the group assured the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, of an unflinching support for his administration as the November poll approaches.

    The Igbo community gave these assurances during the weekend while holding a meeting with Governor Bello and Ododo, during which they pledged total support for the APC candidate.

    Speaking on behalf of the people of South East extraction, who are residents in Kogi State, the coordinator of Igbo Groups Backing Ododo (IGBO), Hon. Moses Okezie-Okafor, expressed gratitude for the Yahaya Bello Administration’s consistent friendship to the Igbo community while highlighting the great achievements of the administration.

    Revealing that he has served for over 7 years in the Kogi State Executive Council courtesy of Governor Yahaya Bello’s merit-based leadership, Okezie-Okafor, a lawyer who hailed from Anambra State, emphasised that Ndigbo in Kogi State are equal partakers in the achievements, which he explained covers all sectors and constituencies in the state, especially education, infrastructure and healthcare.

    He noted that the APC’s candidate’s slogan of ‘Continuity and Consolidation’ was therefore founded on solid realities and urged his people to vote to sustain the same.

    On his part, the President of the ICA in Lokoja, Chief Sunday Nwachukwu, who doubles as the Leader of the Delegation, confirmed that the Igbo Community is a witness to the government’s great efforts in good governance across the state while expressing the group’s appreciation to the Governor.

    Nwachukwu assured of the community’s support for Ododo, being a candidate that will maintain the momentum set by the Governor just as he noted that by his track records, Ododo has proved himself beyond doubt.

    Other speakers in the delegation including the youth and women leaders concurred with the previous speakers, assuring that the Ndigbo in Kogi State will use their votes to speak with one voice on Saturday.

    The APC candidate, Ododo, in his response, highlighted the long-standing friendship with Ndigbo and promised to sustain and enhance the administration’s accomplishments if elected. Ododo assured the Igbo leaders of continued delivery of democratic benefits to Kogi State and increased involvement of Ndigbo in the government.

    The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Deedat Ozigis, who stood in for the Governor, responded positively to the Igbo Community’s requests, praising their contributions to the state’s progress and total absence from the crime scene in Kogi State. He urged them to maintain their focus and enterprise while urging them to vote for Alhaji Usman Ododo in the upcoming gubernatorial poll on November 11 in order to keep alive the accomplishments of the Yahaya Bello administration, for which they have shown themselves appreciative.

    The meeting concluded with the delegation presenting a thank-you gift to the Governor on behalf of Ndigbo in Kogi Stat

  • Step-by-Step guide to apply for Canada’s 2024-2026 immigration levels plan

    Step-by-Step guide to apply for Canada’s 2024-2026 immigration levels plan

     

    The Federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has released a new Immigration Levels Plan which it uses to guide its operations.

     

    The Immigration Levels Plan is released yearly to guide its operations and prospective immigrants on how to apply.

     

    In 2023, IRCC plans to welcome more than 465,000 immigrants to Canada and In 2024, it plans to welcome approximately 485,000 new permanent residents.

     

    It aims to welcome an additional 500,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.

    In terms of sponsorship, the spousal, partner, and children programme plans to admit 82,000 individuals in 2024, and 84,000 in both 2025 and 2026.

    Meanwhile, the parents and grandparents programme targets 32,000 immigrants in 2024 and 34,000 immigrants in both 2025 and 2026.

     

    It will also admit 110,770 immigrants for its federal high-skilled programme and caregivers in 2024, and 117,500 in both 2025 and 2025.

    IRCC sends out invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If you are invited to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your application.

     

    Below is a step-by-step guide for prospective immigrants:

     

    1. Find out if you are eligible for the Express Entry programs by answering a few questions to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.

     

    2. If eligible, submit your profile and get ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.

    3. Prepare documents such as passport/travel documents, language test results, proof of Canadian education, proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and birth certificates. These documents will be required for your application. Upload copies of the documents used for your profile.

     

    4. Complete your Express Entry profile with accurate information about yourself. Once in the pool, you’ll receive a CRS score. Note that being in the pool doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

     

    5. Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will receive invitations to apply from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If invited, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.

  • How abducted corpers were rescued in Katsina – Army

    How abducted corpers were rescued in Katsina – Army

    Personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force have rescued two kidnapped members of the National Youth Service Corps in Katsina State.

     

    The corps members were said to have been kidnapped by bandits in the Yargoje community, Kankara Local Government Area of the state on their way from Edo State.

     

    A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday indicated that the corps members were currently receiving medical attention.

     

    The statement read, “In a joint operation on Thursday, November 2, 2023, the troops of 17 Brigade Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, have rescued two corps members who were kidnapped by bandits in Yargoje community, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The courageous effort of the security forces led to the extrication and safe return of the abductees. The criminals abducted the corps members while they were transiting from Edo State to Katsina State.

     

    “The quick response and rescue demonstrated by the joint effort of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police resulted in the successful rescue of the victims from their captors.

     

    “The rescued corps members have been offered necessary medical attention and support to ensure their physical and emotional well-being and are currently in the custody of the Nigerian Police in Kankara.”

  • Pilot, passengers survive as aircraft crash-lands at Ibadan airport

    Pilot, passengers survive as aircraft crash-lands at Ibadan airport

    In a harrowing incident, a private HS25B aircraft operated by Flint Aero narrowly averted tragedy as it crash-landed on the runway at Ibadan, Oyoo State airport yesterday.

    The flight, which had departed from Abuja at 6:41 p.m., was carrying several high-ranking government officials.

    One such was the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and some of his aides aboard the aircraft.

     

    The crash-landing occurred at approximately 7:21 p.m., with 10 individuals on board. Remarkably, there were no fatalities, although the aircraft sustained significant damage.

     

    Vanguard gathered that the pilot had been cleared for an RNAV approach to Runway 22 of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan. But the plane skidded off the runway.

     

    Quick and efficient action allowed all passengers and crew members to be safely evacuated.

     

    Probe…

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced an inquest.

     

    In a statement made available to Vanguard, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, James Odaudu, confirmed the accident involving an aircraft operated by Flint Aero at the.

     

    He said: “Please, be informed that the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the cause.

    Our investigators are on site, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.”

  • Ede Poly Management calls for calm over Student’s Union election, insists ‘ no annointed candidate

    Ede Poly Management calls for calm over Student’s Union election, insists ‘ no annointed candidate

    The Management of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, is principally appealing to our esteemed Students of the institution to remain calm and be lawful over the aftermath of the Student’s Union election held on 31st October, 2023.

     

    We want to abundantly make it clear that contrary to baseless insinuations and unfounded rumour in some quarters, the Management has no annointed candidate anywhere, as we are committed to equity, transparency, democratic ethos and free will.

     

    It is, therefore, our candid advice that our students should not be allowed to be used as tools in the hands of fifth columnists and individuals with covert tendencies to truncate the peace of our citadel.

     

    We want to assure them that the Management is on top of the situation and it will amicably resolve it without blemish, as they are advised to focus on their primary objectives in the citadel.

     

    Consequently, students are therefore advised to go about their normal duties , most especially the preparations for the forthcoming examinations without any fear as adequate security arrangement has been put in place to guarantee their safety on campus.

     

    The Management, hereby, reiterates its confidence in their capacity to change their spot and their world as good ambassadors of our great institution and leaders of tomorrow.

     

    Lastly, our teeming students should be conscious and strictly adhere to the motto of our great citadel, which is “KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & CHARACTER.

     

    E-Signed

    Sola Lawal, mnipr

    Protocol, Media & Public Relations Officer.

  • NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Energy Drink

    NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Energy Drink

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned Nigerians to keep the consumption of G Fuel brand Energy Drinks because of its dangerously high level of caffeinet

    The energy being drink produced T&E Imports and GPAE Trading Corp is already under recalled in some countries because of its high level of caffeine.

     

    NAFDAC revealed that the energy drink said high levels of caffeine has been banned by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), NAFDAC said in a public alert with No. 034/2023, issued to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by its Director-General (D-G), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye.

  • Abductors Of Trust TV Journalist Make Contact, Demand N10m Ransom.

    Abductors Of Trust TV Journalist Make Contact, Demand N10m Ransom.

    Abductors of Broadcast Journalist/Editor, Nten Ekpang, with Trust TV have made contact with his family, demanding One hundred million naira ransome.

     

    Our correspondent recalls that Ekpang was Kidnapped on October 1,2023 at a village near Lokoja in Kogi State,north central Nigeria while on his way back to Abuja, after taking his family for a holiday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    A xlose family contact, Kevin Chianan, who confirmed this to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday night, said the kidnappers called the wife and demanded ten million naira Ransome for his release.

    “My name is kelvin and a friend to Nten Ekpang, who happens to travel on Sunday to Akwa-Ibom State to drop his family with the mother inlaw.

    “I called him yesterday, (Wednesday), in the morning and he told me he was in the park to which he was about to leave Uyo to Abuja”

    I called him back at about 6p.m to find out wether he has got to Abuja but I couldn’t get in touch with him, his number was switched off. At about 9p.m, I was called that he had been kidnapped”, he added.

     

    Journalists in Abuja have appealed to the captors to set him free unhurt, while calling on the Security Agencies in Kogi State to ensure a safe rescue of the Broadcast Journalist.

     

    Our Correspondent reports that the driver of the bus was set free by the kidnappers and now with the Security to help in the rescue effort.

     

    The Nigeria Police, Kogi state command is yet to make a statement concerning the kidnap incident.

  • NAFDAC trains 45 health workers on pharmacovigilance in Kaduna

    NAFDAC trains 45 health workers on pharmacovigilance in Kaduna

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), said it has trained no fewer than 45 medical professionals on pharmacovigilance in Kaduna State.

    NAFDAC’s Coordinator in the state, Mr Nasiru Mato, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.

    He listed the professionals to include

    medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, consultant pediatricians and physicians from public hospitals, military – based health facilities and private health centres.

    Mato said the training was conducted to acquaint the participants on the use of Med Safety App and adverse drug reaction via E – Reporting, in line with the extant global best practices.

    “Among the core objectives of pharmacovigilance is ensuring the safety of medicines,” he said.

    He added that the training was also to make the medical practitioners

    understand the legal and regulatory framework for drug safety monitoring.

    This, Mato said, is in order to effectively implement pharmacovigilance by ensuring the overall safety in the use of medicine

    He added,”We trained them to know the benefits of pharmacovigilance, have adequate knowledge of the reporting tools and processes of adverse drug reaction(ADR) reporting and the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders.”

    According to Mato, pharmacovigilance is the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of ADRs or any other drug -related problems such as drug abuse, misuse, medication errors, lack of efficacy and counterfeits.

    He said, ” It is aimed at getting the best outcome of treatment with medicines .

    ” Pharmacovigilance ensures patient safety by providing a system for a continual monitoring of medicine use.

    “This is by putting in place measures to minimise risks and providing appropriate and timely information to relevant stakeholders to ensure the rational use of medicines in the healthcare system.”

    Mato added that pharmacovigilance was needed to prevent drug-induced human suffering and avoid financial risks associated with unexpected adverse effects.

    The NAFDAC boss said, “Pharmacovigilance is generally all about rational and safe use of medicine.”(NAN