Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • FRANCEEX UNITED FC SECURES NLO PLAY-OFF SPOT, EYES NPL PROMOTION

    FRANCEEX UNITED FC SECURES NLO PLAY-OFF SPOT, EYES NPL PROMOTION

    FRANCEEX UNITED FC SECURES NLO PLAY-OFF SPOT, EYES NPL PROMOTION

    Ajegunle Celebrates as OmoBarca’s Team Triumphs in Decisive Clash

    In a thrilling finale at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Lagos State, FRANCEEX UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB clinched a crucial victory against BISON FC, securing their place in the National League One (NLO) playoffs. The win marks a significant milestone for the club as they now set their sights on earning promotion to the Nigeria National League (NPL) division.

    Owned by prominent businessman, philanthropist, and politician Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca), FRANCEEX UNITED FC was established as part of his unwavering commitment to youth development and empowerment. The club, rooted in Ajegunle, has become a beacon of hope for young talents striving to excel in football.

    Despite facing unwarranted criticism and negative portrayals from detractors, Hon. OmoBarca has remained resolute, expanding his influence and achieving remarkable milestones. His dedication to sports and community development has earned him widespread admiration, particularly in Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, where he is celebrated as a transformative leader.

    We are immensely proud of OmoBarca’s contributions to sports and youth empowerment, said a spokesperson for the community. His vision and leadership are unparalleled, and we stand firmly behind him as he continues his journey toward the Green Chambers in 2027.

    As FRANCEEX UNITED FC prepares for the NLO playoffs, fans and well-wishers have rallied behind the team, confident in their ability to secure promotion to the NPL. The victory not only underscores the club’s growing prowess but also reinforces Hon. OmoBarca’s legacy as a champion of grassroots football development.

    Congratulations to FRANCEEX UNITED FC

    Congratulations to Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca)

    Congratulations to Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA

  • Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan

    Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan

    By Mohamed Baba Busu

    According to Umar-Bago, the plan is aimed at strategically modernising the city in line with his administration’s vision of ‘Urban Renewal Development’ in the state.

    The Governor stated this at a Town Hall meeting and a stakeholders’ engagement on ‘New Bida 20-year Development Plan’ organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey, in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project, held in Bida on Sunday.

    He said that the plan was a short time strategy that would engender rapid development and boost socio-economic activities in the town.

    Speaking on the 44km Ring Road dual carriageway, which was aimed at diverting traffic, the governor said a new city would also spring up in the area.

    Umar-Bago stated that social amenities as well as a 100 megawatt solar farm would be provided for the people in the area.

    He added, “With the thousands of articulated vehicles that pass through Bida, with all the negative consequences, the construction of the ring road, with a setback of 1km on each side, is a necessity for the health, safety, and prosperity of the town.”

    Umar-Bago also stated that the development was going to be in phases of 20-year short term and 50-year long term plans.

    He added that over 3 million trailers passing through can generate N3 billion revenue monthly had been left untapped.

    The governor promised that he would ensure the speedy development of the state in spite of inadequate financial resources.

    Umar-Bago said: “Niger Government has no intention to seize or grab land. We want to establish layouts.

    “Wherever you have a house or a farm that falls on the right-of-way, you will be adequately compensated.

    ‘The state government  has a development plan, and the concerned MDAs will continue to talk to the concerned people while I am admonishing them not to take laws into their hands.”

    He enjoined the people to show understanding and support for the project, stressing that the state government was not collecting anybody’s land.

    Umar-Bago vowed,”But the owners of any property that will be affected by the project will be duly compensated.”

    The governor, however, cautioned community members to be wary of land grabbers.

    In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called on the people to cooperate with the state government in its effort to develop Bida town and its environs.

    Hr said, “This will secure a good future for many generations. The construction of the road will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

    The Etsu Nupe said that the gesture could not come at a better time than now when Nigerians were facing various challenges, including economic hardship and bad road networks.

    He said that Umar-Bago’s gesture would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people

    Abubakar lauded Umaru-Bago’s developmental strides in the Emirate and the state in general.

    He urged the people to  embark on fervent prayers for God to give him the wisdom, sound health and ability to bring meaningful development to the state.

    The Etsu Nupe enjoined the citizens to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities and live in peace with one another, irrespective of their ethnic and religious affiliations.

    The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs Maurice Magaji, explained that the event was a defining moment and a shared commitment to transform Bida into an economically vibrant city.

    She added that the plan provided a framework for sustainable growth, and environmental resilience, among others.

    Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Garba,an APC stalwart in the state and Prof. Muhammad Kutea -Yahaya, Pro-Chancellor, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, among other stakeholders, also  spoke  at the event.

    They were full of commendation to the governor for his developmental strides and called for support from the people to enable him fully achieve his vision.

    NAN

  • FMC Bida, FUT Minna sign MoU on College of Health Sciences

    FMC Bida, FUT Minna sign MoU on College of Health Sciences

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, Niger, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, for the establishment of College of Health Sciences.

    Dr Abubakar Usman, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Bida, during event in Bida on Saturday expressed appreciation to the management of FUT, Minna, for its commitment to the realisation of an “age-long” dream.

    He said  the process started about  seven years ago but was accelerated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Kuta, since he came into office.

    According to him training and research were parts of the hospital’s mandate.

    Usman also said that the challenge of brain drain in Nigeria made it incumbent on every institution in Nigeria with the capacity to train, to be involved the act.

    Kuta expressed joy for witnessing the historic event, which he said marked the beginning of a new dawn, for both institutions.

    He said that the target of FUT Minna was to commence professional training in medicine in the next academic session, with the support of FMC Bida.

    The V-C said that the partnership was sure to bring progress to both institutions and the country at large.

    In a vote of thanks, Mrs Danmallam Fausat, on behalf of the management of FMC Bida, appreciated the management of the university for the collaboration.

    She expressed the hope that the partnership would be mutually beneficial for both institutions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the highpoint of the event was the signing of the MoU by principal officers of both institutions.

    It also featured an exchange of documents by the Chief Executives Officers of both institutions.

    NAN

  • Gov. Bago salutes Nma Kolo his SA, Political Matters at 57

    Gov. Bago salutes Nma Kolo his SA, Political Matters at 57

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Gov Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger has expressed his heartfelt felicitation to his Special Adviser on Political matters, Alh. Nma Kolo as he clocks 57.

    The farmer Governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, hails the celebrant, describing him as a political strategist and an asset to his administration.

    He applauds the political acumen of his Special Adviser which he says has helped in bringing stability in the political landscape of the state, and more support to the present administration.

    Umaru-Bago says the selflessness, dedication, and commitment of the celebrant is an inspiration to younger generations and highly commendable.

    He assures Alh. Nma Kolo of his continuous support for more impactful service delivery for the overall interest of the State and its citizens.

    The governor, however, prayed that Allah will grant the celebrant more years filled with blessings, wisdom, grace, and favour for the benefit of humanity.

  • BPP trains procurement officers, contractors on revised procurement document

    BPP trains procurement officers, contractors on revised procurement document

    By Flowerbud News

    The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has commenced training on its newly revised standards procurement document in the North-West and North-East zones of the country.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head,  Public Relations, BPP, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Nagga said the training was in line with one of the bureau’s functions, as stipulated in Section 5(m) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

    He stated that the bureau had reviewed and updated the Standard Procurement Documents to ensure that procurement stakeholders have a clear understanding of the newly updated document and how to effectively use it in the procurement process.

    “In line with the above, the BPP, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has organised a three-day physical training programme in the North-West and North-East regions of the Country.

    “The training will be held  from May 19 to May 21 at Tahir Guest Palace,  Kano, Kano State.”

    Nagga said the training was organised for BPP-certified procurement officers within the procurement cadre of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State-owned Universities, SUBEB procurement officers, and contractors, consultants and service providers.

    NAN

  • Untitled post 69715

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Media practitioners in Niger have been called upon to always ensure that they share accurate information as they are critical stakeholders in maintaining peace in the land.

    The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Muhammad Abdullahi made the call during a pre-summit media chat and round table discussion with media practitioners from various media outfits held in Minna.

    The Commissioner who described journalists as the most dependable ally in the security architecture of the State said they are expected to play key roles in passing across precise information to the public.

    He used the medium to urge journalists to be professional in performing their duties and do not engage in divulging news that will put people on panic mode.

    He also added that the State Government will continue to work closely with journalists and address challenges so as to forge ahead in achieving the objectives of a new Niger.

    The Commissioner who gave an overview of the forthcoming Peace and security summit said the theme of the event, ” Collaborative approaches to security and peace building with a view to safe-guarding Niger State”,

    He disclosed that is aimed at engaging critical stakeholders in the security architecture at Local, State and Federal levels so as to proffer workable solutions to security challenges within the State.

    He said, issues and challenges associated with security information management will also be looked into as effective management of information enables swift decision making, proactive actions and enhanced community preparedness.

    While answering questions from Journalists on some security issues in the State, the Commissioner re assured them that the State Government is not relenting on its oars in addressing any security threat.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Bologi Ibrahim who was represented by the Coordinator Media Affairs to the Governor, Hamza Waziri said Governor Umaru Bago, is tirelessly working to ensure peace, tranquility, progress, and development across the State which he said requires the cooperation of journalists

    The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists Niger State Chapter, Comrade Abu Nmodu said journalists in the State have always worked in accordance with the ethics of the profession and will continue to tow that path and remain advocates of peace in the Society.

    In her remarks, a Director with the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute of Peace and Sustainable Development Studies, Dr. Diamond Preye described the decision to organize a peace summit by the Niger State Government as apt

    He noted that without peace, there cannot be any meaningful development in any given society hence the need for everyone to be advocates of peace.

  • Digitisation crucial to combating corruption, wastage- BPP

    Digitisation crucial to combating corruption, wastage- BPP

    By Flowerbud News

    The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), says digitalisation across all economic sectors is essential, as IT plays a crucial role in combating corruption and driving the country’s advancement and transformation.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Zira Nagga, Head, Public Relations, BPP,  in Abuja on Thursday.

    The statement said Dr Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General (D-G), BPP, made this known while receiving a delegation from the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in his office in Abuja.

    It said the visit was aimed at deepening the relationship between the two agencies.

    Adedokun, who described the NITDA visit as a welcome development,  said it would pave the way for ensuring standards and compliance were met in the procurement of IT-related projects.

    The D-G emphasised the importance of digitising procurement processes and IT-related projects, which helped reduce turnaround time, curb corruption, and prevent the duplication of IT-related projects.

    He said the BPP and NITDA haf to take ownership of the process, as both agencies have a responsibility under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reduce wastage for the country’s progress.

    Adebowale reiterated the need to bring on board the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General for the Federation, and anti-corruption agencies to monitor the implementation of procurement activities and investigate any fraudulent activity.

    He called for a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BPP and NITDA to strengthen their long standing relationship in the areas of professionalisation through capacity building.

    Other areas he said include having a competent ICT and procurement sector; standardisation of procurement documents and IT price Intelligence, for benchmarking in all IT-related projects.

    Adebowale suggested that NITDA should automate procurement processes by extending the portal to BPP for information and feedback.

    “BPP should also be part of the project design for certification purposes, and the process of including lawyers from the ministries to be groomed on IT-related activities for legal purposes,” he said.

    Dr Kasinfu Abdullahi, the D-G/CEO, NITDA, stated that his visit aimed to explore ways to enhance collaboration with BPP, particularly regarding digitalisation, due to the crucial role of IT in all aspects of the nation.

    Abdulahi reiterated the need for transformation, reforms and improving governance for effective service delivery, which he said was paramount in the Tinubu-led administration.

    He said that NITDA had decided to review the IT Clearance Guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability of MDAs-designed projects.

    “ To address the implementation of the guideline, there is a need to build the National E-Government Master Plan and the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture, an IT system to deliver seamless services to citizens.

    “It will be a digitised government service for integration. “

    Abdulahi said that NITDA was proposing three stages for IT guidelines, which include Solution Design for certification purposes and Implementation, by building cyber security certification and network security.

    “Also, Quality Assurance, whereby the expectation of the desired project should be met before payment,” he said.

    The statement said both agencies agreed to set up a team to work together towards the signing of the MoU, as the visit underscored shared commitment to curb corruption and reduce wastage.

    NAN

  • Akume inaugurates procurement certification portal, calls for professionalism

    Akume inaugurates procurement certification portal, calls for professionalism

    By Flowerbud News

    Sen.George Akume, Secretary of the Government of the Federation(SGF),  has inaugurated the  Nigeria Procurement Certification Portal to standardise and professionalise procurement certification in Nigeria.

    Akume, represented by Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, inaugurated the portal in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He warned procurement officers to adhere to the standards of professionalism or be held accountable if found culpable.

    “The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Programme which is being launched today, represents a strategic step towards institutionalising professionalism in procurement, environmental and social standards management.

    “ The investment by the government in the recruitment of the procurement ecosystem is proof of faith in the capacity of the public sector to drive development in Nigeria in an efficient, transparent, corruption-free environment.

    “ We must, however, sound a strong note of warning to all procurement officers whose acts of omission or commission may result in the loss of public funds or misuse of procurement.

    “We will be held accountable. Public service is in trust, and we must guard it  with utmost integrity.”

    Edun, in his remarks, said that having international certification through the programme would help reverse the Japa syndrome.

    “By the time you have international certification and you can provide services online, over the internet, internationally, then young Nigerians can stay in Nigeria.

    “They can provide services, training, consulting, business support whilst staying in their own country, enjoying Nigeria and earning funds internationally.”

    Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director –General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), said the programme was in a bid for Nigeria to move from the traditional procurement process to adopt international best practices in procurement.

    Adedokun said the programme had already been provided for in the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

    “ This gathering today marks the actual take-off of that consolidated approach to building capacity of public and private procurement officers who are doing business with the Federal Government.

    “This new capacity building programme is aimed at building knowledge, mastery and skills of officers that will meet the expectation of all stakeholders.

    “ We are already engaging professional bodies to assist us in building sector-based Procurement expertise that will match that of the private sector.

    “This will ultimately reduce subjectivity, turn around time, wastage, reduce poverty, enhance job opportunities for our graduates and much more export to other developing countries. “

    Adedokun said the programme, with the support of partners, was set to be adopted by other countries, which will serve as another form of foreign exchange.

    He said the programme would be implemented in phases, starting with graduates from the six centres of excellence.

    “ May I say today we have trained over 7,000  procurement officers nationwide. About 30 per cent represent the women, gender affirmative action that we have been promoting.”

    He encouraged professional bodies to set up divisions that would focus on public procurement and create competition.

    Taimur Samad, World Bank  Acting Country Director for Nigeria, said the SPESSE, which was an 80 million dollar programme, would go a long way in the professionalization of the procurement practice in Nigeria.

    Samad said Nigeria had become a reference point for other African countries who have shown interest in replicating the programme in their countries saying it was an honour for Nigeria.

    He announced that the World Bank was increasing its financial commitment to the programme to deepen its impact across Nigeria.

    Samad said the process would be completed by June to allow for further training,  certification, and further impact at the federal and state levels of this critical initiative.

    Sen. Ipinsagba Olajide, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, said to achieve economic freedom, Nigeria needed to give free enterprise, adding that for free enterprise to be achieved, there must be transparency, fairplay and accountability.

    Olajide assured that Nigeria would soon get to a point where bidding would be done in the comfort of people’s homes.

    He said that there was no more room for compromise in the procurement process adding that the process must be straightforward and fair.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that SPESSE Project is a Federal Government of Nigeria project with assistance from the World Bank.

    It is aimed at building capacity in managing procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards in the public sector.

    NAN

     

  • BPP to inaugurate procurement certification programme

    BPP to inaugurate procurement certification programme

    By Flowerbud News

    News Investigators/ The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is set to inaugurate the Nigeria Procurement Certification Programme (NPCP) to standardise and professionalise procurement certification in Nigeria.

    Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General(D-G), BPP disclosed this at a news briefing in Abuja on Monday.

    Adedokun said the programme, which was in partnership with the World Bank, would be inaugurated on Wednesday, April 30, in Abuja.

    He said the programme would be a benchmark to hold procurement officers accountable and challenge the status quo in the knowledge and practice of public procurement in Nigeria.

    Adedokun said the NPCP aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present Bola Tinubu which emphasizes transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance

    “The National Procurement Certification Programme is a landmark initiative that marks a significant milestone in our nation’s procurement reform journey.

    “The programme is a major achievement in our efforts towards professionalizing and standardising procurement certification in Nigeria.

    “ This is a pioneer programme that will provide a centralized digital platform for training, assessment, and certification of public procurement professionals across the public and the private sector of our great nation.

    “This programme is a testament to our commitment towards strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring value for money in public and private spending.

    “It also reinforces our dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence in the utilisation of government resources through the measure of public procurement.”

    He noted that the procurement process had witnessed modernisation and transformation over the last 20 years, moving from its traditional approach to implementing sector-based procurement across all sectors.

    The D-G said the programme would help build procurement officers who are experts in road construction, ICT-related projects, healthcare, as well as the implementation of the 2025 budget.

    He said Nigeria would witness a major transformation in the field of public procurement.

    According to him, the programme’s first phase will target Ministries Departments and Agencies(MDAs)  with significant projects to help them gain skills and knowledge for faster budget implementation.

    The D-G disclosed that 7,000 officers had already enrolled in the first tier of the programme cutting across the public and private sectors.

    He said effective from Wednesday, the programme would admit graduates from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, University of Lagos, Joseph Tarka University Makurdi,  University of Benin, and  Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

    According to him all the graduates would be given the first opportunity to undertake the online procurement capacity development programme.

    He emphasised that the programme would not affect their daily work schedules as it has been designed to allow them to acquire and practice the knowledge while working.

    He noted that the Office of the Head of Service had commenced reviewing appropriate government circulars that would strengthen the programme’s sustainability.

    Adedokun said he believed the programme would be used as a tool for foreign direct investment, adding that requests had come in from some countries in sub-Saharan Africa to replicate the programme in their countries.

    He thanked the World Bank and the  Sustainable Procurement Environment and Social Standards Enhancement Project for their support and collaboration in making the initiative a reality.

    NAN