Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Gov. Adeleke signs N427bn budget for 2025 into law

    Gov. Adeleke signs N427bn budget for 2025 into law

    By Flowerbud News

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, on Monday, assented to the N427,746, 925,170 budget passed by the legislature for year 2025 into law.

    Adeleke after signing the budget directed the state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure its full implementation for the benefits of the people.

    “We are here to further demonstrate our readiness to forge ahead in the new year with the growth and development of our dear State.

    “For record purposes, the budget I am signing today is tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Transformation.

    “The total sum for the 2025 budget is ₦427,746,925.170.

    “Consequently, I direct Ministries, Agencies and Departments to vigorously pursue the implementation for the benefit of the citizens of the state,” he said

    The governor equally directed the Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development to monitor the implementation process to ensure delivery according to targets and expectations.

    “The Appropriation Act will be our faithful instrument to deliver on the five point agenda for good governance,” he said

    Adeleke commended the Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development for upholding professionalism all the way.

    He also thanked members of the Treasury Board and other top government functionaries who worked tirelessly to deliver on the budget.

    The governor equally appreciated the Speaker of Osun Assembly and the state lawmakers for the work on the budget

    He stated that the executive arm looks forward to the legislative carrying out its oversight functions to ensure accountability and transparency.

    Adeleke further urged members of the State Executive Council to cooperate with the lawmakers in the exercise of their mandate, during the 2025 budgetary year.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osun Assembly on Dec. 23 passed the budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

    NAN

  • Adeleke approves Adesuyi Haastrup as new Owa Obokun of Ijesha land

    Adeleke approves Adesuyi Haastrup as new Owa Obokun of Ijesha land

    By Flowerbud News

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved the appointment of Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
    A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Friday in Osogbo, said that the appointment was approved during the State Executive Council meeting.
    Alimi said the governor also approved Prince Johnson Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina during the meeting.
    According to the commissioner, the governor congratulates the traditional rulers-elect, while the choices follow due process.
    “The processes of their selections are in line with the Chiefs’ law of Osun State 2002( cap 25).
    “All sons and daughters of the two towns are enjoined to cooperate with their new traditional rulers and allow peace and unity to take centre stage,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appointments of  Haastrup as the new Owa-elect was sequel to the demise of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran on Sept. 11.
    NAN also reports that Abikoye’s appointment as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina followed the demise of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on Nov. 19, 2023.
    NAN
  • Gov. Adeleke pardons boy convicted for stealing chicken, 52 others

    Gov. Adeleke pardons boy convicted for stealing chicken, 52 others

    Adeleke, in a statement by his Spokesperson Olawale Rasheed on Thursday, said the order was in line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    He said the recommendation by the council is to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.

    “Gov. Ademola Adeleke has exercised the prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

    “The letter of commutation, dated Dec. 24 has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities,” he said.

    He said the inmates recommended for the ‘prerogative of mercy’ are inmates convicted of simple offences who have served substantial portions of their sentences.

    According to him, the prerogative of mercy also extends to convicts sentenced to death but have spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.

    “In the case of the 30 inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.

    “Whereas, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 inmates convicted of simple offences.

    “Four convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon.

    “And whereas I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows, one convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 years imprisonment.

    “Six convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the four convicts recommended for outright pardon is ‘Segun Olowokere’ sentenced to death, at the age of 17, in 2010, for stealing chicken and eggs.

    An Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, convicted Olowokere alongside some others, for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state

    NAN

  • BPP unveils new vision to eliminate procurement fraud

    BPP unveils new vision to eliminate procurement fraud

    By Flowerbud News

    The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun has unveiled a new vision to eliminate procurement fraud in the country.

    This was the central focus of a press conference themed “Renewed Hope Through Strategic Procurement” which held in Abuja on Monday.

    Adedokun stated that the goal is to eliminate procurement fraud and ensure that the Federal Government obtains optimal value for all its contracts.

    “The new vision is anchored on three key pillars: transparency and accountability; competence, efficiency, integrity, and innovation; and inclusivity and economic growth,” he said.

    He explained that, in the coming year, the BPP plans to deploy an electronic procurement system to allow government agencies to conduct e-advertisements, improving cost efficiency and transparency.

    The BPP will also focus on enhancing career development for procurement officers and strengthening partnerships with anti-corruption agencies and other stakeholders.

    “Inclusivity will remain a cornerstone of our strategy, and we will strengthen our oversight functions by implementing categorisation and classification systems for contractors and construction,” he said.

    Adedokun further outlined that the bureau would adopt intelligence and benchmarking systems to regularly review and update policies and practices to stay aligned with prevailing standards.

    He noted that the BPP would address ongoing challenges, such as project implementation delays, capacity gaps, and limited awareness.

    “These challenges present opportunities for growth, innovation, and the establishment of new benchmarks for public procurement excellence in Nigeria.

    “By leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and empowering our workforce, we will overcome these obstacles and set a new standard for public procurement excellence in Nigeria,” Adedokun added.

    The D-G also mentioned that sanctions would be imposed for poor conduct, while good practices would be rewarded.

    He stressed that the BPP would work closely with anti-corruption agencies to ensure that violations of public procurement practices are met with stringent penalties.

    “Agencies that adopt open, transparent, and competitive procurement procedures in line with BPP standards will be openly recognised.

    “We will enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant anti-corruption agencies to enforce appropriate standards,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also present at the press briefing were the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliu, and the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello.

    Others present included the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Orji Ogbonaya, and a representative from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    They all pledged to support the BPP in realising its vision to eliminate procurement fraud and other corrupt practices associated with the award of government contracts.

    NAN

  • NAN MD promises improved working environment for personnel

    NAN MD promises improved working environment for personnel

    By Flowerbud News

    The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali,has promised to improve the working environment for the personnel of the agency nationwide. .

    He spoke on Saturday when he visited the agency’s Minna Zonal office to assess its situation.

    Ali was received by Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, Zonal Manager in charge of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa state.

    He commended the zonal manager and members of staff for their resilience and dedication to work.

    Ali reiterated his commitment to providing a conducive environment that befit the agency’s mandate

    He said: “I have seen the condition of the NAN Minna office, this structure is not befitting to staff of the agency to work.

    “People need the right environment to work, and here is not the right environment. It is a shame that the agency still has structures like this.

    “We will send our Engineers from Abuja to the Minna office to give us a professional assessment of what can be done.

    “The agency would not leave any of its offices behind in terms of development.”

    Ali stated that a recent tour of offices in the North-East had provided valuable insights into the requirements for improvement.

    The managing director also extolled the leadership of the zonal manager, saying,”as the son of the soil, you are leveraging on your contacts for the glory of the agency.”

    He, however, cautioned against joining local politics, warning that any zonal manager who gets involved in local politics would be transferred.

    Ali emphasised that NAN is a professional media organisation respected globally, and efforts were being made to reposition the agency.

    He said that the agency was committed to the welfare of the members of staff and was getting more partnerships.

    Ali  announced plans to establish a multimedia unit in the Minna office, deploy more workforce, and open district offices in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora, and New Bussa.

    He urged the staffers to keep up the good work and do more exclusive stories.

    Earlier, Bababusu, thanked the managing director for the changes he has so far brought to the agency, particularly in the editorial department, adding that his achievements were visible across NAN offices.

    “We have long wished for your visit to the NAN Minna office and I want to appeal for your regular visits to the zonal offices to address their challenges,” he said

    Bababusu said that the Minna office required an overhaul, adding,” the current office space is not befitting.”

    The zonal manager appealed to Ali to make provisions to enable the zonal managers to periodically visit offices under their zones.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC declares Aba Cemetery Market fake products hub

    NAFDAC declares Aba Cemetery Market fake products hub

    By Flowerbud News

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market, Aba, Abia is centre for fake and substandard products production and distribution.

    The agency made the declaration during a lengthy operation led by Mr Martins Iluyomade, Director, South-East Zone, NAFDAC, to the market on Tuesday.

    Iluyomade described the market as a centre for mass production and distribution of fake and substandard products, likening the situation to weapons of mass destruction.

    The director said in spite of previous crackdowns, including a major operation in December 2023, illegal activities persisted in the market.

    He said it was baffling that individuals remained recalcitrant and determined to make money at the expense of the lives of their fellow citizens.

    “During the last operation the leadership of the market signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to identify and expose those involved in the production and sale of fake goods,’’ he said.

    According to him, the agency will revisit the agreement as market leaders now have serious questions to answer.

    Iluyomade said the volume of expired products being re-validated was deeply troubling.

    He advised consumers to remain vigilant about the products they purchase to avoid endangering their health.

    Meanwhile, the raid uncovered an alarming range of fake and adulterated products, including wines, whiskey, yogurt, carbonated drinks, chips, dry gin and other beverage.

    The items were found either being produced in unsanitary conditions within the market or stored in sections where expired products were re-labelled with new dates.

    “In regards to the findings, NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the nefarious activities as part of its broader effort to safeguard public health,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC D-G decries personnel shortage

    NAFDAC D-G decries personnel shortage

    By Flowerbud News

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed concern over its staff shortage, which was limiting the agency’s effectiveness in its regulatory duties.

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, discussed this challenge during a special interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    She explained that while NAFDAC was often associated with regulating substandard and falsified medicines, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) was also involved in the process, specifically in the registration of drug-selling sites and practitioners.

    However, Adeyeye noted that both agencies were severely understaffed, a situation that impacted their ability to effectively carry out their roles.

    She called on the government to address the staffing issue to ensure efficient service delivery.

    “PCN is responsible for registering drug-selling sites, whether a small kiosk or large shop, and also the practitioners.

    “But both NAFDAC and PCN face staff shortages, which hinder our ability to reach every corner of the country,” she said.

    Adeyeye pointed out that while NAFDAC had been working closely with PCN, the staff shortage remained a significant obstacle.

    She compared Nigeria’s staffing situation with that of Indonesia, which, with a population of 280 million, had 20,000 staff at its regulatory agency, while Nigeria, with 220 million people, had only 2,000 NAFDAC staff.

    On the recent labour union crisis at NAFDAC, Adeyeye clarified that the unions’ demands, including promotions for staff based on the last promotion exam, were beyond the agency’s authority.

    She explained that the number of promotions was determined by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), not NAFDAC management.

    “The Head of Service has the mandate for the number of staff to be promoted.

    “It is not something NAFDAC could unilaterally decide.

    “After discussions with the unions, and with intervention from the presidency, the issue has been resolved for now,” she said.

    Adeyeye added that NAFDAC had continued to support its staff by ensuring timely payment of salaries, allowances, and other benefits.

    She also noted that since her appointment, there had been a significant change in the agency, with staff acknowledging the friendly and supportive management.

    “Things have changed completely in NAFDAC. The staff knows they have a management that is always on their side,” she concluded.

    NAN

  • 2025 budget: N13trn deficit to be financed through borrowing – Edun

    2025 budget: N13trn deficit to be financed through borrowing – Edun

    By Flowerbud News

    Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, on Monday said the N13 trillion deficit in the N48 trillion 2025 budget would be financed through borrowing.

    The minister said this while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the total projected revenue for 2025 stands at N34,820,000,000,000 out of which the expenditure is projected at 47,960,000,000,000, which is an increase of 36.8 per cent from the 2024 estimate.

    The deficit for 2025 is projected at 13,140,000,000,000, representing 3.89 per cent of GDP.

    Edun said the budget was designed within the context of how far and how much progress had been made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu over the last 18 months.

    “And even looking at it from an international context, we, like governments around the world, are concerned about how to achieve fiscal sustainability, revenue to expenditure and borrowing that is balanced, to create an environment in which the economy can grow.

    “Private sector led economies such as ours and others, rely on investors to put down their money in various projects, increase productivity, create jobs, grow the economy and in the case of countries such as ours, bring the people out of poverty,” said Edun.

    He explained that the Tinubu administration had put in place policies that ensured market pricing of petroleum products, foreign exchange, and efforts had been made to improve the pricing of electricity.

    Edun said: “Just recently Shell announced a $5 billion  investment, Total announced a multi-billion dollar investment just before that, and there are so many others expressing interest in investing in this country.

    “So, progress has been made. There is greater fiscal sustainability and as I said, even the European countries are struggling to achieve some of these critical macroeconomic reforms.

    “This budget is based on government spending in critical areas, but also more importantly, encouraging and making room for private sector investment.” 

    He further stated that the improvements in the economy were encouraging.

    “For the first time in about 25 years we have domestic refinement of petrol, not just to produce petrol but also raw materials for industries across a whole range, from pharmaceuticals to building products to textiles,” concluded Edun.

    NAN

  • Shell allays fears on oil export over leakage at Bonny terminal

    Shell allays fears on oil export over leakage at Bonny terminal

    By Flowerbud News

    The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) on Monday said the reported oil leak from the Bonny Oil Export Terminal will not affect oil export.

    SPDC noted that the incident affected only a section at one out of the three loading buoys which has been isolated.

    Mrs Gladys Afam-Anadu, SPDC’s Media Relations Manager told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone chat that the cause of the incident, volume of crude discharged is being investigated.

    She explained that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to the incident site led by regulatory agencies has been scheduled for Monday.

    “On December 8, 2024, an oil sheen was detected at a loading buoy during export operations at Bonny Terminal.

    “Loading was immediately suspended. Our Emergency Response Team has been activated and regulatory authorities and other stakeholders have been notified.

    “A joint investigation visit, led by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency is underway.

    “Our priority currently is the safety, health and well-being of the local community and the environment.

    “Our environmental team is therefore, actively monitoring the situation and preparing for the implementation of containment and clean-up to minimise any environmental impact,” Afam-Anadu said.

    NAN reports that the facility has a peak capacity to load 1.25 million barrels of Bonny Light Crude blend.

    NAN