Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • IHVN donates equipment to FCT fire stations

    IHVN donates equipment to FCT fire stations

    By Flowerbud News

    The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has donated 146 units of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service stations in Asokoro and Kuje Area Council.

    The institute said this was part of efforts to enhance prompt response to fire emergencies in the FCT.

    Speaking during the donation, the Deputy Director of Administration at IHVN, Mr Olafadehun Abiodun, on Monday in Abuja, emphasised the importance of firefighting as a critical public service provided by the government.

    Abiodun said, “We have been collaborating with the FCT Fire Service for some time now. During this collaboration, we identified certain gaps that needed to be filled.

    “While we understand the government cannot do everything, we felt it necessary to step in and assist in bridging these gaps.”

    He further revealed that IHVN had donated similar equipment to other fire stations the previous day, including the NJI Fire Station, the Games Village Station, the Asokoro Headquarters, and the station at Kuje.

    “We are donating a total of 146 units of firefighting equipment, providing two PPE kits per officer for 73 officers.

    “Prior to this, we conducted capacity-building training for the firefighters on the proper usage of the PPEs.

    “It was during this training that we identified the gaps and decided to step in to bridge them,” he explained.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that earlier in 2024, IHVN had partnered with the Africa Fire Mission (AFM) and the FCT Fire Service to train more than 25 safety and security officers on “Advancing Firefighting Operations, Tactics, and Leadership.”

    Abiodun emphasised that the donation was a follow-up to the training facilitated by the Africa Fire Mission, urging the fire service officers to make judicious use of the equipment to enhance their service delivery.

    In his response, Mr Zacheus Adebayo, Acting Director of the FCT Fire Service, expressed gratitude to IHVN for its support.

    Adebayo highlighted the risks firefighters face daily, including exposure to naked wires, smoke, and elevated temperatures.

    “This donation comes at the right time, especially as we are in the dry season when fire outbreaks are at their peak.

    “We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact of these outbreaks, and this support from IHVN is greatly appreciated,” he said.

    Similarly, the Head of Operations of the FCT Fire Service, Adesina Abioye, also expressed appreciation to IHVN and assured that the equipment would be put to good use.

    Abioye called on other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate IHVN’s gesture by supporting the Fire Service with essential equipment.

    NAN reports that the donated PPEs include jackets, trousers, gloves, helmets, and boots, all aimed at enhancing the safety and effectiveness of firefighters in discharging their duties.

    NAN

  • Student jailed 3 years for trespassing and stealing

    Student jailed 3 years for trespassing and stealing

    By Flowerbud News

    A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Monday, sentenced a 18-year-old student, Promise Ayiki to three years in imprisonment for trespassing and stealing .

    The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Bokkos in his judgment, ordered the convict to pay an option of N200, 000 fine or spend two years in prison and a compensation of N500, 000 or another one year in default.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported on Augt. 18, at the Area Command Police station by one Victor Anzizi, the complainant.

    Gokwat said the convict trespassed into the house and made away with two phones, one tablet, trousers and suits all valued at N450,000.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the Plateau Penal Code Law.

    NAN

  • An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo

    An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo

    An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo : Commending Early Salary Payments and Suggesting Strategic Adjustments

    Your Excellency,

    I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for your leadership and dedication to the welfare of Kogi State civil servants. Since you assumed office, your consistent payment of salaries, particularly on the 25th of each month, has greatly improved the stability of our civil servants’ lives and brought much-needed financial relief to their families. I must also express my gratitude to your predecessor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, for supporting your candidacy and ensuring that this era of progressive governance.

    The early payment of December’s salary on the 14th was a commendable initiative, especially during this festive season. It reflects your compassion for the workforce and demonstrates your genuine concern for the people of Kogi State. This early disbursement also had a positive economic impact, as timely salary payments help stimulate local economic activity, ensuring that businesses and service providers within the state benefit from increased consumer spending. Your leadership has brought significant relief to civil servants, allowing them to meet their financial obligations promptly.

    However, I would like to offer some advice on maintaining this positive momentum. While the early salary payment in December was undoubtedly helpful, it could potentially create a long wait before the January payment, which may cause financial strain for some workers. To address this, I propose a strategic plan that could bridge this gap. Consider paying January’s salary around the 18th, February’s around the 20th, and returning to the regular 25th schedule by March. This phased approach will help ease any financial pressure civil servants might experience while maintaining the consistency of your commendable policy.

    Your Excellency and your leadership continue to inspire confidence and hope for the people of Kogi State. I urge you to continue prioritising the welfare of civil servants while also considering how these payments influence the state’s wider economy.

    Thank you once again for your dedication and the transformative initiatives you have implemented for the betterment of Kogi State.

    Yours sincerely,
    YM Isah (08032491007)
    (From Lokoja, Living in Abuja

  • NAN, NTA, VON to open foreign offices in selected countries-Council

    NAN, NTA, VON to open foreign offices in selected countries-Council

    By Flowerbud News

    The National Council on Information and National Orientation has resolved and  approved that the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  Nigerian Television Authority(NTA) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) should open offices in some selected countries.
    This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 48th Meeting of the council held from December 11 to December 13 in Kaduna.
    The meeting with the theme, “Enhancing Public Information Management for Inclusive Governance: The Renewed Hope Agenda in Focus”, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had in attendance Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Stakeholders in the Information and public communication ecosystem in the country.
    The communique was signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Binta Mamman, a Commissioner from Niger and nine other members from the ministry.
    According to the communique, the said offices will complement the efforts of the Nigeria Information Service Centres (NISCs) in 13 countries abroad.
    It added, “Council resolved and approved the adoption and implementation of the National Policy on Information document which aims to transform Nigeria’s Information sector at all levels
    ”This will give necessary support to the country’s democracy, economic growth and global influence.
    “States should comply with the re-designation of Information Officer Cadre as Information and Public Relations Officer for Officers on GL 08-17 and Executive Officers (Information and Public Relations) on GL 06-14.
    “​That NISCs in 13 countries abroad with four regional/zonal headquarters within these Centres for the purpose of prompt decision making should be re-opened for reputation management as well as engendering a positive image for the country globally.
    “NAN, NTA and VON should also open offices in some selected countries to complement the efforts of the NISCs.”
    According to the communique, additional funding should be provided to VON, NTA and FRCN in the face of  the current challenges.
    It further stated that the council has adopted NAN’s initiative to expand its content production and dissemination to include indigenous Nigerian languages.
    The council also noted the need to reposition the National Institute of Public Information (NIPI) Kaduna, as a citadel for conduct of training and capacity building for Information and Public Relations practitioners in the country.
    The council also recommended the revitalisation of the completion of construction of the Federal Government Printing Press (FGP) in Asokoro, Abuja and strengthening the Nigerian Press Council for effective print media regulation in the country.
    The other recommendations included strengthening community-based media for effective operations in insecurity-prone areas and that Media houses should become fully digitalised for effective information dissemination
    “Heads of Information-based organisations should  provide appropriate communication facilities/equipment/infrastructure, and a conducive working environment for their organisations.
    “In order to avoid the misuse of Artificial Intelligence, the Federal Government, through its appropriate institution, regulates AI use in the country .
    ”This should be done in line with global best practices as well as  mandate relevant agencies  involved in AI to address related challenges/threats.
    “​To address the flagrant abuse and disrespect of the national symbols by implementing measures aimed at restoring the dignity and standardisation of these symbols of unity and identity.
    “​To ensure the implementation of the National Values Charter as approved by the Federal Executive Council as measures to revive Nigeria’s value system as part of the National Identity Project,”  it said,
    NAN
  • NAFDAC refutes claims of approving lung detox tea promoting smoking

    NAFDAC refutes claims of approving lung detox tea promoting smoking

    By Flowerbud News

    In a statement on Saturday signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, the agency clarified on its X handle that the application for approval of the product was rejected.

    This was due to its unsubstantiated and harmful claim that smoking could be made “healthy” by using the product.

    The statement read: “NAFDAC has been made aware of a misleading video circulating on social media, alleging that the agency approved the registration of a herbal product claiming that ‘smoking is healthy’ when used with their product.”

    “NAFDAC wishes to categorically state that this claim is false and completely unfounded.

    “The product in question, Lung Detox Tea, Lungitox (Smokers Pride), or any similar product, is not registered by NAFDAC.

    “The unscrupulous individual behind this product had applied for registration, but the application was out rightly rejected due to the dangerous and unsupported claim.”

    It said NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that only safe, effective, and scientifically supported products are approved.

    “We condemn any attempt to mislead or endanger the public with false claims.

    “The public is advised to disregard this video and report any suspicious claims or products to the Agency through our official channels,”

    NAN

  • NAFDAC destroys unwholesome products worth N11bn in Ibadan

    NAFDAC destroys unwholesome products worth N11bn in Ibadan

    By Flowerbud News

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
    on Wednesday in Ibadan destroyed unwholesome products worth about N11 billion.

    The destruction of the unwholesome, substandard, falsified, medicinal and other unwholesome regulated products, was carried out at Akinyele Dump site, Ibadan.

    The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the South-West Zonal Director of the agency, Mrs Roseline Ajayi, said that
    the destruction was a key component of the functions of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

    She added that the directorate is charged with the responsibility of investigating unwholesome, substandard, fake and counterfeit regulated products.

    She said that the move was to mop up unwholesome products from circulation to safeguard the health of citizens.

    Adeyeye said the effort of ridding the system of unwholesome and substandard regulated products from circulation is being supported by sister agencies, including the
    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police.

    She explained that the items for destruction were collected from the five states of the South West Zone (excluding Lagos) of the agency and Kwara, in the North Central Zone (because of proximity) to South-West zone.

    She said “these items include expired products that were voluntarily forfeited by those in the drug distribution channel, unregistered and unwholesome products seized from different outlets and warehouses, fake and counterfeit, as well as unregistered imported products smuggled into the country.

    “The worth of what is being destroyed today is estimated to be N10,991, 458, 374.60.”

    “The purpose for this public destruction is to convey strong signal that all items being confiscated by the agency are not being diverted for personal use.

    “We assure the public that with NAFDAC and sister agencies, unwholesome products are being removed from circulation.”

    According to her, the destruction under close monitoring by the Oyo State Government is to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment.

    For the agency to fulfill its mandate, she said, several strategies were employed.

    The strategies include registration and laboratory testing of regulated products, inspection of production facilities and warehouse, pharmacovigilance, chemical evaluation and research.

    Adeyeye, therefore, called for continued support and partnership with stakeholders to keep Nigeria safe and free from unwholesome, substandard, fake and counterfeit medicinal and other regulated products.

    Mr Mohammed Shaba, the NAFDAC Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, said that the agency had destroyed unwholesome products worth N98.6 billion so far in 2024.

    Shaba urged the public to report any unscrupulous manufacturers who engage in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.

    Also, Dr Akin Fagbemi, the Chairman, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, pledged the Oyo State Government’s continued support to ensure that unwholesome products were out of the system.

    He added that “the government’s interest is to safeguard the health of the nation.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that dignitaries at the destruction included representatives of the NCS, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the police, among others.

    NAN

  • Ondo, IHVN launch World Bank project combating malaria in pregnant women, children

    Ondo, IHVN launch World Bank project combating malaria in pregnant women, children

    By Flowerbud News

    The Ondo State Government and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), on Tuesday in Abuja, launched the Immunisation and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.

    The initiative is aimed at reducing mortality rates among pregnant women and children under five.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the World Bank-funded initiative seeks to promote the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLIN), and strengthen healthcare providers’ capacity to manage childhood diseases.

    It also seeks to encourage preventive malaria treatments such as Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprophylaxis (SMC).

    At the onboarding ceremony for community-based organisations (CBOs), Dr Folayan Abolaji, Ondo IMPACT Project Manager, said that the goal was to reduce under-five mortality in the state by 40 per cent.

    Abolaji said that it would mean reducing under-five mortality from 15 to less than 10 deaths per 1,000 live births.

    “This project aims to prevent maternal deaths and tackle the malaria burden by implementing multi-level interventions.

    “While we have achieved excellent distribution of mosquito nets in the past, utilization remains a challenge.

    “Through this programme, we aim to address this gap by engaging CBOs to improve usage,”Abolaji said.

    Dr Temitope Kolade, Chief of Party for the IHVN IMPACT Project, highlighted the role of social behavior change communication in driving community acceptance and ownership of the initiative.

    “We are working closely with community structures such as ward development committees and local government teams to ensure a grassroots impact,” Kolade said.

    Chief Akomolafe Pius, a representative of Knowledge Care Providers, one of the participating CBOs, expressed confidence in the project’s potential for success.

    “This training has equipped us with strategies for effective community engagement, ensuring that health-seeking behaviors are embraced at the grassroots level,” he said.

    NAN recalls the IMPACT project is expected to contribute significantly to achieving Ondo State’s health goals.

    It is expected to do so by addressing barriers to malaria prevention and treatment through coordinated community efforts and strengthened healthcare services.

    NAN

  • National mosque unveils 5 additional Imam

    National mosque unveils 5 additional Imam

    By Flowerbud News

    The Management of Abuja National Mosque on Tuesday unveiled five additional resident and visiting Imam for the Mosque.

    The Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known at a news conference in Abuja.

    “As part of the measures to strengthen the Religious Affairs Unit of the National Mosque and to further harness its vast potential as a center for worship, training, learning and scholarship, the council has completed the process of appointing five additional resident and visiting imam for the Mosque.

    “The five volunteers have been considered by the General Purpose Committee (GPC) of the NSCIA and subsequently recommended for the endorsement of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC).

    “The EGPC, at its meeting held on Sunday, Dec. 1, endorsed, on behalf of the General Assembly, their appointments, subject to the endorsement of the National Fatwa Committee which has also cleared the five imam as qualified to be Imams of the mosque,” he confirmed.

    He listed the imam to include; Prof. Ilyasu Usman (visiting), Prof. Luqman Zakariyah (resident), Sheikh Abdulkadir Salman (visiting), Malam Haroun Eze (resident) and Prof. Khalid Abubakar (visiting).

    Oloyede described the appointment of the five imam as a milestone not only in the annals of the national mosque but also in the life of the entire Muslim community in Nigeria.

    “You will recalled that during a similar news conference held on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, where the changes in the administrative and management of the mosque was done with the appointment of Prof. Shehu Galadanci, as the Murshid.

    “I informed you of the intention of the NSCIA to appoint more imams, particularly from the South-South and South East Geopolitical zones.

    “To today’s news conference, therefore, is a further fulfilment of that promise,” he said.

    Oloyede said the NSCIA, since the establishment of the national mosque in 1984, has been appointing, in succession, qualified Muslims worthy in character and scholarship to oversee the spiritual activities of the faithful.

    He also said that the establishment of the Abuja National Mosque Management Board (ANMMB) was a further step to create a structure for the management of the mosque on behalf of the NSCIA.

    He commended the President-General of NSCIA and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and all members of the Muslim community who have played active roles in supporting “smooth sail to the shore of today’s success.

    “I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to imbue our Imams with wisdom, knowledge and forthrightness to lead our teeming worshippers aright.

    “May He continue to guide and guard the Ummah (Muslim community) to the path of progress,” Oloyede prayed.

    NAN

  • Emefiele: Court to hear application challenging jurisdiction Dec.12

    Emefiele: Court to hear application challenging jurisdiction Dec.12

    By Flowerbud News

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned till Dec. 12, to hear the application filed by the embattled ex-Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emefiele had approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court to hear alleged abuse of office filed against him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Emefiele is standing trial for alleged abuse of office and  $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

    His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.

    When the case was called on Tuesday for continuation of cross-examination of the seventh prosecution witness, the EFCC Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the Appellate Court had on Nov. 29 delivered a ruling regarding Emefiele’s application.

    According to him, the Appellate Court has directed the lower court to hear and determine the application, before continuing with the trial.

    Emefiele’s Counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that they received the ruling electronically and intended to file a notification to the court.

    Ojo, however, said he was surprised that the prosecution was tendering a Certified True Copy of the ruling from the bar.

    He urged the court to set down the hearing of the application until next adjourned date, to enable the defence move its application.

    Oyedepo, however, countered the defendant’s  submission and argued that all parties should comply with the directives of the Appellate Court.

    Justice Rahman Oshodi, however, adjourned the case until Dec. 12 for hearing of the application.

    NAN reports that Emefiele’s counsel had argued that the charge against Emefiele, raised issues of constitutionality and legality.

    He argued that counts one to four of the 26-count charge were unconstitutional as they were not contained in any law in Nigeria.

    He, thereafter, urged the court to strike out counts one to four, on the ground that the court had no jurisdiction to try the offence of abuse of office in relation to the office of CBN governor.

    According to him, his client’s acts, said to constitute arbitrary acts resulting in abuse of office, were not offences known to the law as mandatorily required by Section 36(12) of 1999 Constitution, as amended

    NAN also reports that on the last proceeding, the EFCC’s witness, a former personal assistant to Emefiele, had  narrated to the court how he allegedly collected the sum of $400,000 on behalf of the ex-governor.

    NAN