Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Customs takes anti-smuggling campaign to primary school

    Customs takes anti-smuggling campaign to primary school

    By Flowerbud News

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has sensitised 1,713 pupils at the Gwandu Emirate Primary School to the dangers of smuggling counterfeit goods into the country.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, who was on charity visit in the schools, in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, said the aim of the visit was to sensitise the pupils for them to imbibe anti-smuggling values.

    “I am here for charity visit, to see how you are doing and educate you on the critical role of customs operations in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy.

    “We also want to sensitise you to evils of smuggling illegal goods into our country for you to imbibe the habits of detesting evil, for you to grow as good ambassadors and become ethically cultured future leaders.

    “As young children as you are, you can play your part by reporting societal vices to your parents, who in turn will investigate the genuineness of your reportage for onward dissemination of same to the appropriate authority for us to have safe and secured society that you can grow in peace and tranquility,” he said.

    Ernest-Ojike also educated the pupils on how revenue generated through legitimate customs activities would contribute to national development, funding essential services and infrastructure.

    “One of the fundamental thrusts of this administration is collaboration: It is on that spirit that we are reaching out to children. When you catch them young, they will imbibe the virtues that will make them very responsible citizens,” he said.

    The area comptroller also emphasised the need for vigilance in addressing the smuggling menace, which not only disrupts economic activities but also posed a threat to national security.

    Earlier, the Head Master of the School, Malam Aminu Sani, commended the area comptroller for his dedication to community engagement.

    “This reflects a deep understanding of community relations and social responsibility in the state,” he said.

    Sani praised the NCS for the initiative to educate the younger generation, describing such efforts as vital for long-term societal growth and security.

    On his part, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashar, represented by ‘Galadiman Gwandu’, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashar, commended the NCS for their efforts in the distribution of instructional materials and food for the pupils in the school.

    NAN

  • NUC approves varsity of Agriculture, Climate Action for Niger

    NUC approves varsity of Agriculture, Climate Action for Niger

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of Abubakar Abdulsalami University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger as the 65th state university and 277th in Nigeria.

    The certificate of recognition was presented to Gov. Umaru Bago by the Pro-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University Minna, Prof. Muhammad Kuta-Yahaya in Minna on Tuesday.

    The governor appreciated Kuta-Yahaya for the good work he has been doing for the state, especially in the education sector.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards revamping the sector.

    NAN

  • NCAA to sanction airline operators for delayed tickets refund

    NCAA to sanction airline operators for delayed tickets refund

    By Flowerbud News

    News Investigators/ The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is ready to sanction any airlines that delay tickets refund to the passengers.

    Mr Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection,   made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja,.

    According to him, tickets refund compliance regulations remains central to the NCAA’s consumer protection agenda.

    He said the time had come for airlines  adhere strictly to the refund timelines as failure to comply will attract immediate sanctions under Part 19 of the regulations.

    The director said  the Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 aimed to safeguard passenger rights.

    “Cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Refunds for electronic payments, including mobile apps and internet banking, must occur within 14 days,” he said.

    Speaking on a specific case involving Air Peace, the director stated that the airline had exceeded the stipulated refund timeframe, compelling the NCAA to demand swift compliance.

    According to him, the incident has triggered the regulator’s to take decisive action against any form of non-compliance.

    “Over the past year, the NCAA has worked with airlines to enhance passenger experience and resolve operational challenges.

    ” The Authority has maintained a balanced approach, fostering cooperation between operators and regulators to promote better service delivery.

     “Most airlines have been responsive, and the relationship between operators and the NCAA has significantly improved, benefiting passengers across the board,” he said.

    Achimugu , however, said that the era of leniency had ended with stricter enforcement measures now in place.

    The director said that airlines that failed to meet the refund timelines outlined in the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face sanctions.

     The director, who reassured passengers that the policy shift would reflect the regulator’s commitment to their rights, urged the airlines to view compliance as an opportunity to rebuild trust.

    Achimugu, who acknowledged operational challenges the airlines were  facing, called for improved efficiency in the areas like refunds described as “low-hanging fruits”.

     The director said the NCAA had facilitated full refunds and substantial rebates for passengers in the past.

     According to him, passengers may not fully understand the complexities of aviation operations, but paying refunds that are due should be prompt.

    He commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, and the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo on their efforts toward advancing the aviation industry.

    “Their commitment to implementing the Minister’s five-point agenda and the 2024 Action Plan, which emphasize ease of doing business and support for domestic carriers.

    ” These efforts have garnered praise from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), to affirm Najomo as substantive NCAA DG.

     “NCAA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability within the aviation sector and the Consumer Protection Department has done extensive works to sensitise passengers and support operators,” he said.

    NAN

  • Traditional institution will always honour contributors to national devt – Etsu Nupe assures

    Traditional institution will always honour contributors to national devt – Etsu Nupe assures

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has said the traditional institution will always honour those who contribute to the development of Nupe Kingdom, the state, country and humanity.

    The Etsu Nupe said this at the turbaning ceremony of DCG Aliyu Galadima-Saidu, RTD, as the Galadima Gari Nupe at his Wadata Palace in Bida on Sunday.

    Abubakar, who is also the chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers said: “Those that are given traditional titles are for people of proven integrity who show concern to the development and socio-economic well being of the emirate.”

    He said the honour was to encourage others to live exemplary lives in their positions, for the general good of the country.

    The royal father said the emirate would continue to recognise selfless service by its sons and daughters.

    He added that highly placed individuals should continue to bring development to the area, as well as the entire nation.

    The traditional ruler also stressed the need for the entire people of Nupe land across Nigeria and in the diaspora to continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Nupe race, Niger state and Nigeria.

    The Etsu Nupe appealed to Nupes, especially the privileged ones, to always assist their indigent brethren.

    Abubakar said, “Wealth should be circulated and not hoarded, while those endowed with wealth should be their brothers’ keepers.”

    The Etsu Nupe also challenged wealthy sons and daughters of the emitate, especially those in the Diaspora, to return home and establish industries in Kin Nupe

    The Royal father added that such would facilitate the socio-economic development of the kingdom.

    He also appealed to his people at home and in the Diaspora to be united wherever they reside and urged that they should also co-exist
    peacefully with their neighbours.

    Etsu nupe explained that the title of Galadima Gari Nupe was conferred on Galadima
    -Saidu based on his unbiased personality and generosity,

    The monarch expressed hope that he will continue with his humanitarian service to the people of the Kingdom and beyond

    In his remarks, Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger state described the new Galadiman Gari Nupe as a man of excellence, who was outstanding during his service years in the Nigeria Customs Service.

    The governor appreciated the Etsu Nupe for the honour done to an illustrious son of Bida, pointing out that the Galadiman Nupe is a true ambassador of the Nupes.

    Umaru-Bago said he is optimistic that the Galadiman Nupe will provide the needed support to the Estu Nupe for the overall growth and development of the Nupe Kingdom in particular and Niger State in general.

    He then acknowledged the efforts of the Etsu Nupe in upholding the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe Kingdom.

    In their separate goodwill messages, DCP Abdullahi Babani, and the Sarkin Kudun Gombe, Abdulrasheed Aliyu, said the title of Galadiman Nupe is a deserving one to the DCG Saidu (Rtd) adding that he is a trustworthy person.

    Responding, Alhaji Saidu, the new Galadima Gari Nupe, thanked God and the Etsu Nupe for the honour and pledged to uphold the throne of the Kin Nupe Emirate.

    He pledged to live above board and continue to give emirate the positive publicity, as well as bring socioeconomic development to the area.

    Dignitaries at the event were the Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, Former Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Abubakar,

    Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Member representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Idris Garba, Member representing Bida/Katcha/Gbako and Gwarzon Nupe, Saidu Musa Abdullahi among others.

  • Stop using saccharine, bromate in bread production, NAFDAC warns bakeries

    Stop using saccharine, bromate in bread production, NAFDAC warns bakeries

    By Flowerbud News

    NAFDAC has warned bakeries across the country against using saccharin and bromate in bread production.

    The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the warning while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum.

    She said bakeries caught in the act would face the full consequences.

    “This is where our post marketing surveillance comes in.

    ” We go out routinely to look for certain products; sometimes it may be due to complaints through our reform office.

    “We have closed down a few bakeries because they are using bromate during bread production.

    ” If we find out, or someone suspected or tasted the bread and it has bromate, we will shut the bakery down.

    “We have equally closed down many water producing factories as result of substandard production or producing it in an unhygienic environment.

    “Our Regulatory Inspection Directorate is important to us because it ensures that what is brought to us at the point of registration is what is still in the market.

    “When we do inspection at the beginning, we go there and take samples and test the product

    ” Sometimes after they know that the product has been registered, they start changing the process of production or formular.

    “This is why post marketing surveillance monitoring is very important.

    ” It ensures that what they brought to us is still what is in the market in order to maintain standard.

    ” That is what is called market control,” she said.

    NAN

     

  • Osun Govt. to engage retired doctors to augment workforce — Commissioner

    Osun Govt. to engage retired doctors to augment workforce — Commissioner

    By Flowerbud News

    The Commissioner for Health in Osun, Mr Jola Akintola, says the state government is planing to engage retired doctors to make up for the scarcity of doctors.

    He made this known in Osogbo on Thursday during the ministry’s budget defence at the Osun House of Assembly.

    The commissioner, who said that the state is facing dearth of doctors, added that “majority have left the country.

    “We intend to recruit retired doctors who are not tired to fill the needed number of doctors in our health facilities.

    “We are planning to engage retired doctors because many of them have travelled abroad for greener pastures.”

    He explained that when engaged, the retired doctors would bring on-board their wealth of experience to impact the lives the Nigerians and offer good healthcare to the people.

    He said the ministry had earlier been given the go-ahead to employ more staff but the issue of the new minimum wage, which was just settled in the state, delayed the recruitment process.

    On his part, Dr Afolabi Babatunde, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UniOsun Teaching Hospital, while also defending the budget of the hospital, stressed the importance of having more medical staff.

    Babatunde said that UniOsun Teaching Hospital currently has one nurse to 19 patients, which is not in conformation with the one nurse to three patients recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    He added that when he resumed as the CMD in October, he did an assessment need of the hospital and discovered that the health facility spends more money than it generates.

    He explained that the cost of paying staff not under state government payroll, buying diesel and paying for electricity in a month is about N140 million, which is far more than what is generated.

    He said some key equipment like the CT Scan machine, MRI machine and others are not available at the hospital.

    He solicited the help of the assembly for more funding, saying “what is allocated in the budget for the hospital is not sufficient.”

    The Chairman, Osun Assembly Finance and Appropriation Committee, Mr Saheed Fatunmise, who heads the budget defence, said that the CMD’s appeal is noted, and the hospital’s budget taken.

    NAN

  • Information minister to discuss FG’s tax reforms at Kaduna NIPR AGM

    Information minister to discuss FG’s tax reforms at Kaduna NIPR AGM

    By Flowerbud News

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,
    will be the Guest Speaker at the 2024 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Annual General Meeting
    (AGM) and Public Lecture.

    The Chairman, Kaduna State Chapter of the institute, Mr Haroun Malami, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to him, the minister will deliver a paper entitled “Tax Reform: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance.”

    Malami, who stated that the AGM/public lecture is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, added that the choice of the theme for the 2024 event was informed by the controversy generated by Federal Government’s tax reform bills submitted to the National Assembly (NASS).

    He said as part of its responsibility to the public as an institute, the chapter felt the need to intervene in the conversation by providing a platform that would promote dialogue and better understanding of issues of national importance.

    The chairman also stated that Prof. Mustapha Muhammad, the Head of Accounting Department, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, would be the Lead Discussant.

    He added that Human Rights Activist, Sen. Shehu Sani, Prof. Cosmas Eze of Mass Communication Department, ABU Zaria, and Prof. Hauwa’u Yusuf of Kaduna State University would be panellists to further discuss the issues thrown up by the paper.

    NAN

  • ECOWAS Court orders Nigeria to pay police torture victim N5m compensation

    ECOWAS Court orders Nigeria to pay police torture victim N5m compensation

    By Flowerbud News

    The ECOWAS Court has ordered Nigeria to pay five million naira as compensation to citizen Oluwatimilehin Adebayo, for the violation of his right to freedom from torture.

    The court also ordered Nigeria to conduct a “prompt, impartial, and effective” investigation into Adebayo’s alleged torture by the police, as well as prosecute the culprits. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebayo had approached the court with the suit marked: Oluwatimilehin Adebayo v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), alleging torture by police officers in Ogun.

    The petitioner had claimed that the police operatives subjected him to severe physical abuse by beating him with the handle of an axe and tying his limbs to a pole, with chains.

    Adebayo further alleged that the police brutality caused him physical injuries, including trauma to his scrotum, and left him suffering from significant psychological distress and, therefore, prayed for remedial compensation.

    Responding, Nigeria had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the case was filed outside the three-year period that is stipulated by the Court’s rules, and was, therefore, statute-barred.

    Nigeria also contended that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it would amount to reviewing a case that had already been decided or was pending (sub judice)before a Nigerian court.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Dupe Atoki, who read the three-member panel’s decision, dismissed Nigeria’s preliminary objections, saying it had jurisdiction to hear human rights cases within the Community Court’s jurisdiction.

    According to her, the statute of limitations under Article 9(3)(b) of the Court’s Protocol does not apply to human rights violations, hence, the matter was admissible.

    The court further held that the victim’s maltreatment constituted an act of torture, which violated Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a party.

    “The torture was intentional and aimed at coercing the applicant into signing a pre-written statement,” the court held.

    Consequently, it ordered the Nigerian government to pay the sum of million naira in compensation to the victim for the violation of his right to freedom from torture. 

    The court, however, dismissed the the applicant’s claim that his right to remedy was violated, noting there was no evidence that he had formally reported the abuse to relevant authorities.

    The court’s panel, was presided by Justice Sengu Koroma, had Justice Dupe Atoki as the judge rapporteur and Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara as a member.

    NAN

  • Adeleke restates pledge not to abandon inherited projects, inaugurates dual carriageway

    Adeleke restates pledge not to abandon inherited projects, inaugurates dual carriageway

    By Flowerbud News

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, on Wednesday, restate his pledge not to abandon any project inherited from his predecessor.

    Adeleke said this at the inauguration of the dualised Roundabout-Testing Ground-Ilesha  Garage Road, started by former Gov. Rauf Aregbesola.

    The governor said at the inception of his administration, he promised God and the people of Osun that no project inherited from his predecessors would be abandoned.

    “It is my considered view that public projects are public assets which must not be wasted on the altar of political vendetta.

    “I followed my conviction by directing my team to compile a list of all abandoned projects and submit a plan of completion.

    “Based on the plan of action, our administration has completed several projects across the sectors.

    “In under 100 days, we completed the Osogbo – Ikirun road dualisation with full solar street lights.

    “We expanded the inherited reconstruction of Iwo – Osogbo road to include dualisation of a major internal road inside Iwo.

    “We completed several abandoned projects inside Osun State University including the one at Isale Osun which was neglected for almost 11 years,” he said

    Adeleke commended former Gov. Rauf Aregbesola whose administration started the road project inaugurated.

    He said the previous government abandoned the project, “but today, Aregbesola will be happy at the final completion of the project he started.”

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, who was invited to inaugurate the project, equally commended Adeleke for the steps taken to complete abandoned projects into state.

    “Adeleke has done something unusual by completing projects started by administrations before him without considering or thinking that he will not be credited for the projects.

    “I can’t stop thanking my brother (Adeleke) for breaking out from the mode of usual politicians and doing something unusual.

    “And because of this, I can only encourage you, and I promise you my support in the battles ahead,” the Oyo State governor said.

    NAN