Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Ensure efficient over the counter, ATM cash disbursements, CBN directs banks

    Ensure efficient over the counter, ATM cash disbursements, CBN directs banks

    By Flowerbud News

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to ensure efficient cash disbursement to the general public over-the-counter and through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

    The directive is contained in a statement jointly signed by CBN’s Acting Director, Currency Operations, Muhammed Olayemi, and Acting Director, Branch Operations, Aisha Isa-Olatinwo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the directive is coming in the midst of complaints of acute scarcity of cash by bank customers across the country.

    The apex bank also urged members of the public who are unable to obtain cash, either over-the-counter or through ATMs to report such instances using designated reporting channels and formats.

    “This will assist the CBN in addressing issues hindering the availablity of cash and further improve currency circulation.

    “For DMB branches and ATM locations not dispensing cash, members of the public affected are to provide the relevant details,” it said .

    It said that the required details should include account name, name of the DMB, amount, time, and date of incident.

    It urged aggrieved bank customers to use dedicated phone numbers of the CBN branche in the state where the incident occurred or through to designated email addresses.

    NAN

  • ALUTA NEWS MARKS 4TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PRESTIGIOUS LECTURE AND AWARD CEREMONY, DECEMBER 06

    ALUTA NEWS MARKS 4TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PRESTIGIOUS LECTURE AND AWARD CEREMONY, DECEMBER 06

    By Flowerbud News

    ALUTA NEWS MARKS 4TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PRESTIGIOUS LECTURE AND AWARD CEREMONY, DECEMBER 06

    Aluta News, a leading online news platform amplifying the voices of organized labour, youth groups, civil society organizations, and progressive individuals, is set to celebrate its 4th anniversary in grand style.

    A statement issued by Gambo Jagindi, the publisher of Aluta News, on Wednesday in Abuja, disclosed that the anniversary celebration will feature a prestigious lecture and award ceremony scheduled for December 6, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.

    The event promises to be a high-profile gathering of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. It will feature a thought-provoking lecture on a pressing national issue, as well as the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development.

    The Aluta News 4th anniversary lecture and award ceremony is set to honor some of Nigeria’s most distinguished individuals. The awardees include:

    Governor of Benue State, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia
    – Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who will be recognized for his efforts towards agricultural mechanization in Nigeria

    Minister of Youth, Mr. Olawande, Minister of Water Resources , Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Commandant General of Civil Defence Corps*: Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who will receive the prestigious Aluta News Security Icon of the Year award for transforming the corps and protecting critical national assets

    Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka and other personalities

    These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their respective fields, and their contributions have had a significant impact on the lives of Nigerians. The event promises to be a high-profile gathering, attracting government officials,
    business leaders, and celebrities.

    According to the management of Aluta News, the celebration will also honor distinguished individuals who have made a positive impact on the country. These individuals will receive awards for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development.

    As a platform, Aluta News is dedicated to amplifying the voices of organized labour, youth groups, civil society organizations, and progressive individuals. Their mission is to promote a better society where civil rights and humanity thrive. Aluta News proudly calls itself “the voice in the struggle.”

    Mark your calendars for December 6, 2024, and join Aluta News as they celebrate their 4th anniversary and honor Nigeria’s finest!

  • NAN MD lauds NAFDAC for reducing counterfeit goods

    NAN MD lauds NAFDAC for reducing counterfeit goods

    By Flowerbud News

    The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has lauded the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for efforts toward reducing the circulation of counterfeit goods in the country.

    He gave the commendation when Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the food and drug regulating agency, paid a visit in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Ali also commended Adeyeye’s giant strides toward tackling substandard products in the country, saying that the impact is being felt all over the country.

    He added that “we know what you are doing, especially trying to rid our warehouses, stores and others of substandard goods, we know there are millions of dollars involved in this kind of business, you are making efforts to fight counterfeit goods.

    “This is more similar to the same thing we are fighting at the agency — fake news, when you are dealing with fake drugs and you see how it is being manufactured in the length and breadth of this country, it is mind-boggling.

    “This is why you deserve all the support the media can give you, as well as the general support Nigerians can give you, what you are doing in NAFDAC is selfless service, it is a selfless task.

    “You have to do it for the country, as an academian, you have set the bar, I think other regulators should emulate what you are doing.”

    The managing director said that if NAFDAC staff risk their lives in safeguarding public health, it is a duty on other regulatory agencies to also rise up to their task.

    He said NAN as a major content provider in terms of news would continue to project the image of NAFDAC provided it is still carrying out its responsibilities
    as enshrined in the law.

    He said that NAN as a news agency cannot afford to mislead the public with information, adding that the agency has zero tolerance for fake news and misinformation.

    Earlier, the NAFDAC boss told NAN MD that sharp practices are widespread and majority of people would always want to beat the system.

    She said that the country witnessed six decades of decadence up until in 2019 when NAFDAC realised that and decided to change the narrative to promote local manufacturing of goods.

    She added that people would always want to beat the system to their own favour and to the detriment of others’ health.

    “We deal with goods, drugs, chemicals, vaccines and others and almost everything that make life better on a daily basis and this is why we have to be on alert, it is a tough business, but we have to do the job.

    “Just two or three months ago, our staff went on a routine patrol in Onisha and they were attacked, this is the type of hazards we face everyday as an agency.

    “Our work is for the benefit of all Nigerians in terms of what we eat and drink, because you may never know when you need medicine, you must be sure that the water doesn’t put your stomach in trouble,” she stressed.

    She said that NAFDAC would not keep mute to this system but will keep on working a step ahead of counterfeiters who are determined to promote illegalities to the detriment of the health of many Nigerians.

    NAN

  • Gov. Adeleke mourns death of customs officer, wife, 4 children in inferno

    Gov. Adeleke mourns death of customs officer, wife, 4 children in inferno

    By Flowerbud News

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has described the death of a customs officer and his family in an inferno on Sunday in Ede as a painful loss.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a fire outbreak at the resident of the customs officer, SC Kabiru Tijani, claimed his life, his wife and four children.

    Adeleke in a condolence message through his Spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, expressed the heartfelt sympathy of the state government and the people of Osun to the loved ones of the deceased.

    The governor equally condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service, colleagues and associates of the deceased.

    He advised residents in the state to always be alert to their environments and handle with care inflammable materials that could cause fire this dry season.

    The governor also urged proper management of electrical appliances in order to avoid outbreak of fire.

    He also tasked emergency management agencies on prompt response to distress calls in communities and towns across the state.

    “I am distraught to hear about the terrible fire incident that resulted in the death of SC Kabiru Tijani, his wife, and three children, at his residence in Ede, Osun state.

    “It is really painful for me, and I want to use this avenue to commiserate with the family of the deceased and the Nigeria Customs.

    “It is my prayer that God Almighty repose their souls and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss occasioned by their deaths.” the statement reads.

    A statement by the Osun State Fire Service signed by the Director of the Service, Mr Olaniyi Alimi said that the service received the distress call at 3:21a.m.

    “Our team from Ede Zonal Command proceeded to the scene, with a backup team joining from the Fire Service Headquarters in Abere.

    “The address of the fire incident was Tijani Kabiru Road, Akankan Area, Ede North LG.

    “The street was named after the deceased, who was a Customs officer from the Oyo/Osun Command.

    “Tijani and his wife, reported to be in their late 40s, lost their lives alongside four of their children—three boys and a girl—aged between three and 10 years.

    “A lone survivor, a 13-year-old boy, miraculously escaped the fire outbreak,” Alimi said.

    NAN

  • Reps investigate planned retirement of 1000 CBN staff

    Reps investigate planned retirement of 1000 CBN staff

    By Flowerbud News

    The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the planned retirement of 1,000 staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Kama Nkemkama (LP-Ebonyi) during plenary on Tuesday.

    The motion is entitled, “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Associated N50 Billion Payoff Scheme.”

    It would be recalled that, a national media outlet announced on Dec. 2 that the CBN planned to retire over 1,000 members of staff across various levels.

    The media report claimed that the retirement was part of restructuring process under the CBN Governor’s leadership with a N50 billion payoff scheme to compensate the affected staff.

    Presenting the motion, Nkemkama  stated that the sudden mass retirement of over 1,000 staff, including directors and senior management, raises critical questions.

    These, according to him, include the criteria for selection, transparency, and adherence to due process in line with public service guidelines and labour laws.

    He said that such a significant decision has socio-economic implications for the affected individuals, their dependants, and the broader economy.

    This, he said, would potentially lead to increased unemployment and public dissatisfaction.

    He expressed worry that the reported payoff scheme amounting to N50 billion might lack sufficient accountability and oversight mechanisms.

    The lawmaker said that this would pose risks of mismanagement and abuse of public funds in a sector vital to Nigeria’s financial stability.

    Adopting the motion, the House therefore, constituted a high-level ad hoc committee to investigate the planned mass  retirement of over 1,000 staff of the CBN

    The House stated that this was to ascertain the criteria, process, and legality of the exercise.

    The House said that it would also examine the N50 billion payoff scheme to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilisation of funds.

    The House also resolved to engage the leadership of the CBN to evaluate the potential economic and institutional impact of mass retirement on Nigeria’s financial sector.

    The House urged the CBN to suspend further implementation of the retirement exercise and associated payoff scheme pending the outcome of its committee’s investigation.

    The House further called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure that the rights of the affected staff were protected in accordance with Nigerian labour laws.

    The House requested the committee to report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative actions.

    NAN

     

  • 75,000 minimum wage: Workers pledge support for Adeleke’s re-election

    75,000 minimum wage: Workers pledge support for Adeleke’s re-election

    By Flowerbud News

    The workers, who were visibly excited by the gesture, trooped out joyously to the Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat, Abere, to thank him.

    They were led by the chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    Addressing the governor, flanked by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, the NLC boss, Christopher Arapasopo, described what the governor did as “unprecedented in the history of Osun”.

    Arapasopo said that the governor had proven himself worthy to the workers by fulfilling his campaign promise to them.

    According to him, workers, in turn, will support his re-election in 2026.

    “Your Excellency, you have proven to be the true son of the soil. You have proven that truly you are the son of your father.

    “We are here to say thank you.

    “We asked for the minimum wage and you obliged us, not with the standard N70,000 but N75,554.28k for the least worker in the state.

    “You also approved N25,000 for the senior citizens (the pensioners).

    “We are also here to say thank you for the palliative materials released to all the categorises of workers, including pensioners.

    “You have done what has never happened in the history of our state.

    “You said in your first official engagement with us (labour) that where you come from, people don’t suffer, and you have proven it to us that people will not suffer under you.

    “We pray that everything you ask from God comes to fruition.

    “2026, no vacancy in Osun,” the NLC chieftain said.

    He also said that they (labour leaders) have the mandate of Osun workers, and that in 2025 May Day, “we shall declare our support for you for second term”.

    His TUC counterpart, Mr Bimbo Fasasi, also appreciated the governor for the minimum wage implementation.

    Fasasi affirmed the position of the NLC chairman, saying that Osun workers “are solidly behind the governor and in 2026, ‘no vacancy’ in Osun State”.

    Responding, the governor expressed delight the way the workers came out in their numbers to appreciate him for fulfilling his campaign promise to them.

    He said: “During the campaign, I said our number one priority is to make sure our workers are happy.

    “I have the fear of God and I will keep repeating that, any leader that does not have the fear of God is not supposed to be a leader.

    “It is a sin for someone to toil, work and not get paid.

    “I wish our federal allocation was like that of Lagos or Akwa Ibom, I would have done more for you, but with the little we are earning, I will make sure that you are happy.”

    Adeleke further said that his administration was working towards industralising the state.

    “When the state revenue improves, I will improve on the workers’ welfare and salary,” he said.

    NAN

  • People Living with HIV/AIDS appeal FG for medicine procurement

    People Living with HIV/AIDS appeal FG for medicine procurement

    By Flowerbud News

    The Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to assist in the procurement of medicines for its members with kidney disease.

    Its Lagos Coordinator, Mr Patrick Akpan, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in commemoration of World AIDS Day.

    Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection.

    People living with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of kidney disease and renal complications. HIV infection can cause kidney failure due to HIV infection of kidney cells, known as HIV-Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN).

    Taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs) used to treat HIV infections or related health issues can also cause kidney disease.

    Akpan said access to the medicine specially formulated for people living with HIV/AIDS who have renal problems had been difficult, noting that the drug is mild on the kidneys.

    “Access to the medicine has been a problem for our members because that drug is not sponsored by international companies for people living with HIV/AIDS.

    “The drug is expensive and not readily available. It costs around N60,000 for one month of usage, a price which most of our members cannot afford,” he said.

    He urged the Federal Government to assist NEPWHAN members with medicines for managing kidney disease and other health conditions.

    Akpan also appealed to the Lagos State Government to extend free kidney and liver function tests to NEPWHAN members to aid early identification of kidney and liver problems.

    “The issue is that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Lagos State University (LUTH), will make sure that they know the condition of your kidney before administering medicines.

    “They don’t conduct the kidney and liver function tests on our members who pick their antiretroviral medicines at state-owned health facilities.

    “And not even that alone, the amount of money spent by members who do these tests within most of the state hospitals is around N12,500 for liver and kidney function tests.

    “So, N12,500 is not easy for so many of them who are indigent,” he said.

    He advocated that state health insurance should cover the cost to enable more people to check their kidney and liver function regularly and enhance the number of health insurance enrollees.

    According to him, 120,000 people living with HIV/AIDS are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy in Lagos, noting that 8,000 among them are NEPWHAN members.

    Akpan said 6,000 NEPWHAN members are currently enrolled on the state health insurance.

    He stressed that efforts should be intensified to combat HIV-related stigma, which continues to obstruct access to vital services.

    Akpan emphasised that collaborative efforts were critical to achieving the 2030 targets of eliminating HIV in Nigeria and globally.

    World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on Dec. 1, seeks to unite the global community to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for continued progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

    This year’s celebration has  the theme: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”

    The theme serves as a rallying cry for accessible, rights-based healthcare that empowers those affected by HIV/AIDS to live vibrant and fulfilling lives.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 39.9 million people globally live with HIV, and 1.3 million new infections were reported in 2023: far exceeding the 2025 target of fewer than 370,000.

    The health agency discloses that about 21.3 million people are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment in Africa, raising their life expectancy.

    According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), two million Nigerians were living with HIV, out of which 1.6 million are on treatment.

    NAN

  • Tinubu, Ramaphosa to co-chair 11th Bi-National Commission

    Tinubu, Ramaphosa to co-chair 11th Bi-National Commission

    By Flowerbud News

    President Bola Tinubu will leave France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The BNC, scheduled for Dec. 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on Dec. 2, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

    Tinubu and Ramaphosa will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional and international matters, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.

    Building on the commitments from their June 20 meeting in Johannesburg shortly after Ramaphosa’s inauguration, the two leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from Nov  29 to Dec. 1, 2021.

    “The 11th session of the BNC will feature deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest.

    “These include political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments,” said the statement.

    At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

    The BNC was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

    The first session at the Heads of State level was held in October 2019 in Pretoria.

    The BNC provides a platform for sustaining high-level dialogue and promoting cooperation in critical areas such as diplomacy, economy, trade, security and other areas of mutual interest.

    This year’s meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Commission, a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

    President Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

    NAN

  • FCCPC engages GTBank, MTN, others over alleged consumer rights violation

    FCCPC engages GTBank, MTN, others over alleged consumer rights violation

    By Flowerbud News

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has inaugurated a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.
    A statement issued by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director Corporate Affairs of the Commission on Sunday in Abuja, said it would engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hindered customers from accessing their funds.
    Ijagwu said the Commission would also engage MTN Nigeria for persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.
    He said that Air Peace Limited would be engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.
    The director said the engagement which would begin between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5  would address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.
    Ijagwu said the inquiries would be conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113.
    He said the Act which empowered the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermined consumer rights, disrupted markets, or created unfair competition.
    According to him, the FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.
    ”The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly.
    ”This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors,” he said
    He urged consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels.
    NAN