Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Gov. Bago strikes $5bn sugar deal to transform Niger economy

    Gov. Bago strikes $5bn sugar deal to transform Niger economy

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Muhammed Bago of Niger says the five billion dollars Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Niger Foods and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd. will transform the economy of the state.

    Bago said this during the signing of the MoU by the Niger Foods and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd., a consortium of Brazilian and Indian sugar value chain experts, on Nov. 20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    He said the deal was targeted at developing 250,000 hectares of sugarcane field and six sugar/ethanol plants in Niger over the next three years.

    The governor said the deal was in pursuit of the Green Economy initiative of his administration, which was anchored on food security and industrialisation, through large scale agriculture.

    He said the deal was also a product of a partnership between Niger Foods and the Nigeria Sugar Council to revive the $2.5 billion Nigeria Sugar Industry.

    “The five billion dollars investment is not just for Niger but for the whole country.

    “It means Niger State is going to have a lot of fields that are going to be producing sugar cane and other very important and agricultural products.

    “It’s going to create employments for the youth, and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product. It’s going to create foreign exchange for the country,” said the governor.

    According to Bago, the programme represented hope for agriculture in the country, a pilot project for agricultural transformation in the country as a whole.

    He said to translate the programme to reality, it was imperative to partner with countries that had the experience and technical knowledge such as Brazil and India.

    “The Brazilians and Indians are not coming to take our raw materials, they are coming to set up plants. In these plants, they’ll produce not just sugar, they’ll produce ethanol, bagasse and molasses,” Bago said.

    He added that the project would boost electricity generation in the country as 600 megawatts would be established for the use of the plants, which would be scaled up to 1,000 megawatts.

    “You can imagine what that will do to industrialisation. This is going to change a lot of things for our country. It’s going to take us forward, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration,” Bago stated.

    Mr Marco Castellani, Head, Latam & International Marketing, Niger Food and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd., said his company would replicate the Brazilian know-how to produce sugar, ethanol, and other bio products using sugar cane as feedstock.

    We have the support of the Niger State Government, “This is very important, because we need policies to put this plant together, run the plant, and deliver food and bioproducts that Nigeria needs.

    “We are ready for take-off. We have already started work a couple of months ago. We want to bring the best Brazilians and Indians together to establish the plants, and to bring development for Africa.”

    Also, Mr Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Sugar Council, said the Niger Farms project would harness about 90,000 hectares on the shoulder of the recently flagged off Sokoto – Lagos Super Highway to produce 2.5 MT of sugar, 250m litres of Ethanol and generate 300 MW of electricity.

    Bakrin said this would also create 100,000 direct jobs, 250,000 indirect jobs aside the projected 750,000 out grower participants.

    The five billion dollars deal was hailed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and others, who witnessed the signing of the MoU between Niger Foods and the Brazilian company.

    Tuggar praised the Niger government for its private sector approach to the development of agriculture through the creation of Niger Foods.

    He also praised Bago for the choice of the two leading sugar producers in the world with speciality in large scale cultivation (Brazil) and structured small scale outgrower programme (India).

    Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed the support of the Ministry to Niger in its quest for large scale mechanised and integrated agriculture.

    Kyari said the development of the sugar value chain would give birth to a vibrant livestock industry in Niger and the mixed cropping of sugar with soybean would ensure massive foreign exchange earnings.

    NAN

     

  • NDLEA arrests 645 drug suspects, secures 117 convictions

    NDLEA arrests 645 drug suspects, secures 117 convictions

    Flowerbud News

    The Osun Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said it has arrested 645 persons for drug offences and secured 127 convictions.

    The State Commandant, Mr Nnadi Chidi, made this known on Thursday during his address at a workshop on Drug Abuse Prevention organised for Osun State Business Owners Association with the theme “Lounges are not safe havens for drug abuse.”

    Chidi said the arrests and convictions were achieved within his two years as the commandant, adding that a total of 15.8 hectares of Cannabis farms, with 39,500 tons of Cannabis Sativa were also destroyed.

    He explained that drug abuse remained very prevalent in the country and that NDLEA is not relenting on its mandate as this year alone 52,901 drug suspects including 48 barons were arrested.

    “The agency equally secured 9,000 convictions in three years with 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized,” he said.

    He said that the state command has set up its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) programme where the campaign against drug abuse is taken to schools, markets, religious centers and others.

    Chidi said that the NDLEA understood that no individual or agency can win the war against drug abuse alone hence the collaboration with the Osun hospitality owners for a united front in the fight.

    Mr Ibrahim Chakaji, the NDLEA officer who delivered a lecture on the roles of business owners in the fight against drug/substance abuse, spoke on types of drugs and what drug abuse can cause.

    Chakaji said that statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2018, showed that 14.3 million Nigerians (aged between 15 to 64 years) abused drugs and that one out of every four drug users is a female.

    Similarly, Dr Ayantunde Ayankola, who delivered a lecture on curbing drug abuse in this digital age, admonished hospitality owners to ensure they put in place a no drug use policy on their business premises.

    Ayankola also enlightened them on how to detect when someone is using drugs (illicit drugs) and the right steps to take.

    He equally admonished them to ensure they censored their internet facility so as to prevent customers from making drug orders (online) or selling drugs in their premises.

    NAN

  • Gov. Yusuf hands over 76 minors to parents in Kano

    Gov. Yusuf hands over 76 minors to parents in Kano

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has handed over 76 minors discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court in Abuja to their parents in Kano.

    The teenagers had been detained in connection with the EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.

    Handing over the minors on Thursday at Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital, Kano, Yusuf urged them to always be law abiding and shun all acts of unlawful protest in the future.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Wada Sagagi, he urged them to uphold the rule of law and respect constituted authorities.

    The governor announced that the government would sponsor the education of all the reformed minors.

    In the same vein, those who have completed their NCE Education among them would be offered automatic employment during the next recruitment exercise.

    He said that the state government has given a premium to education with 29 per cent budget allocation in 2024 budget and 30 per cent allocation in the proposed 2025 to the education sector.

    Yusuf further directed the Ministry of Education to ensure adequate follow-up on the reformed minors.

    The Commissioner for Education, Haruna Doguwa, explained that the ministry had taken statistics of those who were in Secondary schools among them in order to take them back to school.

    Speaking on behalf of the parents of the minors, Malam Ahmad Muhammad commended the state government for the gesture.

    Earlier, UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Michael Banda, said that the release and reunification of the 76 children and young people from post-detention and interim care was a great development.

    He commended Yusuf for prioritising the rights and welfare of the children.

    Banda reaffirmed the fund’s shared commitment to building a child-friendly Kano where every child enjoys his or her  rights.

    NAN

  • NEC ratifies Board of NSIA

    NEC ratifies Board of NSIA

    Flowerbud News

    The National Economic Council (NEC), on Thursday ratified the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSIA).

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of NEC chaired by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSIA is an independent investment institution, set up to manage Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund in excess of budgeted hydrocarbon revenues.

    It also plays a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians by building a savings base for the Nigerian people.

    Bagudu stated that the council received presentation on the financial statement of affairs of the NSIA and gave its approval

    The minister, said the council commended the board and management of the NSIA for their efforts.

    Bagudu also said that NEC received presentation from the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Physical Commission on alternative funding revenue for the commission.

    “The council noted the mandate of the institution and its critical role in ensuring equatable distribution of resources.

    ” It however disclosed that there is challenge of inadequate funding which severely constraints its capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional duty.

    ” The implications of the underfunding were discussed and the council resolved and appreciated the challenge being faced by the commission.

    “The council directed the secretariat to study the submission as regards to the quantum presented by the commission as well as the legality of request,” he said.

    NAN recalled that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in August inaugurated the new Board of Directors for the NSIA tasked with the critical mandate of steering the nation’s economic growth and stability

    The minister had charged the board members to leverage their expertise and wealth of experience to bear in driving the NSIA’s mission of creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

    The appointed Board of Directors for the NSIA comprises distinguished professionals from various sectors, carefully selected through deliberations and recommendations made by the Executive Nominations Committee.

    The final approval was given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following endorsement by the Vice President who serves as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

    The new Board Members include: Mr. Segun Ogunsanya – Chairman, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu and Mr. Abdullahi Gaya.

    Others are Mr. Ahmed Goniri, Ms. Ada Osakwe, Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Ms. Ijeoma Taylaur and Mr. Kola Owodunni.

    NAN

  • Niger Govt Appeals For FG’s intervention On Deplorable Federal Roads – Special Adviser

    Niger Govt Appeals For FG’s intervention On Deplorable Federal Roads – Special Adviser

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Following the stakeholders meeting held in Minna with the Minister of Works and the delegation to the Federal Ministry of Works led by the Governor, an appeal has gone to the Federal Government to intervene in the deplorable federal roads across the state.

    This is sequel to the fact that the obnoxious situation has become a burden on the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, made the called in an exclusive interview in Minna,.

    He said that Gov. Umar Mohammed Bago cannot get all the projects done alone, coupled with several projects ongoing in the state.

    Usman Ebbo cited Federal Government roads within the state like the Suleja-Minna road awarded fourteen years ago, the Kontogora-Rijau road awarded over ten years and the Baro road project, among others, all yet to be completed despite previous assurances.

    He decried the shortage of resources to fix these roads while the state government is struggling to fix health and education.

    According to him, the state government is also embarking on massive agricultural revolution.

    Usman Ebbo then charged the Federal Government to prioritize Niger State as a strategic state in the country.

    Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo revealed that the situation is more worrisome as Niger State is the centre of Nigeria, pointing out that the economy of the country will collapse if Niger State roads were to be closed.

    He stated that this necessitated the call for more federal presence in the state to ameliorate the plight of the people.

    The Special Adviser further expressed sadness over enormous opportunities in the state that are not being utilized and urged the Federal Government to bring in resources to support Gov Mohammed Umar Bago even as he is already taking the lead in agriculture in the country.

    He called on the state and national assembly members to do more to draw the attention of the Federal Government and make Niger State a priority, as Gov. Umar Bago has prepared the ground to facilitate success of the myriad of Federal Government’s policies and programmes.

  • Why I appointed SSA on Garden egg, yam, pepper – Enugu LG Chairman

    Why I appointed SSA on Garden egg, yam, pepper – Enugu LG Chairman

    Flowerbud News

    The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, has faulted negative online media reports on his recent appointment of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) on Agriculture to boost food production.

    Odo told newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday that the appointment of SSAs on Agriculture, specifically on Garden Egg, Yam and Pepper was a strategic move.

    He said that the appointment was meant to boost production of these crops in large quantity to satisfy local demands and for export.

    The chairman said that the LGA was good in growing these crops and had great comparative advantage, hence the need to engage individuals who had the competence to develop that aspect of agriculture.

    He said, “Their appointments are to ensure that local farmers receive adequate attention, needed resources, support and expertise to enhance production, improve market access and increase income for farmers.

    “In essence, the appointment, which is wrongly misunderstood by disgruntled individuals, bad losers and opposition, reinforces my determination to creating a thriving local economy based on the strength and potentials of Igbo-Etiti’s agricultural landscape.”

    The chairman also said that the decision was well thoughtout, aimed at enhancing productivity, job creation, and to uplift farmers and communities for both short-term and long-term development goals.

    He urged the public to disregard any online or offline comment aimed at discrediting his laudable and visionary efforts to reposition and set Igbo-Etiti council area on the path of massive food production and sustainable development.

    Meanwhile, a financial expert, Mr Kalu Aja, has commended the chairman for the appointment.

    According to Aja, garden eggs has 50 per cent Return on Investment, which many investments could not offer.

    Reacting to the appointment in his X handle, Aja said that garden egg was an economically important crop in the South-East and used as a substitute for kola.

    ”Garden egg is probably the third most consumed fruity vegetable in Nigeria and Ghana, after pepper and tomatoes.

    “The profitability of garden egg farming is very high with more than 50 per cent return on investment,” he said.

    NAN

  • Wike approves N70,000 minimum wage for FCTA workers

    Wike approves N70,000 minimum wage for FCTA workers

    Flowerbud News

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the implementation of N70 national minimum wage for workers of the FCT Administration.

    The acting Head of Civil Service in the FCT, Mrs Grace Adayilo, who announced this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the minister also approved the payment of three months arrears.

    Adayilo explained that the move was part of the minister’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of FCTA workers.

    “The gesture will further spur workers of the administration to support the minister’s efforts toward delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

    The acting head of service also thanked the minister for always granting expeditious approval for payment of staff  allowances and claims.

    NAN

  • Celebrating The State Minister Of Petroleum Gas: Championing Investment In People For Nigeria’s Prosperity

    Celebrating The State Minister Of Petroleum Gas: Championing Investment In People For Nigeria’s Prosperity

    In an era where human capital is the cornerstone of national development, recognizing leaders who prioritize investment in people is essential. Today, we celebrate the State Minister of Petroleum Gas on his conferment of the prestigious Investor in People Award by TEXEM, a leading UK leadership and management consulting firm. This accolade not only honors his commitment to empowering the workforce but also underscores TEXEM’s dedication to corporate citizenship and stewardship, aiming to inspire continued excellence.

    A Visionary Leader Driving Transformation
    The Minister has been a pivotal force in transforming Nigeria’s petroleum gas sector. His strategic initiatives have fostered an environment where talent is nurtured, and innovation thrives. By investing in comprehensive training programs and advocating for employee well-being, he has set a new standard for leadership in the industry.

    Under his guidance, the ministry has implemented policies that emphasize skill development and capacity building. This focus on human capital has led to increased efficiency, boosted morale, and positioned Nigeria as a competitive player on the global stage.

    The Power of Investing in People
    Statistics highlight the profound impact of investing in human resources:

    Economic Growth: According to the International Labour Organization, a 1% increase in training expenditure can lead to a 0.6% increase in productivity.

    Attracting Investment: The World Bank reports that countries with higher human capital indexes attract up to 5 times more foreign direct investment.

    Currency Stability: Nations investing in people often experience stronger economic fundamentals, helping mitigate currency risk and enhancing investor confidence.

    By focusing on developing its workforce, Nigeria can achieve a comparative advantage, attract substantial foreign investment, and address currency challenges more effectively.

    Celebrating a Team Committed to Excellence Behind the Minister’s success is a dedicated team led by Abel Nsa, who exemplify a growth mindset and a culture of continuous learning.

    Their unwavering commitment to sustainable development has been instrumental in driving the ministry’s achievements.This team’s efforts have not only advanced the petroleum gas sector but have also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.

    A Call to Action for Continued Progress
    “Leaders like the State Minister of Petroleum Gas illuminate the path toward sustainable national development,” says Dr. Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK.

    “His unwavering commitment to investing in people sets a benchmark for excellence. We encourage him to continue this noble pursuit and urge other leaders to emulate his example. By prioritizing our greatest asset—our people—we pave the way for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.”

    Mr. Alexander Emmanuel, a Deputy Director at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s visionary leadership. He shared his experience of being selected for offshore capacity development at TEXEM UK after 20 years of service, marking his first such opportunity. Emmanuel’s testimonial is a powerful endorsement of the Minister’s commitment to human capital development.

    The Strategic Importance of Human Capital Development Investing in people is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity. It fosters innovation, drives economic growth, and enhances a nation’s competitiveness. For Nigeria, embracing this approach is critical to unlocking its vast potential and achieving long-term prosperity.

    Comparative Advantage: Skilled and knowledgeable workforces enable countries to specialize and excel in specific industries.
    Foreign Direct Investment: Investors are more likely to commit resources to nations with competent and efficient labor markets.

    Addressing Currency Risks: A strong economy built on human capital can better withstand external financial shocks, stabilizing the national currency.

    Inspiring Others to Lead Through Investment
    The Minister’s recognition serves as an inspiring example of how visionary leadership can enact meaningful change. His dedication to human capital development not only benefits the petroleum gas sector but also sets a precedent for other industries.

    We call upon all leaders, both in the public and private sectors, to recognize the transformative power of investing in people. By fostering environments where employees can grow and contribute meaningfully, we collectively strengthen the fabric of our nation.
    Conclusion

    The Investor in People Award bestowed upon the State Minister of Petroleum Gas is a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s future. As we honor his achievements, we also look forward to the continued positive impact of his work.

    This celebration is more than an acknowledgment; it’s a rallying cry for sustained investment in our most valuable resource—our people. Through such dedication, Nigeria can achieve unparalleled growth, stability, and prosperity for generations to come.

    By recognizing and celebrating leaders who invest in people, TEXEM reaffirms its mission to inspire excellence and foster sustainable development. Let us all join in this commitment to build a brighter future for Nigeria.

  • Zenith Bank Announces Zecathon 4.0, Offers Over ₦70 Million Cash Prizes for Startups.

    Zenith Bank Announces Zecathon 4.0, Offers Over ₦70 Million Cash Prizes for Startups.

    Zenith Bank has announced the fourth edition of its flagship Startup Pitch Competition and Incubation Program, Zecathon 4.0, as part of the highly anticipated Zenith Bank Tech Fair. Now in its fourth year, the program seeks to identify and fast-track the growth of high-potential Nigerian startups innovating in key sectors, including Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity, Fintech, HealthTech, Agritech, E-commerce, and more. Free applications are now open at https://beyondlimits.global/zenithbankpitchcompetition/.

    Comprising a startup pitch competition and six-week incubation program designed to equip participants with the mentorship, exposure, and strategic partnerships needed to thrive in the fast-evolving tech landscape, the program will provide an ideal platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and gain access to invaluable resources to scale their businesses.

    “Zenith Bank remains dedicated to nurturing Nigeria’s startup ecosystem,” said Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc. “Through Zecathon 4.0, we aim to unlock the potential of visionary entrepreneurs, propelling them toward scalable growth and success,” she added.

    Open to early-stage Nigerian startups with innovative solutions in focus sectors such as FMCG, insurance, education, retail & ecommerce, cybersecurity, agriculture, health, payments, lending, and transportation; the competition offers cash prizes totaling ₦77.5 million, mentorship, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities. The top three winners will win ₦25 million, ₦20 million, and ₦15 million in cash prizes, respectively. The remaining seven startups that make up the top ten will win ₦2.5 million each.

    In addition to the cash rewards, the winners will be inducted into a six-week incubation program designed to help them grow and scale effectively, which will run from December 2024 to February 2025. To participate, applicants must submit their entries by November 15, 2024. After that, finalists will be announced on November 18, 2024, and will proceed to the physical pitch competition on November 21, 2024.

    To be eligible for the Pitch Competition and Incubation Program, startups must be early-stage Nigerian entities with registered businesses operating in one or more of the designated focus sectors and possess a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with demonstrated market traction. Additionally, applicants must present a scalable business model with clear growth potential.

    To apply, visit https://beyondlimits.global/zenithbankpitchcompetition/

    Last year’s edition of the Pitch Competition showcased outstanding talent, with the top three winners receiving significant cash awards. Notably, Sync emerged as the first-place winner, taking home N20 million, while Skil Up With Kahdsole (SUWK) secured second place with N15 million, and Tribapay claimed third place with N10 million.  In addition, seven other finalists each received N2 million and participated fully in the comprehensive incubation program designed to propel their business growth and scalability.

    About Zenith Bank

    Zenith Bank Plc was established in May 1990 and commenced operations in July of the same year as a commercial bank. The Bank became a public limited company on June 17, 2004, and was listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on October 21, 2004, following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). Zenith Bank Plc currently has a shareholder base of over half a million and is Nigeria’s biggest bank by tier-1 capital. In 2013, the Bank listed $850 million worth of its shares at $6.80 each on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

     

    About Beyond Limits (Official Program Implementation Partner, Zecathon 4.0)

    Beyond Limits is a leading organization dedicated to driving innovation, leadership transformation, and business growth. The company focuses on three core pillars: (1) fostering entrepreneurship development, (2) facilitating tech ecosystem growth, and (3) promoting leadership and digital transformation.