Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Niger Govt. commits to provision of quality heathcare

    Niger Govt. commits to provision of quality heathcare

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Niger Government has said it is committed to initiating more policies and programmes that will have direct bearing on the health status of the people of the state

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Bago on Digital Media and Strategy, Usman Abdulbaq-Ebbo, stated this on Wednesday in Minna.

    He said that Bago was giving the health sector the desired attention to ensure that no medical worker flees the state.

    According to him, the state government has reaffirmed the commitment of the led-administration’s willingness to reposition both primary and tertiary health sector in order to achieve health for all.

    Andulbagy-Ebbo explained that the Doctors’ quarters at the General Hospital, Minna had been in a poor condition for many years, resulting in a terrible living condition for the doctors.

    He stated that the governor had completely transformed the doctors’ residential building, making the quarters habitable and conducive for them.

    The special adviser further revealed that the first ever state University Teaching Hospital anmed ‘Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital Minna’, was under construction.

    He hinted that the state-owned IBB Specialist Hospital was undergoing remodeling, with new departments being created and state-of-the-art facilities installed for effective service delivery.

    Abdulbagy-Ebbo maintained that the state government has also begun the construction of 100, level-2 primary healthcare centres.

    He explained that about of them would be completed in the next 10 weeks.

    The aide said, ”This is an indication that the present administration under the leadership of has prioritised the health sector in enhancing positive results.”

    NAN

  • Reps monthly salary is N600,000, not N900,000, says Spokesperson

    Reps monthly salary is N600,000, not N900,000, says Spokesperson

    Flowerbud News

    The House of Representatives’ monthly salary is N600,000 as against the N900,000 that is being speculated, says Rep. Akin Rotimi.

    Rotimi, who is the Spokesperson of House. made the clarification in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the house to the 50 per cent deduction in their salary to reduce hardship.

    “The House of Representatives has been inundated by some media outlets reporting claims of discrepancies in the salaries of members, suggesting that we received 100 per cent of oir July salaries.

    “The report claimed that our salary amounted to N936,979

    “We wish to clarify that the actual monthly salary for members is N600,000, after deductions for advances such as housing, which are paid at the commencement of the tenure,” he said.

    He said that the member who displayed his salary on a TV programme was an exceptional case, because he assumed office through a court decision many months after the on-boarding process was concluded.

    He said that the house remained committed to the resolution passed on July 18, which mandated a 50 percent reduction in the salaries of members for six months.

    “We acknowledge and regret that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for the month of July.

    “Resolutions of the House are ratified when the votes and proceedings of plenary are adopted on the next legislative day. Consequently, the bureaucracy was only formally instructed on July 23.”

    He said that the delay in the implementation was due to necessary administrative procedures and coordination with financial institutions.

    He added that instructions for adjusting salaries had since been issued and would be enforced moving forward to ensure its pledge is fully realised.

    “There is nothing to investigate, as some media houses reported, as the House’s position on this matter had been provided to some journalists who had reached out for clarification.”

    He called for patience and assured the House of its steadfast adherence to its pledge and sustained efforts to earn the trust and confidence of all Nigerians.

    NAN

  • Plateau Govt. relaxes 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis

    Plateau Govt. relaxes 24-hour curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis

    Flowerbud News

    The Plateau State Government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos-Bukuru metropolis, following violent protest in the area.

    Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Bere said Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who ordered relaxation of the curfew, said there would now be free movement between 2:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m., effective Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the government on Sunday, imposed the 24-hour curfew on the Jos-Bukuru axis, following looting of public and private assets by some hoodlums in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The miscreants took advantage of the nationwide ”End Bad Governance” protest to perpetrate the criminal acts.

    Bere, who said that the decision to relax the curfew was in consonance with the security agencies.

    ”Following the improvement in security situation within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the state government has relaxed the earlier imposed 24-hour curfew.

    ”Effective from Wednesday, August 7, residents of the area can move freely between the hours of 2p.m. and 6p.m. daily until further notice.

    ”Gov. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang emphasises the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order,” the DOPPA said.

    He said that government would continue to review the curfew as the security situation improves.

    Bere added that the governor also urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

    ”He assured the public of government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.

    ”The governor commended the residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their cooperation is vital in safeguarding the collective interests of the state,” he said.

    NAN

  • How Blessing Oborududu put Nigerian wrestling on global map

    How Blessing Oborududu put Nigerian wrestling on global map

    Flowerbud News

    In the history of Nigerian sports, no wrestler has ever won more accolades than Blessing Oborududu.

    For over a decade, she has made Nigeria proud at international competitions.

    Oborududu’s remarkable achievements include winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Games, making her the best female wrestler from Africa. She has also won 12 African championships.

    She is also a 2-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and one-time bronze medalist.

    Oborududu made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as she became the first Nigerian wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics,  taking home silver in the 68 kilogram category.

    This is not only a moment of joy for Nigerians but it also awakened new generation wrestlers.

    Oborududu’s fame spread beyond the African continent where she has won gold medals in Islamic Solidarity Games and Yasar Dogu Tournament, Turkey,  making her a global wrestling powerhouse.

    On account of her achievements, Oborududu was selected to be Nigeria’s flag bearer during international tournaments that include Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

    She has shown love and commitment toward her country through sports, thereby becoming one of Nigeria’s  loved sport ambassadors.

    Her legacy extended beyond simply winning medals.  She has helped  popularise wrestling in Nigeria, and also improved its overall participation by influencing a new generation of athletes from her successful career.

    Blessing Oborududu’s achievements are a testimony to her hard work, persistence and dedication.

    She is an epitome of success that could be accomplished through doggedness and enthusiasm, thus motivating wrestlers and all Nigerians to strive for the best.

    At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Oborududu defeated her Canadian opponent, Linda Morais with a convincing 8-2 victory in the preliminary stage, and later quarter-final match.  She put Larroque Koumba of France to the sword 6-2 to set a semi-final bout with Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan.

    She eventually lost to Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan, 1-3 in the semi-final and later to her Japanese counterpart, Nonoka Ozaki 3-0 in the bronze medal match.

    The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) and Olympic gold medalist, Daniel Igali, commended the world number 6, despite her loss at the bronze medal bout to her Japanese counterpart, Ozaki on Tuesday.

    in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Tuesday in Paris, Igali said that the federation had a lot of work to do to replace her.

    “She did her best. She has really represented Nigeria very well as an exemplary athlete.

    “Four Olympic appearances. Olympic silver medallist. 14-time African champion, three-time-African games champion, two-time commonwealth games champion.

    “We have quite a lot of work to do to replace her. I doff my hat for Blessing Oborududu,” Igali said.

    The Secretary-General of the federation, Haruna Maigidansanma, described Oborududu as a huge talent that has brought glory to Nigeria through wrestling.

    “Oborududu is a top professional, and we are very proud of her at the federation. I hope she will agree to mentor interested Nigerians on the mat.

    “She has etched her name in the annals of Nigerian sports history, becoming the country’s most decorated wrestler.

    “With a career spanning not less than a decade, she has consistently made Nigeria proud on the global stage,” Maigidansama said.

    NAN

  • Army detains soldier over death of protester in Kaduna

    Army detains soldier over death of protester in Kaduna

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigerian Army has detained a soldier suspected to have killed a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, while attempting to stop hoodlums who were causing mayhem in Samaru, Zaria in Kaduna State on Tuesday.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru area of Zaria  in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones on security personnel.

    He said the troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the State Government.

    “On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of Mohammed.

    “The soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation as at the time of this report,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was saddened by the unfortunate incident.

    He said the COAS had sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.

    According to him, the deceased was buried according to Islamic rites with senior military officers of the Nigerian army in attendance.

    NAN

  • Organisation urges Tinubu to restrategise approach in addressing hardship

    Organisation urges Tinubu to restrategise approach in addressing hardship

     

    Flowerbud News

    The Katsina State chapter of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, (JIBWIS), has called on President Bola Tinubu to restrategise his approach in addressing the economic hardship in the country.

    The leader of the Islamic sect in the state, Sheikh Yakubu Musa-Hassan, made the call on Wednesday in Katsina during an interactive session with journalists.

    He also called on protesters to shun such an act, as it was not the best, considering the existing security situation in some parts of the country, urging them to rather embark on a national prayer.

    Musa-Hassan further gave an example with the incident of vandalism, stealing and killing as a result of the protests as the reason they have called on the youths to sheath their swords.

    He, therefore, called on parents to always call their children to order, so as to avoid their involvement in such nefarious acts.

    The  cleric said, “The protests should serve as a lesson to the state Governors and Tinubu, in order to restratagise their approaches in addressing the dire economic situation in the country.

    “Tinubu should adopt the follow-up method in ensuring that whatever support he released to be shared to the people reaches those that are in dire need of it, but not to be shared to politicians.

    “Many people were not aware of such financial and food support from the Federal Government, therefore, the president should restratagise.

    “Giving food and money to that in need is not enough, the government should teach the youths entrepreneurship for them to be self-reliant.”

    Musa-hassan called on those that the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility  of sharing such largesse to the public to fear Allah and deliver it to the people it was meant for.

    According to him, failure to do so, they should await the punishment from Allah on the judgment day, where they have nothing to pay with, except with their little good deeds.

    He also responded to social media reports alleging that JIBWIS was given Federal Government’s rice for distribution to people, saying “I have never seen a single bag of such rice.

    Musa-Hassan said, “I am only aware of the rice given to the headquarters of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, with office in Kaduna, but not directly to JIBWIS.

    “The headquarters set up a committee to distribute the rice. Hence, I didn’t see a single bag of such rice as the leader of JIBWIS in Katsina.

    “Also, as the Chairman of the Council in the state, I was not part of the distribution. Therefore, people should not accuse JIBWIS of hijacking the rice meant for the public.”

    NAN

  • Kamala Harris picks Walz as vice-presidential nominee

    Kamala Harris picks Walz as vice-presidential nominee

    Flowerbud News

    Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, has picked Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, to be her vice presidential running mate in the race for the White House.

    With three months to go into the U.S. presidential election, this is Harris’ first major decision since becoming her centre-left party’s candidate to go up against former Republican president Donald Trump.

    She said, “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked Tim Walz to be my running mate,’’ Harris posted on social media.

    “As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he’s delivered for working families like his. It’s great to have him on the team.’’

    Her still-new campaign has had to move fast since President Joe Biden ended his flailing bid for re-election two weeks ago and passed the baton to Harris.

    Harris and Walz are now set to launch a tour of the key battleground states that would decide the outcome of the Nov. 5, election.

    At their first appearance together, at a rally in Philadelphia, Harris said the pair was the underdogs in the race to the White House.

    Harris said, ”But, we have momentum and I know exactly what we are up against.”

    Harris said she and Walz hailed from different corners of the U.S…

    She added, “But our values are the same. We both believe in lifting people up, not knocking them down,’’ she said.

    “We both know that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.

    “And we see in our fellow Americans neighbours, never enemies. My promise to you is this: our campaign will reach out to everyone.’’

    Walz took a swipe at Trump during his address to the rally.

    He said, “Again, and again, and again, Trump weakens our economy to strengthen his own hand,’’ he said.

    “He mocks our laws, he sows chaos and division and that’s to say nothing of his record as president.’’

    Walz, 60, has been the governor of Minnesota since 2019.

    U.S. political analysts believed the former public school teacher and member of the U.S. Army National Guard could help Harris appeal to both working-class and progressive voters in the industrial Midwest where key battleground states are located.

    He was thrown into the spotlight last month for remarks in which he called Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, “weird.’’

    As use of the word went viral online, the Democratic Party began to adopt the label for Trump, too.

    Walz beat out Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania and Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky.

    Arizona Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly was also in the mix for the number two job.

    “It is the honour of a lifetime to join Kamala Harris in this campaign. I’m all in,’’ Walz wrote in his own social media post, which also showcased his folksy demeanour.

    Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.

    dpa/NAN

  • Gov. Mutfwang meets Muslim leaders, urges calm in Jos

    Gov. Mutfwang meets Muslim leaders, urges calm in Jos

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has called on residents of the state, particularly youths, to exchew violence and embrace peaceful coexistence.

    Mutfwang made the call during a meeting with Muslim leaders in the state, on Tuesday in Jos.

    The governor, who expressed his desire toward a peaceful and tranquil Plateau, appealed to the leaders to preach peace in their various communities

    He said that the nationwide protest in the state was peaceful, but regretted that hoodlums hijacked it and started looting public and private assets, particularly in Jos North Local Government Area.

    ”We have shown Nigerians that we can live together as brothers; Plateau was the envy of other states.

    ”Unfortunately, in the last two days, those who are not happy that we are living in peace, decided to strike.

    ”So, we are here as leaders to seek ways to address this challenge. It is my desire that during my time as governor there be peace on the Plateau.

    ”This should be your desire as leaders; Plateau is beautiful and blessed with all the natural endowments, we must work together to ensure united and peaceful state,”he said.

    Responding, Alhaji Mohammadu Sambo, the Emir of Wase and Chairman, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in the state, thanked the governor for coverging the meeting.

    Sambo, who commended the peace efforts of the state government, said that the entire Muslim Ummah in the state would continue to support the governor to succeed.

    ”The Muslim community on the Plateau are here; and sir, we are proud of you and we will continue to support you to succeed.

    ”The happenings in the past few days is quite unfortunate but we are already putting our heads together to address the situation.

    ”Sir, we want to appeal that you should not use the few bad eggs to judge us, the Muslim Ummah in Plateau are largely peaceful,”he appealed.

    NAN

  • Amusan leads into women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals

    Amusan leads into women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals

    Flowerbud News

    World record holder Oluwatobiloba Amusan on Wednesday in Paris qualified for the semi-finals of the women’s 100 metres event at the 2024 Olympic Games.

    Amusan recorded a time of 12.49 seconds to win her heat, ahead of Alaysha Johnson of the U.S who had a time of 12.61 secs.

    Janeek Brown of Jamaica, with a time of 12.84, also qualified in third place from the heat at the Stade de France.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trio and 12 others, including Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, advanced to Friday’s semi-finals.

    They are to be joined by the next three fastest runners from the five heats, as well as those who will qualify from the repechage round by midday Thursday.

    Races in the repechage round will take place on Thursday morning, with 21 runners fighting for three semi-final slots.

    NAN reports that the event’s final will take on Saturday.

    NAN