Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Bago settles 21-year-old N25bn pension arrears

    Bago settles 21-year-old N25bn pension arrears

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Niger Government has approved N25 billion to clear 21-year-old outstanding pension and gratuity arrears owed to both retired local and state government civil servants.

    Gov. Umaru Bago stated this in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Tuesday.

    He said that this substantial payment underscored his administration’s dedication to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants after their meritorious service years.

    According to him, in addition to settling these long-standing arrears, his government has also paid N20,000 wage award to the civil servants across the board for the second time in two months.

    Bago further revealed that the state government has commenced the payment of all outstanding leave grants that have been pending from 2018 to date.

    This move is seen as a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on the retirees.

    Some have not received their pensions for over 20 years, leading to a considerable backlog,
    hence the payment process to continue in batches, starting from the retirees from the local government areas.

    According to the governor, the current administration under his leadership is committed to ensuring that pension payments are made on time moving forward, to prevent similar situations in the future.

    Bago also issued a stern warning against any attempts to alter the serial numbers and files of the beneficiaries, warning that anyone found guilty of such actions would face severe consequences.

    NAN

  • Student loan: FG disburses N2.5bn institution fees to 12 schools

    Student loan: FG disburses N2.5bn institution fees to 12 schools

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), says it has disbursed more than N2.5 billion institution fees to 12 schools across the country.
    The Spokesman of the Fund, Nasir Ayitogo, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that 22,120 students benefited from the exercise.
    According to Ayitogo, the gesture is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerians.
    He said the strategic effort aimed to ensure that students who really need the funds could continue their education by lowering burden of financial constraints.
    Ayitogo said that disbursements were made based on each institution’s academic calendar – beginning of session.
    “So far, six of the 12 institutions have received full payment of their institutional fees, covering over 20,000 students.
    “The total amount disbursed to these institutions stands at approximately N2,026,163,340. A further six will receive their payments in the coming week.
    “These disbursements will ensure that Nigerian students can proceed with their academic activities unimpeded, fostering peace of mind much needed for these students and their families,” he said.
    Ayitogo said NELFUND had also commenced the payment of upkeep to students in addition to the institution fees.
    According to him, this initiative will provide essential financial support for living expenses as N442 million has been allocated for the month of July.
    “The upkeep payments will benefit all 22,120 students across the 12 institutions, with more to come in the coming weeks and months.
    “This is reflecting the federal government’s commitment to the  overall well-being and academic success of Nigerian students in government institutions.
    “These figures highlight NELFUND’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that financial constraints do not impede academic pursuits.
    “NELFUND believes that these disbursements will significantly ease the financial burdens on students and their families, enabling them to focus on their studies and future careers”.
    NAN
  • 95% of Borno protesters underaged – Zulum

    95% of Borno protesters underaged – Zulum

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has alleged that 95 per cent of the youths that participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zulum made this known in a broadcast to the people of Borno where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.

    Zulum said: “Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.

    “A six- year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno.

    “While we are not discouraging the Almajiri education, we must however have their teachers or guardians looking after them.”

    Zulum said that a situation where thousands of children were living in Maiduguri in the name of Almajiri without care from anyone needed to be looked into.

    He said that some of the actions of the hoodlums that hijacked the Maiduguri protests included the destruction and looting of public properties including hospitals.

    “In what could have been a major disaster, attempts were made by the hoodlums on several occasions to attack the Maiduguri Emergency Power Gas Plant, however, it was averted by our gallant security forces..

    “Violence has no place in our society and I implore citizens to reject any call to arms or act of aggression.

    “As we lift the curfew on Saturday, any person that engages in looting and violent activities will be dealt with accordingly,” Zulum said.

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to positively transform the state, citing interventions in various sectors, particularly infrastructure, health and education.

    Zulum said: “We have distributed rounds of food and non food items palliatives within Maiduguri and other LGAs, scaled up our support to farmers through sales of fertiliser, and provided seeds and farm inputs to enhance food production.

    “We want to also invest in irrigation agriculture and livestock development. ”

    NAN

  • Police discover 6 projectile grenades abandoned by terrorists in Borno

    Police discover 6 projectile grenades abandoned by terrorists in Borno

    Flowerbud News

    The Borno Police Command said it has discovered six projectile grenades allegedly abandoned by terrorists at Ajilari Cross area in Maiduguri.

    The  Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Yusuf Lawal, who disclosed this on Saturday while providing a situation report to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Maiduguri, said the projectiles were discovered on Friday.

    Lawal said that the personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Device(EOD), Base 13, deployed to the scene to assess the grenades discovered that they were manufactured with incendiary chemicals.

    He said that the affected area was thoroughly screened and the projectiles were recovered intact, rendering the area safe.

    “In a separate incident, 20 suspects were arrested for burning tyres and inciting disturbances in Maiduguri.

    ”They are currently under interrogation and investigation for transparent prosecution,”he said.

    Lawal explained that another violent incident occurred on the same day  in Bassam Galomari Village, Gubio II Ward, under Gubio Local Government Area.

    According to him,  Fulani herdsmen, carrying cows, allegedly entered a farm belonging to a local resident, leading to a confrontation.

    Lawal said, ”The farm owner attempted to remove the herdsmen from his property, but they resisted, and one of the Fulani men attacked the farmer, cutting both his hands.

    ”The victim was rushed to Gubio Hospital, where he was referred to Maiduguri Hospital for further treatment.\\

    He added that the security agencies have been mandated to respond to the situation with a view to resolving the crisis.

    Lawal said that the  security forces have remained on high alert, working to maintain public safety and prevent further incidents.

    NAN

  • Minister begs for suspension of nationwide protest

    Minister begs for suspension of nationwide protest

    Flowerbud News

    Shuaibu made the call in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Saturday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest, which commenced on Aug. 1, and is expected to end by  Aug.10, was organised in response to the challenges being faced in the country.

    The minister urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue in addressing  all their concerns regarding the difficulties being faced in the country.

    He also urged them to trust President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is working assiduously to address the challenges in the country.

    According to the minister, the policies and strategic plans of the current administration  were aimed at driving Nigeria to economic prosperity, improved welfare, quality education and strengthen health systems.

    He added that other policies were  focused  on improved social amenities, food security, and infrastructural development, among others.

    He assured Nigerians that their desire for good governance would be achieved before the end of the current administration’s first tenure.

    “Mr President has shown countless times, his concern for the plight of Nigerians, with the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.

    “Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.

    “In response  to the challenges of the masses in the face of the ongoing reforms, President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each to over 100,000 families per state for three months.

    “This will  impact close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. My colleague, the  Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, with the directive  of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days.

    “These are  strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation  being implemented,” he said .

    Audu said that 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize were being imported, which would be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

    He further explained that, in strengthening the health sector, the president had directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, aimed at facilitating access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

    “In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, while we attract Foreign Direct Investments as a means of growing and diversifying the economy,” he said.

    The minister appealed to Nigerians to end  the protest, citing its hijack by miscreants, who were  already  causing mayhem and a breakdown of law and order across the country.

    He commended the people of Kogi  for not participating in the protest, saying they instead, resorted to dialogue and collaborative efforts with the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government of the state.

    NAN

  • No protester in our custody-Lagos Police Command

    No protester in our custody-Lagos Police Command

    Flowerbud News

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it is presently not holding anyone for participating in the ongoing protest against hardship in the state.

    The command ‘s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Friday in Lagos, stated that no protester was in its custody.

    “All protesters arrested on Thursday were released same Thursday.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, called the State CID to order for their release,” he said.

    One of those leading the protests, Mr Inibehe Effiong ,had told the gathering at Gani Fawehinmi Park that no fewer than 12 protesters were arrested on Thursday.

    Effiong ,however, later corroborated the police spokesperson’s claim that all those arrested had been released.

    He commended the police and other security agents for their professional  handling  of the protest in the  state.

    NAN reports that the #Endbadgovernance protesters on Friday gathered in front of of Park in Ojota for the second day.

    It observed that the Lagos police chief was personally on ground to monitor the protest to ensure that it was not hijacked by hoodlums.

    NAN also observed that the Commissioner of Police  provided water and snacks for the protesters.

    NAN  reports that the protesters suspended their agitations for a while to observe Jumat prayers at the park

    NAN

  • Protest:No record of vandalism yet in FCT, says NSCDC Commandant

    Protest:No record of vandalism yet in FCT, says NSCDC Commandant

    Flowerbud News

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has said that there was no report of vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the territory.

    Odumosu said this after inspecting some CNAI  in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odumosu visited  railway stations at Wupa, Kukwaba 1 and 2, Bassanjiwa, Gwagwa and Idu areas of the FCT.

    In addition; was the inspection of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Headquarters, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Wuse, FCT Water Board in Asokoro and the Abuja Central Mosque.

    The commandant commended protesters for not interfering with the activities at the rail way stations as the protest progresses.

    “ We discovered that non of the railway corridors were tampered with by miscreants during the day-1 protest but day-2 is still ongoing.

    “We have a collective duty to protect CNAI as these amenities were provided with our common wealth.

    “Destruction of these facilities will take us years backwards and the NSCDC will not tolerate that,” Odumosu said.

    He added that although it was the right of every citizen to engage in peaceful protests, the Corps will not tolerate any attempt to cause destruction of government properties and installations,” the commandant said.

    Odumosu however frowned at the attack of motorists on Thursday at Lugbe area of the territory and the burning of private vehicles at Nyanya.

    “I am calling on the public to embrace dialogue as this is the civilised way to air grievances as violence will only cause more harm than good,” he reiterated.

    During the commandant’s visit to the Idu railway, the FCT Administration (FCTA), Director of Transport, Engr. Joseph Akinteye commended the personnel of the corps  for their diligence in securing the railway stations.

    “We have not had any case of vandalism in a long while, this shows the commitment of your men in securing critical infrastructure in the FCT,” Akinteye said.

    NAN

  • Protest: Police detain 81 suspected miscreants in Sokoto

    Protest: Police detain 81 suspected miscreants in Sokoto

    Flowerbud News

    The  Police Command in Sokoto State has detained 81 individuals posing as  protesters in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by ASP Ahmad Rufai, the command  Public Relations Officer  in Sokoto on Friday.

    Rufai praised the swift action of the police and dedication to public safety.

    “The police in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, successfully apprehended 81 miscreants.

    “These individuals disguised themselves as peaceful protesters,” he said.

    Rufai said  that the protest which began early Thursday morning under the close security watch, turned violent around 3:00 PM.

    “Billboards and iron railings on some major roads within the state were vandalised.

    “However, to maintain law and order, the joint patrol team made the arrests.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Ali Kaigama, acknowledged the rights of  residents to protest but condemned the destruction of public infrastructure,”he said.

    Rufai  assured that any violent protester causing destruction would be arrested and prosecuted.

    NAN

  • Port users demand clarity on import duty waivers

    Port users demand clarity on import duty waivers

    Flowerbud News

    Port users have called on the Federal Government to release a comprehensive list of food items affected by the import duty suspension.

    The port operators made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, while expressing concerns about its implementation.

    Dr Kayode Farinto, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wealthy Honey Investment Ltd., urged the Comptroller-General of Customs to publish the list of exempted items.

    Farinto, a former executive of the Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), suggested additional measures to alleviate the burden on clearing agents.

    He listed the measures to include a fixed exchange rate for imports and an extended age limit for imported vehicles.

    “If the government can provide an official rate for people traveling to Jerusalem, I see no reason why it cannot consider the clearing agents for waivers on import duties or peg the exchange rate of imported goods at N1,000.

    “The government should also review the age limit for imported vehicles to 15 years, instead of 13 years. This measure could help reduce the sufferings of the masses,” Farinto said.

    Also, a Reverend, Nicodemus Odolo, a Trustee of the Shippers Association, Lagos (SAL), while supporting the duty waiver, emphasised the need to ban food exports to ensure domestic sufficiency.

    Odolo also raised concerns about the potential impact on local farmers and called for improved security to encourage agricultural production.

    The federal government announced the suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items on Monday as a measure to combat rising food prices.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the move aims to make basic necessities more affordable for Nigerians.

    Adeniyi also said that the NCS had streamlined export processes to facilitate the efficient movement of Nigerian goods to international markets.

    He said that the initiative included the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorised economic operators and a time-release study designed to enhance trade, stimulate the economy, and create new opportunities.

    “These reforms will provide farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with a faster path to global markets, with benefits to families and communities,” he said.

    NAN