Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Protest: Price of perishable foodstuff crashes in Lagos

    Protest: Price of perishable foodstuff crashes in Lagos

    Flowerbud News

    The protest with hashtag #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria is planned to end on 10 August.

    It is aimed at calling the Federal Government’s attention to the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

    Some traders and buyers at Ile-epo food market at Alimosho/Agege area of Lagos state, confirmed the development in separate interviews with NAN on Friday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that local food markets across the area witnessed less activities than usual due to the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.

    A tomato trader at Ile-epo market, Agege area, Mr Rabiu Aliu, said the price of some perishable  food items ranging from tomatoes, chilli pepper and others dropped to minimise loss due to low patronage caused by the protest.

    “A 50kg basket of tomatoes now sells for between N40,000 and N50,000 as against N80,000 to N100,000 two weeks ago.

    “A 25kg basket sells between N18,000 and N19,000 as against N30,000 to N40,000 two weeks ago.

    “We have no choice but to sell off because few customers are available to buy the produce. The purchasing power is actually low at the moment,” Aliu said.

    Also speaking, another trader, Mrs Mukit Afolabi, said that the price of perishable items had dropped in the market as a result of the hunger protest.

    “On Day 1 of the protest, tomatoes were even cheaper because there was no one to buy.

    “I bought 5kg basket of tomatoes at N4,000. As of two weeks ago, it sold for N12,000. So, I think the protest is contributory to the drop in price.

    “However, rodo (scotch bonnet pepper) is still expensive. On Monday, a bag was sold for N40,000 but today, a bag sells at N84,000 because it is currently unavailable in the market.

    “No produce truck has delivered any pepper since Wednesday, the day before the protest began,” Afolabi said.

    A foodstuff trader, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, also affirmed a drop in the price of rice and beans.

    “A 50kg bag of short grain rice now sells for N73,000 as against N83,000 last month. While the long grain sells for N78,000 per 50 kg bag as against N87,000 to N88,000.

    “A paint bucket of honey beans now sells for N10,000 as against N12,000 it was sold in July.
    Other varieties now sell for between N8,000 and N9,000,” he said.

    NAN reports that other items such as groundnut oil and palm oil recorded tremendous increase in price.

    Mrs Hope Osagie, a trader of the produce at the Agege Market, said that the price of the produce had increased in the last couple of days.

    “A 25 litre of groundnut oil now sells at N60,000 as against N38,000 that was sold a month ago.

    “While a 25 litre of palm oil now sells for N36,000 as against N27,000 in July.

    “We really do not know the reason for the hike but generally food stuff prices have been rather unpredictable,” Osagie said.

    However, a buyer, Mrs Anuoluwa Olayinka, expressed excitement over the drop in the price of tomatoes and other perishable items.

    “I bought as much as I could afford as I saw the price had dropped.

    “Well, there are just few people in the market, which is quite unusual for a Friday. So, I guess traders just want to sell off to minimise loss,” Olayinka said.

    Another buyer, Mrs Ada Uzor, said that “foodstuff prices are unpredictable but I think the protest contributed to the slight price drop of  some items.”

    NAN

  • N-HYPPADEC: SGF inaugurates New Bussa waterworks abandoned for 30 years

    N-HYPPADEC: SGF inaugurates New Bussa waterworks abandoned for 30 years

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The joy of the residents of New Busa on Wednesday knew no bounds as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, inaugurated their water works project which has been stalled for over 30 years.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akume inaugurated the rehabilitated and expanded New Bussa water scheme at the project site on Wednesday.

    The SGF said that it was an important milestone in the journey of the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, towards improving living standards and attaining sustainable development.

    NAN also reports that the SGF was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.

    The project was executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

    Akume said, ”We gather here to inaugurate the newly rehabilitated Water Works of New Bussa, a project that exemplifies the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.

    ”For quite a while, the people of New Bussa have grappled with the challenge of accessing clean potable water.

    ”This basic necessity, which many take for granted elsewhere, has been a luxury for far too long in this community. But the government has heard your concerns. We listened, and we acted.

    ”The rehabilitation of the New Bussa water scheme is not simply about revamping old infrastructure and building additional structures; it is about transforming lives.

    ”Mothers will no longer have to worry about the safety of the water they give their children. Hours previously spent fetching water can now be dedicated to education, farming, business and family.”

    He said that the improved water supply would boost public health and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. It will support local businesses, attract investment and contribute to the overall development of New Bussa town and environs.

    Akume said, ”The Federal Government recognises that New Bussa, as a resettled town, has unique challenges.

    ”In spite of the presence of several federal parastatals and military outfits in the town, basic amenities have been lacking.

    ”This water project is a step towards rectifying that imbalance. It is an open testament to our belief that every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves access to clean and safe water.

    ”This project aligns with the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

    ”The newly rehabilitated water station now supplies water that meets global standards for quality water supply. This project, ladies and gentlemen, is about quenching thirst as much as it is about preventing water-borne diseases, improving public health and enhancing overall quality of life.”

    Gov. Umaru Bago said that the project would bring to an end the perennial water problem experienced in New Bussa and environs over the years.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Suleiman Umaru, Bago said, ”The provision of sustainable potable water at people’s disposal remains the driving force of socioeconomic development in every society.

    He said, ”Given the critical importance of water supply, our administration has made it a cardinal objective for Nigerlites.

    ”Our State is blessed with abundant water resources which are optimally harnessed for portable water supply, agriculture, navigation, industrialization and recreation.

    ”However, there is still a significant facility deficit, in spite of the progress made in the past, we are committed to a sound infrastructure replacement and expansion program in the sector.

    ”It is important to state that this administration has made rehabilitation and resuscitation of the water sector as one of the cardinal objectives of our New Niger Agenda.”

    The governor appreciated that the water sector was capital intensive and required huge investment to address the existing deficit in the sector.

    ”To achieve this and make the sector sustainable will require investments from both the public and the private sector. Indeed, we are leveraging partnerships such as this to achieve our goals in the sector,” Bago said.

    The Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the rehabilitated water works targets not only an infrastructure upgrade, but also a transformation in the quality of life for the people of this historic town and its environs.

    He said, ”Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, whose dedication to the welfare of Nigerians aligns perfectly with the mission of N-HYPPADEC.

    ”We are grateful for your supervision and support Your Excellency. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Niger, Umar Bago.

    ”The support and cooperation we have been enjoying from the Niger State government has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

    ”I also extend my heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Sani Haliru -Dantoro, and the former Senator of Zone C who is now the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Distinguished Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.

    ”The voices of these esteemed leaders were the catalyst for this project. They brought the plight of New Bussa to our attention. This project is a testament to the impact of their effective leadership and representation,” he said.

    According to the managing director, the rehabilitation of the New Bussa water works was not just another item on the list of their completed projects.

    Sadiq-Yelwa said, ”It is a vital step in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda places a premium on improving human life and ensuring water supply across every nook and cranny of our dear country.

    ”Today, we bring that hope to New Bussa. This hope is now a tangible reality that will flow from every tap in this town.”

    Also speaking, the Emir of Borgu, Dr Sani Halitu-Dantoro, said the epochal event was a half century-old promise kept by the Nigerian State, as well as a dream come true for the people of Borgu.

    He said, “This started about 60 years ago, when impoundment of our lands commenced in the early 1960s to make way for the Kainji lake, dam and power station.

    “The people of Old Bussa were promised the most basic of human necessities by the Nigerian government through the Kainji Dam Authority – i.e. provision of potable water.

    “Whereas Old Bussa was located right on the banks of River Niger, New Bussa to which our people were resettled, is as far as 10km away from the shores of Kainji lake, where waters are stagnant and therefore not ideal for human consumption.

    “That the residents of New Bussa and environs endured the lack of potable water these past over half a century is an indication of the patriotic zeal and maturity of Borgu people.

    “This lack of potable water for such a long time evokes even more emotive feelings, considering the presence of Nigeria’s largest lake in Borgu.

    “Again, this ironic anomaly also manifests till this day in the
    non-connection of major Borgu towns to electric power supply despite the siting of the Kainji Power Station in Borgu territory.”

    According to the emir, the people of Borgu Kingdom commend
    N-HYPPADEC for partnering with the Niger Government to
    comprehensively reconstruct the waterworks.

    NAN

  • Reps to investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPC rift

    Reps to investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPC rift

    Flowerbud News

    The House of Representatives has said that it would investigate the ongoing spat between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The investigation would also include the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

    Rep. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson of the House, said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investigation is coming amid the biting fuel crisis across the country and the allegations that Dangote’s fuel is of low in quality.

    Agbese said the investigation conformed to the House commitment to protect all national assets and critical economic infrastructure like the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

    He said: “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.

    This, according to him, has resulted to uncertainties that had led to fuel queue resurfacing, adding that is totally condemnable.

    “Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPC and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.

    “The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country’’, he said.

    “As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the House is to investigate the allegations’’, he told newsmen

    Agbese said the House would bring closure to the matter so that there would be a direction towards economic stability.

    “It is on record that the House had directed the President to sack NMDPRA, so the House will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief executive officer of NNPCL if need be’’, he said.

    He added that the demand for Kyari ‘s sack would happen if there was evidence of an attempt to destroy Dangote refinery.

    He added that the leadership of NMDPRA must be sacked, adding that both agencies had confirmed they were interested in destroying the Dangote Refinery.

    According to him, many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they want to see Kyari’s sack if that will guarantee that the country will function smoothly.

    It would be recalled that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had earlier led a delegation of the House on a visit to the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos

    This was part of the ongoing efforts to understand and support the nation’s key industries.

    Abbas said the visit provided valuable insights that would guide the House’s legislative measures and decisions.

    He said the House was working to create a more business-friendly environment to make Nigeria an attractive destination for local and international investors.

    NAN

  • 6,700 applicants jostle for 380 teaching jobs in Enugu

    6,700 applicants jostle for 380 teaching jobs in Enugu

    Flowerbud News

    No fewer than 6, 700 applicants were currently jostling to take up 380 teaching jobs at various Secondary Schools in Enugu State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored the examination on Saturday in some of the designated centres for the examination, reports that the applicants turned out in large numbers.

    Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, the Chairman , Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), told NAN that the board received more than 12,000 applications.

    He said that out of the number, 6,700 people were shortlisted for the 380 positions needed to replace those that had retired.

    Mgbodile disclosed that five centres namely Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School, Enugu, Holy Rosary College (HRC), College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu were selected as the venues for the examinations.

    He said that the shortlisted applicants were being tested on English, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

    According to him, over 2,000 applied to teach English while in ICT, the board needs only 80 but 1,700 applied for the subject.

    “So we are picking the best of the best which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers,” he said.

    He added that after the test and the needed competent teachers were not found, the board would call for another application, stressing that he was optimistic that with the number of applicants, the board would get the qualified ones.

    “We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.

    “The recruitment is being done by PPSMB but in order to reduce pressure and to ensure meritocracy and absolute objectivity, we decided to seek the assistance of independent recruiting company,” Mgbodile said.

    On why they dropped a large number of applicants, the clergyman noted that after sorting out the applications, it noted that some were non indigenes and some were over aged as they pegged the aged requirement at 45 years.

    “While some did not have the requisite qualifications for the subject they intend to teach, those that studied Social Studies may apply to teach English which is not incompatible,” he said.

    The chairman also said that those people who were awaiting their statements of result and others who could not provide their certificates  were excluded from the examination.

    Explaining the idea behind the recruitment, the chairman said the board observed upon assumption of office in 2023, that Secondary Schools in Enugu were lacking teachers especially in the rural areas.

    He said that at the instance of Gov. Peter Mbah’s directive, the board posted some teachers from the urban to the rural areas.

    “As we are doing that, we discovered that we lacked teachers in some key subjects like sciences and other core subjects

    “We made a recommendation to Gov Mbah on the need to recruit teachers to fill the shortfalls of science teachers which he approved.

    “That is why we want to recruit competent professionals who studied Engineering, to teach Chemistry.

    “I want to restore the legacy of teaching and learning and make it easier for parents to stop borrowing while taking their children to private and mission schools.

    “I want to restore confidence in the public schools and Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard and we want to follow his mantra,” he said.

    NAN

  • Weekly Report: Equity market loses N1.32trn amid CBN rate hike

    Weekly Report: Equity market loses N1.32trn amid CBN rate hike

    Flowerbud News

    Equity investors on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) experienced a significant loss of N1.32 trillion in the just concluded week.
    The downward performance was driven by selloffs in Tier-one banking stocks namely: Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), and also Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, African Prudential, among others.
    Specifically, investors reacted negatively to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) announced within the week.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CBNs Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday announced another increase in the country’s MPR by 50 basis point to 26.75 per cent, from 26.25 per cent.

    Dr Yemi Cardoso, CBN Governor, said the decision was in response to the continued inflationary pressures.

    He noted that it was important to deal with inflation, as the apex bank  was concerned over the impact of the inflation on ordinary Nigerians and businesses.

    The NGX) All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation depreciated by 2.33 per cent each to close the week at 98,201.49 and N55.605 trillion respectively, against 100,539.40 and N56.929 trillion posted in the previous week.
    Similarly, all other indices finished lower with the exception of NGX MERI Value which appreciated by 0.72 per cent while the NGX ASeM and NGX Sovereign Bond indices closed flat.
    Also, 20 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 37 equities in the previous week.
    Forty-seven equities depreciated in price, higher than 34 in the previous week, while 84 equities remained unchanged, higher than 80 recorded in the previous week.
    Secure Electronic Technology Plc led 46 declined equities on the losers’ table by 26.32 per cent to close at 42k per share.
    Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc led 19 other advanced equities on the gainers table by 14.29 per cent to close at 56k per share.
    Meanwhile, a total turnover of 3.557 billion shares worth N47.220 billion in 42,871 deals was traded during the week by investors.
    This is in contrast to a total of 2.827 billion shares valued at N42.366 billion that exchanged hands last week in 44,277 deals.
    The Financial Services Industry measured by volume led the activity chart with 2.011 billion shares valued at N25.783 billion traded in 24,350 deals.
    This contributed 56.52 per cent and 54.60 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
    The Services industry followed with 1.020 billion shares worth N3.216 billion in 1,846 deals.
    The third place was the Agriculture industry, with a turnover of 168.028 million shares worth N647.859 million in 1,473 deals.
    Trading in top three equities namely: Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc measured by volume accounted for 1.876 billion shares worth N8.511 billion in 935 deals.
    This contributed 52.73 and 18.02 per cent to the total equity
    turnover volume and value respectively.
    Looking ahead to the coming week, Analysts at Cowry Asset Management Ltd., predicted that bearish trend is expected to persist.
    The analysts said this is because market players would continue to digest the outcome of the recently published economic data and the interest rate hike by the apex bank.
    They noted that the continued rise in yield levels within the fixed income and money market spaces is likely to maintain the unattractiveness of equities, as investors opt for the appealing yields.
    “Nonetheless, a mildly positive performance is anticipated on the back of continued earnings releases and attractive dividend declarations by corporations in the coming week.
    “As the market structure and fundamentals evolve, investors are advised to position themselves in stocks with sound fundamentals to navigate the prevailing conditions effectively,”the analysts stated.
    NAN
  • Nasarawa speaker urges Nigerians to embrace inter-tribal marriages

    Nasarawa speaker urges Nigerians to embrace inter-tribal marriages

    Flowerbud News

    Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, has called on Nigerians to embrace inter–tribal marriages to foster national unity.
    This, Jatau said., was  also to promote peace and  enhance national integration among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
    Jatau made the call during the wedding fatiha between Mr Musa  Gude, member, representing Uke/Karshi State Constituency at the assembly and his wife, Hajiya Asmau Ahmadu.
    The wedding fatiha took place on Friday at the Al’furQan Masjid, in Nasarawa LGA of Kano, Kano State.
    The speaker said that the wedding between the new couples would cement the relationship between Kano and Nasarawa States.
    The speaker also urged the newly wedded couples to embrace patience, tolerance, forgiveness and other good virtues of marriage for a happy and successful married life.
    Jatau said that for any marriage to be successful, both couples must embrace effective communication and understanding.
    ” On behalf of myself, Honourable members and staff of the Nasarawa State House assembly, we rejoice with one of our own, Hon. Musa Saidu Gude, the Jagaban Karshi.
    ” We are happy for him and his wife and we prayed to God to bless their marriage.
    ” I want to call on Hon. Gude not to show discrimination or offer preferential treatment while handling the affairs of his family,” the speaker said.
    Jatau advised the couple not to allow third parties to interfere in their marriage.
    The speaker, while congratulating the couple, also wished them a happy married life.
    Jatau used the medium to call on the people of Nasarawa and Kano States and other states to continue to co-exist peacefully and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations for the overall development of the country.
    On his part, the groom, who took Asmau as his 4th wife, appreciated God for making their dream become a reality.
    NAN
  • Recruitment: Oyo TESCOM adjusts exam dates over planned protest

    Recruitment: Oyo TESCOM adjusts exam dates over planned protest

    Flowerbud News

    The Oyo State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) on Friday in Ibadan said it has adjusted the Computer-Based Test (CBT) time-table for prospective applicants.

    The TESCOM chairman, Mr Akinade Alamu, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen about the revised time-table for the CBT initially slated for between Monday and Friday.

    Alamu said the time-table’s adjustment was as a result of the planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians which may begin on Wednesday.

    “To forestall any unforeseen circumstance, TESCOM and its partnering agencies, including the management of the Distance Learning Centre (DLC) at University of Ibadan, agreed to compress the examination to three days,” he said.

    The chairman added that the examination would now hold between July 29 and July 31 while assuring applicants that the adjustment will not pose any threat.

    The TESCOM chairman explained that the management of DLC agreed to provide more halls, computers and other facilities so that the examination could be spread across the three days.

    He therefore appealed to candidates to check their phones regularly “as texts on the adjustment of timetable have been sent to their phones and e-mail addresses”.

    He said the specific examination date and time for respective applicants could be accessed through the job portal dedicated for the exercise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 62,000 applicants will take part in the examination, with 12,000 of them putting in for non-teaching jobs and 50,000 for teaching jobs.

    NAN

  • Olympics: Amusan leads Nigeria in historic opening ceremony

    Olympics: Amusan leads Nigeria in historic opening ceremony

    Flowerbud News

    Flagbearer Tobi Amusan and Nigeria’s team captain Anuoluwapo Opeyori, led Nigerian delegation at a colorful and historic Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony on Friday night.

    In spite the rain having its way on the night, athletes were cheered along the Seine as  more than 200 national delegations sailed  through the centre of Paris and past sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

    For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony was not held in a stadium.

    Nigeria, in her colourful well styled green and white dresses, rode on a boat with Amusan hoisting the flag and supported by Opeyori, alongside the delegation as they sailed across.

    Meanwhile, a total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, comprising 63 women and 25 men, will compete in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.

    More than 10,500 athletes will compete at the Olympics, 100 years since Paris last staged the Games.

    The Games started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday with the closing ceremony billed for Aug. 11.
    NAN
  • CBN sells $148m to authorised dealers

    CBN sells $148m to authorised dealers

    Flowerbud News

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it sold a cumulative amount of 148 million dollars to authorised dealers in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

    According to Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the apex bank, the transactions were conducted on Monday and Tuesday to provide liquidity to the FX market.

    Sidi-Ali, disclosed that the CBN sold FX to 29 authorised dealer banks at exchange rates between N1,470 to one dollar and N1,510 to one dollar.

    Sidi-Ali reiterated the commitment of the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to stabilising the foreign exchange market.

    According to her, Cardoso has assured that the CBN will continue to address the FX supply gap to ensure market stability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the CBN also sold a total of 106.5 million dollars to 29 authorised dealer banks at rates between N1,498 and N1,530 to one dollar.

    NAN