Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Niger declares 7-day holiday for workers

    Niger declares 7-day holiday for workers

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger has approved a seven-day public holiday for workers to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

    This is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Bologi Ibrahim on Thursday in Minna.

    Ibrahim said that the holiday would begin on Friday, Dec. 22 and end on Jan.1.

    ”The holiday will start from Dec. 22, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024,” he said.

    He stated that food stuff would be given to government officials for onward distribution to the less privileged in their localities and wards.

    “Don’t stay in Minna, go and share foods with the poor people in your local government areas and wards,” Ibrahim quoted Bago as saying.

    NAN

  • Senate confirms 11 Supreme Court Justices

    Senate confirms 11 Supreme Court Justices

    By Kingsley Okoye

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 11 Supreme Court Justices nominated by President Bola Tinubu to fill the vacancies on the apex court bench.

    This followed the adoption of the report of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and legal Matters at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.
    Presenting the report, Sen.Mohammed Monguno, the Chairman of the Committee, said the request for confirmation of the nominees was in pursuant to section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He said the committee at the screening received their curriculum vitae and other documents on their suitability for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.

    “The nominees individually demonstrated knowledge and grasp on questions asked by members of the committee,” he said.
    Monguno said there was no criminal record or petition against the nominees, saying that they all possed the requisite experience and competency to function as Supreme Court Justices.

    Sen.Binos Yaroe (PDP-Adamawa),who seconded the motion for adoption of the report said the nominees were all eminently qualified for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.

    He said all the nominees emanated from the Appeal Courts, urging that efforts should be made in the near future to nominate law scholars who were suitable from the academia.

    Former President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe) and former Senate Chief Whip, Sen.Orji Uzor-Kalu(APC-Abia) commended President Bola Tinubu for the nomination.

    They called for improved funding of the judiciary saying that improved funding would ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

    “Let us give them more resources,”Lawan said.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio said allocation of more resources for the judiciary would improve modern ways of justice dispensation, while also commending Tinubu for accommodating all zones in the nomination.

    He congratulated the justices and prayed that God grant them wisdom and strength of character to carry out justice in Nigeria.

    The new Supreme Court Justices were Jummai Sankey, Stephen Adah, Mohammed Idris, Haruna Tsammani, Jamilu Tukur, Abubakar Umar, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Obande Ogbuinya, Moore Adumein and Habeeb Abiru.

    NAN

  • FG to set up committee to select new ambassadors

    FG to set up committee to select new ambassadors

    By Hadiza Mohammed

    The Federal Government will soon set up a new committee that will select the new set of ambassadors that will replace those that have been recalled, according to an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar on Media and Communications Strategy disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Abdulkadir said the selection of the new ambassadors would require wide-ranging consultations with relevant stakeholders.

    The minister’s aide added that all recalled ambassadors have returned to the country contrary to the reports that most of them have been unable to return due to financial constraints.

    NAN recalls that on Sept. 2, President Bola Tinubu recalled all the country’s ambassadors, both career and non-career.

    They were asked to return to the country on or before Oct. 31, 2023.

    Nigeria has no fewer than 300 foreign missions.

    Ajuri Ngelale spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu said the action was a sequel to the president’s careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian consulates, offices, and embassies across the world.

    Ngelale added that the latest move was also in line with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    He emphasised the President’s determination to ensure world-class efficiency and quality in service delivery, saying that he would henceforth, characterise foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents, and prospective visitors.

    NAN

  • University of Ghana wins 2023 WAUG Championship

    University of Ghana wins 2023 WAUG Championship

    By Jide Idowu/ Dorcas Elusogbon

    The University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra,  has won the 2023 edition of West African Universities Games (WAUG) Championship, hosted by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university won 10 Gold, Eight Silver and three Bronze medals to emerge winner of  the championship.

    The University of Education, Winneba Ghana, came second with six Gold, four Silver and four Bronze medals ahead of Benson Idahosa University, Edo  which came third with six Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals.

    Receiving the first place trophy on behalf of the institution, Dr Bella Bello Bitugu, the Director of Sports of the University, dedicated the trophy to one of their athletes, who lost his mother on Wednesday.

    Bitugu said the athlete, Oyeyemi Johnson, whose father is of Nigerian origin and  Ghanaian mother, received the sad news while participating in the games.

    In his closing address, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, appreciated all the participants and wished them journey mercies to their various destinations.

    Bamire congratulates all the medalists, saying the most important lesson of the games is for the participants to strive for greater heights.

    Also speaking,  Shaibu Tanko, WAUG President, thanked all the universities that participated at the games, urging the athletes to inspire the world.

    Tanko said that  the games, for the first time, conducted its elections, which produced him as the president to pilot its affairs for the next four years.

    He, thereafter , appealed to stakeholders to give him and his executive the  needed support to move the university sports in West Africa to the next level.

    NAN reports that the Championship started on Dec. 15 with athletes from 20 universities in Nigeria and  Ghana participated at the games.

    Events being competed for at the games include table tennis, athletics, tennis and basketball

    WAUG, also known as the ECOWAS Students Games, is a multi-sport event between student-athletes from West African universities.

    The first edition of the competition was held in 1965 at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university

    NAN

  • FG announces “mechanical completion” of PH refinery

    FG announces “mechanical completion” of PH refinery

    By Emmanuella Anokam

    The Federal Government on Thursday announced the mechanical completion and flare start off of the Port Hacourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

    Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil) disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a media tour on the refinery which rehabilitation commenced in 2021.

    On the tour were the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo; Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari and other dignitaries.

    The Managing Director of the PHRC, Ibrahim Onoja, was also on the tour.

    “Just to announce to Nigerians the fulfillment of our pledge to bring on stream phase one of the Port Hacourt Refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase two in 2024.

    “We happily announce the mechanical completion and the flare start-off on Dec. 20, 2023.

    “This heralds the commencement of the production of petroleum products after the  Christmas break,” Lokpobiri said.

    The minister thanked Nigerians for their patience and the trust on the NNPC Ltd. to deliver on its promise and the mandate of the refinery’s rehabilitation.

    According to him, it is another landmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Akinyelure, who expressed satisfaction over the new development, said it was a promise made to President Bola Tinubu that the refinery would begin operation in 2023.

    The NNPC Ltd. board chairman who recalled that the refinery had undergone several rehabilitation, said that its commencement of operations would keep fuel cost stable.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHRC comprised of two refining units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd.

    The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the services of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the scoping of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.

    In 2021, NNPC Ltd. said repairs had started after the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5bn for the project.

    The refinery had over the years performed below optimal levels which resulted in importation of petroleum products for domestic use for many years to cover for the gap in the refinery’s output.

    NAN

  • Tinubu’s wife disburses N25m to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger

    Tinubu’s wife disburses N25m to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger

    By Rita Iliya

    The First Lady, Sen.  Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday disbursed N25 million to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disbursement was done during the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme, “Better Days Ahead”, in Minna.

    Tinubu was represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, who was also represented Mrs Titi Aluta,the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.

    She said that the economic empowerment programme was borne out of committment to ensure the well-being of elderly people in the society.

    “The scheme is to support 250 aged 65 years and above across 36 states including FCT and veterans from the Defence and Police Officer’s Wives Association.

    “Beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each to cushion effect of economic situation and alleviate burden of our esteemed elders during this festive period,” she said.

    Tinubu disclosed that N950 million was approved by the governoring board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state received N25 million.

    She urged senior citizens to embrace life, prioritise their health, nurture their minds and strengthen bonds with loved ones,  which is key to a rich and fulfilling life.

    She appealed for prayers for  President Bola Tinubu to succeed in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities.

    Earlier in her welcome address, Hajiya Hadiza Shiru, Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, thanked the first lady for the gesture and advised beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.

    Also, Mrs Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of Niger Assembly, described the gesture as uncommon in the history of the country as it was done with transparency.

    One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Maimuna Idris, appreciated the wife of the President for coming to their aid, saying the gesture would help them take care of their health.

    NAN

  • NAN MD decries agency’s inability to attain full potential

    NAN MD decries agency’s inability to attain full potential

    By Moses Kolo

    Malam Ali Muhammed Ali, the newly appointed Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has expressed his displeasure over the inability of the agency to attain the zenith of its potential.

    Ali spoke on Thursday during a three-day ‘Strategic Foresight Management Retreat’ for NAN in collaboration with Paragon Links Consulting held in Kaduna.

    “With a staff strength of over 700, why thas NAN not been able to attain the zenith of its potential?

    “This retreat should be able to come up with answers,” Ali said.

    The managing director said that NAN was sitting on a goldmine, adding that all that was needed was the will power, creativity and ingenuity to harness the agency’s human capital and material resources to reach full bloom.

    “I have arrived at the inevitable conclusion that to thread the path to a prosperous future, we must first embark on a deep introspection on our past, reflect on our current realities and set the template to grab and run with the immense opportunities out there,” Ali said.

    He pointed out that the agency has its headquarters in Abuja, a directorate in Lagos, offices in 12 zones, the 36 states as well as 18 district offices.

    “We also maintain offices in New York in the United States, Johannesburg in South Africa and also have news exchange partnerships with major news agencies like Reuters, AFP in France, Xinhua in China, and Asian News Agency, among others.

    “Our services include general news services, Economy, Sports, Features, SMS, photo news services, among others.

    “Others include NAN Multimedia, PR and online advertising services.

    “We will also try to toe new programmes and, I am sure, going forward from the Retreat, we will leave with a better understanding on how to come about new products,” Ali added.

    The managing director said that as the new year opens in less than 10 days, it would no longer be business as usual in the running of NAN business.

    He said: “I believe collectively, for all us seated here, once we operate on the same page, this is realisable.

    “It has become imperative for every member of management and, by extension, every member of the NAN family, to define in clear terms, their contract with the Agency in 2024.

    “We are determined to draw a charter of engagement with each member of staff and this will be measured by deliverables as this is going to be a clear departure from the preceding practice.”

    Ali charged the editorial department, which he said was at the heart of NAN operations, to be interested in the number of stories, features and news analysis written, edited and published.

    “It is not enough for you to have a story in the portal. We will go the old school to see which of them are actually published by the clients we serve.

    “Timelines and accuracy of content as well as compliance with editorial guidelines and meeting of deadlines, among others, will be assessed.

    “In marketing, we worry over set targets, partnership development, digital enforcement, metrics, brand perception and performance as well as revenue generation outcomes.

    “Different performance indicators as above, will be used to assess the other departments in order to keep everyone in line with the new policy direction of the present management.

    “For NAN, we must innovate, constantly reinvent and be in tune; we must equip ourselves with new skills, new talents.

    “With the sense of expectation thick in the air beyond this table, back at the headquarters and from the government, I believe this should be the running motive all through this retreat,” Ali added.

    Malam Khalil Abdulhadi, Director, Administration and Human Resources, in his remark, expressed optimism that the Retreat would equip the management staff with vast knowledge on how to run the affairs of the agency.

    “The Consulting firm is a renowned one and I believe they will do justice to the theme of the retreat,” Khalil said.

    Earlier, Mr Ope Jegede, Senior Consultant of Paragon Links Consulting firm, said the Retreat would provide a platform for NAN Management staff to be strategic in reasoning and to position NAN to be a better futuristic organisation.

    Jegede said it was expected that there would be ground work to define the vision, mission and values of NAN.

    “The Retreat will also bring the staff together for better collaborations and innovative ideas that will catapult NAN to where it is supposed to be,” he added.

    NAN

  • N30bn Demolishing Compensation: Kano Govt says garnishee fraudulent

    N30bn Demolishing Compensation: Kano Govt says garnishee fraudulent

    By Aminu Garko

    The Kano State Government says the garnishing order freezing its accounts obtained by some victims of its demolitions from an Abuja High Court is fraudulent.
    The government also assured on Wednesday in Kano that it was still operating its various accounts to administer the state.
    This is according to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Haruna Isa-Dederi.
    Isa-Dederi confirmed to newsmen that there was no way Court of same jurisdictions could even sit on a case it has decided on and which was since appealed against.
    He said it was on notice that the Kano state government had filed an appeal against the N30 billion punitive and compensation judgment handed down by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano.
    The judgment was in favour of the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders on behalf of the victims.
    Isa-Dederi therefore wondered how can same Court of the same jurisdiction would give a judgment in Kano.
    According to him, the judgment ”was even done out of jurisdiction of the court”, which was also appealed against, querying how a similar court could issue another order on the same matter.
    Isa-Dederi explained that the Kano state government had filed an Appeal because the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, saying it revolved around ownership of the property in the first place and all records of proceeding were transmitted to the Appeal Court.
    The state chief law officer said even before the appeal, the government had filed a motion seeking a stay of execution pending the appeal, asking  ”so how can same court even sit on same case”.
    Besides, he confirmed that the record of the Federal High Court proceedings had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.
    The attorney general also disclosed that the Court of Appeal had already scheduled the hearing of the motion on stay of execution for Dec. 4.
    He stressed that it would be futile for the Federal High Court to make any orders on the issue, as the case is pending before the Appeal Court and it would be akin to a court sitting in appeal on its own judgment.
    Isa-Dederi reiterated that the Kano state government’s actions were supported by the provisions of the Land Use Act, which empowered the government to grant and revoke land allocations.
    He emphasised that the demolition of the properties was executed in overriding public interest.
    NAN
  • Airlines to pay compensation for delayed, canceled flights-Minister

    Airlines to pay compensation for delayed, canceled flights-Minister

    By Naomi Sharang

    The Ministry of Aviation, says it is working on plans to ensure that commercial airlines operating in Nigeria pay compensate to passengers for delayed or canceled flights as from January.

    The Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, said this when he appeared before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Aviation for 2024 budget defense.

    He said that the ministry also plans to publish the list of airlines that delayed or canceled flights in the media on a weekly basis as part of the efforts.

    “I have called the customers’ satisfactory commission regarding the treatment of Nigerians.

    “And I have said at the last address that I gave during our stakeholders meeting in Lagos and our retreat in Warri.

    “I said on a weekly basis, please publish the list of airlines that dont fly as at when due, canceled flights, delayed flights, how many hours it was delayed,” he said.

    Keyamo added:“For every delay, there is a report, an actual report by the regulator, what did they do? did they pay compensation?

    NAN