Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    Medical leave: Ondo Assembly confirms receipt of letter from Akeredolu

    Alaba Olusola Oke

    The Ondo State House  of Assembly, on Wednesday, confirmed receipt of a letter from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo requesting to proceed on medical leave in Germany.
    Mr Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure.
    Oladiji explained that the governor’s action was in line with Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
    According  to the speaker, the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would assume the responsibilities of the governor in acting capacity pending when Akeredolu communicates to it his return to take-up his duties.
    He said that the letter stipulated that the leave would commence on Dec. 13.
    Oladiji, who expressed appreciation to God for the speedy recovery of the governor, expressed optimism that the governor would soon resume his duties.
    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the governor had similarly in July written to the legislative to request for medical leave and returned to the country on Sept. 7.
    NAN
  • “We’ll end insurgency, terrorism simultaneously,” – Defence minister

    “We’ll end insurgency, terrorism simultaneously,” – Defence minister

    By Fem Ogunshola

    The Ministry of Defence intends to use its 2023 supplementary budget and part of its 2024 budget to end insurgency and terrorism simultaneously, the minister, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, said in Abuja on Wednesday.

    “The purpose of the 2023 additional budget is to have simultaneous operations in all our theatres so we can end insecurity at once,’’ Badaru said.

    He made the declarations while defending the ministry’s budget at a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on defence.

    He said the ministry was determined to ensure that terrorists rooted from one location did not go to another to continue their heinous activities.

    Badaru said he believed that the Federal Government would end the war, but would not disclose its strategies openly.

    He commended the committees for always assisting the ministry in its resolve to end insecurity.

    The minister noted that the ministry’s N78.58 billion appropriation for 2024 was higher than the N62.9 billion appropriation for 2023, and commended the National Assembly for its commitment to end insecurity.

    He, however, called for an upward review of overhead costs in the 2024 budget in view of inflation and rising cost of diesel.

    “We want you to help us to increase our overhead cost. We consume a lot of fuel, and I appeal that this be looked into,’’ he said.

    In his submission, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, said the joint committee would work assiduously to scrutinise the ministry’s 2024 proposal.

    He noted that security remained the backbone for education, the economy, and others to function, adding that more resources should be given to defence to handle insecurity.

    Lawan noted also that it was not enough to approve money, but it was paramount to establish how such monies changed the situation.

    “If you are given N100 billion; how has it improved the security situation in the country’’? he queried.

    “It will not augur well to appropriate money without justification,’’ he stressed.

    The former Senate president commended security agencies for working hard to secure the country.

    In his contribution, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, said the National Assembly would continue to make efforts to invest in security to ensure the growth and development of the country.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had promised to ensure the security of all Nigerians irrespective of status, adding: “you must work to deliver the goal of the administration.’’

    He assured that the committee would ensure that all allocated resources added value, adding that lawmakers were not unaware of the challenges faced by armed forces, including the recent bombing in Kaduna.

    He promised that the committees would ensure adequate funding within available resources to respond to the desires of the military.

    NAN

  • Gov. Idris signs N250.1bn 2024 budget into law

    Gov. Idris signs N250.1bn 2024 budget into law

    By Idris Bello

    Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, has signed the state’s N250.1 billion 2024 appropriation bill into law.
    Idris assented to the budget at Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday after receiving the document from the Speaker, Alhaji Usman Muhammad-Ankwai.
    He expressed deep appreciation to the speaker and members of the assembly for the speedy passage of the 2024 budget .
    Idris commended the legislators for having  the welfare of people in the state at heart and for being alive to their responsibilities.
    “I can testify that it has never happened this way. We sent the budget, the house of assembly scrutinised it, debated the budget and at end of the day they passed the budget.
    “And they brought the budget, which I have signed today,” he said.
    The governor pledged to implement the budget to the letter, transparently and prioritising  infrastructural development and empowerment of people of the state.
    Earlier, Muhammad-Ankwai described the assent to the budget as a significant milestone in the democratic journey of the state.
    He said the budget was a culmination of extensive consultation, deliberation and rigorous scrutiny by dedicated members of the house.
    The speaker affirmed the commitment of the legislature to work together with the executive arm to hasten the development of the state for the benefit of the people.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on Nov. 22, presented the budget proposal of N250.1 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
    NAN
  • Media must remain in vanguard of tracking budgetary process — NAN MD

    Media must remain in vanguard of tracking budgetary process — NAN MD

     

    By Chijioke Okoronkwo

    Abuja:  Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says the media must spearhead the tracking of the country’s budgetary process to ensure that Nigerians get the actual value allocated in fiscal proposals.

    Ali made this submission on Wednesday in his goodwill message at the opening of a 2-day capacity building  for journalists, orgainsed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in collaboration with the Premium Times Academy in Abuja.

    The event is tagged “Training on Governance and Policy Reporting.’’

    According to Ali, the media has a critical role to play in promoting accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business.

    He said the role of the mass media was so crucial that the Nigerian Constitution made a provision for its preservation.

    “To ordinary Nigerians who today listen to the radio, watch the television, read the newspapers and of course surf the information superhighway, they are interfacing with various manifestations of the mass media in their daily lives.

    “So impactful is the influence of the mass media in our daily lives that the Nigerian constitution makes specific provisions to protect and preserve this institution which the British statesman, Edmund Burke, had described in 1787 as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

    “Section 22 of the constitution states that ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.’”

    Ali said it was instructive to note that apart from the media, no other institution in Nigeria had been vested with the onerous constitutional watchdog responsibility of making government accountable to the people.

    He said the framers of the constitution were interested in deepening the crucial role of mass media in promoting Nigeria’s pluralist democracy, good governance and ensuring that the government upheld the objectives contained in the directive principles of state policy.

    “Of critical importance is the provision which talks about ensuring that ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’’’

    According to Ali, it is clear from the provisions that the media has a role to play in promoting the economic well-being of Nigeria and its diverse people through good governance and adequate reportage of public policies.

    “If there is agreement on this, how then can the media help in promoting good governance and by extension mitigate the current economic challenges in the country?’’

    He said that one such means was by focusing on development journalism which highlighted the human condition and sought measures to uplift standard of living through monitoring certain defined indicators.

    “Development journalism seeks to create awareness about socio-economic issues and the development initiatives to tackle them.

    “The media also has an important role to play in promoting accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business.

    “In this light, the media must remain in the vanguard of tracking the budgetary process to ensure that the Nigerian people get the actual value allocated in fiscal proposals,” he said.

    Earlier, in his welcome address, Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher, Premium Times, said the stakeholders believed that journalists should serve as watchdogs to ensure honest and productive governance, while focusing their coverage on issues vital to advancing citizens and society.

    Represented by Muskiliu Mojeed, Chief Operating Officer, Premium Times Group, Olorunyomi, said that the training was designed to help journalists with the skills needed to cover public policies, governance and democratic process in Nigeria which is Africa’s largest democracy.

    “We believe that governance and policy reporting should be informed by a more profound knowledge and skill level of how governments work and how public policy decisions are taken.

    “At the end of this training, we expect participants to develop deeper insights and understanding of the Nigerian system and how to deepen accountability in governance,” he said.

    While declaring open the training, Asishana Okauru, Director-General, NGF, said that journalists played a vital role in crafting and shaping policies.

    He said that journalists could potentially derail a well thought policy, as a result of poor messaging.

    “It is therefore extremely important that we work together to better understand the policy value chain.

    “For me, it will appear that in our environment, the implementation segment has been the weakest part of the entire policy value chain; this calls for patience and understanding,” he said.

    Participants at the training were drawn from various media outfits in the country.

    NAN/ Flowerbudnews

  • Senate unhappy with Information Ministry’s meager allocation in 2024

    Senate unhappy with Information Ministry’s meager allocation in 2024

    By Kingsley Okoye

    The Senate Committee on Information, has expressed reservation over meagre allocation for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in the N27.5trillion 2024 budget.

    Sen. Kenneth Eze, the Committee’s Chairman, said this when the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris appeared for the 2024 budget defense on Tuesday in Abuja.

    ‘’This is not a budget that can be visible if we are telling our story as a country, there is no way we can go far, you have a great initiative on how you are going to transform the country in the area of information.

    “I wonder how you are going to do that with these little resources.

    “Information ministry is a very sensitive ministry that should be taken seriously and funded and if we are talking about the Renewed Hope Agenda that we want as a country, the information ministry should be at the forefront.

    ‘’It should be the image maker to sensitise the people, there is a widening gap between the government and there must be enough information to bridge in the gap,’’ he said.

    Eze added: “I looked around in the budget, I didn’t see the Nigeria Press Council, APCON and other agencies, is the government telling us that the agencies are being scraped, that they can function without personnel,?
    ‘’Who will pay their salary? just few months ago, new DGs and Executive Secretaries were appointed.

    ”Hon. Minister, this is serious matter for the committee to look into and we shall surely do that.’’

    The Minister had informed the senators that national values and attitudes re-orientation campaign under the aegis of National Values Charter (NVC), would be launched in 2024.

    “It is the desire of the ministry to have a big national conversation around our values and attitudes re-orientation, so that Nigeria will at least rediscover itself and reclaim some of those values that had been eroded over the years, so we can have a better country for all of us.

    ‘’We also desired the launch of the national and international branding campaign for Nigeria to highlight and showcase its immense natural and cultural resources.

    ‘’We are also going to convene regular series of press briefings and media engagements for cabinet members and other senior government officials to avail Nigerians of what various ministries and agencies are doing, so that Nigerians will be carried along on what and what are the projects and programmes of the government.

    ‘’We also intend to invest resources in modernising the government information and communication management and regulatory system across the agencies like News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria Television Authority(NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria(FRCN),’’ he said.

    He added that the N1billion allocated for the Ministry as capital expenditure in 2024, was not sufficient for the implementation of the programmes.

    NAN

  • JNI seeks full investigation on Tudun Biri tragic incident in Kaduna

    JNI seeks full investigation on Tudun Biri tragic incident in Kaduna

    By Tijjani Muhammad

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Tuesday called for full investigation on the tragic incident at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State .
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled  that  troops of the Nigerian Army, on December 3, in error, attacked with drones the people of Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA in Kaduna, while observing Maulid celebration.
    The Secretary General (JNI), Prof Khalid Aliyu, in a statement issued in Kaduna, also called for justice for the families of the victims.
    Aliyu said, JNI representing the collective voice of the Ummah, stood in profound consternation and grief over the tragic incident that unfolded at Tudun-Biri village in Igabi LGA  during a Maulud celebration, as was reported.
    “It is thus with heavy hearts that we express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families, as well as the loved ones of the deceased victims, and we fervently pray for the swift recovery and healing of those injured.
    ”Nevertheless, the purported bombing of people by the supposed aerial patrol, resulting in the reported loss of no fewer than 100 innocent lives is a reprehensible and deeply condemnable act.
    “Such a callous and devastating incident is utterly antithetical to the principles of peace and unity that we, as a community, strive to uphold at this critical moment of the Nigerian nationhood, and the act portends danger, especially to military-civil relationship.
    ”JNI is in utter disbelief that the military will act in such a manner knowing fully that before any operation is carried out due diligence is usually carried out, backed with irrefutable intelligence.
    ”Therefore, vehemently condemns this tragic incident in its entirety and calls for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the devastating and most unfortunate event.
    “We urge the authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the subsisting laws, “he said.
    Aliyu also called on the Federal Government through its relevant MDAs, to as a matter of urgency take up the medicals of all the affected victims and pay the due ransom of all the deceased.
     According to him, this call has become inevitable considering that similar episodes had occurred in recent past in Yobe, Zamfara, Borno and other places.
    Aliyu said, “We implore God’s infinite mercy upon the departed souls, praying for their peaceful repose in Jannatul-Firdaus, and beseech Him to grant patience and solace to the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time.
    “May God , the Most Merciful, bestow healing and swift recovery upon the injured.
     ”JNI calls upon all members of the Ummah to remain steadfast in prayers and solidarity, advocating for peace, justice, and harmony in our respective communities.”
    The secretary reiterated its unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that such heartbreaking incidents do not recur.
    “We urge everyone to exercise restraint and patience as we await the outcome of investigations on the matter, “Aliyu urged.
    NAN
  • Sports minister hails Super Falcons WAFCON qualification

    Sports minister hails Super Falcons WAFCON qualification

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has hailed the Super Falcons on their successful qualification for the 2024 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for Morocco.
    The minister said the team displayed an impressive level of determination and teamwork, securing vital victories during the qualifiers to solidify their place in the prestigious WAFCON.
    He lauded the Super Falcons for their remarkable effort in showcasing the nation’s prowess on the continental stage.
    “The qualification of our Super Falcons for the African Women’s Cup of Nations is a testament to the dedication and talent of our exceptional players.
    “Their outstanding performance reflects Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
    Enoh emphasized the significance of women’s football in Nigeria, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Super Falcons in inspiring young athletes and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sporting prowess across the nation.
    “Through their hard work and commitment, the Super Falcons have not only secured a place in this prestigious tournament but have also inspired a new generation of aspiring female footballers.
    “Their success resonates beyond the field, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young women in our country,” he added.
    The minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting the team and other national teams.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons of Nigeria, nine-time champions on Tuesday defeated their host 2-1 for a 7-1 aggregate win in the final round of the qualification series.
    NAN
  • French minister expresses support for EFCC’s anti-graft war

    French minister expresses support for EFCC’s anti-graft war

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    French’s Minister of the Interior and Overseas, Laurent Baile has expressed support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

    EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in statement in Abuja on Tuesday said that Baile made the disclosure while on a courtesy visit to Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede.

    “Baile congratulated Olukoyede on his appointment and sued for greater collaboration with the EFCC on modalities for tackling cybercrimes and associated criminalities.

    “Discussions were also held on issues pertaining to joint investigations and intelligence sharing,” Oyewale said.

    He quoted Olukoyede as also appreciating the visit and restated the Commission’s resolve to driving the war against economic and financial crimes on the right focus.

    “ We are determined to properly focus the mandate of the Commission in the overall interests of Nigerians.

    “The overriding aim of fighting economic and financial crimes is to grow the economy, stimulate development, create jobs and remove bottlenecks against sustainable development.

    “We will be more professional in the way we do our jobs and we will adhere strictly to the rule of law,” he said.

    Olukoyede commended the French government for its longstanding support for the EFCC and called for greater synergy in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes.

    Baile was accompanied by Verin Emmanuel, Interior Attaché  at the French Embassy.

    NAN

     

  • Gov. Bello creates humanitarian ministry, lauds FG’s social investment programme

    Gov. Bello creates humanitarian ministry, lauds FG’s social investment programme

    By Thompson Yamput

    Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday announced the establishment of a Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Bello, in a statement issued in Lokoja by his Media Aide, Oogwu Muhammed, made the declaration during the official kick-off of the Federal Government’s Grant for Vulnerable programme under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Government House.

    The governor lauded the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme.

    He explained that the establishment of the new ministry was in line with the overarching vision of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims to uplift 50 million Nigerians from poverty annually.

    “My administration has put the necessary legal framework and legislative authority for the creation of this humanitarian ministry.

    “The Grant for Vulnerable Groups, specifically targeted at the most economically disadvantaged members of the society, will provide beneficiaries with a cash sum of N20,000, ” he said.

    “It’s our belief that the grant will effectively contribute to the administration’s goal of pulling millions of Nigerians out of the poverty bracket.

    *We have over the years undertaken various initiatives to reduce and eliminate poverty in Kogi, which include free education in primary and secondary schools, quarterly distribution of food palliatives, and free healthcare programme for pregnant women and children.

    “Additionally, the government has undertaken the responsibility of covering examination fees for public school students, releasing funds such as the N497 million disbursed for the 2024 WAEC fees in October.

    “This is as a result of my administration’s Zero-out-of -School-Children initiative, which has yielded substantial results.

    He expressed confidence that the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, would build upon these achievements and strengthen ties with the federal and local governments for the overall welfare of the people, ” Bello said.

    During the ceremony, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Kogi women for their unwavering support for the APC-led administration at both the federal and state levels.

    Edu noted that beyond the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, the Federal Government had implemented over 20 social programmes targeting poverty alleviation, food security, and human capital development.

    The minister revealed that, as part of the inaugural phase in Kogi, 3,000 individuals benefited from the programme.

    The State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, lauded the Federal Government’s initiative, and commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for rolling out numerous initiatives to combat poverty, socio-economic inequality, and enhance security in the state.

    NAN