Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Adeleke, Mbah, Abdulrazaq, others win 2024/2025 Zik Leadership Awards

    Adeleke, Mbah, Abdulrazaq, others win 2024/2025 Zik Leadership Awards

    (Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State)

    (Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State)

    Flowerbud News/   Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah are among recipients of the 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Leadership Awards.

    Prof. Pat Utomi, Head, Selection Committee, announced this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos on behalf the Advisory Board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC).

    Utomi said that both Mbah and Adeleke won Year 2024/2025 Zlk Prize in Good Governance, while Mr Bolaji Balogun, Founder/CEO of the Chapel Hill Denham Group, won the Year 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Professional Leadership.

    For Entrepreneurial Leadership category, Dame Winifred Akpani, Chief Executive Officer , Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, was announced as  winner.

    Utomi said that the  2024/2025 Zik Prize in Humantarian Leadership was won by Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, wife of  Kwara governor.

    The head of the awards selection committee said that the Zik Prize was established in 1995 to honour the legacy of Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Arikiwe,

    According to him, Zik Prize celebrates exceptional leadership across Africa and its diaspora.

    “For three decades, this award has recognised individuals who embody the values of visionary governance, integrity, and societal impact championed by the Great Zik of Africa,” he said.

    He commended the board members for their unwavering commitment to fostering transformative leadership across the continent.

    According to him, Africa faces profound leadership challenges that have entrenched a cycle of underdevelopment, perpetuating debilitating consequences across the continent’s socio-economic and political landscapes.

    Utomi decried Africa’s weak institutions, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and underinvestment in health, education, and infrastructure exacerbate poverty and unemployment, which he said were trapping millions, especially youth, in cycles of despair.

    “The suppression of visionary leaders perpetuates conflicts, human rights abuses, and nonexistent social services, turning resource-rich nations into cases of dependency and mediocrity.

    “Without bold and practicable reforms, rigorous anti-corruption measures, and the elevation of selfless leaders who prioritise people-centered development, Africa risks remaining fragmented and stagnant, unable to harness its vast potential for collective progress.

    “Against this backdrop, PPRAC remains steadfast in its mission to identify and celebrate exemplary leaders who challenge the status quo and drive transformative change,” he said.

    On the feats that earned each of the winners the award, Utomi said that Balogun, who clinched the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership, had driven Nigeria’s economic transformation through expertise in investment banking and telecommunications.

    “Co-founding Econet Wireless Nigeria (now Airtel) in 2001, he secured a $285 million GSM license and orchestrated its $1.67 billion sale to Celtel in 2005, a landmark African deal.

    “Founding Chapel Hill Denham in 2005, he led it to win Euromoney’s “Best investment Bank in Nigeria” in 2023 and 2024, and facilitated the N26.81 billion Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund listing in 2023,” he said.

    According to him, as the Chairman of Unilever Nigeria, Endeavour Nigeria, and Co-Chair of the UN’s Private Sector Advisory Group for SDGs, Balogun champions gender equality, renewable energy, and youth empowerment, fostering inclusive growth.

    “His visionary leadership continues to catalyse Pan-African resilience,” he said.

    On good governance leadership award, Utomi said that the winners, Mbah and Adeleke remained outstanding in vision and performance.

    According to him, Mbah remains the dynamic architect of Enugu State’s renaissance, marked by his “Tomorrow is Here” mantra.

    He said that Mbah exemplified the ideals of visionary policies propeliing inclusive development and unity, transforming Enugu from a civil service enclave into a thriving centre of innovation and prosperity with a $30bn GDP target by 2031.

    “Mbah’s agricultural revolution has boosted harvests and contributed to a 600 per cent IGR surge.

    “Over 1,000 km of roads, water via gas-powered plants, and 260 remodeled primary healthcare centres cut mortality by 400 per cent.

    “Through the smart green schools and smart city platforms, he has earned the state the Renewed Hope Model Green State Award.

    “Mbah’s bipartisan ethos, lauded by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, cements his legacy as a model leader,” Utomi said.

    On Adeleke, Utomi said the Osun governor  “was  the ebullient architect of the state’s  revival, whose transparent, people-centric policies had ignited inclusive prosperity and democratic vitality”.

    Utomi said: “Guided by a five-point agenda focused on economic resurgence, social equity, and sustainability, he (Adeleke) has turned Osun from fiscal distress into a beacon of progress.

    “Since 2022, Adeleke has transformed Osun, slashing debt by 43 per cent, cumulatively boosting IGR growth by 600 per cent, and reducing infrastructure deficits by over 40 per cent.

    “His agricultural drive distributed inputs, revitalised farm settlements, and partnered with IITA, spurring harvests.

    “Potable water reaches 332 wards, 3,000 access free health insurance, and maternal mortality dropped. Educational interventions, SME’s empowerment and climate policies ranked Osun 6th nationally.”

    “Adeleke’s inclusive reforms in mining, digital economy, and workers’ welfare, drawing federal and NGO acclaim, fostering  trust, economic resilience, affirm his role as a beacon of Zik’s legacy,” Utomi said.

    On Entrepreneurial Leadership, Utomi said that Akpani, had harnessed erterprise to drive economic empowerment, integrity, and national resilience.

    According to him, from  a modest startup, Akpani has built a multi-million dollar oil and gas empire, operating over 70 mega filling stations nationwide.

    He said that Akpani had been holding upstream stakes, revolutionising Nigeria’s downstream sector with strategic acumen.

    Utomi said that as former chairman of DAPPMAN, she had helped shape policies strengthening indigenous firms.

    “Recognised as an African Female Economic Champion, she is a beacon of entrepreneurial fortitude.

    “Her enduring legacy, from humble origins to billion-dollar impact, proves visionary women can fuel Nigeria’s prosperity, embodying Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision for African progress.

    On the Humantarian Leadership award, Utomi described Abdulrazaq as a compassionate diplomat and humanitarian visionary leader.

    He said that the wife of the Kwara governor was  recognised for her lifelong dedication to empowering the marginalised through health advocacy, gender equality, and poverty alleviation.

    Utomi said that the formal presentation ceremony of the 2024/2025 Zik Prize Awards will hold on Nov. 16 at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.

    Utomi listed past recipients of the Zik Prize to include notable leaders like President Jerry Rawlings (of Ghana) President Julius Nyerere (Tanzania), Dr Salim Ahmed Salim (of Tanzania) and President Sam Nujoma (Namibia),

    Others, according to him, include Former  President Nelson Mandela (South Africa), President Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Former President John Kufuor (Ghana), President Former Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Dr Pius Okigbo, and late  Prof. Dora Akunyili.

    He also listed Prof. Benedict Oramah, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Chief  Subomi Balogun as past winners

    NAN

  • Court overrules Nnamdi Kanu on jurisdiction, orders him to enter defence

    Court overrules Nnamdi Kanu on jurisdiction, orders him to enter defence

    Flowerbud News/ The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, overruled Nnamdi Kanu on his argument that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him on alleged terrorism charge.

    Justice James Omotosho held that issues raised by Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to challenge the court jurisdiction, had already been decided by the court.

    Justice Omotosho, who urged Kanu to make use of the opportunity that the constitution gives him under Section 36 to defend himself, then ordered him to enter his defence.

    The judge then adjourned the trial until Oct. 24 for the IPOB leader to open his defence.

    Earlier when the matter was called, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced his appearance for the prosecution.

    However, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who had been representing the IPOB leader, stood up and told the court that he and his team were only in court out of the respect for the court.

    Agabi said they were in court to formally announce their withdrawal from further participating in the trial.

    He explained that the reason for their decision “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.”

    He gave the names of the other senior advocates, who are also withdrawing from the case to include Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba and one other.

    Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.

    Kanu confirmed disengaging all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.

    Justice Omotosho then directed that other members of the defendant’s legal team, who were in court, except the SANs, should vacate the courtroom immediately, a directive they promptly complied with.

    The judge then turned to Kanu who was in the dock, and asked him to open his case.

    In response, Kanu commenced by indicating his intention to make an oral submission.

    Justice Omotosho granted the defendant’s application despite opposition from Awomolo.

    Kanu then said that he would not open his defence as ordered by the court because he was questioning the jurisdiction of the court to try him.

    “This is a jurisdictional issue that goes to the heart of this case,” he said.

    He hinged his objection to the court’s jurisdiction on four grounds.

    The IPOB leader, in his first ground, argued that the Federal Government, through the prosecution, was in contempt of a Court of Appeal judgment, which he said ordered his acquittal.

    Kanu argued that for the court to grant the prosecution audience, it (the prosecution) must first comply with the said Court of Appeal judgment.

    He said the second ground was that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and and Customs and Excise Act, under which the charge against him was brought, are repealed laws.

    Giving the third ground, the IPOB leader claimed to have been denied fair hearing.

    He said his continued detention in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) had denied him the opportunity for adequate consultation with his lawyers to enable him prepare for his defence.

    He hinged the fourth ground on his claim that the medical report submitted to the court by a medical team empanelled by the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which certified him fit to stand trial, was forged.

    Kanu denied being examined by any medical team and that his blood and urine samples were never obtained for analysis.

    He, therefore, urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his immediate release in line with the Court of Appeal judgment.

    Reacting, Awomolo said Kanu deserved no formal response from the prosecution because all the allegations he made ought to be put down in the form of a sworn affidavit and effectively demonstrated to enable the other party respond appropriately.

    The senior lawyer faulted Kanu’s claim that a Court of Appeal’s decision acquitted him, arguing that the said judgment was set aside by the Supreme Court in a judgment delivered on Dec. 15, 2023.

    “The judgments of the Supreme Court that was given on December 15, 2023 has set aside the judgment they are claiming discharged him.

    “If he has a preliminary objection he should file it and demonstrate all his claims,” Awomolo added.

    The prosecuting lawyer also faulted Kanu’s claim that his right to fair hearing was breached.

    Awomolo argued that Kanu’s claim that the medical report was forged was an indictment on the senior lawyers, who were in his legal team, who saw the report and found no fault in it.

    He prayed the judge to determine all the issues that Kanu raised in his submission when delivering the final judgment.

    Justice Omotosho held that when the medical report was bought up in court on Oct. 16, he sought the views of lawyers to both parties, who did not raise any objection to the report.

    The judge said since the report had been admitted by the court, acted on same and made decisions based on it, the court could no longer go back on it.

    He declared that all the decisions taken by the court, based on the medical report, stand.

    The judge further observed that all the issues raised by Kanu were also substantially raised in the no-case submission which the court declined in a ruling delivered on Sept. 26.

    “On the 26th of September, 2025, I considered those issues and held that he has a case to answer.

    “This was to enable him exercise his right to fair hearing to make his case,” the judge said.

    Justice Omotosho recalled that in the spirit of fair hearing, he vacated the courtroom on Wednesday from 9am to 2pm to enable Kanu and his lawyers have a private consultation session.

    He said this was despite the absence of evidence to support Kanu’s claim that his conversation was being secretly recorded by the DSS whose custody he is being detained.

    The judge said although all the issues raised by Kanu’s submission had previously been determined by the court, the defendant would not be foreclosed.

    According to the judge, the defendant can still raise them at the final written address.

    Justice Omotosho then proceeded to call on Kanu to open his defence and overruled him when he attempted to insist on his objection to the court’s jurisdiction.

    “I call upon and appeal to the defendant to open his defence.

    “I beg the defendant, in the name of the Almighty God, to comport himself and conduct his defence.

    “This is the opportunity that the constitution gives him under Section 36.

    “It is a right that he can exercise or waive either expressly or by conduct.

    “I beg and I appeal to the defendant to make use of the opportunity, given him by the constitution, to put in his defence, except he choses to waive it either expressly or by conduct,” the judge said.

    At that point, Ikpeazu, who had earlier withdrew his appearance alongside Agabi, stood up to intervene.

    The lawyer drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.

    Ikpeazu prayed the court to grant Kanu few time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.

    Taking a hint from what Ikpeazu said, Kanu said: “In the exercise of my right, I wish to state on record that I have not had the opportunity to prepare for my defence.

    “I only had three hours yesterday in this courtroom.

    “Section 36 of the Constitution allows me to be given adequate facilities to defend myself. My lord, I need time,” he said.

    Awomolo did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Oct. 24 for Kanu to open his defence.

    The judge said the opportunity given the defendant to conduct his defence began to run from Thursday.

    The judge equally disclosed that he had signed the witness summons sought by Kanu and that they are available for him to collect and serve on the said witnesses as required.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, in a motion filed on Oct. 21, listed the names of prominent Nigerians he intended to call as witnesses.

    NAN

  • Oyo Govt denies imposing tax on burial, wedding ceremonies

    Oyo Govt denies imposing tax on burial, wedding ceremonies

    Flowerbud News/ Oyo State Government has refuted viral online post suggesting it has concluded plans to impose tax on some social activities, such as burial, naming and wedding ceremonies.
    A statement on Thursday in Ibadan by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade urged members of the public to discountenance the viral post.
    Oyelade said the post was a calculation of the opposition to malign the state government.
    According to him, any official statement of such will have the ‘revenue code’ for payment of any tax or levy and must statutorily have the signature of the Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Board.
    “None of these conditions have been fulfilled in the viral post.
    “Equally important is the address, which must read OYO STATE INTERNAL REVENUE OFFICE , which was clearly absent in the mischievous post,”he said.
    The commissioner reiterated that as the next elections draw nearer, various tactics would be adopted by politicians to mar the enviable achievements of Seyi Makinde’s administration in the last seven years.
    He also cautioned bloggers and other news outlets against spreading unverified information, urging them to always confirm their stories before publication.
    NAN
  • BPP, ELRA sign MoU to boost Nigeria’s economy

    BPP, ELRA sign MoU to boost Nigeria’s economy

    Flowerbud News/ The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Equipment Leasing Regulatory Agency (ELRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at driving positive change in Nigeria’s economy.

    This is contained in a statement by Zira Nagga, Head of Public Relations at BPP, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Nagga said the partnership would foster reforms and policies promoting national development through a strong collaborative bond between the two agencies.

    Dr Adebowale Adedokun, BPP Director-General, described the MOU as a commitment to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and enhancing stakeholder engagement in regulatory reforms.

    He emphasised the collaboration’s potential to improve procurement procedures and equipment leasing practices, benefiting Nigerians and international investors alike by driving economic growth and efficiency.

    “By working together, BPP and ELRA aim to eliminate wastages and ensure the efficient use of resources,” Adedokun stated during the signing ceremony.

    ELRA Registrar/CEO, Mr Donald Wokoma, expressed gratitude for deepening collaboration and said the partnership would amplify ELRA’s vision and policies to boost national development.

    Wokoma added that the MOU marked progress toward a more efficient, effective public procurement system essential for accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.

    NAN

  • HIV response: Institute pushes for sustainability, local ownership in Nigeria

    HIV response: Institute pushes for sustainability, local ownership in Nigeria

    Flowerbud News/ Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has sued for sustainability and local ownership in Nigeria’s HIV response, with a view to consolidating progress achieved in epidemic control.

    Dr Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer, IHVN, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Dakum said that people living with HIV were expected to adhere strictly to their medications to maintain their health and prevent new infections.

    He noted that HIV services including testing, treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, remain free in over 380 IHVN-supported facilities across the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Rivers States.

    He added that more than 238,000 individuals currently receive free anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in IHVN-supported health facilities, made possible through funding from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and support from the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    He said sustaining these services therefore, required strong government ownership, local partnerships, and continued collaboration with civil society and the media.

    ”IHVN continues to advocate for sustainable health initiatives. Together with government, funders, and stakeholders, we aim to test 95 per cent of people living with HIV, treat 95 per cent of those diagnosed, and achieve viral suppression in 95 per cent of those on treatment,” he said.

    Dakum highlighted the institute’s efforts to expand HIV services to the grassroots through faith-based partnerships, community outreach, and initiatives such as Group Mothers’ Love Gatherings and Peer Mentor Mother Programs, which empower women living with HIV to support one another.

    He noted that the Nigerian government was making progress in assuming greater responsibility for the HIV response through health insurance inclusion, local production of HIV test kits, and the planned introduction of the HIV preventive injectable Lenacapavir.

    He urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration to ensure the long-term success of the national HIV response and build a healthier future for Nigerians.

    NAN reports that according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigeria currently has an estimated 1.8 million people living with HIV, with about 1.6 million on treatment.

    New HIV infections have declined by over 20 per cent in the past decade, while AIDS-related deaths have also dropped significantly.

    However, experts warn that sustaining these gains requires stronger domestic funding, efficient service delivery, and improved access to testing and treatment for vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and adolescents.

    In perspective, UNAIDS and NACA have both commended Nigeria’s progress but cautioned that the country must sustain momentum to meet the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

    They said that achieving this goal will depend on increased domestic financing, equitable service delivery, and strengthening community-led responses across all states.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC, NNMDA partner on clinical trials for herbal medicines

    NAFDAC, NNMDA partner on clinical trials for herbal medicines

    Flowerbud News/ National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is partnering with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop herbal medicines to ensure safety, efficacy, and global acceptance.
    This is contained in a statement by NAFDAC resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola.
    NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said Nigerian herbal medicine practitioners have the capacity to formulate safe and effective indigenous natural remedies that meet international standards
    She said that NAFDAC has two types of approval for herbal medicines, adding that the first type is a ‘listing’ (L) approval, which is granted after the product has been evaluated in the agency laboratory for toxicology safety tests and with satisfactory results.

    Adeyeye said that products in this approval category are listed for a period of two years, with a NAFDAC number bearing the letter “L” at the end.

    She said that the second approval type requires that clinical trials be conducted on the product to prove the efficacy of such a product, saying that if this is done in a well-designed protocol with proven efficacy, a full approval with five-year validity is given.

    The NAFDAC boss identified cost as a major obstacle preventing herbal medicine practitioners from subjecting their products to clinical trials.

    She said that NAFDAC has listed thousands of herbal medicines, with only a few products that have gone through clinical trial outcomes, but such cannot be given 5-year approval without passing the efficacy test through a clinical trial.

    “We know that herbal medicine works. It is how to ascertain through clinical trial the level it can be used that patients will be safe, and above which there could be no damage to the liver, the kidney, and other internal organs.

    “The fact that it is natural, doesn’t mean that it is all safe. ‘That is where NAFDAC regulation and control comes in,” she stressed.

    She recalled that the agency launched the herbal medicine products committee just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the practitioners, Ministry of Health, NAFDAC and researchers together.

    Adeyeye said that this partnership effort is very important because the practitioners know what their forefathers have been using, while the researchers know the science.

    According to her, NAFDAC is looking for funding to assist herbal medicine practitioners in the conduct of clinical trials, which is highly capital-intensive.

    She equally noted that the agency is working assiduously with the NNMDA to ensure that clinical trial is conducted for the medicines that have met the regulatory requirements for listing.

    Adeyeye said that NAFDAC has been educating the herbal medicine practitioners who intend to register products through stakeholders’ meetings.

    She said that the agency has gone ahead to published a simple floor plan on the website as a guide for the practitioners, while averting that it does not necessarily to have a big place to use for production.

    The NAFDAC boss maintained that the factory must be well-ordered to allow a good workflow so that there will not be contamination.

    ‘We are working with our practitioners. We are approving herbal medicines daily in NAFDAC, but we are working towards a phase where we will have a national formulary for those that have had clinical trials and have been proven to be very effective,’ she said.

    Adeyeye stated that before her appointment at NAFDAC, she was a professor in the United States, adding that  at the university, she led a project that developed an anti-sickling polyherbal medicine.

    “This medicine, which NAFDAC listed many years before my tenure, was tested in a laboratory settings by incubating it with blood samples from children with sickle cell disease to prove its anti-sickling effect.

    “Two research papers were published, confirming both the anti-sickling and anti-infective properties of the medicine.

    ‘We conducted a clinical trial approved by the Ethics Committee of Bowen University and the Institutional Review Board of my University in the U.S on the polyherbal in July before my assumption of office in NAFDAC in November 2017’.

    She added that the trial showed that the product was efficacious but needed more data and funding for completion.

    NAFDAC, she said,  is determined to assist herbal medicine practitioners, especially in the areas of clinical trials, adding that it will jointly mobilise resources with NNMDA to get some fully registered.

    NAN

  • NAFDAC seals 2 Chinese supermarkets in Abuja

    NAFDAC seals 2 Chinese supermarkets in Abuja

     

    (NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

    Flowerbud News/ National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday in Abuja sealed two Chinese supermarkets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The supermarkets, which are located at No. 40 Mike Akhigbe way, Jabi and No. 61, Ebitu Ukiwe Street, also in Jabi, were sealed for selling goods that were allegedly not approved in the country.

    The agency also put on hold eight other shops at the Wuse market for selling aphrodisiac sex enhancement pills.

    They were also found to be selling body enlargement creams and drugs for breast and buttock, including other toxic substances produced with dangerous chemicals.

    Mr Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, Head of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement unit, Abuja, said during the enforcement operation that the exercise was in respond to consumer complaints.

    He said the market value of the products seized during the raids is about N170 million.

    He said that the sellers of the products had declared themselves doctors and pharmacists prescribing  drugs for unsuspecting Nigerians.

    “They also have some of these product they popularly call kayanmata oil. These people formed a market in banking premises.

    “The agency got the complaint and we cannot be here and allow such a thing to happen.

    “We responded to that consumer complaint; we visited the place and we raided quite a number of shops carrying all manner of unapproved products by NAFDAC,” he said.

    On the closure of Chinese supermarkets, Godiya said that the agency also acted on intelligence it gathered from concerned citizen that there are some supermarkets belonging to some foreign nationals.

    He said that these foreign national were said to have brought into Nigeria, certain items, most of which were food items, and were labelled in Chinese languages without any English translation.

    Godiya said the action was in violation of NAFDAC labelling regulation adding that those supermarkets operated without approval from NAFDAC..

    “We have seized all the offending items we found in the supermarkets.

    “In one of the places that we could not evacuate all the items we found we placed the whole warehouse on hold; we have invited the owner for further investigation,” he said.

    “We cannot guarantee the safety and the quality of these products, NAFDAC has not evaluated, assessed or analysed them,” he said.

    Godiya urged Nigerians to be vigilant about what they buy and consume.

    NAN

  • OmoBarca Congratulates Constituents on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Hails Peter Obi for Visit to Trade Fair Complex

    OmoBarca Congratulates Constituents on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Hails Peter Obi for Visit to Trade Fair Complex

    Flowerbud News/ As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the resilient people of Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency and Nigerians at large.

    OmoBarca described the anniversary as a moment of sober reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress that the nation’s founding fathers envisioned. He praised the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people, who despite daunting challenges, continue to strive for a brighter future.

    “On this occasion of our 65th Independence Anniversary, I felicitate with my constituents and all Nigerians. Our journey has not been without trials, but the courage and perseverance of our people remain the bedrock of our nation. I urge us all to keep faith in Nigeria and work together towards building the country of our dreams,” OmoBarca said.

    The House of Representatives hopeful further commended the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, for his recent visit to the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, where he sympathized with business owners affected by the recent wave of demolitions. OmoBarca noted that Obi’s action demonstrated empathy and leadership, qualities Nigeria needs at this critical period.

    “Mr. Peter Obi’s visit to the Trade Fair Complex reflects genuine concern for the plight of ordinary Nigerians. At a time when many families and businesses are facing hardship, leaders must show solidarity with the people. His gesture is worthy of emulation,” OmoBarca stated.

    He called on government authorities to balance urban development initiatives with the protection of citizens’ livelihoods, stressing that policies should prioritize human dignity, economic growth, and social justice.

    Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca) reassured the people of Ajeromi Ifelodun of his continuous commitment to their welfare, promising to champion policies and interventions that uplift lives and foster inclusive development.

    Signed

    Media Office of Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima (OmoBarca)

  • NAFDAC orders green tankers for edible oil distribution

    NAFDAC orders green tankers for edible oil distribution

    Flowerbud News/ National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has given edible oil manufacturers and distributors two weeks to adopt dedicated green-painted tankers.

    NAFDAC announced this on Friday at a joint meeting with oil manufacturers, the National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers (NUEOTDN), and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

    Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the measure seeks to safeguard public health by ensuring only dedicated tankers convey edible oils to consumers.

    He condemned the use of petroleum and diesel trucks to transport cooking oils, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable due to health implications.

    Iluyomade stressed that edible oils are used globally in almost every meal, thus requiring strict regulation to prevent contaminated and unsafe products reaching Nigerian consumers.

    He warned manufacturers and distributors that failure to comply with the directive would attract severe sanctions, adding that protecting Nigerians’ health remained a national security priority.

    He noted that NAFDAC had held several meetings with stakeholders before reaching this stage, insisting the agency would not tolerate unwholesome practices in food transportation.

    Mr Usman Tajudeen, National Secretary of NUEOTDN, pledged the union’s full support, assuring that members had been trained and would strictly comply with the directive.

    He urged manufacturers not to patronise unauthorised truck operators, adding that the two-week deadline was an opportunity for truck owners to make necessary adjustments.

    Mr Luke Bamidele, Quality Assurance Manager at Premium Edible Oil Products, Ibadan, said manufacturers were ready to cooperate with NAFDAC, while urging NUEOTDN to sensitise more drivers.

    Also, Mr Adebayo Idowu, Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos Chapter, affirmed the union’s support for NAFDAC’s clampdown on unwholesome edible oil distribution.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a green-painted truck was displayed at NAFDAC’s office as the approved colour for edible oil tankers nationwide.

    NAN