Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • FG subsidized electricity with N135.23bn in Q2, 2023-NERC

    FG subsidized electricity with N135.23bn in Q2, 2023-NERC

    By Constance Athekame

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday said that the Federal Government (FG) paid a total of N135.23 billion to subsidise electricity consumption in the second quarter of 2023.

    This was made known in the commission’s Q2,  2023 report pasted on its website in Abuja.

    NERC said that the  N135.23 billion was spent by the Federal Government to plug revenue generation shortfall in the power sector in the period under review.

    It said that this indicated an increase of N99.21 billion, representing 275 per cent compared to the N36 billion it paid in the  quarter I of 2023,

    The report stated that the government incurred a subsidy obligation of N135.23 billion in 2023/Q2, which is substantially higher than the N36.02 billion it incurred in 2023/Q1.

    ”The government incurred a subsidy obligation of N135.23 billion in 2023/Q2, which is an increase of N99.21 billion 275 per cent compared to the N36.02 billion incurred in 2023/Q1, ”it said.

    The commission stated that the subsidy was due to the absence of cost-reflective tariffs across all distribution companies.

    It said that the increase recorded in the period was a result of the government’s policy to harmonise exchange rate.

    The report said that on the  average, subsidy obligation incurred by the government per month was N45.08 billion in Q2 2023.

    NAN

  • Biden heads to Israel after Gaza hospital strike kills hundreds

    Biden heads to Israel after Gaza hospital strike kills hundreds

    By Flowerbud News

    Oct. 18, 2023

    A strike on a Gaza hospital killed hundreds of Palestinians, deepening tensions in the Middle East and raising the stakes for U.S. President Joe Biden as he flies to Israel on Wednesday to signal support for its war against Hamas.

    Palestinian officials said an Israeli air strike hit the hospital, with the Palestinian Authority’s health minister accusing Israel of causing a “massacre”.

    Israel blamed the blast at Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital on a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which denied responsibility.

    Reuters could not independently verify the claims around the catastrophe, which has inflamed a region already in crisis since Hamas carried out an Oct. 7 cross-border rampage against communities in southern Israel in which at least 1,300 people died.

    Palestinian ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qudra said rescuers were still pulling bodies from the rubble.

    Al Jazeera carried footage showing a frantic scene as rescue workers scoured blood-stained debris for survivors.

    Rescuers and civilians were shown carrying away at least four victims in body bags.

    A Gaza civil defence chief gave a death toll of 300, while health ministry sources put it at 500.

    Biden’s complex diplomatic mission to the Middle East was supposed to calm the region and shore up humanitarian efforts for Gaza.

    However, after the strike, Jordan cancelled a planned summit with the U.S. president, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

    Abbas also cancelled plans to meet Biden, as Palestinian security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse anti-government protesters in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah as popular anger boiled.

    Protests also took place at Israel’s embassies in Turkey and Jordan and near the U.S. embassy in Lebanon, where security forces fired tear gas toward demonstrators.

    Before the hospital strike, health authorities in Gaza said at least 3,000 people had died in Israel’s 11-day bombardment that began after the Hamas assault, which caught Israel by surprise and led to nearly 200 people being taken to Gaza as hostages.

    The Israeli military urged Gaza City residents to relocate southward on Wednesday, saying there was a “humanitarian zone” with aid available in Al-Mawasi, 28 km (17 miles) down the coast of the Palestinian enclave.

    “The IDF calls on #GazaCity residents to evacuate south for their protection,” said a social-media post by the military.

    Speaking to reporters as Biden flew to Tel Aviv, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Biden would put “tough questions” to Israeli leaders but did not give details.

    Biden will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet seeking to get a sense of Israel’s plans and aims, Kirby said.

    He also aims to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are surviving with scant food, fuel and water due to Israel’s siege.

    “He’ll be asking some tough questions, he’ll be asking them as a friend, as a true friend of Israel, but he’ll be asking some questions of them,” Kirby said.

    It was unclear what Biden could accomplish during his visit. Kirby said the U.S. president planned to speak with Abbas and Sisi on his way back to Washington.

    “This sort of murky but horrific event makes diplomacy harder and increases escalation risks,” said Richard Gowan, UN director at International Crisis Group.

    Biden has previously said the United States does not want the conflict to flare up into a wider war.

    Iran, which supports Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Lebanon-based Islamist group Hezbollah have warned Israel of escalation if it fails to end aggressions against Palestinians.

    The U.S. State Department told Americans not to travel to Lebanon after exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon’s south.

    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “horrified” by hundreds of people killed in Tuesday’s strike on the hospital.

    Guterres appealed to Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and to Israel to allow immediate unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Gaza.

    Reuters/NAN

  • Gombe Governor lauds President Tinubu over Jalal’s appointment as NAHCON Chairman

    Gombe Governor lauds President Tinubu over Jalal’s appointment as NAHCON Chairman

    By Hajara Leman

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Jalal Arabi as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    This is contained in a press statement, signed by Mr. Ismaila Misili, Director General, Press Affairs at Government House, Gombe, and made available to newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday.

    He said the President has made an excellent choice in Alhaji Jalal Arabi, and described the new appointee as a highly experienced technocrat and a seasoned administrator of impeccable repute.

    He said Arabi’s track record in public service as a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, speaks for itself, and his appointment to this important position is a reflection of his administrative acumen and remarkable footprints.

    The Governor urged Arabi to justify the confidence reposed in him by Mr. President by bringing to bear, his wealth of experience and knowledge to reposition the National Hajj Commission and elevate it to new heights of excellence and effective service delivery.

    “This appointment is not just an honour for Alhaji Jalal Arabi but also a source of pride for Gombe State. We are confident that he will excel in his new capacity and contribute to the advancement of NAHCON and the fulfillment of its mandate and critical mission.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Gombe State, I extend our goodwill, solidarity, and best wishes to our dear brother and illustrious son as he takes on this important task.

    NAN

  • UN chief condemns attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital, UNRWA school

    UN chief condemns attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital, UNRWA school

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has condemned the strike on Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza, with preliminary reports of hundreds killed and many others wounded, including women and children.

    He also condemned the attack on a UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) school in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza which killed at least six people.

    UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said this in a statement on Tuesday.

    Dujarric said the secretary-general extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

    He emphasised that hospitals, clinics, medical personnel, and UN premises were explicitly protected under international law.

    Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) condemned the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital.

    “The hospital was operational, with patients, health and care givers, and internally displaced people sheltering there.

    “Early reports indicate hundreds of fatalities and injuries,” it said in a statement.

    According to the UN health agency, the hospital is one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military.

    It said that the order for evacuation had been impossible to carry out given the current insecurity and critical condition of many patients.

    WHO said that other problems were lack of ambulances, staff, health system bed capacity, and alternative shelter for those displaced.

    The agency, however, called for the immediate active protection of civilians and health care.

    NAN

  • WHO condemns attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital

    WHO condemns attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital

    By Franca Ofili

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has condemned the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip.

    WHO said in a statement released on Tuesday that the attack reported large scale casualties.

    “The hospital was operational, with patients, health and care givers, and internally displaced people sheltering there.

    “Early reports indicate hundreds of fatalities and injuries,” it said.

    According to the statement, the hospital is one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military.

    It said that the order for evacuation had been impossible to carry out given the current insecurity and critical condition of many patients.

    It said that other problems were lack of ambulances, staff, health system bed capacity, and alternative shelter for those displaced.

    The statement called for the immediate active protection of civilians and health care.

    ” Evacuation orders must be reversed.

    “International humanitarian law must be abided by, which means health care must be actively protected and never targeted,” it said.

    NAN

  • Remi Tinubu charges women to break barriers

    Remi Tinubu charges women to break barriers

    By Florence Onuegbu

    The Wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to be ready to break barriers, so as to unleash their full potential.

    Tinubu gave the advice on Tuesday in Victoria Island, while declaring open the 23rd National Women’s Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), with the theme, ”Unleash Your Potential”.

    She said women have the power to shape the future, be leaders, innovators, caregivers and agents of positive change.

    ”But to unleash our potential fully, we must continue to break down barriers that limit our progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

    ”Education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equity are essential pillars that will enable us to unleash our potential.

    ”We must work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential.

    ”Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success; it is about uplifting our families; communities; and our great nation as a whole. When women are empowered, society thrives.

    ”I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the theme of this conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” not only for your benefit but for your individual States and the benefit of our beloved Nation’,, Tinubu said.

    She urged women to continue to strive towards truly contributing to the prosperity and progress of the country.

    Tinubu, who revived COWLSO, when her husband was Lagos State Governor, praised the doggedness of women who had ensured the sustenance of the ideals of the committee.

    She said that women have much potential and they need to defy the odds to contribute to national development.

    The president’s wife said that women face more challenges in various endeavours, hence, urged them to be ready to seek help if they run into difficulty while working on their goals.

    The Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged women to think outside the box and be relevant in the society.

    Sanwo-Olu said that with the theme of the 23rd conference, women were urged to take risks, face their fears and push past their comfort zones and when they do, they should ”Unleash their Potential” and discover what they are truly capable of achieving.

    She said that the focus is to bridge the gap between where women are presently and the place where they ought to be, where their potential will be fully unleashed.

    ”This does not only apply to our family life, it also applies to the workplace, business, and every area of our lives.

    ”Unleashing one’s potential is a step one has to take with courage; one has to dare to take that step. When you have to do it, dare to do it! You plan to rob the world of its treasures if you decide to die with your potential undeveloped and unutilised.

    ”Therefore, my sisters, release yourselves and explore the world. Be the best version of yourself, and unleash your potential,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    NAN

  • INEC seeks closer ties with media to curb fake news

    INEC seeks closer ties with media to curb fake news

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with the media in the efforts to combat fake news.

    The electoral body said on Tuesday in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, that the collaboration would also minimise misinformation and disinformation about the electoral process.

    INEC made the call through the Chief Press Secretary to its Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, at a two-day capacity workshop for INEC Press Corps.

    The workshop is focusing on “Ethics, Safety, Practices and Critical Issues Relating to the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa governorship elections”.

    Oyekanmi’s presentation was titled “Impact of fake news, misinformation and disinformation on election information: INEC’s experience”.

    Oyekanmi said that misinformation and fake news were among the major challenges INEC faced while conducting the 2023 general elections.

    He said that the trend was a threat to democracy and was not limited to the social media alone.

    “Some conventional mediums also fell for the fake news or misinformation that emanated from the social media,” he recalled.

    He also recalled how some citizens and social media influencers spread fake news regarding the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, collection of Permanent Voter Cards and recruitment of staff for INEC.

    There were also some falsehood related to ethnicity and the elections, he added.

    He said that many journalists also fell for such fake claims because of sentiments and individual prejudices.

    “We had many situations where fake news got published without any form of verification. No questions asked about their authenticity,” he fumed.

    He said that journalists had the responsibility to report facts without taking side on every matter, including election process.

    “Facts are sacred. It is fundamentally important to present accurate and verifiable information.

    “Journalists have a responsibility to report facts without distorting them to fit a particular narrative. The public relies on the media for truthful account of events,” he said.

    Oyekanmi added that a strong collaboration between INEC and the media was critical for a proactive approach to curbing fake news, disinformation and misinformation.

    He urged the media to be factual, objective, truthful and fair in their reports on electoral process.

    “Conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections is a collective responsibility.

    “INEC will continue to provide the media with access to the relevant information it requires,” he promised.

    NAN

  • Tinubu appoints Aminu new PTDF head

    Tinubu appoints Aminu new PTDF head

    By Ismail Abdulazeez

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ahmed Aminu as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for a four years term in the first instance.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The new PTDF Executive Secretary/CEO has most recently served as the General Manager of the Education and Training Department of the Fund.

    His appointment follows the application for retirement submitted by the outgoing Executive Secretary/CEO, Bello Gusau, to proceed on 90-day pre-retirement leave, beginning on Sept. 26.

    The president has directed the PTDF new boss to serve in acting capacity until he commences his fresh term of four years in office, beginning on Dec. 26.

    NAN

  • 41% public water supply contaminated – FG

    41% public water supply contaminated – FG

    By Tosin Kolade

    The Federal Government has pledged to end continuous contamination of drinking water sources, as no fewer than 41 per cent of the country’s public water supply were contaminated with faeces.
    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said this at the launch of the Nigerian Roadmap for Water Quality Management and Guidelines for Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Surveillance in Abuja on Tuesday.
    Utsev said the roadmap was an opportunity to change the poor narrative of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) indices in the country.
    According to him, the 2021 WASH Normal Outcome Routine Mapping 3 shows that 67 per cent of population have access to basic water supply services, while only 13 per cent have access to safely managed drinking water services.
    He said the report revealed that contaminated water at the source and at the point of consumption stood at 68 and 70 per cent, respectively.
    Utsev, who was represented by Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said all states had the responsibility to provide potable water for their population.
    “However, only 28 out of the 36 states have urban water supply utilities or state water agencies with 16 states having fully functional urban utilities, while 12 were partially functional.
    “About 41 per cent of all taps fed by urban water utility supply are contaminated with faecal matter.
    “A conscious effort must be made for access to improved water sources to ensure that water safety measures that minimise drinking water contamination from the source to the point of use are in place,” he said.
    The minister said the event was an opportunity for all stakeholders to ensure that sustainability was achieved, as many water supply utilities were poorly managed, leading to breakdown and abandonment.
    Mrs Zuliat Mohammed, thebDesk Officer, Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM), said many water utilities had not been managed sustainably, saying there is need for continuous capacity building to change the poor narrative.
    She expressed optimism that the meeting would bring out actionable plans to be implemented in states so as to encourage ownership especially at the community level.
    The desk officer added that the VLOM strategy would provide the blueprint for managing Nigeria’s drinking water quality in a sustainable manner.
    Madam Hauwa Diagne, a representative from the World Bank, said there was an urgency to accelerate access to potable water supply and sanitation services, following poor statistics nationally and locally.
    She urged states to collaborate adequately to ensure that WASH issues were addressed in a sustainable manner, saying ‘it is no longer business as usual”.
    Mr Nanpet Chuktu, the WaterAid Head of WASH, said the event was an opportunity for Nigeria to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals six, as its 2030 deadline drew close.
    He noted that climate change had led to an increase and huge threat to water quality, citing drought in northern Nigeria and excessive rainfall and flash flooding in Southern Nigeria, urging states to do more in water quality testing.
    Dr Dickson Kadiri, who gave an overview of the roadmap, said it gave clear direction for Water Quality Management in Nigeria and specified roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
    Kadiri however expressed optimism that states would do more by playing their parts in implementing the roadmap so as to accelerate progress in water and sanitation access and for the SDGs.
    NAN