Category: General News

Flowerbud News/ The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has cautioned human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, against commenting on matters he knows little about, saying he erred in his recent assessment of the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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‎The senior advocate had, in a recent appearance on a TV programme, claimed that President Tinubu had wiped out the entire middle class while demanding a review of the administration’s policies.
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‎But in a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that Falana’s claim was over-exaggerated due to his poor knowledge of economics.
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‎It said: “After reading the transcripts of a recent TV interview by human rights lawyer Femi Falana on President Tinubu’s economic policies, which, according to him, have ‘wiped out the middle class, we concluded that he was not fair to the administration.
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‎”It was common knowledge in the run-up to the 2023 election, at least for those with some understanding of economics, that the fuel subsidy regime was no longer sustainable and had to be removed. There was also the foreign exchange policy that had created an arbitrage that was damaging the economy. It was against this backdrop that on assuming office, President Tinubu took the needed steps to reform the economy.
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‎”Like many officials of Tinubu’s administration, we also acknowledge that the twin policies of the government had created a cost-of-living crisis in the country when they were initially introduced. It was an expected development as there is nowhere in the world where the effects of such a shock therapy would not be felt in the system.
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‎”We can easily recall that even the President had long before now said the reforms would come with some hardship, which would eventually lead to good times, and we make bold to say that the green shoots are beginning to show.
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‎”But the learned silk and his ilk have deliberately ignored the gradual and remarkable improvement between when the government removed fuel subsidy and merged the multiple exchange rates, and now, two years later.
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‎”And to say those policies have wiped out the middle class is classic over-exaggeration by a brilliant lawyer with little or no understanding of modern economics, and that is why he was quick to refer to the Tinubu economic policies as “neo-liberal policies”.
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‎”This is, however, not surprising because the revered lawyer had once been dismissive of the economic prowess of a global icon and former two-time Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. It is little wonder that there is anything he would not say to further his interest as an activist.”
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‎The group also gave some insight into initiatives introduced by the President Tinubu administration in the aftermath of its reforms as well as the output.
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‎”Back to Mr Falana’s position on Tinubu’s economic policies, claims that things are tougher with no government response do not add up. This is because the current administration has gone to great lengths to introduce initiatives with veritable impacts, even on the middle class, which Mr Falana said had been wiped out.
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‎”We are aware that the FX policy weakened the naira on introduction but it has since rebounded from a low of about N1,850/$1 back then to N1,5200/$1 in August as a result of increased investor confidence, a much improved daily crude production and oil sector reforms which have made the sector more attractive, amongst others.
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‎”There is no way the human rights lawyer would not be aware that Nigeria’s foreign reserves are up and stabilising, while the stock market is at a historic high to underline the fact that the economy is on the rise. This is reflected in recent reports that the Nigerian economy has grown to a level not seen in 10 years.
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‎”After decades of nuisance taxes that have negatively impacted many Nigerians, including the middle class, the country now has a new tax law which is bound to increase the disposable income of the average Nigerian through tax reliefs and exemptions targeted at low-income earners and small businesses.
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‎”On social welfare programmes, we find it necessary to reiterate, for instance, that 5 million households have received a total of N493 billion in recent months at the rate of N75,000 monthly under the federal government’s social protection programme which is being digitised to make it easier for the funds to get to the target beneficiaries. The target is to reach 15 million vulnerable households eventually.
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‎”There is also the school feeding programme which has been beefed up to cater for about 9.8 million children in 53,000 schools across 36 states and the FCT.
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‎”And lest we forget, there is the student loan initiative, Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which as at August 7, has touched the lives of over 396,000 students through tuition loans and monthly stipends.
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‎”It is clear that the Tinubu administration is committed to making life better for Nigerians, so for us, the President asking governors (not necessarily the ones from APC like Falana claimed) to ‘wet the ground’ is a call to duty, a call for the subnationals to collaborate with the centre and do more especially now that they have much more allocations from the federation account.
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‎”We therefore find it surprising that rather than direct his call to governors, Mr Falana said President Tinubu should be able to persuade them to codify social investment programmes and enact them into law.
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‎”We also wonder which of the Tinubu reforms, the human rights lawyer is seeking a review of, and like many Nigerians, we would love to hear an alternative he would proffer”, the statement added.
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Flowerbud News/ The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has described the federal government’s approval of N4.2 billion as grants to support research projects as timely and in line with the long-standing demands of the academic community.
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‎In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, it noted that for long, university professors and researchers had been pushing for monetary grants to enable them to carry out research that would lead to economic and social development in the larger society.
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‎”We acknowledge that the grants are to support 158 research projects as part of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) National Research Fund’s 2024 grant circle.
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‎Among the universities to benefit from the project’s grants are the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and the University of Ilorin.
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‎”We consider this intervention by the federal government as proof of the Tinubu administration’s massive investments in education.
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‎”Additionally, we can see where the savings from the fuel subsidy removal are being applied. It is only the Tinubu administration that has paid requisite attention to education by ensuring that university professors and other personnel are being catered to as a way to encourage them to give their best to society.
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‎”We therefore applaud the federal government for responding to the many years of clarion calls by the universities’ researchers to support them with grants for their projects. ”
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‎The group expressed hope that the grants will ensure that the beneficiaries redouble their efforts in uplifting society.
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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Executive Council (NEC) of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary General with immediate effect.

The association’s Deputy National President Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, and the general public that an Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at its National Secretariat.

“The emergency meeting was in accordance with the Association’s constitution and commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in leadership.

“It was presided over by the Deputy National President (Administration), Muhammad Abu Bakr Bishara, following due authorisation in accordance with the Association’s operational guidelines.”

He said that during the meeting, the NEC deliberated extensively on matters concerning the conduct of the Secretary- General, Adeniyi.

“After reviewing available reports and hearing submissions from relevant parties, the council resolved that Mr Adeneyi’s actions constituted misconduct and a breach of trust.

“In line with the Association’s constitutional provisions, and in the best interest of preserving the credibility and unity of the organisation, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary-General with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.”

Bishara further said that the NEC constituted a seven-member Investigative Committee to examine all allegations and circumstances surrounding the matter.

He said that the committee is chaired by Dr Samuel Agbede, while Mr Adamu jalaluddeen as secretary and is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations within two months.

Bishara assured all members of the association and the public of its unwavering commitment to due process, fairness, and justice in handling the matter.

He added that the association remains focused on its primary mission of promoting the welfare of its members and advancing the growth of the road transport sector in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction, Mr Adeniyi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied the allegations, adding that he has not been served with any letter of suspension on alleged misconduct.

He said, ” I am the National Secretary-General of the Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and till this moment as I’m speaking with you I have not been served with any letter of suspension whatsoever.

“The fact of the matter is that there was a case between us and before the judgement, I advised that we should reconcile and send our terms of settlement to the court as consent judgement.

“And my people refused and when they refused the Appeal Court proceeded and when the verdict of the appeal court came they lost the case.

“When they lost the case I tried to reach out to the other parties so that the reconciliation effort I made before can be use to reconcile the parties, so that all of us can work together.

“Even if we win or we lose, we are all members. It is all about interest and we should be able to work together, ” he said.

He, however, said that about four or five days ago, the Deputy President of the association in charge of administration, met him in the office and dragged him out of the office.

“The following day I went they said that I have no access to the office. That is all that I know. I don’t even know my offense and nobody has called me either through the electronic or print system or served me with any letter of suspension.

“All I know is that they denied me access to my office, ” Adeyini. (NAN)

The Nasarawa Patriotic Youth Alliance (NPYA), a pro-democracy group, has called on the Director-General of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Silas Agara, to join the 2027 governorship race in the state.

The State Coordinator of the group, Malam Abubakar Hamza, made the call during its Local Government town hall meeting and grassroot engagement, held in Lafia, the state capital.

Hamza commended Mr Agara’s leadership and policies that resonate with the people

” The people of Nasarawa State, from 13 Local Government areas and the grassroots, during our town hall meeting, unanimously agree and humbly request you to consider running for the office of Governor Nasarawa State during the 2027 general election.

” During these town hall meetings and political engagement with our people at the local government and grassroots level across the state, the entire people agreed and accepted to adopt you as their candidate for Governor in Nasarawa State.

” While acknowledging your leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to our state’s development which echoes with our believe and ideology, and we believe you have the potential to bring positive change we so much desire.”

Hamza said that the Youth of Nasarawa believe Mr Silas Agara is the ideal candidate to occupy the governorship seat in 2027 due to his impressive credentials in governance, leadership, and community service.

” As a pragmatic leader who has served Nasarawa State and Nigeria since 2003, we all believe you posses the necessary qualities to lead the state to greater heights.

” As a role model for the youth in Nasarawa State, they acknowledge your remarkable legacy on championing youth empowerment initiatives, placing many young people in leadership positions, providing economic empowerment, and facilitating higher educational attainment.

” The people of Nasarawa recognised your record as an astute administrator which is evident in your significant contributions to the successes of various administrations in in the state.

” Mr Agara served as Commissioner, Special Adviser, and Deputy Governor under former governor Abdullahi Adamu (2003-2007), Aliyu Akwe Doma (2007-2009) and Umaru Tanko Al-makura (2011-2019). ”

The youth leader also said that the people also recognised the landmark impact Agara made in the sporting sector of the state and the nation.

” As the current Chairman of the National League one, National President Karate Federation of Nigeria, Vice President Union of African Karate Federation (UAKF) which are the key enablers in promoting grassroots and national sports development.

” You have achieved so much that it can hardly be overlooked. Your approach to politics and governance is devoid of ethnic and religious considerations, demonstrated by your fair distribution of resources and empowerment across all boards, faiths, and creeds. ”

He said that as a successful entrepreneur who understand the importance of investments in agriculture, real estate, and hospitality, Agara expertise could drive economic growth in Nasarawa which the people are highly optimistic about.

” These initiatives and policies demonstrate your potential as a preferred candidate for Governor of Nasarawa as echoed by the entire people of the state.

” We believe in your impressive credentials and achievements. We, the Nasarawa Patriotic Youths Alliance (NAPYA) especially the citizens at the grassroots level appeal to you to join the Nasarawa governorship race in 2027.

” We believe in Silas Ali Agara for Governor in 2027,” he said. (NAN)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry have pledged to accelerate efforts to meet the European Union’s December 2025 deadline for compliance with its deforestation-free regulation (EUDR).

This, according to them, is with a view to safeguard the nation’s cocoa exports and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the pledge at a Roundtable on EUDR Compliance, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential villa, in Abuja.

The roundtable was convened by the Office of the Vice-President in partnership with EU representatives, cocoa-producing states, and private sector stakeholders.

It explored financing options, institutional coordination, and technology-driven solutions to ensure that Nigeria’s cocoa remains competitive in global markets and to protect the nation’s forests.

Speaking at the event, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described cocoa as a strategic lever in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

He revealed that cocoa exports surged by 606 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, rising from N171 billion in the previous year to N1.2 trillion, accounting for 29 per cent of agricultural exports and 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports.

“Cocoa is no longer just a commodity. It is a vital contributor to our economic transformation and a driver of our green economy agenda,” Uzoma said.

He said that the EUDR compliance, which requires proof of deforestation-free supply chains, aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and opens opportunities for traceability innovations, climate-smart farming, and local processing.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria has the capacity to meet the EU’s standards since many exporters are already compliant.

Represented by Deputy Director of Cocoa, Ajayi Olutobaba, the minister emphasized the need for a harmonised national traceability and sustainability system managed by a government agency to ensure data sovereignty and ease of verification.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the compliance push was both a challenge and a transformative opportunity for Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter.

With the EU accounting for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, she stressed that meeting EUDR requirements is an economic, environmental, and developmental imperative.

“Compliance is not optional. It is about Nigeria first, ensuring our land is used sustainably, supporting our farmers and investors, and hitting our $1 trillion economy target under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, emphasised the need for the repositioning of Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.

“The conclusion of this meeting is that the National Cocoa Board should go out there to bring a trophy to Nigeria from repositioning Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.”

Also, Dr Taiwo Osho, Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes Ltd., called for urgent government action to clearly demarcate protected areas to prevent farming in restricted zones.

He said confusion over boundaries, low productivity, and access to farmland remained a pressing challenge in spite of the renewed interest in cocoa production.(NAN)

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Noble Ladies Association International (NLAI), an NGO, has inaugurated its ‘Women of Impact’ magazine, with a renewed call for women’s empowerment and government support.

Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, which also marked the association’s formal inauguration, its President, Mrs Margaret Mkpumar, said the group was established to educate the girl-child and empower women.

She said the objective was to harness the potential of girls, groom them into noble women, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to be self-reliant in unforeseen circumstances.

“Grooming her into a noble woman in case of any unforeseen situation, she would know her right and be able to fend for herself and her children.

“The association, is revolutionising the way women approach financial stability. With a focus on investment, skill acquisition, and community support, empowering women to take control of their economic lives.

“Through an innovative investment programme, women can contribute as little as 130,000 Naira and earn up to 100,000 Naira extra.

“This initiative has not only provided women with a steady income stream but has also helped them develop a sense of purpose and financial independence.

“Noble ladies’ impact extends beyond its members, as the organisation also supports vulnerable groups such as widows, the elderly, and orphaned children.”

Mkpumar said the association was promoting financial stability through investment schemes, skill acquisition, and community support, enabling women to take charge of their economic lives.

She added that NLAI also supports vulnerable groups, including widows, the elderly, and orphaned children, and plans to establish a centralised secretariat to expand its reach.

The president urged the government to provide a central location for the association’s activities to enable easy access for women across the city and advised women to start businesses before retirement to remain self-sufficient.

Mrs Oby Elekwa, the association’s Auditor, said NLAI had trained over 10,000 women in practical skills such as cake making, fish drying, and farming, as well as financial management and entrepreneurship.

‘The organisation, has trained over 10,000 women, focusing on providing practical skills such as cake making, fish drying, and farming.

“We also teach women how to manage their finances, create multiple streams of income, and become entrepreneurs.

“NLAI is calling on the government to provide support for women empowerment initiatives, particularly in rural areas where women have limited access to resources and opportunities.

“The organisation is also advocating for the establishment of community centers where women can access training, resources, and support”.

She called on the government to provide more support for women empowerment initiatives, especially in rural areas, and to allow the association access to under-utilised skill acquisition centres nationwide.

Elekwa said the magazine would showcase the achievements of women who had benefited from NLAI’s programmes, inspiring others to take action.

Mrs Gbemisola Jonathan, Sports and Recreation Officer, said the association encouraged women to be creative, multi-skilled, and impactful in their communities, while being a voice for the voiceless.

Chairman of the occasion, former Inspector-General of Police Dr Mike Okiro, commended the women for their resilience and pledged his support.

NAN reports that NLAI, established four years ago, has more than 700 members across Nigeria.

NAN

Flowerbud News/ The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the newly introduced ward-based economic stimulus programme as a reflection of the typical fresh ideas that President Bola Tinubu keeps injecting into governance at the federal level.
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‎In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) is a creative way of directly reaching the grassroots without breaching key principles of inter- governmental responsibility.
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‎”Coming at a time that many Nigerian are concerned that improved federal allocations to states and local governments are not having the desired impact at the grassroots, it is a thing of joy that the federal government is thinking out of the box in order to ensure that all parts of the country are carried along.
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‎”This, for us, is the simplest way of explaining what the federal government is set to do with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP) which is targeted at ensuring direct engagement with the country’s 8,809 administrative wards across all 36 states.
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‎”Judging from what President Tinubu said at his engagement with state governors on the issue, the federal government is keen on stimulating economic activities at the grassroots through a ward-based development strategy.
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‎”We note that the government plan will involve supporting economic activities for a minimum of 1,000 economically active individuals in smaller wards and 2,000 for larger ones under a collaborative arrangement between federal, state, and local governments.
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‎”We see it as a creative effort to generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and even enhance social protection in all the wards through a minimum of 8.8 million people.
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‎”While it may look like 8 million is a small number in a country with a population of over 200 million, we chose to see it as a strategy that will ensure direct federal presence that will have an indirect effect in addressing local needs.
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‎”We are aware that the programme is to be funded with increased revenues accruing to the Federation Account, as well as other programmes that the federal government and states are undertaking.
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‎ “And although a National Steering Committee comprising representatives of all six geopolitical zones is expected to oversee the implementation, we are convinced that by the time the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme takes off, it will go along way to drilling down development to Nigerians at the lowest levels of government.”
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‎TMSG added that the ward-based development programme will go a long way to empowering local communities and creating jobs directly and indirectly within local economies.
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‎Cleric Calls on Politicians to Prioritise Governance Over Political Intrigues

‎By Adewale Owoade

‎The Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan, the most Reverend Williams has urged politicians to focus on delivering good governance and addressing the country’s problems rather than fixating on the 2027 elections.

Aladekugbe said this at the funeral service of 43rd Olubadan of Ibdadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Late Dr. Owolabi Olakulehin, held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

‎He expressed concern over the current state of Nigeria, citing widespread hardship, poverty, and insecurity while campaign against 2027 ahead of National unity a sort of desperacy.

‎Also criticised the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs, saying it was insensitive to the masses and a signal of disconnect with the people.

‎He emphasized the need for mass employment programs to address the country’s teeming youth population.

The bishop appealed to the government to prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives and invest in intelligence reporting, equipping security outfits, and enhancing surveillance to combat insecurity.

‎He also urged politicians to delay political intrigues and focus on governance and service to the people.

He reaffirmed Church’s commitment to continually pray for all levels of government, seeking divine intervention in the nation’s affairs.

Earlier, the man of God described the late Olubadan, as humble, dedicated, custodian of culture, man of contributory intellect to Oyo State and Nigeria, a huge loss to the entire Ibadanland.

After the service, the body was moved to the graveyard within the church for interment

‎The funeral service was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Governor Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Major General O G Onubogu, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of Nigeria Army, among others.