Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • UNICEF urges routine immunisation to end polio in Nigeria

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged governments at all levels to ensure routine immunisation in order to end polio among Nigerian children.

    Mr Bhanu Pathak, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, gave the advice at the ongoing Mid-Year review meeting of the field office on Tuesday in Jos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bauchi Field Office comprises of six states: Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Gombe and Plateau.

    Pathak, who assumed office three months ago, decried the poor level at which children, particularly in the north were immunised, describing it as a serious challenge for UNICEF.

    “Polio is a global issue but its prevalence in Nigeria is still a major concern to us in UNICEF.

    “A lot of children, particularly in the northern part of the country, are not fully immunised and it is a big challenge to us as an agency who is working to save the lives of children.

    “It is very key to us and we are working hard in that area, we call on government at all levels to support us in achieving this,“he urged.

    The UNICEF boss expressed optimism that polio could be eradicated in the country with intensified efforts to get every child immunised.

    “It is very possible to eradicate polio from Nigeria, because it was eradicated in other countries.

    ‘’However, we must develop a mechanism that will ensure sustained and routine immunisation, where children are immunised on time.

    “So, with improved immunisation system in our communities, Nigeria will be completely free from polio, “Pathak said.

    The Chief of Field Office said children were facing a myriad of challenges, particularly in the six states under him, but assured that UNICEF was working assiduously to addressing them. (NAN)

  • SON impounds suspected substandard spray paint, seal warehouse in Anambra

    SON impounds suspected substandard spray paint, seal warehouse in Anambra

    The Standard Organisations of Nigeria (SON) says it has impounded 1,223 cartons of “EmmaScale” paint for non-compliance to quality standards.
    The organisations also sealed the warehouse of EmmaScale Nigeria Ltd., importers of the product located on Modebe Street and its operational office in the Building Materials Market, Bridge Head, all in Onitsha.
    Mr Viginus Omeje, a staff in the Engineering Department of SON, Anambra Office, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday the product, seized on Friday, was neither registered nor presented by the company for quality assessment.
    Omeje said the company also faked SON’s registration logo which was assigned to a similar product and printed on its own, thus misleading unsuspecting public.
    He said the impounded products would be kept at the Enugu zonal office of SON for further investigation.
    The official said the managing director of company who was still at large must report to SON and be made to face the consequences of counterfeiting the quality seal of the Federal Government.
    “We got information about the circulation of the product which supposedly has SON quality seal on it in the market and upon investigation, it is was discovered that it was not registered and the seal is fake.
    “In line with our effort to rid the Nigerian markets of unwholesome products, we have impounded the product until it undergoes the standard processes.
    “In total, 1,223 cartons of EmmaScale elastic spray paint was impounded,” he said.
    Meanwhile, Chief Sylvester Ahanonu, Chairman, Power Tools and Allied Products Dealers Association, Bridge Head Market, Onitsha has commended SON for its efforts to sanitise the markets of substandard products.
    Ahanonu, who witnessed the sealing of the company’s office, said the association was willing to work with SON to ensure that Nigerians were protected from the costly experience of buying and using bad products.
    He said that in addition to its internal taskforce against substandard products within the markets, SON should set up an office for more effective fight.
    “Substandard products go with high cost and risk to lives, any product that does not meet the set quality should not be in the market, so, we are together with the Federal Government and SON in this.
    “We shall not stand in their way to ensure that any trader who cut corners faced the music, we discourage our people from indulging in such acts because what we sell is delicate,” he said. (NAN)

  • FIFA disciplinary committee sanctions Argentina Football Association 105,000 Swiss Francs

    The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Argentinian Football Association with a fine of 105,000 Swiss Francs and a warning.

    The Football Association was sanctioned for the violation of article 67 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

    Argentinian supporters had been involved in fights, throwing objects and homophobic and insulting chants.

    The football body also breached the Media and Marketing Regulations by failing to attend a flash interview after the Argentina versus Croatia on June 21.

    The FIFA committee has also sanctioned the Croatian Football Association with a fine of 13,000 Swiss Francs and a warning.

    Croatia violated article 67 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in the involvement of Croatian fans in fights and throwing objects during their match against Argentina.

    Also, three players of Switzerland — Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner — have been sanctioned with fines.

    Xhaka and Shaqiri are to pay in fine 10,000 Swiss Francs each, CHF 10,000, while Lichsteiner is to pay 5,000 Swiss Francs.

    The trio have also received warnings, with all being punishment for having infringed article 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code for unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair play.

    They had committed the offence through their goal(s) celebrations during their match against Serbia.

    Equally, the Football Association of Serbia has been sanctioned for the violation of article 67 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

    The football body was fined 54,000 Swiss Francs and a warning for the display of discriminatory banners and messages by Serbian supporters.

    The sanction was also for throwing objects during their match against Switzerland.

    In relation to the same match, the President of the Football Association of Serbia, Slavisa Kokeza, as well as national coach Mladen Krstajic were found guilty.

    They were said to have infringed article 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code for their unsporting behaviour through statements made in the aftermath of the Serbia versus Switzerland match.

    They were therefore sanctioned with fines of 5,000 Swiss Francs and a warning each. (NAN)

  • Film producer, Femi Odugbemi, becomes member of Oscars voting academy

    Nigerian producer and film maker Femi Odugbemi has been formally invited into the voting membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States of America.

    The academy organises and decides the nominations for the universally-acclaimed Oscars award for motion pictures.

    It is a world recognised movie-related organisaion, comprising more than 8000 accomplished men and women working in cinema.

    Academy membership is limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures.

    The academy has 17 branches ranging from actors, writers and two categories that involve members-at-large and associates to accommodate individuals who have no defined branches in motion picture.

    Elated Odugbemi shared the news of his invitation to the oscars on his Instagram page @femiodugbemi on Monday.

    He wrote: “so today, I received a formal invitation to become a voting member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States. Honoured! #Oscars #Vote4bestfilm.”

    Odugbemi, who studied Film and Television at The Montana State University, scripted, directed and produced numerous documentaries, short films and drama.

    He produced Tinsel, a widely acclaimed soap opera that started airing in August 2008 and celebrated as successful drama on Nigerian television.

    The producer’s filmmaking credits include ‘Gidi Blues’, ‘Battleground’, ‘Maroko’ and ‘Bariga Boy’.

    Odugbemi was the President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria in 2002, a tenure that ended in 2006.

    In 2008, he produced ‘Abobaku’, a short film directed by Niji Akanni. The film won the Most Outstanding Short Film at the Zuma Film Festival held in 2010.

    It also won Best Costume at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards held on April 10, 2010 at the Gloryland Cultural Centre in Bayelsa.

    In 2013, Odugbemi scripted, produced and directed a documentary titled, ‘Literature, Language and Literalism’ about the late Nigerian writer, Daniel O. Fagunwa, the author of ‘Ògbójú ?d? nínú Igbó Irúnmal??’(NAN)

  • Oil prices rise on uncertainty over Libyan crude exports

    Oil prices rose, Tuesday on uncertainty over Libyan oil exports, although plans by producer cartel OPEC to raise output loom.

    Brent sweet crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at 74.95 dollars per barrel at 01.04 GMT, up 22 cents, or 0.3 per cent from their last close.

    The United States West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at 68.33 dollars a barrel, up 25 cents, or 0.4 per cent.

    Traders said prices were mostly driven higher by uncertainty around oil exports by Libya, a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    Eastern Libyan commander, Khalifa Haftar’s forces have handed control of oil ports to a separate National Oil Corporation (NOC) based in the East of the country.

    The official state-owned oil company based in the capital Tripoli, also called NOC, will not be allowed to handle that oil anymore, he said.

    In comments later confirmed to the Media, Ahmed Mismari, spokesman of Haftar’s Libya National Army (LNA), said on television that no tanker would be allowed to dock at eastern ports without permission.

    The permission must be from a NOC entity based in the main eastern city, Benghazi.

    Oil markets have tightened significantly since 2017 when OPEC and its partners started withholding supply to prop up slumping prices at the time.

    “Despite the OPEC agreement (last week) we believe that tight supply is likely to drive oil prices higher during 2018,’’ Jason Gammel of U.S. Investment Bank Jefferies said in a note.

    Oil has been predicted to rise to 100 dollars before the end of this year by an analyst. (Reuters/NAN)

  • 2019: Leverage on NTYR—Philanthropist urges Ebonyi youths

    Mr Julius Ukachukwu, an Abuja based businessman and philanthropist, has urged Ebonyi State youths to take advantage of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run (NTYR) Act and contest for all the political positions in state in 2019.

    Ukachukwu, who addressed Ebonyi delegates during a solidarity visit at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention on Sunday in Abuja, said youths should leverage on NTYR and wrestle power.

    President Muhammadu Buhari recently signed into law the `Not Too Young To Run’ Bill into law.

    The President, who signed the bill in company of members of the `Not Too Young To Run’ movement at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also jokingly appealed to the young people to postpone their campaign (presidential ambition) till after the 2019 general elections.

    The bill was passed by the National Assembly in July 2017 to alter Sections 65, 106, 131, 177 of the Constitution, to reduce the age qualification for president from 40 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

    Ukachukwu encouraged the delegates to go back home and mobilise support for every aspiring youth so that Ebonyi could realise its potentialities.

    Ukachukwu said that the youths could change the narrative of the state to become economically viable and in turn stop begging politicians for tips.

    “When the youths final take over in 2019 by the grace of God, the life of Ebonyi youth will change from street hawking and housemaid to something better.

    “ Ebonyi state is blessed with a fertile land and has no business being in the present quagmire with good leadership in place

    “I will support any youth politician that is ready to change the life and welfare of the teeming jobless but hardworking youths in the state positively,’’ he said.

    The philanthropist said 2019 would provide an opportunity for the youths to bring the desired change.

  • AEPB seeks cooperation of FCT residents to check activities of beggars

    AEPB seeks cooperation of FCT residents to check activities of beggars

    By Deji Abdulwahab

    The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to collaborate with the Board to check activities of beggars in the area.

    Mr Muktar Ibrahim, the AEPB Head of Information and Outreach Unit, spoke in Abuja, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ibrahim who described guardians of children beggars as syndicates, exploiters and molesters, also urged the syndicates to desist from using children to source for livelihood.

    “We advise such people to desist from using other people’s children to source for livelihood. It is wicked and evil; it is not what we desire at this point of our national development.’’

    He assured the FCT residents that AEPB would not relent in its efforts to unmask the exploiters and molesters of the beggars.

    According to him, a guardian ought to provide some form of mentorship and sustenance for the wards under him or her.

    “But when you find somebody that sends students to the streets under the guise of guardianship and mentorship, I think there is contradiction there.

    “I call on them to desist from their wicked act.

    “I expect that any guardian that is interested in the welfare of his or her ward should do the right thing, either engaging such a child in some meaningful employment or sending him/her to school.

    “But not push such child to the streets to beg. I don’t think that is good enough,” he said. (NAN)

    ADA/ ELLA/OU
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    Edited by Ella Anokam/Obike Ukoh

     

  • FG to reduce cost of houses through FISH- Oyo-Ita

    FG to reduce cost of houses through FISH- Oyo-Ita

    By Kate Obande-Okewu

    The Federal Government says it plans to reduce the cost of providing houses to civil servants through the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Scheme (FISH).

    The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Oyo-Ita said that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) was currently partnering relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to reduce cost of infrastructure and land.

    She added that this partnership would further reduce the cost of the houses and make it affordable for civil servants, instead of the initial price placed on it by the developers.

    She said that the major challenge FISH was encountering was that the concept of the programme was not captured by relevant MDAs in their various budgets, but has been addressed in 2018 budget.

    “ Now we have to go back to the drawing board, we are now working with our infrastructure housing MDAs.

    “To see how we can bring down the prices to a level that civil servants can actually take advantage of.

    “The private developers will no longer have to bear the cost of the land and infrastructure because these are two things that cause high cost of houses,

    “We will now take advantage of the developers input by way of skills and technical knowhow, while the government agencies provide the land and infrastructure.’’

    The head of service expressed her gratitude to the FCT Minister, Minister of Power, Works and Housing for providing a district for the FISH programme.

    She also thanked the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, for providing infrastructure for FISH in the 2018 budget, and the Minister of Finance for their contributions towards the programme.(NAN)

    KTE/OU

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    Edited by Obike Ukoh

     

     

     

  • Photos: 2 cultists arrested for chilling murder of 2 OOU students

    Muritala Babatunde and Taiwo Razak, Black Axe Fraternity members arrested for murder

    Two members of the cult group Black Axe Confraternity  have been arrested in Oru, Ogun state over the chilling murder of a 22 year-old student Oriade Adebisi and his girlfriend, Julian Eke Imaga.

    Julian Imaga, 18 years-old and Adebisi were both students of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye. They were killed on 28 May by the cultists, one of whom was a drop-out from the university. Their bodies have been recovered and sent to Ijebu-Ode General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

    Oriade Adebisi murdered

    The cultists were arrested by operatives of the IGP-Intelligence Response Team(IRT) led by DCP Abba Kyari, in collaboration, with Oyo State FSars and Ogun State Police Command.

    In a chilling post by Abba Kyari on his Facebook page,  Oriade Adebisi was ambushed in Oru-Ijebu by the killer cultists in the night of 28 May, while driving in his Honda Crostour Car with Reg.No. FST 350 FA. He was in the company of his girlfriend Julian Eke Imaga. The incident happened after Adebisi had visited a friend of his identified as Akogun.

    Julian Eke Imaga, murdered

    “All of a sudden as he was driving towards Oru junction,  three armed armed men emerged on a motorcycle and whisked away the said Oriade Adebisi and his friend together with the car to unknown destination.

    “On the receipt of this complaint on 3 June, Operatives of the IGP-Intelligence Response Team(IRT) led by DCP ABBA Kyari in collaborations of Oyo state FSars and Ogun state police command swiftly swooped on the hoodlums and two of the principal suspects Muritala Babatunde  and Taiwo Rasak  were subsequently arrested”, Kyari reported.

    An iPhone X and with Etisalat sim and two pairs of canvas shoes belonging to the Adebisi were recovered from the first Muritala Babatunde.

    The Abba Kyari team at the scene of murder in Oru Ogun state

    The 29 year-old Babatunde, said to be the leader of the Black Axe Fraternity, also known as Aiye Fraternity, said in a confession he had nursed criminal intent on Adebisi for sometime before he attacked him on 28 May.

    His grouse was that Adebisi did not recognise his ranking in the Aiye Fraternity and was giving another cult group money.

    Here are the confessions of  Babatunde and his accomplice Taiwo Razak:

    MURITALA BABATUNDE “M” 29 YRS: He hails from Oru Ijebu in Ijebu North Local Government area of Ogun state. That he is a university dropped out and that while he was in the university at Ago iwoye , he was initiated into cultism called Black Axe confraternity popularly known as “AIYE”. That he is now the current Number one “AIYE” Ijebu-North axis and had in his possession two locally made pistols which He and his gang members normally use to perpetrate their nefarious acts.

    He added that on 28/05/2018 at about 2300hrs, having noticed the Said oriade Adebisi’s movement along Oru-Ijebu junction , whom he had been nursing criminal intents against , he quickly called his gang members (Rasak Taiwo “m” aka IKU and Sodiq “m” ) and the said Oriade Adebisi and his girlfriend were kidnapped in his car and taken to the bush along Ijebu-ode Awa/Ibadan expressway where both of them were killed.

    He confessed further that before Oriade Adebisi was killed , he ordered him to deactivate his password on his iPhone and he took the iPhone and two pairs of shoes from his and thereafter abandoned the car at the expressway having dumped their lifeless bodies in a bush at the back of uncompleted building where they were murdered. He Confessed that the late Victim whom he say was a Yahoo boy was giving money to a Rival cult group and was not giving him money and has not recognised him as the overall Cult leader of that area.

    TAIWO RASAK “M” AGED 18YRS: He hails from Imota in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos state. He confessed that he was initiated into AIYE confraternity in year 2015. That he went to stay with the first suspect Muritala Babatunde at Oru-Ijebu who is the Number One in their confraternity. He added that on 28/05/2018 in the late hour of the night, Babatunde Muritala called him and one Sodiq “M” (cult member) to meet with him at Oru junction.

    On their arrival , Babatunde Muritala told them that he wanted to kill Oriade Adebisi who has parted away with his money. He confessed that Muritala then called his girlfriend Seun Yetunde “F” who had been monitoring the said Oriade’s movement and she brought a bag that contained two guns and a cutlass. That Muritala then gave him one of the guns, handled one and handed over the cutlass to Sodiq while waiting patiently for Oriade to come. Few minutes oriade and his girlfriend arrived in a car. Suddenly , “we
    based him down with gun” he said. Muritala took over the steering having ordered the said oriade and the girl to the backseat while himself and Sodiq were at the back seat with them and they drove off the junction. He added that they took them to the bush along the expressway where they were killed with planks and gun.