Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • NESG, others task NAFDAC on laboratory for fortification

    NESG, others task NAFDAC on laboratory for fortification

     

    By Lydia Ngwakwe

    Lagos:   The Nigeria Economic Summit Group(NESG) in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and eHealth, has urged NAFDAC to prioritise the establishment of a testing laboratory for fortification.

    The Senior Programme Officer, CISLAC, Mr Muhammed Murtala, said during the groups visit to the Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), that establishing a laboratory for testing fortification in Nigeria, would help to ensure that Nigerians have access to safe and nutritious food.

    According to him, fortification is the process of adding vitamins and minerals to food and it is a public health strategy that is used to improve the nutritional status of a population and to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.

    He said that the lack of a testing laboratory was a major obstacle to the effective implementation of the mandatory food fortification programme in Nigeria

     

    He noted that NAFDAC currently relies on private laboratories to test fortified foods, which according to him, was expensive and time-consuming.

    Mr Dianabasi Akpaninyang, Consultant, Large-Scale Food Fortification and Workforce Nutrition Project, urged the government to partner with the private sector to promote food fortification in Nigeria.

    He said, “the government can do this by developing and implementing policies that support food fortification, such as mandatory fortification standards and financial incentives for food producers.

    “The private sector can do this by investing in food fortification equipment and by producing and marketing fortified foods.”

    He urged the company to ensure their workers are fortified meals, noting that consuming food fortified with all nutrients would improve their productivity and prevent micronutrient deficiencies.

    Earlier, Mrs Jessica Nworgu, Manager, Quality Control, FMN, urged the government to equip its lab and ensure the workers had the technical know-how to carry out sample testings.

    “I wish that the regulatory bodies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have a good lab.

    “I feel that part of their problems is the technical know-how; and if they have the technical know-how, and are trained with the right equipment to carry out these tests, it will go a long way.

    “I say this because when we send our samples to them, they are able to analyse only two or three of the micronutrients which does not make sense.

    “So, if we have a good lab, or private lab or even advocacy labs that can be set for the manufacturing company, It will be wonderful,” she said.

    She also complained about the cost of production for the Vitamin A premix, which is a fortification micronutrient, the recommended tariff of 20 per cent as against five per cent, among others.

    The highlight of the visit was a tour to the company’ canteen to check if workers were fed with fortified food, visit to the store where fortificants were kept and how they were mixed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Supreme Court to hear Nnamdi Kanu’s case October 5

    Supreme Court to hear Nnamdi Kanu’s case October 5

    The Supreme Court will on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, hear all appeals in cases involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

    Recall that on the 13 October, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had delivered a judgment in an appeal filed by Kanu’s counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, challenging parts of the Federal High Court’s ruling.

     

    The Federal High Court had retained seven counts out of the original 15 counts against Kanu, after striking out eight out of the 15-count charge.

    The Court of Appeal, in allowing the appeal filed by Ozekhome, had directed the Federal Government to immediately release Kanu unconditionally.

     

    The intermediate court proceeded in the aforesaid judgement to prohibit the Federal Government from further detaining Kanu, or prosecuting him on any indictment or charge before any court in Nigeria.

     

    However, a statement by Kanu’s lead Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said during the resumed hearing, the Supreme Court will be urged to dismiss the appeal filed by the Federal Government.

    A statement signed by Ejiofor reads: “On the 5th day of October, 2023, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, leading Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq., and others, will be exchanging the legal fireworks on behalf of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in urging the Supreme Court to dismiss in its entirety the frivolous appeal filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria against this landmark judgement of the Court of Appeal; and to further set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal staying the execution of its earlier judgment.

     

    “We are very firm, and committed to our solemn belief that the wheels of justice, though grinds slowly, but grinds exceedingly fine and towards the attainment of justice at the end of the day

  • Summary of Atiku’s Chicago fishing expedition

    Summary of Atiku’s Chicago fishing expedition

     

    By Bayo Onanuga

    @aonanuga1956  Wrote:  With the circulation of misleading reports about Atiku’s case in Chicago, I asked a lawyer, Oluwole Afolabi for an executive summary. He did a good job, offering non-legalese, succinct insight.

    How it started: Atiku’s lawyers brought an application under U.S.C. 1782 for the court’s assistance to obtain evidence from CSU by way of Subpoena regarding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records.

    Tinubu’s lawyers brought an application on his behalf to Intervene in the matter.
    The application was granted.

    Tinubu’s lawyers opposed the issuing of subpoena to obtain his academic records primarily on 3 grounds:

    1. The documents are protected by FERPA (Federal Educational Rights Protection Act).

    2. Atiku did not plead any facts relating to whether Asiwaju attended or graduated from CSU in his Petition at the Election Tribunal and as such any information that he obtained will not be admissible.

    3. Atiku’s petition at the Election Tribunal had gone beyond the ‘evidentiary stage’ in that parties had adopted their processes and all that remained for the Tribunal to do was to deliver judgment. The Tribunal could no longer admit evidence.

    AFTERMATH OF JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL
    While Atiku’s application was pending, the Court of Appeal delivered judgment. The judgment was against Atiku and in favour of Asiwaju.

    MAGISTRATE JUDGE GILBERT
    The Magistrate Judge to whom the case was assigned scheduled hearing of the case for September 11th, 2023.

    At the hearing, Atiku’s lawyers contended that they needed the documents for Atiku’s use at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Tinubu’s lawyers countered that not only are the documents protected by FERPA, they can not use them at the Supreme Court because they were not pleaded in the Petition as required by the Electoral Act.

    CSU informed the Court that Tinubu graduated from CSU and that the school does not have a copy of the Diploma that Tinubu allegedly submitted to INEC and so was not in a position to speak on the veracity or otherwise of the document.

    CSU counsel further told the court that the school, like most schools in America, does not keep copies of Diplomas that it issued to its students.

    DECISION OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE
    Magistrate Judge Gilbert ordered CSU to respond to a limited portion of Atiku’s subpoena within 48 hours.

    TINUBU’S MOTION FOR STAY
    Tinubu’s lawyers filed a motion for stay of the execution of Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s order on the ground that the Magistrate Judge did not have the power to make the order it made.

    He could only have made a recommendation to the Supervising Judge, who may then affirm or modify or reject it outrightly while proceeding to hear the application afresh.

    Tinubu’s prayer was granted by Judge Nancy Maldonado. The Order of Magistrate Judge Gilbert was stayed and the Judge decided to hear the application afresh.

    Judge Maldonado then directed Tinubu’s lawyers to file papers on their client’s behalf not later than 9am Monday, September 25th on why a subpoena should not be issued against CSU to release some of Asiwaju’s documents.

    Atiku’s lawyers were directed to respond to Asiwaju’s court filings not later than 11:59pm on Wednesday and Asiwaju’s lawyers should file a Reply to it, if necessary, not later than 11:59pm on Thursday, September 28th.

    Now that all the processes have been filed, Judge Nancy Maldonado will give a date for the hearing of Tinubu’s application. Ruling will be delivered thereafter. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Bianca Ojukwu lauds Ohanaeze for Igbo Day celebration, honouring 3 distinguished members of her family

    Bianca Ojukwu lauds Ohanaeze for Igbo Day celebration, honouring 3 distinguished members of her family

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: Amb. Bianca Ojukwu has lauded Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for celebrating Igbo Day and honouring three distinguished members of her family and illustrious sons of Igboland with highest Igbo honours.

     

    Ojukwu gave the commendation on Saturday in an appreciation message, titled: “Charity Must Begin at Home” shortly after she received the honours at Okpara Square, Enugu venue of the Igbo Day Celebration 2023.

    It would be recalled that the ‘Hero of Igboland’ honour was bestowed on her father in-law, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu; and the honour of ‘Grand Hero of Igboland” was bestowed on her husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

     

    The honour of “Distinguish Hero of Igboland” bestowed on Chief Christain Onoh, the former Governor of Old Anambra State and her father.

     

    Ojukwu said that the families of – Ojukwu and Onoh – are thankful to Ohaneze Ndigbo for the honour bestowed on these three illustrious sons of Igboland and indeed, Nigeria.

    According to her, Ohaneze has done the Igbo Nation proud with the posthumous recognition of so many distinguished sons and daughters of Igboland.

     

    “It is hoped that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the apex organization is poised to promote a vibrant synergy on all fronts among Igbos across seven southern states,” she said.

     

    The ambassador said she was particularly proud of the ‘Hero of Igboland’ honour bestowed on my father in-law, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, acclaimed as Nigeria’s first billionaire, who died in 1966.

    She said, “This is because I believe he has not been given sufficient recognition for the tremendous impact he made in the socio-economic and political space in Nigeria.

     

    “This is a man who was conferred with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in 1947; an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) in 1952 and KBE (Knight Commander of the British Empire) in 1960 by Queen Elizabeth.

     

    “Sir Louis Ojukwu sat as Chairman of 15 multinational companies in his time, and was a founder and the first chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

     

    “He was not only a Titan of Commerce, Industry and Real Estate but greatly influenced the politics of the era, even winning a seat in Parliament.

    “The son of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, my husband, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu received the highest honour of ‘Grand Hero of Igboland’.

     

    “The Ikemba, as he is fondly known, has transcended into the pantheon of Igbo gods for the heroic role he played in the history and survival of his people.

     

    “Generations yet unborn will be reminded of his valour. His place in the history of this nation is assured for all time.”

     

    Ojukwu noted that her father, Onoh, former governor of the Old Anambra State is generally acknowledged as the founding father of Enugu State and Wawaland’s most formidable foot soldier and his heroic roles in the evolution of his people are unquantifiable.

     

    “As you can see, not only did the people of Ngwo, his community turn out here to honour him, but people trooped in from far and wide to celebrate this recognition.,” she said.

    Ojukwu, a former Nigeria ambassador to Spain, noted that the greatest challenge Igbo people have is the lack of synergy and cohesion within our own socio-cultural and socio-political space which is at best contradictory.

     

    “There is a latent disconnect among the leadership and peoples across the South-Eastern States,” she said.

     

    According to her, the double standards have bred nothing but confusion and a deficit of cohesion and solidarity across our states.

     

    “This is the bitter truth. It is a regrettable and retrogressive attitude. Charity must begin at home if the zone is to make any appreciable progress.

     

    “We must bridge this gap first in order for a healthier, more progressive socio-political relationship devoid of prejudice, rancour and resentment to thrive across all Igbo speaking states.

     

    “This seemingly intractable situation, if effectively tackled, will be Ohaneze’s greatest achievement,” she added.

    It would be recalled that the annual Igbo Day Celebration is a great opportunity for people of the Igbo nation to come together and reflect on prevailing circumstances and celebrate all that is dynamic, heroic and noble about their heritage.

     

    This year’s Igbo Day Celebration had as its highpoint, the honourific appreciation of legendary personalities of Igboland who provided unrivaled leadership, progress and prestige to the Igbo nation. (Flowerbudnews)

  • NGO empowers 2,000 widows, PWDs, destitute children, others in 27 states

    NGO empowers 2,000 widows, PWDs, destitute children, others in 27 states

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The Royal Ambassadors Charity Home, a non-governmental and non-profit , says it has empowered no fewer than 2,000 widows, orphans, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), destitute children in 27 states across the country.

     

    The Executive Director of the NGO, Amb. David Jonathan, disclosed this during the official inauguration of 35-member State/Zonal/Council Area Executive Working Team for the NGO’s Enugu State Chapter on Saturday in Enugu.

    Jonathan, who said that the NGO was also out to assist the poor and persons with special needs, said that the NGO had made tremendous impact in the lives of Nigerians through its members’ efforts as well as philanthropists and public-spirited donors.

     

    According to him, I caught the vision and established this organization 12 years ago; and I envisioned not only helping widows, orphans, PWD, destitute children, the poor and persons with special needs but building Homes that will shelter them.

    He said that the NGO had expanded its feasible reach to all regions of Nigeria and 34 countries of the World where Royal Ambassadors Charity Home members’ presence are currently making impact with voluntary humanitarian services and direct assistance.

     

    “It is important we look at how far we have come and think about how farther we can go. We have come a long way but the road ahead is still far,” he said.

     

    The executive director said that the management of the organization had discovered that in Nigeria widows are neglected, victimized, intimidated and humiliated just because they lost their husband to the hands of the invisible dreaded “Mr Death”.

    “Our culture and society are not favourable to them at all, the worst of it all is that when any widow does not have a male child, the relatives of her late husband will be given her trouble by trying to possess what their late brother acquired before his death.

     

    “In view of this development, a team of advocates and human rights activists in this organization have commenced advocating for the widows’ fundamental rights, protection and welfare in the National Assembly as well as in our neighborhoods.

    “We are very much aware there is no specific law in Nigeria that protects the widow’s rights unlike the PWD’S and children that have laws passed as a bill on their behalf for their protection in Nigeria,” he said.

     

    Jonathan urged residents of Enugu State to join hands with the organization to assist security agencies in fighting against crime in neighborhoods by quickly reporting any suspicious movement or persons within any vicinity to the nearest security station.

     

    “Security is everyone’s business. We cannot have a secure Enugu State if we are indifferent to events that may threaten the security of our neighbourhoods,” he said.

    For the newly inaugurated executives, Jonathan directed them to join in the onerous task of serving God and humanity in Enugu State by being a blessing to the society along the path that guarantees superior outcomes.

     

    “I made it clear that it would no longer be business as usual and all hands must be on deck to ensure that people benefit from this organization,” he said.

     

    Dr Amaka Ezekwonna, Coordinator of Royal Ambassador Charity Home, Enugu State Chapter, said that the inauguration was a practical demonstration of the state members’ commitment and desire to serve humanity.

    “Royal Ambassador Charity Home, Enugu State has come to provide the channel to reach out to the widows, orphans, PWDs, destitute children, the poor and persons with special needs in Enugu State in particular and Nigeria,” Ezekwonna said.

    A physical challenged, Mr Levi Nnamani, appreciated the NGO for assisting him and other physically challenged persons in the state, adding: “I will continue to pray that God will bless Royal Ambassador Charity Home for this unprecedented assistance we are receiving”. (Flowerbudnews)

  • 63rd Independence Anniversary: Have Faith in the Greatness of Nigeria – Arase Urges Nigerians

    63rd Independence Anniversary: Have Faith in the Greatness of Nigeria – Arase Urges Nigerians

    -the Labour of our heroes past must not be in vain

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja ( Flowerbudnews): As the nation celebrates its 63rd Independence anniversary, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission Dr. Solomon Arase, has urged Nigerians to have faith in the greatness of Nigeria, insisting that all hopes are not lost.

    Arase, a former Inspector General of Police made the call in a statement to.mark the independence anniversary, signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC.

    Dr. Arase said Nigerians should spare a minute to salute and celebrate the freedom our heroes fought for and cherish our diversity.

    He noted that Nigeria must rise again and that the Labour of our heroes past will never be in vain.

    According to the PSC Chairman “it is obvious that no nation is perfect; we have had our fair share of hate and violence but this is the moment to build our new future full of love and understanding”.

    He advised that “we must decide now to join hands with the present Government to move our nation forward”.

    Dr Arase prayed that “this day should be special for Nigerians and their loved ones and that it should present to them the sacred opportunity to celebrate the glory of freedom.

    “Be assured that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. Nigeria must rise again.” He concluded. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • President Tinubu Must Read This – Re-newed Hope

    President Tinubu Must Read This – Re-newed Hope

     

     

    A Day for Najib Abdussalam

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The premises of Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company (AUMTC) was thrown into mourning mood as the workers openly shed tears, grieving over the sack of their Managing Director, Najib Mahmoud AbduSSalam.

    AbduSSalam was sacked by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday along with the Heads of other FCDA Agencies.

    AbduSSalam, an indigene of Kano State was on the job for just about 110 days and had impacted so positively on the lives of the Nigerians from different tribes, religion and ethnic groups working in AUMTC.

    As he was leaving the company, he was surrounded by the workers, shedding tears, and wishing him not to go.

    Though AbdulSalam is a Muslim, the Christians among the workers surrounding AbdulSalam were praying passionately for GOD to return him to them as their Managing Director.

    The Muslims too were offering prayers to GOD to bless AbdulSalam and return him to them as their Managing Director.

    A commentator on the affection displayed by AUMTC workers, Ustaz Waheed Adeyemi, noted that AbduSSalam incident”is  an indication that truly, hope for unity, love and dedication can be effectively renewed among Nigerians with good leadership.”

    President Tinubu, he stressed, should watch this to renew his trust and ”re-newed’: hope agenda.

    AbduSSalam should be returned to his people in AUMTC to continue the good work he is doing among them that earned him so much love and affection within a little over 100 days of leadership., he counselled. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

    Breaking: Kidnappers demand N60m ransom to release Benue Commissioner

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi:  The unknown gunmen, who kidnapped the Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Abo, have allegedly demanded a ransom of N60 million from his family.

    A family source told newsmen on Friday in Makurdi that the abductors made the demand in a phone call to a member of the family on Friday.

    NAN further reports that according to the source, the recipient of the call, name withheld for security reasons, said the “kidnappers have resorted to torturing the commissioner to press home for their demand”.

    The source said they called and placed their phone on loud speaker so that the beating of the commissioner and his cries for help could be heard.

    NAN also reports that several gunmen stormed the commissioner’s residence in Zaki-Biam in Ukum LGA and kidnapped him on 24th Sept. around 8pm.

    Eyewitnesses told NAN that the kidnappers came on four motorcycles, ordered everyone in the house, including the the Commissioner’s wife and children, to lie face down before they took away the victim.

    The witnesses said the abductors compelled the commissioner to sit behind the rider of one of the motorcycles and sped away.

    Gov Hyacinth Alia, in his reaction, has strongly condemned the abduction and directed security operatives to ensure the safe release of his Commissioner.

    However, when asked if the kidnappers have made contact with either the family or government, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, simply said “investigation is ongoing”. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Transport union renews fight against thuggery at motor parks

    Transport union renews fight against thuggery at motor parks

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

    President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, on Friday in Abuja.

    The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru, near Jos in Plateau state.

    The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).

    He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.

    Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.

    “I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.

    “But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.

    “Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”

    He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.

    “If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”

    He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding

    “I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.

    “You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”

    Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.

    “In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.

    “He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)