Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • C’River Govt, UNICEF Partner On Key Devt Initiatives

    C’River Govt, UNICEF Partner On Key Devt Initiatives

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Cross River State Government has formalised a strategic partnership with UNICEF through a two-year work plan to advance Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social Policy, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

    The agreement is set for implementation from 2025 to 2027.

    It outlines key interventions to enhance the well-being of women and children across the state.

    The Acting Governor, Dr Peter Odey, signed on behalf of the state government, while Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, signed on behalf of UNICEF.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony in Calabar, the Acting Governor, who welcomed the UNICEF advocacy team, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fully implement the 2025-2027 work plan to advance the rights and well-being of children and women.

    He commended UNICEF for its ongoing collaboration with the state, highlighting the shared vision of improving lives through sustainable development initiatives.

    He assured the team that since the inception of the Otu administration, the government has consistently met its obligations regarding counterpart funding without delay, emphasising that the Otu administration “is anchored on a ‘People First’ mantra.”

    Reaffirming the government’s dedication to UNICEF-supported programs, the Acting Governor also pledged unwavering cooperation in all intervention areas to ensure the full execution of planned actions for the holistic development of mothers and children.

    Earlier in her remarks, Chiluwe commended Gov. Bassey Otu, who is currently on a three-week annual leave, for his visionary leadership and strong advocacy for the welfare of women and children in Cross River State.

    She described the state’s commitment as a positive step towards enhancing child health and development indices in the region.

    She reiterated that the 2025-2027 work plan focuses on Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social Policy, and WASH, ensuring impactful interventions that address the most pressing needs of women and children in the state.

    The State Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr. Hippolatus Lukpata, attended the event alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Effiom, and the Director of Administration, expressed confidence that the new work plan would build on past achievements and further strengthen initiatives to ensure that women and children in Cross River State were educated, healthy, and protected.

  • Amaju Pinnick Narrowly Loses FIFA Council Seat

    Amaju Pinnick Narrowly Loses FIFA Council Seat

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Nigeria’s candidate, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, very narrowly failed to retain his FIFA Council seat, losing by a single vote at the poll that took place as part of the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress in Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday.

    The former NFF President scored 28 votes, one short of both Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti, who each scored 29 votes to make it to the exalted panel.

    Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa swept 49 votes, with Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida and Niger Republic’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou scoring 35 votes each.

    Lekjaa, Rida, Hamidou, Yahya, and Waberi will join CAF President Patrice Motsepe, unopposed for a second term, as Africa’s representatives at the FIFA Council, alongside Kanizat Ibrahim from the Comoros Island who collected the women’s seat by scoring 30 votes, as against 13 for former FIFA Council and IOC Member Lydia Nsekera and seven for incumbent Isha Johansen.

    Andrew Kamanga (Zambia), Yacine Idriss Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire), and Augustin Senghor (Senegal) polled 19, 18, and 13 votes, respectively, while Benin Republic’s Mathurin De Chacus withdrew just before the vote.

    In the CAF Executive Committee elections, Alfred Randriamanampisoa (Madagascar) withdrew before the vote, leaving Elvis Chetty (Seychelles), Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir (Mauritius), and Feizal Ismael Sidat (Mozambique) to contest for two COSAFA seats. In the event, Sobha Samir and Feizal Sidat were successful.

    Unopposed, as the CAF President, was Wallace Karia (CECAFA, Tanzania), Samuel Eto’o (UNIFFAC, Cameroon), Mustapha Ishola Raji (WAFU A, Liberia), Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku (WAFU B, Ghana), Sadhi Walid (UNAF) and Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Female Seat, DR Congo).

    FIFA Council Seats: Patrice Motsepe (South Africa); Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco); Hany Abou Rida (Egypt); Djibrilla ‘Pele’ Hima Hamidou (Niger Republic); Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), Souleman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti).

    Female Seat: Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros)
    CAF Exco Seats: Samuel Eto’o (UNIFFAC); Wallace Karia (CECAFA); Sadhi Walid (UNAF); Mustapha Ishola Raji (WAFU A); Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku (WAFU B); Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir and Feizal Ismael Sidat (COSAFA).

    Female Seat: Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (DR Congo).

  • Chelle names Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20 others for Rwanda, Zimbabwe

    Chelle names Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, 20 others for Rwanda, Zimbabwe

     

    Dianabasi Effiong

    Super Eagles Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle has named goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Kayode Bankole; defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina; midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi; and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses in his final list of 23 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

    Also on the final list are defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel; midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi; and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Sadiq Umar.

    Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu makes the final cut alongside home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare.

    Nigeria will confront group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, 21st March, before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, four days later.

    LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA, ZIMBABWE GAMES

    Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars).

    Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic).

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes).

    Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

  • Desist from get-rich-quick mentality, lifestyle – 82 Div Chief Imam cautions youths

    Desist from get-rich-quick mentality, lifestyle – 82 Div Chief Imam cautions youths

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Chief Imam of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Husein Eleje, cautions youths against get-rich-quick mentality and lifestyle.

    Eleje told newsmen in  Enugu on Thursday that if anyone, especially youths wished  to get wealth, he or she must be hardworking, diligent and draw closer to God.


    According to him, only Almighty Allah blesses one with wealth devoid of sorrows at the end.

    The cleric noted that the growing incidences of get-rich-quick among youths without having any tangible thing doing must be stopped and discouraged.

    “For those taking to ritual killings and dismembering of human body for wealth, Almighty Allah has not given permission to anybody to kill anyone for any reason.

    “To our Creator, life is sacred. Even the animal you own and rear domestically, you must not kill any without a reason; if not, you have a question to answer.


    “As your life is precious to you; so also the lives of others are precious to them and Almighty Allah has not given permission to anybody to take the life of the other,” he said.


    Eleje said that as it is written in the Holy Books – both the Holy Quran and Bible – the punishment for this evil is inevitable and Almighty Allah has His ways of executing the punishment

  • Don’t panic sighting movement of troops, hearing sounds of gunshots in Enugu – Army

    Don’t panic sighting movement of troops, hearing sounds of gunshots in Enugu – Army

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Nigerian Army has urged Enugu State residents not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops, equipment and hearing of gunshots between March 17 and March 20. 2025.

    The acting Deputy Director 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, in a statement in Enugu on Thursday, said that it would be a week long range classification activities by Nigerian Army personnel.


    “In line with Army Headquarters Training Directives for 2025, 82 Division Nigerian Army will commence its first range classification exercise for the year from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    “The range classification will be taking place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) within the immediate outskirt of Enugu metropolis.

    “The exercise is aimed at sharpening the shooting skill of officers and soldiers of the Division as well as to ascertain the serviceability of weapons of the unit not deployed in operations,” he said.

    According to him, members of the public especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima and Onyohor communities in Udi LGA should not panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment and hearing of gunshots on mentioned date.

    “Similarly, locals are advised to stay away from the range area throughout the exercise as it will involve the use of live ammunition.

    “Thank you for your usual cooperation and please accept the warmest regards of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigeria Army as always,” Unuakhalu added.

  • TMSG Credits Chatham House’s view, that Tinubunomics has raised Nigeria’s economy 25 years ahead 

    TMSG Credits Chatham House’s view, that Tinubunomics has raised Nigeria’s economy 25 years ahead 

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the recent stance of the British Policy Institute, Chatham House, on the Nigerian economy as yet another resounding endorsement of the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    It said that the latest view of the credible British think tank on the current success of Tinubunomics validates several attestations that the Nigerian economy has a bright and prosperous future.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that it was pleasing to see the globally acclaimed policy think tank declaring that the TInubu reforms have placed the Nigerian economy at its most competitive level in the last 25 years.

    It said: ” Although the policy think tank acknowledged that Nigerians may be right to be concerned about the Tinubu reforms on the back of the cost of living crisis, it was emphatic that the policies ‘give Nigeria the best hope for sustainable growth that it has had for decades’.

    “This, for us, is a resounding endorsement of the policies of the Tinubu administration despite what we agree are the short-term pains.

    “It is a great thing that Chatham House acknowledged that fuel prices have quadrupled since President Tinubu took the bold step of removing fuel subsidy.
    “Like the British think tank, we also admit that prices of food items also went up early in the life of the administration in reaction to the policies but there is now a noticeable drop in recent weeks, which is a reflection of the efficacy of the reforms.

    “So we agree with Chatham House that there is light at the end of the tunnel if the government stays the course, something we are sure that President Tinubu is committed to.

    “We also recall that a Nigerian policy think tank, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) made a similar submission in a recent assessment of the Tinubu reform policies after taking a cursory look at the balance of trade, improved daily crude production and the foreign reserves.

    “We are, however, hopeful that all these will reflect positively on the inflation rate this year in a way that more Nigerians will feel the impact of the improving economic outlook.

    “In our view, it is only those with a political axe to grind with the Tinubu administration or are outrightly mischievous that will not acknowledge the obvious renewed investment confidence in Nigeria as well as the improvement in many economic indices.

    “We make bold to say that 2025 will bring more positive things for the country and urge Nigerians to continue to support the President and his team as they continue to work towards putting in place a more resilient economy that we all can be proud of.”

    TMSG also urged government officials to do more in communicating the successes of the Tinubu administration locally, especially as the government inches closer to its mid-term.

    End

  • Tinubu economic policies, driving exports, boosting trade surplus – TMV

    Tinubu economic policies, driving exports, boosting trade surplus – TMV

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has described the rise in Nigeria’s exports in the last year as yet another manifestation of the efficacy of the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    This, according to the group, is clear from the progressive rise in trade surplus between the fourth quarter of 2023 and that of 2024.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, TMV noted that the latest foreign trade report from the National Bureau of Statistics NBS showed a trade surplus of N3.43trn in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2024.

    It said: “We note with joy that the Tinubu administration’s policies are already yielding desired results as imports are on the decrease while exports are on the rise. The implication is that goods and services from Nigeria are being exported to the outside world thereby boosting local businesses and manufacturing.

    “Furthermore, it is gratifying that the federal government is projecting a 15% inflation rate – a significant drop from 24% presently. This is also in alignment with the projection of a 7% GDP growth in 2025.”

    The group noted that the administration’s monetary policy has been beneficial to exports of Made-in-Nigeria goods.

    “Suffice it to mention that one of the policies of the Tinubu administration that has helped to boost the export of Nigerian goods is the devaluation of the local currency in the official market.

    “Even in the non-oil exports, Nigeria’s agricultural products such as cocoa, beans, cashew and rubber are gaining international acceptance. The export of these products will boost the economic resilience and reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil revenues.

    “We also share in the optimism of President Tinubu that the bold decisions of his administration, along with the efforts of the state governments, have bolstered the economy, and this will continue to be in upward swing.

    “Even as we acknowledge the challenges being faced by Nigerians, it is remarkable that the federal government’s economic policies are protectionist and they will augur well for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

    “Without embarking on the imposition of tariffs on foreign goods, we are glad that the policies enunciated by the administration are supportive of the growth and survival of the local industries and the ultimate result is prosperity for all Nigerians,” it added.

    End

  • Gunmen kidnap Abuja traditional ruler, 2 grandsons, 5 others

    Gunmen kidnap Abuja traditional ruler, 2 grandsons, 5 others

     

    The traditional ruler of Dnako in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory has been kidnapped by some gunmen in military uniform.

    Sources said HRH Etsu Yuda Garba was kidnapped alongside his two grandsons and five other residents of the community on Tuesday, March 11.

    Confirming the incident, a resident of the community, Tanko Baba said the kidnappers invaded the area at about 12.03 am on Tuesday.

    Wearing military uniforms, they abducted the traditional leader and his grandchildren – Ephraim and Philemon.

    According to Baba, the abductors who were carrying AK-47 riffles raided some homes where they abducted five people before heading to the palace of the village head.

    They were said to have broken into the palace amid sporadic gunshots and whisked the traditional ruler and his sleeping grandchildren away.

    “Mr Nicholas, who is my cousin, just returned from the hospital where his wife gave birth when he ran into the kidnappers,” Baba said.

    He also stated that the kidnappers escaped with the victims before soldiers arrived at the village.

  • FG Fixes Cement Price, Gives Dangote, BUA, Other Manufacturers Deadline To Comply

    FG Fixes Cement Price, Gives Dangote, BUA, Other Manufacturers Deadline To Comply

     

     

    BusinessFG Fixes Cement Price, Gives Dangote, BUA, Other Manufacturers Deadline To Comply

     

    Published

     

    9 minutes ago

     

    on

     

    March 13, 2025

     

    By

     

    Dtruth Insights

     

    For advert placement, news publication, event coverage and promotions, call or Whatapp; +2349037160966

     

     

    The Federal Government through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has asked cement manufacturers to lower the cost of the product to N7,000 per 50kg bag or be reported to President Bola Tinubu.

     

    The minister explained his request, stressing that the exchange rate had stabilised and petrol costs were also crashing, with plans to fix major roads in the country.

     

    According to the minister, the exchange rate is now N1,400 to a dollar, urging cement manufacturers to lower the product’s price.

     

    Umahi said contractors have complained that they wanted to revert to asphalt in road construction due to the high cement costs.

     

    He said when the exchange was N2,000 to a dollar, cement manufacturers raised the price to N7,500, asking why the product would still be selling at N9,500 per 50kg bag.

     

    He asked them to lower the price within seven days, or he would officially report them to the President.

     

    New cement firms enter Nigeria

     

    A recent report showed that Huaxin Cement Company, the Chinese firm and prospective buyer of Holcim’s 83% stake in Lafarge Africa, reportedly valued 100% of the company’s shareholding at $1.6 billion.

     

    The group is set to cough up $838.8 million to acquire Holcim’s stake in Lafarge Africa.

     

    It also estimated the enterprise value of Lafarge Africa as between $1.06 billion and $1.59 billion.

     

    The valuation was disclosed in the firm’s filing on the Hong Kong Exchange.

     

    According to reports, the valuation assumes cement prices in Nigeria to range from between $100 and $150 per tonne, based on Lafarge’s annual production capacity of 10.6 million tonnes.

     

    Lafarge Africa stated that the acquisition aligns with Huaxin’s overseas expansion plan, focusing on leveraging its expertise in industrial technology and production chain integration to drive growth.