Category: General News

Flowerbudnews

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu:  The Controller-General (C-G) of Corrections, Mr Haliru Nababa, has stressed on sporting and recreational activities as a veritable tool for reformation among inmates nationwide.

Nababa, represented by the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Nicholas Obiakor, said this on Thursday at the finals of the 2023 Inmates Inter-Hostels Football Tournament of Enugu Custodial Centre within Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Enugu State Command.

In the final match, C-Ward Hostel Team defeated IDR Hostel Team by 2 – 0 after a 90 minute action of the two most enterprising teams of the tournament.

Earlier on Wednesday in the third place match, LKP Hostel Team defeated Convict Hostel Team 3 – 1 in a tension soak match, which reawakened the liveliness of the custodial centre.

The controller-general said that under his watch, “the NCoS is poised to providing enabling environment for reformation and rehabilitation to thrive for every inmate”.

“You will agree with me that reforming an individual is a complex process, which requires all necessary tools to achieve positive results.

“This sporting event is part of the complementary efforts of the in-charge of Enugu Custodial Centre to positively impact offenders’ mental wellness and physical fitness while in incarceration.

“I, therefore encourage the inmates of Enugu Custodial Centre to take reformation and rehabilitation progammes seriously and participate actively as it is for your own good and wellness,” he said.

Nababa also appreciated the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, service chiefs and their representatives and all invited guests for honouring the event. He wished the participating teams in the finals the best.

Speaking, Mr Sunday Oyakhire, the Deputy Controller of Correction in-charge of Enugu Custodial Centre, said that sports also jettison negative thoughts and depression among inmates that might have adverse security implication on the centre.

Oyakhire said that sports remained a good non-kinetic means of control of the inmates as well as providing means of gainful employment to them (the passionate and skillful ones among them) after serving their terms.

“We have good football, table and lawn tennis as well as snooker players here and we are looking for sponsors to make competitions in the centre a frequent one to increase their competitive ability and refine their skills and sportsmanship better.

“For the final match today, we invited coaches and managers of football clubs in the state and beyond to come and watch as well as pick our very skilled football players for their club-sides,” he said.

The event featured cash award, medals and trophies presentation to the winning team, the runners up and the winner of the third place match among other side attractions. (Flowerbudnews)

Niger’s new military rulers have withdrawn the French ambassador’s diplomatic immunity and ordered police to expel him, according to a letter seen Thursday by AFP.

The envoy “no longer enjoys the privileges and immunities attached to his status as member of the diplomatic personnel in the French embassy,” according to their letter, dated Tuesday, to the foreign ministry in Paris.

(His) diplomatic cards and visas and those of the members of his family have been cancelled. The police have been instructed to proceed to his expulsion,” it said.

The move follows a coup in the troubled Sahel state on July 26 that toppled a close French ally, President Mohamed Bazoum.

Relations with France spiralled downwards after Paris stood by Bazoum and refused to recognise Niger’s new rulers.

On Friday, the authorities gave French envoy Sylvain Itte 48 hours to leave the country.

France refused the demand, saying that the government had no legal right to make such an order.

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron singled out Itte for praise after he remained at his post.

French military spokesman Colonel Pierre Gaudilliere on Thursday warned that “the French military forces are ready to respond to any upturn in tension that could harm French diplomatic and military premises in Niger”.

“Measures have been take to protect these premises,” he said.

Africa’s journey towards independence from colonial rule marked a momentous chapter in its history, inspiring hope and a promise of self-determination.

However, the euphoria of liberation from foreign control was often short-lived, as the continent grappled with numerous challenges on the road to true sovereignty.

The recent resurgence of coup d’états across several African nations has brought to the forefront the ongoing struggle for genuine independence. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons why Africa continues to fight for true autonomy after gaining independence and explores the role that coup d’états have played in shaping this quest.

Historical Context: Independence vs. True Autonomy

The mid-20th century witnessed a wave of decolonization across Africa, as nations emerged from the shackles of European colonialism. These newly independent states were faced with the Herculean task of nation-building, forging a national identity, and establishing functioning governance structures. The transition from colonial rule to self-governance was characterized by both hope and apprehension, as Africans aspired to establish systems that catered to their unique needs and cultures. However, the colonial legacy left deep scars, including artificial borders that ignored ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to internal tensions that persist to this day.

Challenges to True Independence

1. **Economic Dependency:** Many African nations inherited economies heavily reliant on the export of raw materials, perpetuating a cycle of economic vulnerability. The global economic system often favored former colonial powers, contributing to a neocolonial relationship that limited these nations’ ability to develop diverse and sustainable economies.

2. **Political Instability:** The legacy of colonial rule also created political instability, as borders often grouped disparate ethnic groups together, fostering internal tensions. The hasty departure of colonial powers often left a void in leadership, leading to power struggles and weak governance structures.

3. **Corruption and Governance:** Corruption became a significant obstacle to true independence. Elites within post-colonial governments often emulated the exploitative practices of their former colonizers, diverting resources away from development and into their own pockets.

4. **Lack of Infrastructure and Education:** Insufficient infrastructure and educational systems hindered progress and economic diversification.

This resulted in limited access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for skill development, preventing nations from harnessing their full potential.

The Role of Coup d’États

Coup d’états have been a recurring feature in Africa’s post-independence history. These upheavals, characterized by the forceful overthrow of governments, have often been seen as both the cause and consequence of ongoing struggles for genuine autonomy. While not a solution to the complex issues African nations face, coups can be understood within the context of the following factors:

1. **Frustration with Failed Leadership:** Widespread disillusionment with ineffective and corrupt leadership has fueled public frustration. Coups are sometimes framed as a way to remove leaders who have failed to deliver on promises of progress and development.

2. **Power Struggles:** Political power struggles within post-colonial governments have been exacerbated by a lack of established democratic norms and the concentration of power among a few elites. This has made governments susceptible to coups as various factions vie for control.

3. **Desire for Change:** Coups are often driven by a desire for change and a belief that a new government can address the challenges that the previous leadership failed to tackle effectively. However, history has shown that coups often perpetuate cycles of instability rather than bring about genuine transformation.

4. **External Influence:** In some cases, external actors have played a role in fomenting instability and encouraging coup attempts for their own geopolitical interests. This has further complicated efforts to achieve true independence.

Conclusion

Africa’s ongoing struggle for true independence after gaining political sovereignty is a complex narrative that cannot be reduced to a single cause. The continent’s post-colonial challenges, including economic dependency, political instability, corruption, and infrastructural deficiencies, have perpetuated a cycle of uncertainty. Coups, while occasionally arising from genuine grievances, often exacerbate the problems they seek to address, leading to further instability.

The recent resurgence of coups underscores the need for African nations to address the root causes of political unrest and work towards establishing inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance structures. Genuine independence will require efforts to diversify economies, reduce corruption, and invest in education and infrastructure. Additionally, promoting regional cooperation and reimagining borders in a way that respects ethnic and cultural diversity can contribute to long-term stability.

Ultimately, Africa’s path towards true autonomy is a complex and multifaceted journey. It requires a concerted effort from both domestic and international actors to address historical legacies, empower local populations, and foster an environment where the aspirations of the people can be realized. Only then can the continent move beyond the shadows of colonialism and pave the way towards a future defined by genuine self-determination and sustainable development. (Flowerbudnews)

Flowerbudnews

Lagos:  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has engaged transport stakeholders on the Safe To Load programme, to prevent accidents, especially during the Ember months.

The FRSC Lagos Sector Corps Commander, Mr Babatunde Farinloye, reiterated the need to enhance safety during the Command’s Stakeholders Engagement on the implementation, in Lagos, on Wednesday.

The theme of the 2023 stakeholders engagement is “Towards Strengthening Safety in Petroleum Product Haulage by Road in Nigeria.”

Farinloye, represented by Deputy Corps Commander, Tajudeen Mafe, said constant training would go a long way to reduce accidents on the roads.

He said that there was a need for stakeholders to put their vehicles in road worthy standard.

“There is need for all the trucks stakeholders, including the drivers, to go for training and retraining, to enhance their operations as well as productivity.

” There is need for the truck drivers to obtain Class G driver’s licence.

“Truck drivers should upgrade their Class E licence to Class G for proper identification and procedure, Farinloye said.

He said that before their Class E Driver’s Licence expired, they could start processing the Class G licence which could be processed within 60 days.

Farinloye said they do not just stop vehicles arbitrarily without sighting the absence of some safety standards.

He advised truck owners to work toward making use of trains to transport consignments, to free the roads of heavy load of goods.

The Director, Transport Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, said all hands

should be on deck in ensuring safety.
He said that safety on the roads concerned all stakeholders.

Ojowuro instructed the government transport officers to ensure that trucks and tankers were road worthy, urging stakeholders to also check the standard of the vehicles.

He advised operators to install cameras to enable them to monitor the activities and operations of their drivers.

Ojowuro said that drivers should abide by all the road traffic laws of both the States and the Federal Government to prevent accidents in the ‘ember’ months.

The coordinator of the programme, Chief Route Commander, FRSC, Olasheinde Egbontan, stated that Safe To-Load initiative was strategic to enhance safety in the transportation sector.

Egbontan said that the purpose of the engagement was to rub minds and plan ahead of the ember months which usually experience increase in the volume of tanker and truck traffic on the roads.

He said that given the experiences of the previous years, there was a need for them to be more proactive.

The coordinator urged them to bring to bear those things that needed to be fixed before embarking on long distance trip.

Egbontan said that the meeting was part of the corps’ proactive intervention toward having a crash- free ember months in 2023 and beyond.

The representative of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Alhaji Shakiru Adewale, commended the efforts of the FRSC on the roads.

He urged the state government to help them to look into the challenges they faced with street urchins, which had caused loss of lives and property during the course of their operations.

The National Officer, National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN), Mr Taiwo Mogbojuro, said that everybody was part of safety, urging stakeholders to collaborate in achieving a grater economy.

Mogbojuro said that there was a need for partnership to enable them to abide with government policy.

Andrew Emuze, Depot Manager, Bono Energy, said multi-product loading was not allowed, but in some cases, trucks, after leaving their premises, engaged in it along the way.

“We ensure trucks are in proper shape before loading and we also carry out physical inspection before releasing the truck drivers,” Emuze said.

He advised truck owners not to compromise in engaging motor boys and solicited for synergy between them and safety personnel, to reduce accidents on the roads  Flowerbudnews

The social media platform X will begin offering video and audio calling, owner Elon Musk announced on Thursday, a step towards turning the former Twitter into an “everything app.”

“Video & audio calls coming to X,” Musk wrote in a post on the platform, without specifying when the new features would be available.

The calling features would work on iOS, Android, Mac and PC systems, and no phone number would be needed, he said.

“X is the effective global address book,” the billionaire added. “That set of factors is unique.”

Last month, Musk and his newly hired chief executive Linda Yaccarino announced the rebranding of Twitter as X, saying it would become an “everything app” inspired by China’s WeChat that would allow users to socialize as well as handle their finances.

X’s payment branch Twitter Payments LLC was granted a “crucial” currency transmitter license from the US state of Rhode Island on Monday, allowing it to “engage in cryptocurrency-related activities” such as exchanges, wallets and payment processors, the crypto website CoinWire reported this week.

The license allows X to “securely store, transfer, and facilitate the exchange of digital assets on behalf of its users,” according to CoinWire.

Since Musk bought Twitter last October, the platform’s advertising business has collapsed as marketers soured on his management style and mass firings that gutted content moderation.

In response, the tycoon has moved towards building a subscriber base and pay model in a search for new revenue.

Many users and advertisers alike have responded adversely to the site’s new charges for previously free services, as well as its changes to content moderation and the return of previously banned far-right accounts.

Musk also killed off the Twitter logo, replacing its globally recognized blue bird with a white X.

Musk also killed off the Twitter logo, replacing its globally recognized blue bird with a white X.

THE Lagos State government, yesterday, disclosed that its Blue Line Rail from Marina-Mile-2 route would commence official commercial operation on Monday, September 4, 2023.

The rail system is to be powered electrically.

The Managing Director, of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Abimbola Akinajo, in a chat with newsmen, said: “There will be 12 trips per day stopping at each station for 90 seconds.

“The timetable is available on LAMATA and at every station. Passengers will be using a cowrie card for the ride.

“The locomotive will be in operation for the next four weeks before the electric system is finally introduced and the tracks energised electrically.

“The kick-off operation will run from 6.30 am to 10 am, morning service, and 3 pm to 10 pm, while the service will run from 5.30 am to 10 pm, when fully in operation. The service is expected to carry 175, 000 passengers per day.”

Residents of Hallelujah Estate in Osogbo, Osun State capital, yesterday, were in agony as two dogs devour a five-year-old child.

The cross breed dogs also descended on the mother after killing the child, injuring her on the buttock before residents in the scanty neighbourhood came to her rescue.

was gathered that the woman and the little girl were walking pass a vacant building in the area when the two dogs emerged and separated mother and child.

According to an eyewitness, the dogs killed and devour the child, while the helpless mother struggle in vain to rescue her.

Our correspondent learned that the dogs later descended on the mother but for the prompt intervention of some neighbours, who rescued her from the blood-thirsty dogs after biting her several times on the buttock.

Another residents, Sodiq Abass, said the dogs were in the building alone for a very long time, adding that the gory incident happened because residents were not always around and it was almost difficult to hear anyone calling for help.

“The dogs appeared like they wanted to kill the mother after killing her daughter, but for some passers-by, who saw the scene and quickly called for help. It is unfortunate that help didn’t arrive on time for the little girl,” he said.

Contacted, Osun State Police command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola said police was aware of the incident and efforts were ongoing to arrest the owner of the house.