Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    By Adewale Owoade

    Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has presented the staff and certificate of office to the newly appointed Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.

    Gov Makinde presented the instruments of office to the new Eleruwa at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Thursday.

    He noted that he was glad that the lingering issues that prevented the historical town from having a traditional ruler have finally been settled.

    The governor explained that his administration would continue to look for ways to advance the cause of development in each domain, stating that the importance of the traditional institution cannot be overemphasised.

    He equally clarified that Oba Adegbola was nominated by the kingmakers of Eruwa and that all his government did was to endorse the nomination.

    He said: “We are here today for a very important reason. This is an issue that has lingered since 2019, leaving Eruwa with no traditional ruler for over five years.

    “This administration came in May 2019 and we met the dispute surrounding the throne. We tried to appeal to everyone because Kabiyesi was Eleruwa for 21 years before November when we had that Supreme Court judgement and we had to obey the court order.

    “I took it upon myself to find out what the truth was and I learnt that the first judgement was delivered by the former Chief Judge, Mukthar Abimbola.

    “I called him and we sat down and I asked him to explain to me the cause of this matter. I asked, was it that Kabiyesi did not qualify or he did not come from the royal family? But he said Kabiyesi came from the royal family.

    “He said the issue they were having was whether he came from the female side but was supposed to come from another side. So, I concluded that we should keep looking for ways to solve the problem.

    “From that November 2019 up until this moment, I asked myself if Eruwa town had been better off and the answer is no. A town that does not have a governing head, things are always very difficult, because somebody must stand up and talk to the authorities.

    “Today, I am glad that the issue has finally been resolved.
    “As I have said in the past, our administration will not interfere in the decisions of our traditional institutions as long as due process is followed.

    “I can say that for any issue that has to do with the traditional institution, anybody that goes to court would only go and waste his time and efforts.

    “Not that people did not come to me to lobby. As a matter of fact, a very important personality in this state came to me and said it is his person they are pushing for the Eruwa stool. But I said I would look into it and do what my conscience says is right, as I know that I will explain this one day before my own Maker.

    “So, Kabiyesi was nominated by the kingmakers and all we have done is to endorse the nomination.

    “The importance of our traditional institution to our dear state cannot be overemphasised. They are closer to the people and they do a bit in governance especially as it concerns security.

    “They have also contributed so much to make this state safe. Also, in the preservation of our culture and tradition, they have played an important role.”

    In his response, the new Eleruwa, Oba Adegbola appreciated the state government, declaring that he would invite everyone with grievances with a view to settling all differences in the overall interest of Eruwa.

    He equally promised to bring about greater developments to the town and also cooperate with the state government and all traditional rulers in Ibarapaland and Oyo State to achieve the vision of securing the state.

    In attendance at the event were a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; representative of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Ladiran Akintola; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.

    Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; co-chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Asiwaju Olatunji Alao Fadairo; as well as wives of Oba Adegbola, Olori Caroline and Olori Oyefunke.

    Others were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties), Chief Mikhail Bayo Lawal and other government functionaries.

  • Ambassador Sarafa Isola commiserates with Minister of State for Health over mother’s death

    Ambassador Sarafa Isola commiserates with Minister of State for Health over mother’s death

     

    Flowerbudnews
    Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has commiserated with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako.

    The mother of the Minister died on Wednesday night, March 5, 2025 at the age of 95, according to a statement by Dr Salako.

    Reacting to the death, Ambassador Isola in a statement titled “The Passing of a devout mother in Ramadan” said, “On behalf of myself and my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to my dear brother, Dr Iziaq Salako (the Minister of State for Health) and the entire family on the death of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako, at the ripe age of 95.

    “Coming in the holy month of Ramadan, the timing of her death is a clear proof that Mama was a favoured devotee of Allah.

    “This because we Muslims believe that any committed and
    sincere Muslim that dies during the holy month of Ramadan will have his or her sins forgiven and granted Aljannah firdaus by Allah.

    “A devout Muslim mother, Alhaja Salako lived her life in accordance with the precepts of Islam, her faith and had a positive influence on her family and community in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

  • NAFDAC Slams AIT for ”Distorted and Misleading Report, Demands Public Retraction and Apology

    NAFDAC Slams AIT for ”Distorted and Misleading Report, Demands Public Retraction and Apology

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has demanded a public retraction and apology from Africa Independent Television (AIT) for ”a distorted and misleading” report against the Agency.

    In a statement personally signed by the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC decried AIT news reports claiming: NAFDAC IMPLICATES PHARMACY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA IN FAKE MEDICINES.”

    The Agency described the headline as ”a gross misrepresentation of the facts conveyed during the press interview granted by the Director-General NAFDAC (DG-N) on 1st March 2025,’:.

    NAFDAC stated that ‘:nowhere in the interview did the DG-N implicate the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) in any wrongdoing.”

    The Agency noted that rather than indict PCN, the DG, Instead, ”gave a detailed legal, regulatory, and historical perspective on the roles of the two organizations (NAFDAC & PCN) in ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and the challenges that arose due to past regulatory inconsistencies.”

    NAFDAC said that ”it is imperative to note that the DG-NAFDAC’s remarks highlighted the complementary roles of NAFDAC and PCN in safeguarding public health.”

    ”The erroneous headline published by AIT was a distortion and falsification of the facts. It was misleading and could undermine the collaborative efforts of NAFDAC and PCN in ensuring pharmaceutical safety and regulatory compliance,” NAFDAC Stated.

    For the distortion, NAFDAC demanded
    ”A public apology, broadcast at the same level of prominence as the original report.

    ”A commitment to ensure accurate and factual reporting in future coverage of NAFDAC’s activities.”

    ”We trust that AIT will, in swift compliance, take the necessary corrective action without delay to prevent further dissemination of misinformation as failure to do so will compel the Agency to escalate this matter through appropriate regulatory and legal channels,” NAFDAC warned.

    The full NAFDAC Statement, titled; DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RETRACTION AND APOLOGY BY AFRICA INDEPENDENT TELEVISION (AIT) ON DISTORTED AND MISLEADING REPORT AGAINST NAFDAC, Read:

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reviewed with dismay, the recent misleading report aired by Africa Independent Television (AIT) under the headline: “NAFDAC IMPLICATES PHARMACY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA IN FAKE MEDICINES.”

    This headline is a gross misrepresentation of the facts conveyed during the press interview granted by the Director-General NAFDAC (DG-N) on 1st March 2025 as nowhere in the interview did the DG-N implicate the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) in any wrongdoing.

    Instead, the DG-NAFDAC gave a detailed legal, regulatory, and historical perspective on the roles of the two organizations (NAFDAC & PCN) in ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and the challenges that arose due to past regulatory inconsistencies.

    It is imperative to note that the DG-NAFDAC’s remarks highlighted the complementary roles of NAFDAC and PCN in safeguarding public health.

    The DG-NAFDAC specifically addressed the issue of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors (PPMVs), whose regulation, over time, became a challenge due to fragmented oversight and subsequent litigations.

    At no point was PCN accused of complicity in the circulation of fake medicines. In this light, NAFDAC aligns fully with the position of the PCN, as articulated in their official response and vehemently condemns the misrepresentation of the Director-General’s statement during the press conference in question.

    The erroneous headline published by AIT was a distortion and falsification of the facts. It was misleading and could undermine the collaborative efforts of NAFDAC and PCN in ensuring pharmaceutical safety and regulatory compliance.

    We wish to remind AIT of its responsibility under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition, 2016), particularly Section 5.0, Subsection 5.1.2, which mandates that: “A Broadcaster shall present news as factual and in a correct and fair manner without: distortions, exaggerations or misrepresentations.material omissions; orinterpretations.”

    AIT’s failure to adhere to these principles constitutes a breach of journalistic ethics and regulatory compliance.In the light of this, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) demands the following:1. An immediate public retraction of the misleading report.

    2. A public apology, broadcast at the same level of prominence as the original report.

    3. A commitment to ensure accurate and factual reporting in future coverage of NAFDAC’s activities.We trust that AIT will, in swift compliance, take the necessary corrective action without delay to prevent further dissemination of misinformation as failure to do so will compel the Agency to escalate this matter through appropriate regulatory and legal channels.(Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Nafiu Olakunle: NYSC DG disciplined professional – Gov Adeleke

    Nafiu Olakunle: NYSC DG disciplined professional – Gov Adeleke

     

    (Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State)

    Flowerbudnews

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Nafiu Olakunle, as a fine and disciplined professional.

    Governor Adeleke also described General Olakunle’s appointment as being in line with managing the nation’s strategic organizations and a recognition of his distinguished military career.

    The Osun governor made this known in a congratulatory message signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday in Osogbo.

    Brigadier General Olakunle, who hails from Ile-Ogbo in Aiyedire Local Government Area of Osun State, is an artillery officer and was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the NYSC DG, replacing Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed.

    Until his appointment, Brig. Gen. Olakunle was the Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, having also served in the same capacity with the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

    A member of the 47 Regular Course, Nafiu is an artillery officer who graduated from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.

    Before he was appointed Chief of Staff to the COAS, he was a Directing Staff at the Army War College, Nigeria.

    The governor, in the message, emphasized Brigadier General Olakunle’s capacity to achieve the mandate of the NYSC by deepening national values in young people and preparing them for future endeavors.

    He noted that the exploits of the Ile-Ogbo-born officer in the military are reassuring and that he will excel in his new role.

    “I’m extremely delighted to learn of the appointment of Brigadier-General Nafiu Olakunle as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The appointment is an affirmation of the confidence in the capacity of Brigadier-General Olakunle, and I’m thankful to Mr. President for the opportunity given to one of Osun’s finest citizens.”

    Governor Adeleke, who appreciates President Tinubu for giving yet another Osun indigene the opportunity to contribute to nation-building, urged Brigadier General Olakunle to use the appointment to positively spotlight the state by ensuring the achievement of the NYSC mandate.

    “I wish the NYSC DG a successful tenure, hoping that it will further move the organization forward and bring much glory to the state.”

  • NCS urged union to shun strike, embrace dialogue

    NCS urged union to shun strike, embrace dialogue

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Lagos:   The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has urged the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to embrace dialogue and halt the proposed strike at all ports in the country.

    Adeniyi made this appeal during his team’s visit to the union’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

    Adeniyi was represented by Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.

    He acknowledged the contributions of the maritime workers in the ports, noting that the workers contribute more than 50 per cent of the Service’s total revenue generation.

    (L-R The President Association of Maritime Truck Owner, Chief Remi Ogungbemi The National President, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Dr Adewale Adeyanju, and the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu when Customs visited Union Headquarters in Lagos last Thursday)

    He stated that he had already engaged port operators on the challenges facing maritime workers, aiming to provide sustainable solutions, recognising the strategic role they play in revenue generation.

    “Interestingly, the NCS surpassed its revenue target of N6.1 trillion for the Federal Government in 2024, thanks to the seamless operations of all the maritime workers and port users.

    “We cannot achieve much without your input. This is why we decided to intervene and resolve all the issues to avoid demurrage and make Nigeria a preferred destination for cargo clearance across Africa,” he said.

    He pleaded with the union to reconsider and suspend their proposed strike.

    The MWUN National President, Dr Adewale Adeyanju, commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing a grassroots person to head the NCS and pledged the union’s continuous support to enable Customs to achieve the 2025 revenue target of N12 trillion.

    “I want to assure the Comptroller-General of Customs that the union is no longer going on strike. We want to establish a ‘marriage of convenience’ with all port operators.

    (L-R The National President, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, The President Association of Maritime Truck Owner, Chief Remi Ogungbemi and the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu when Customs visited Union Headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.)

    “We will follow due process as we want the government to address our challenges holistically.

    “We are not saying that the government should not introduce a task force, but the government should have created awareness to enable truck owners to vacate the parking spaces they occupied,” ×Adeyanju said.

    He lamented the poor salaries of maritime workers, adding that the government should investigate and rescue the workers from what he termed “slavery.”

    Adeyanju called for a “marriage of convenience” between the union and port users, adding that the union would continue to collaborate for the progress of the nation.

    He said that the task force arrived around 3:00 a.m., damaged some trucks belonging to veteran union members, and demanded a fine of N500,000 before releasing the trucks.

    Adeyanju called on the government to call the task force to order to prevent a strike at the ports.

    “We are not troublesome people; we need to solve the problems together. We also appreciate Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi for coming to our headquarters.

    “This is the first time in history that a Customs officer has approached the Maritime Workers Union’s secretariat, which means a lot to the union, and we will forever be grateful for this gesture,” Adeyanju said.

    Also speaking, the President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, commended the role of Customs in port development.

    “Before now, we used to clash with Customs over cargo interception outside the ports, but through training, we have come to understand that the interceptions are often caused by clearing agents due to under-declaration of consignments.

    “Most of our trucks are rickety because the money for repairs is spent on settling various issues,” Ogungbemi said.

    The Deputy National President-General of MWUN, Comrade Toney Harry, in his closing remarks, commended the effort of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa, for taking the bold step.

    He said that the visit would boost revenue generation and reduce the time it takes to do business at the port.

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) had proposed to embark on a strike. on Feb. 20, 2025.

    The unions had issued a three-day ultimatum to the Lagos State government, demanding the immediate disbandment of two state committees and the unconditional release of all impounded trucks.

    The unions have accused the Lagos State Committee on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles and the Special Traffic Management Committee in Apapa of engaging in arbitrary truck seizures, extortion and violence. (NAN).

    The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, in Lagos on Thursday, urged the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria(MWUN), to embrace dialogue and stop the proposed strike at all ports of the country.

    Adeniyi urged the union when his team visited the union’s headquarters.

    Adeniyi was represented by Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu.

    He acknowledged the contributions of the maritime workers in the ports, adding that the workers contributed more than 50 per cent of the entire revenue generation of the NCS.

    He said that he had already engaged port operators on the challenges facing the maritime workers, aimed at providing sustainable solution,

    understanding the strategic role they played in revenue generation.
    “Interestingly, the NCS surpassed its revenue target of N6.1 trillion for the Federal Government in 2024 with the seamless operations of all the maritime workers and the ports users.

    “We can not achieve much without your input, this is why we decided to come in and resolve all the issues to avoid demurrage and make Nigeria a preferred destination for cargo clearance across Africa,”he said.

    He pleaded with the union to have a rethink and suspend their move on the proposed strike.

    The MWUN National President, Dr Adewale Adeyanju, commended President Bola Tinubu, for appointing a grassroot person to head the NCS and pledged the union’s continuous support to enable customs achieve the 2025 revenue target of 12 trillion.

    “I want to assure the Comptroller General of Customs that the union are no longer
    going on strike. We want to establish marriage of convenience with all the ports operators.

    “We will follow the due process as we want government to look into our challenges holistically.

    “We are not saying that the government should not introduce taskforce but government should have crated an awareness to enable the truck owners vacate the parking space they occupied,”Adeyanju said.

    He lamented over the poor salary of maritime workers, adding that government should investigate and rescue the workers from slavery.

    Adeyanju called for marriage of convenience with the union and the port users, adding that the union would continue to collaborate for the progress of the nation.

    He said that the taskforce came around 3.a.m, destroyed some trucks that belonged to an old unionists and asked them to pay fine of N500,000 before releasing the trucks.

    Adeyanju called on the Government to call the taskforce to order to avoid strike at the ports.

    “We are not troublesome people we need to solve the problems together. We also appreciate Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi for coming to our headquarters.

    “This is the first time in the history that Customs officer will approach maritime workers union’s secretariat which means a lot to the union and we will forever be grateful for this gesture.,”Adeyanju said.

    Also speaking, the President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, commended the role of customs in port building.

    “Before now we usually fight customs over cargo interception outside the ports but will the training we are enable to know that the interception usually caused by the clearing agents as a result of under declaration of consignment.

    “Most of our trucks are rickety because the money for repairs are been spent on settling one thing or the other,”Ogungbemi said.

    The Deputy National President General of MWUN, Comrade Toney Harry, in his closing remarks, commended the effort of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa for taken the bold step.

    He said that the visit would boost revenue generation and reduce time of doing business in the port.

    The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), had proposed to embark on strike. on Feb. 20, 2025.

    The union had issued a three-day ultimatum to the Lagos State government, demanding the immediate disbandment of two state committees and the unconditional release of all impounded trucks.

  • Breaking! Rivers Assembly Raises Seven Cases of Constitutional Violations Against Fubara

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Amidst growing tension in Rivers state, the House of Assembly on Wednesday raised even cases of alleged constitutional violations committed by Governor Sim Fubara.

    The House said it was calling the governor’s attention to what it called obvious breaches which were capable of hurting Nigeria’s “nascent democracy.”

    In a letter addressed to the Governor, which was signed by Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule and dated March 5, 2025, the lawmakers said they needed to call Fubara’s attention to the breaches for him to act fast.

    Among the violations listed by the lawmakers include alleged appointments of some persons into positions without screening and clearance from the House of Assembly.

    The letter partly read; “At the 131st Legislative day of the Second Session of the Tenth (10th) Rivers State House of Assembly which was held on Wednesday the 5th day of March 2025, the House amongst other matters once again deliberated on your numerous appointments of persons into positions that require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House Assembly and resolved as follows:

    “That your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without first forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws.

    “That your attention should specifically be drawn to your failure to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation but chose to parade one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as a member of State Executive Council in this regard, thereby contravening Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “That we should remind you of another infraction of the Constitution in which you illegally swore-in several other persons who are parading themselves as
    Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May, 2024 namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi: Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari SydneV Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6} of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13th of August 2024 are Illamu Arugu; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anya; Samuel Eyiba and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbuelu; Evans Bipi; Otamiri Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024.

    “Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn-in on the 8th of July 2024 amounting to total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are commissioners.

    “That another infraction of the law is the swearing in of Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanga; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Ovagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on 30th of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Prosecution Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.

    “That the swearing-in of Goodlife Ben as Chairman; Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimenem; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without confirmation contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 is another infraction.

    “That these appointments by you that are highlighted and other appointments made but not mentioned here for want of space that are not in consonance with extant laws are not only infractions but are seriously threatening our nascent democracy so, should and shall be remedied.

    “That the House requests you to submit a list of nominees for appointment as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council as well as list of nominees for appointment to fill vacancies in all the offices mentioned above or those not listed but require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly Within 48 hours.

    “We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful by complying with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws in the best interest of the good people of Rivers Sate.”

    NPO earlier reported that the State government had denied receiving any letter from the State Assembly following a purported expiration of the 48- hour ultimatum issued by the legislative House.

  • NOC Women’s Commission Celebrates International Women’s Day

    NOC Women’s Commission Celebrates International Women’s Day

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) women’s commission will join counterparts worldwide on March 8, 2025, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

    International Women’s Day (IWD) originated in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights, especially suffrage.

    According to a statement released by Tony Nezianya, the NOC spokesman, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.

    ”It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role.

    ”IWD is celebrated in many ways: rallies, lobbying, performances, festivals, parties, fun runs, and celebrations.’’

    To mark this year’s Day, the Women’s Commission will organise all-gender football, handball, and volleyball matches in Lagos, Abuja, and Owerri.

    In Lagos, it will take place at a Pitch in front of the NTA office at the National Stadium Surulere, and the Abuja event will be held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10 Abuja, while Owerri will take place at the Heartland Training Pitch 2 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

    Other attractions are free medical check-ups and health awareness campaigns.

    Mrs Kemi Obidahunsi of the NOC would coordinate the event.

    The President of the NOC will officially open the event in Abuja. FLOWERBUDNEWS

    (Tony Nezianya
    08033034910
    08095121538
    tonynezianya@gmail.com)

  • Kwankwaso is wrong, Tinubu reforms are working, TMSG insists

    Kwankwaso is wrong, Tinubu reforms are working, TMSG insists

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has brushed aside recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing it as uninformed and mischievous.

    TMSG countered the notion by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader that insecurity was rising and infrastructures were in a state of decay adding that he was capitally wrong that little or no effort was being made to renew the infrastructures.

    In a statement by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG accused Kwankwaso of deliberate falsehood and playing petty politics at a time when Tinubu’s reforms are yielding fruitful dividends.

    “We have gone through the recent comments by the former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of his fractured NNPP and realized that they are not different from his usual unnecessarily vituperations on the Tinubu administration even when there is constant improvement on infrastructures.

    “Like many Nigerians, we can still recall how the Kwakwaso erroneously claimed a few months ago at a public debate that the Tax reform bills were a ploy to colonize Kano and Northern Nigeria.

    “Kwankwaso was on record to have in his words said, ‘Lagos young men are working hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano to Lagos. Even telephones registered in Kano are taxed in Lagos’.

    “It took several voices of reason including prominent Kano politicians like Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Rep. Ado Doguwa to weigh in and call him to order.

    “Now, he has doubled down claiming that insecurity and poverty are rising and infrastructure development declining. We wonder how low a former Defence minister and a two-term governor could go, for instance, in making light of the good job of our gallant armed forces men.

    “We wonder how he is not aware of the giant strides of our security agencies curbing banditry and general insecurity in the North West with the decimation of notorious bandit commanders such as Halilu Sububu and Kachallah Na Faranshi who, for years, had Zamfara and adjoining states in a stranglehold.

    ” It is also a fact that Jos and Southern Kaduna as well as the North East have enjoyed relative peace in the last 20 months. It is therefore preposterous of Kwankwaso to claim that insecurity is rising at a time our armed forces are delivering on their mandate by working in synergy with other security agencies.”

    TMSG also provided insights into what the Tinubu administration had been doing well in several sectors in recent months.

    “As for the economy, the Tinubu administration has been transitioning it from the doldrums of the past to a more active, market-driven and inclusive economy which Nigerians are appreciating more and more by the day.

    “The latest 3.46% year-on-year growth in GDP indicates that Nigeria is fast recovering from the unintended effects of the reforms. The naira has been stable for several months while the debt service ratio has dropped from 97 per cent to 68 per cent.

    “We make bold to say that it is because of the financial re-engineering by the administration that the only state that Kwankwaso’s party controls has more funds at its disposal even though Kano residents cannot see how additional federal allocation has translated to improved development indices.

    “At the national level, the improved financial situation has given rise to programmes like student loans for indigent students across the country through NELFUND, Consumer Credit Scheme targeted at scaling up local production while also improving consumption through credit and an NIN-backed social welfare system.

    “There is also a tax reform which is targeted at reducing the tax burden of small businesses and low-income earners while increasing taxes on the rich Nigerians

    “On infrastructure, the Tinubu administration has a Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHID) put in place to bridge the nation’s infrastructure gap. In this year alone, there is a historic budgetary allocation of N23 trillion to projects which underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and renewal,” it added.

    End

  • IFC’s $50m equity investment in Lagos Free Zone is a vote of confidence on Tinubu reforms -TMSG

    IFC’s $50m equity investment in Lagos Free Zone is a vote of confidence on Tinubu reforms -TMSG

     

    By Danlafi Ahmed

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a vote of confidence in the ongoing reforms in Nigeria.

    According to the group, it is an affirmation of Nigeria’s demonstrated readiness for big business under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement signed by the TMSG Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group said that the equity investment which is for the expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone is a major indicator that the country’s conducive business environment is gaining momentum across the investment world.

    “That a reputable body like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) deemed it fit to commit a whopping $50 million equity investment in a private business initiative in the country is no mean feat.

    “Clearly, it is a stamp of approval by the international community that Nigeria is a good place to invest, a place where there is a guarantee of returns on investments.

    “For us, it is a signal that the country is truly ready for big business as a result of ongoing reforms of the President Bola Tinubu administration contrary to a few misguided misconceptions.

    “It is interesting that IFC’s equity investment is for the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port at the privately-run Lagos Free Zone which presently occupies 860 vast hectares of land.

    “The investment which is the largest single financial commitment by IFC in recent years is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

    “We are convinced that the decision to invest in the free zone will unlock new opportunities for businesses in the deep sea port that is already acknowledged to have world-class facilities

    “We agree with President Tinubu that it is a testament to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda as well as the ongoing efforts by his administration to attract foreign direct investment.

    “We also commend Tolaram, the owners of the Port-based industrial zone, which recently acquired Guinness and turned its financial fortunes around in just 6 months, for
    their continued efforts at showing that Nigeria is a good place to invest,” it added.

    The group noted that Nigeria’s business environment has recorded incremental improvement in the last few months in response to the federal government’s policies, maintaining that Nigeria remains Africa” ‘s biggest investment capital.

    End