Flowerbud News

Category: Health and Environment

  • Fed. varsity, Gusau denies awarding professorship to sacked UNIZIK V-C

    Fed. varsity, Gusau denies awarding professorship to sacked UNIZIK V-C

    Flowerbud News

    The Federal University Gusau in Zamfara has denied awarding Professorship to the sacked Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Akwa, Dr Bernard Odoh, insisting that he has never worked in the institution.
    The vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Muazu Abubakar, stated this at a press briefing in Gusau on Friday.
    Abubakar said Odoh was neither employed by the University nor appointed as a Professor.
    “The so-called letters of offer of appointment and confirmation of promotion to the post of Professor, dated 30th April 2015 and 12th Nov. 2015, were an administrative fraud..
    “The so-called letters and offer of appointments purported to be certified true copies hurriedly endorsed by the former Registrar of the university, Ibrahim Bawa-Kaura, dated November 8, 2024, six years after he left the services of the university, were also administrative fraud.
    “In the last two weeks, both the mainstream and new media in Nigeria have been awash with screaming headlines about the controversy surrounding the appointment of  Odoh as vice-chancellor,” Abubakar said.
    He also said that part of the issues that have generated serious attention was the misleading and unfounded claim by Odoh that he was offered a tenure appointment and confirmed as a Professor by the university.
    “Arising from the spurious claim, the Federal University, Gusau, has been inundated with inquiries about the true status of Odoh.
    ”This was regarding his appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Geology, grant of leave of absence and confirmation of appointment as a substantive professor by the Governing Council of the University.
    “The widely circulated misinformation by Odoh has no doubt raised serious concerns about the credibility and reputation of the Federal University, Gusau.
    “Consequently, the university management has decided to go public, to tell its own side of the story to stem further misinformation on the issue,” Abubakar explained.
    He further said that everything about Odoh’s purported offer of appointment as a tenured staff and confirmation of promotion as a Professor was ‘shoddy, fraudulent, utterly devoid of due process and smacks of illegality’.
    “There is no evidence of official documentation with regards to his controversial employment as a staff of the Federal University Gusau.
    “The Federal University, Gusau, wishes to state in unequivocal terms that from available records, Odoh has not, and has never been its tenured staff, let alone being confirmed as a Professor by the institution,” he added.
    NAN
  • NIMC attributes low revenue to reason for national ID card payment

    NIMC attributes low revenue to reason for national ID card payment

    Flowerbud News

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)  says Nigerians will have to pay for the new multipurpose national Identity card due to limited government revenue.

    The Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, Dr Peter Iwegbu, said this at a two-day roundtable organised for journalists in Lagos.

    He said the payment was to ensure that it was produced for only those who needed it.

    Iwegbu said the decision was made to avoid repeating the mistake of the past efforts to issue physical cards to Nigerians for free, which many did not collect.

    Iwegbu said over two million cards were produced in a previous attempt to issue free National ID cards by the NIMC, but many of them had not been collected till date.

    “The government’s limited revenue is also a major factor in the decision to make Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” he said.

    Iwegbu explained that the government could not fund the production of ID cards due to limited revenue.

    Also speaking, the Director of Information Technology at NIMC, Mr Lanre Yusuf, said the idea of a free national ID card did not turn out well in the past.

    Yusuf described the new ID card as a post-paid identity card, which meant that individuals must need the card before initiating a request for it.

    “To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and then collect their card from the chosen location.

    “The government has implemented programmes to make the card accessible to the less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it but require it to access government support.

    “This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” Yusuf said.

    He noted that the multipurpose ID cards were expected to launch soon, with sample test cards already received.

    Yusuf added that the NIMC had partnered with banks for Nigerians to request and collect their cards from any bank branch to facilitate a seamless experience.

    “NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request the card.

    “The new national ID card is a multipurpose card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the card powered by AfriGO, was launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System.

    The card will be enabled for all government intervention and services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

    NAN

  • Gov. Bago strikes $5bn sugar deal to transform Niger economy

    Gov. Bago strikes $5bn sugar deal to transform Niger economy

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Muhammed Bago of Niger says the five billion dollars Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Niger Foods and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd. will transform the economy of the state.

    Bago said this during the signing of the MoU by the Niger Foods and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd., a consortium of Brazilian and Indian sugar value chain experts, on Nov. 20 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    He said the deal was targeted at developing 250,000 hectares of sugarcane field and six sugar/ethanol plants in Niger over the next three years.

    The governor said the deal was in pursuit of the Green Economy initiative of his administration, which was anchored on food security and industrialisation, through large scale agriculture.

    He said the deal was also a product of a partnership between Niger Foods and the Nigeria Sugar Council to revive the $2.5 billion Nigeria Sugar Industry.

    “The five billion dollars investment is not just for Niger but for the whole country.

    “It means Niger State is going to have a lot of fields that are going to be producing sugar cane and other very important and agricultural products.

    “It’s going to create employments for the youth, and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product. It’s going to create foreign exchange for the country,” said the governor.

    According to Bago, the programme represented hope for agriculture in the country, a pilot project for agricultural transformation in the country as a whole.

    He said to translate the programme to reality, it was imperative to partner with countries that had the experience and technical knowledge such as Brazil and India.

    “The Brazilians and Indians are not coming to take our raw materials, they are coming to set up plants. In these plants, they’ll produce not just sugar, they’ll produce ethanol, bagasse and molasses,” Bago said.

    He added that the project would boost electricity generation in the country as 600 megawatts would be established for the use of the plants, which would be scaled up to 1,000 megawatts.

    “You can imagine what that will do to industrialisation. This is going to change a lot of things for our country. It’s going to take us forward, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration,” Bago stated.

    Mr Marco Castellani, Head, Latam & International Marketing, Niger Food and Uttam Sucrotech International Ltd., said his company would replicate the Brazilian know-how to produce sugar, ethanol, and other bio products using sugar cane as feedstock.

    We have the support of the Niger State Government, “This is very important, because we need policies to put this plant together, run the plant, and deliver food and bioproducts that Nigeria needs.

    “We are ready for take-off. We have already started work a couple of months ago. We want to bring the best Brazilians and Indians together to establish the plants, and to bring development for Africa.”

    Also, Mr Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Sugar Council, said the Niger Farms project would harness about 90,000 hectares on the shoulder of the recently flagged off Sokoto – Lagos Super Highway to produce 2.5 MT of sugar, 250m litres of Ethanol and generate 300 MW of electricity.

    Bakrin said this would also create 100,000 direct jobs, 250,000 indirect jobs aside the projected 750,000 out grower participants.

    The five billion dollars deal was hailed by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and others, who witnessed the signing of the MoU between Niger Foods and the Brazilian company.

    Tuggar praised the Niger government for its private sector approach to the development of agriculture through the creation of Niger Foods.

    He also praised Bago for the choice of the two leading sugar producers in the world with speciality in large scale cultivation (Brazil) and structured small scale outgrower programme (India).

    Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed the support of the Ministry to Niger in its quest for large scale mechanised and integrated agriculture.

    Kyari said the development of the sugar value chain would give birth to a vibrant livestock industry in Niger and the mixed cropping of sugar with soybean would ensure massive foreign exchange earnings.

    NAN

     

  • Gov. Yusuf hands over 76 minors to parents in Kano

    Gov. Yusuf hands over 76 minors to parents in Kano

    Flowerbud News

    Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has handed over 76 minors discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court in Abuja to their parents in Kano.

    The teenagers had been detained in connection with the EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.

    Handing over the minors on Thursday at Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital, Kano, Yusuf urged them to always be law abiding and shun all acts of unlawful protest in the future.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Wada Sagagi, he urged them to uphold the rule of law and respect constituted authorities.

    The governor announced that the government would sponsor the education of all the reformed minors.

    In the same vein, those who have completed their NCE Education among them would be offered automatic employment during the next recruitment exercise.

    He said that the state government has given a premium to education with 29 per cent budget allocation in 2024 budget and 30 per cent allocation in the proposed 2025 to the education sector.

    Yusuf further directed the Ministry of Education to ensure adequate follow-up on the reformed minors.

    The Commissioner for Education, Haruna Doguwa, explained that the ministry had taken statistics of those who were in Secondary schools among them in order to take them back to school.

    Speaking on behalf of the parents of the minors, Malam Ahmad Muhammad commended the state government for the gesture.

    Earlier, UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Michael Banda, said that the release and reunification of the 76 children and young people from post-detention and interim care was a great development.

    He commended Yusuf for prioritising the rights and welfare of the children.

    Banda reaffirmed the fund’s shared commitment to building a child-friendly Kano where every child enjoys his or her  rights.

    NAN

  • NEC ratifies Board of NSIA

    NEC ratifies Board of NSIA

    Flowerbud News

    The National Economic Council (NEC), on Thursday ratified the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSIA).

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of NEC chaired by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSIA is an independent investment institution, set up to manage Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund in excess of budgeted hydrocarbon revenues.

    It also plays a leading role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians by building a savings base for the Nigerian people.

    Bagudu stated that the council received presentation on the financial statement of affairs of the NSIA and gave its approval

    The minister, said the council commended the board and management of the NSIA for their efforts.

    Bagudu also said that NEC received presentation from the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Physical Commission on alternative funding revenue for the commission.

    “The council noted the mandate of the institution and its critical role in ensuring equatable distribution of resources.

    ” It however disclosed that there is challenge of inadequate funding which severely constraints its capacity to effectively discharge its constitutional duty.

    ” The implications of the underfunding were discussed and the council resolved and appreciated the challenge being faced by the commission.

    “The council directed the secretariat to study the submission as regards to the quantum presented by the commission as well as the legality of request,” he said.

    NAN recalled that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, in August inaugurated the new Board of Directors for the NSIA tasked with the critical mandate of steering the nation’s economic growth and stability

    The minister had charged the board members to leverage their expertise and wealth of experience to bear in driving the NSIA’s mission of creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

    The appointed Board of Directors for the NSIA comprises distinguished professionals from various sectors, carefully selected through deliberations and recommendations made by the Executive Nominations Committee.

    The final approval was given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following endorsement by the Vice President who serves as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

    The new Board Members include: Mr. Segun Ogunsanya – Chairman, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu and Mr. Abdullahi Gaya.

    Others are Mr. Ahmed Goniri, Ms. Ada Osakwe, Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Ms. Ijeoma Taylaur and Mr. Kola Owodunni.

    NAN

  • Social Norms Conference proffers Sociobehavioral Solutions for HCD in W/Africa

    Social Norms Conference proffers Sociobehavioral Solutions for HCD in W/Africa

    News Desk

    A two-day Social Norms Conference brought together leading experts, policymakers, and development professionals from across West Africa to discuss how sociobehavioral approaches can accelerate human capital development in the region.

    The conference held between from Nov. 5 to 6, with the themed “From Research to Reality: Sociobehavioral Solutions for Accelerated Human Capital Development,” was a platform for tackling societal norms that affect human capital growth and for translating research insights into actionable strategies.

    It was organised by the Anglophone West Africa Learning Collaborative,and hosted over 200 participants, including representatives from government, donor organisations, NGOs, academia, and research institutions.

    In attendance were influential leaders from sectors such as health, education, and women’s affairs, alongside stakeholders from diverse community-driven initiatives and advocacy groups.

    Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, participants explored approaches to reshaping social norms that impede progress in areas like gender equality, youth empowerment, and equitable access to essential services.

    Chief Moji Makanjuola (MFR), in her keynote address, titled “Families at the Heart of Change: Generations and Gender Paradigms Guiding Us Forward,” underscored the powerful influence of family structures in shaping societal values across generations.

    “The family unit is pivotal in shaping norms across generations,” Makanjuola noted, adding, “If we want real change, we must start within our homes, building values that prioritize equity and inclusivity.”

    The first day’s expert led discussions were grounded in setting the foundation to understanding social norms and Agency with an emphasis on how economic independence can shift long-standing societal expectations and improve inclusive growth.

    Another key session spotlighted maternal and reproductive health, discussing innovative approaches to challenge and transform limiting norms in communities that impact health outcomes.

    This was followed by a mix of dance and drama and a series of sessions exploring how social norms contributes to gender-based violence (GBV), acceptance of beneficial innovations and rejection of harmful practice, improving support services for survivors and underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in prevention and response efforts, with thought leaders from WARIF, Tabitha Empowerment Centre and Bayero University of Kano advocating for holistic approaches to address recovery, resilience and shift of harmful norms.

    Sessions on Day Two highlighted the benefits and importance of women’s agency in leadership roles, the unique role of expressive arts, and initiatives rooted in cultural crafts and traditions in driving social norms change, especially in addressing gender equality, advancing health, and fostering dialogue for community development.

    The day’s event had top female leaders such as Senator Ireti, Hon. Ayo Omidiran sharing their experiences and contributions to development thereby inspiring young female professionals to aim to participate actively in leadership roles.

    This was followed by a series of expert led presentations on the role of Digital technology in improving literacy and agency for social change, digital platforms, tools, and programs that facilitates SBC, digital and social literacy, thus equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to challenge and reshape harmful social norms.

    The conference emphasiaed the importance of building agency and integrating cultural insights into SBC programs with participants gaining strategies to bridge community barriers to healthcare access, literacy, education and support for survivors of violence.

    Throughout the event, cross-sector collaboration emerged as a key theme, recognizing that lasting sociobehavioral change demands collective action across fields.

    An exciting highlight of the conference was the Hackathon Challenge which garnered ideas and art submissions addressing pressing issues affecting women’s welfare in West Africa.

    These campaigns advocated for supportive policies and community actions to advance women’s rights and opportunities.

    Winners of the challenge were awarded cash prizes and celebrated in a closing session, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to innovative and actionable solutions.

    The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to ongoing knowledge exchange, innovative SBC programming that bridges the gap in research and practice to drive sustainable human capital development in West Africa.

  • FMC Keffi threatens to dispose of 21 unclaimed corpses

    FMC Keffi threatens to dispose of 21 unclaimed corpses

    Flowerbud News

    The Management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, has issued a two-week ultimatum to relatives of unclaimed corpses in its morgue to claim them or they would be disposed of.

    This is contained in a statement by Miss Esther Bature, Head of Public Relations/Protocol of the centre and made available to newsmen in Keffi, Nasarawa state on Tuesday.

    Bature said some of the corpses have exceeded the six months permitted by law to remain in the morgue, hence the decision of the management to issue the deadline.

    “They now constitute a potential health hazard to the hospital and its immediate environs.

    “We, therefore, call on members of the public who have missing relatives to visit the hospital’s morgue for possible identification and collection of such corpses,” she said.

    She said that at the expiration of the two-week deadline, effective from Tuesday, Nov. 5, the medical centre would be left with no option than to evacuate and dispose of the bodies.

    NAN

  • NiCare: Gov. Bago inaugurates Retiree Medical Insurance Package

    NiCare: Gov. Bago inaugurates Retiree Medical Insurance Package

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Gov Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, has inaugurated the Retiree Medical Insurance Package (RMIP), an initiative designed to provide essential support to retirees and senior citizens in the State.

    The Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo on his Social Media X, said this inauguration of the scheme represents a significant improvement in the state’s healthcare efforts, marking a strong commitment to the well-being of its aging population.

    Abdullberqy Ebbo explained that the RMIP is designed to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare that would enable retirees and senior citizens to access vital medical services at no cost.

    He noted that, this comprehensive package covers treatments, medications, and consultations within an extensive network of healthcare providers in the state.

    The governor’s aide further explained that the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Contributory Health Agency, Malam Sulayman Abu-Bakr reaffirmed the administration’s vision for an inclusive healthcare system.

    Ebbo, highlighted the invaluable contributions the elders spent to the growth, development and shaping the communities we live in the state, hence to ensure that retirees can enjoy their later years with dignity and access to essential healthcare services.

    According to Ebbo, the event showcases the dedication of Gov. Bago’s administration to improving the quality of life for all residents, especially the elderly which marked a positive step toward a more equitable healthcare system in Niger State.

  • IHVN pioneering advanced healthcare research in Nigeria – Official

    IHVN pioneering advanced healthcare research in Nigeria – Official

    Flowerbud News

    Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director, IHVN, said this while speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the institutes 20 Years of Excellence in Public Health Implementation, Capacity Building and Research in Nigeria.

    Abimiku said that the institute and the
    centre had forged a collaborative path that was not only aimed at enhancing medical research, but also aimed at strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.

    She highlighted the pivotal role of IHVN in fostering local healthcare solutions.

    She recounted the early involvement of HIV discoverer, Robert Gallo, who visited Nigeria twice, stressing the importance of establishing services, capacity building, and training in the country.

    “If we do not take care of a country like Nigeria, Africa is probably not going to succeed in reinforcing the urgency of local health interventions,” she said.

    According to her, IHVN’s multifaceted approach includes the establishment of specialised facilities for handling complex health issues.

    “Notably, the centre set up Nigeria’s first Biosafety Level three laboratory at the National TB Reference Center in Zaria, Kaduna State to combat the threat of extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB).

    “We train individuals to process sputum and monitor the entrance and spread of this extremely resistant TB,” she said,

    She highlighted the centre’s commitment to safeguarding public health.

    “Research at IHVN is not limited to HIV and TB.

    “The institute is actively exploring diagnostic methods tailored for pediatric populations, recognising the unique challenges faced in diagnosing infections in infants,” she said.

    Furthermore, she said that IHVN was at the forefront of monitoring circulating pathogens to prepare for potential outbreaks, a strategy that gained significance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    She also announced IHVN’s groundbreaking participation in HIV vaccine research, marking Nigeria’s entry into a vital area of global health innovation.

    “We are the only country in West Africa currently involved in identifying an effective HIV vaccine,” she said.

    She underlined the need for solutions that consider the specific strains of HIV prevalent in the region.

    Beyond infectious diseases, she said that there was a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, among younger populations.

    . “Our research points to the fact that younger individuals are increasingly facing these health challenges,” she said,

    Abimiku called for a comprehensive approach to health that encompassed all aspects of patient care.

    As IHVN continues to expand its research portfolio, including ongoing studies on sickle cell disease and cancers, she reiterated the importance of collaboration with governmental agencies and other organisations.

    “We are part of a network that tests new drugs and therapies, ensuring that our findings translate into actionable health policies,” she said.

    She highlighted IHVN’s dedication to fostering a robust health research environment in Nigeria.

    As Nigeria navigates its complex health landscape, the IHVN boss said that the institute’s efforts served as a beacon of hope and a model for future healthcare innovations in Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that IHVN was incorporated in October 2004.

    It started with the implementation of a grant by Professor William Blattner, who was the Director of the Epidemiology Division of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Institute of Human Virology.

    The Institute was established to outlast the grant and address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV.

    IHVN has expanded its services to other infectious and non-infectious diseases as it continues to provide quality health services and capacity building.

    Since 2004, IHVN has provided HIV testing services to more than 18 million people, and life-saving antiretroviral treatment to more than 600,000 people.

    It has trained over 50,000 healthcare workers and provided tuberculosis services to more than 300,000 individuals.

    As the Institute commemorates this milestone, it said that some of its achievements could only be described in terms of beneficiaries that have come under its support.

    It added that the organisation had utilised financial support from funding agencies and partnerships with all levels of government, the public and private sector, to put smiles on the faces of many.

    It commended the staff for their support, the University of Maryland for its technical guidance, and stakeholders for their collaboration.

    It called for continued partnership in addressing the health needs of many more people in Nigeria and West Africa.

    NAN