Flowerbud News

Blog

  • Senate confirms 11 Supreme Court Justices

    Senate confirms 11 Supreme Court Justices

    By Kingsley Okoye

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 11 Supreme Court Justices nominated by President Bola Tinubu to fill the vacancies on the apex court bench.

    This followed the adoption of the report of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and legal Matters at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.
    Presenting the report, Sen.Mohammed Monguno, the Chairman of the Committee, said the request for confirmation of the nominees was in pursuant to section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    He said the committee at the screening received their curriculum vitae and other documents on their suitability for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.

    “The nominees individually demonstrated knowledge and grasp on questions asked by members of the committee,” he said.
    Monguno said there was no criminal record or petition against the nominees, saying that they all possed the requisite experience and competency to function as Supreme Court Justices.

    Sen.Binos Yaroe (PDP-Adamawa),who seconded the motion for adoption of the report said the nominees were all eminently qualified for appointment as Supreme Court Justices.

    He said all the nominees emanated from the Appeal Courts, urging that efforts should be made in the near future to nominate law scholars who were suitable from the academia.

    Former President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe) and former Senate Chief Whip, Sen.Orji Uzor-Kalu(APC-Abia) commended President Bola Tinubu for the nomination.

    They called for improved funding of the judiciary saying that improved funding would ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

    “Let us give them more resources,”Lawan said.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio said allocation of more resources for the judiciary would improve modern ways of justice dispensation, while also commending Tinubu for accommodating all zones in the nomination.

    He congratulated the justices and prayed that God grant them wisdom and strength of character to carry out justice in Nigeria.

    The new Supreme Court Justices were Jummai Sankey, Stephen Adah, Mohammed Idris, Haruna Tsammani, Jamilu Tukur, Abubakar Umar, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Obande Ogbuinya, Moore Adumein and Habeeb Abiru.

    NAN

  • FG to set up committee to select new ambassadors

    FG to set up committee to select new ambassadors

    By Hadiza Mohammed

    The Federal Government will soon set up a new committee that will select the new set of ambassadors that will replace those that have been recalled, according to an aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar on Media and Communications Strategy disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Abdulkadir said the selection of the new ambassadors would require wide-ranging consultations with relevant stakeholders.

    The minister’s aide added that all recalled ambassadors have returned to the country contrary to the reports that most of them have been unable to return due to financial constraints.

    NAN recalls that on Sept. 2, President Bola Tinubu recalled all the country’s ambassadors, both career and non-career.

    They were asked to return to the country on or before Oct. 31, 2023.

    Nigeria has no fewer than 300 foreign missions.

    Ajuri Ngelale spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu said the action was a sequel to the president’s careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian consulates, offices, and embassies across the world.

    Ngelale added that the latest move was also in line with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.

    He emphasised the President’s determination to ensure world-class efficiency and quality in service delivery, saying that he would henceforth, characterise foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents, and prospective visitors.

    NAN

  • University of Ghana wins 2023 WAUG Championship

    University of Ghana wins 2023 WAUG Championship

    By Jide Idowu/ Dorcas Elusogbon

    The University of Ghana, Legon Boundary, Accra,  has won the 2023 edition of West African Universities Games (WAUG) Championship, hosted by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university won 10 Gold, Eight Silver and three Bronze medals to emerge winner of  the championship.

    The University of Education, Winneba Ghana, came second with six Gold, four Silver and four Bronze medals ahead of Benson Idahosa University, Edo  which came third with six Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals.

    Receiving the first place trophy on behalf of the institution, Dr Bella Bello Bitugu, the Director of Sports of the University, dedicated the trophy to one of their athletes, who lost his mother on Wednesday.

    Bitugu said the athlete, Oyeyemi Johnson, whose father is of Nigerian origin and  Ghanaian mother, received the sad news while participating in the games.

    In his closing address, the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, appreciated all the participants and wished them journey mercies to their various destinations.

    Bamire congratulates all the medalists, saying the most important lesson of the games is for the participants to strive for greater heights.

    Also speaking,  Shaibu Tanko, WAUG President, thanked all the universities that participated at the games, urging the athletes to inspire the world.

    Tanko said that  the games, for the first time, conducted its elections, which produced him as the president to pilot its affairs for the next four years.

    He, thereafter , appealed to stakeholders to give him and his executive the  needed support to move the university sports in West Africa to the next level.

    NAN reports that the Championship started on Dec. 15 with athletes from 20 universities in Nigeria and  Ghana participated at the games.

    Events being competed for at the games include table tennis, athletics, tennis and basketball

    WAUG, also known as the ECOWAS Students Games, is a multi-sport event between student-athletes from West African universities.

    The first edition of the competition was held in 1965 at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university

    NAN

  • FG announces “mechanical completion” of PH refinery

    FG announces “mechanical completion” of PH refinery

    By Emmanuella Anokam

    The Federal Government on Thursday announced the mechanical completion and flare start off of the Port Hacourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

    Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil) disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a media tour on the refinery which rehabilitation commenced in 2021.

    On the tour were the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo; Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari and other dignitaries.

    The Managing Director of the PHRC, Ibrahim Onoja, was also on the tour.

    “Just to announce to Nigerians the fulfillment of our pledge to bring on stream phase one of the Port Hacourt Refinery by the end of 2023 and the subsequent streaming of phase two in 2024.

    “We happily announce the mechanical completion and the flare start-off on Dec. 20, 2023.

    “This heralds the commencement of the production of petroleum products after the  Christmas break,” Lokpobiri said.

    The minister thanked Nigerians for their patience and the trust on the NNPC Ltd. to deliver on its promise and the mandate of the refinery’s rehabilitation.

    According to him, it is another landmark of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Akinyelure, who expressed satisfaction over the new development, said it was a promise made to President Bola Tinubu that the refinery would begin operation in 2023.

    The NNPC Ltd. board chairman who recalled that the refinery had undergone several rehabilitation, said that its commencement of operations would keep fuel cost stable.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PHRC comprised of two refining units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the new plant 150,000 bpd, both summing up to 210,000 bpd.

    The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the services of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the scoping of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.

    In 2021, NNPC Ltd. said repairs had started after the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5bn for the project.

    The refinery had over the years performed below optimal levels which resulted in importation of petroleum products for domestic use for many years to cover for the gap in the refinery’s output.

    NAN

  • Tinubu’s wife disburses N25m to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger

    Tinubu’s wife disburses N25m to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger

    By Rita Iliya

    The First Lady, Sen.  Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday disbursed N25 million to 250 vulnerable elderly people in Niger as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disbursement was done during the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS) with the theme, “Better Days Ahead”, in Minna.

    Tinubu was represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, who was also represented Mrs Titi Aluta,the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.

    She said that the economic empowerment programme was borne out of committment to ensure the well-being of elderly people in the society.

    “The scheme is to support 250 aged 65 years and above across 36 states including FCT and veterans from the Defence and Police Officer’s Wives Association.

    “Beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each to cushion effect of economic situation and alleviate burden of our esteemed elders during this festive period,” she said.

    Tinubu disclosed that N950 million was approved by the governoring board of the Renewed Hope Initiative and each state received N25 million.

    She urged senior citizens to embrace life, prioritise their health, nurture their minds and strengthen bonds with loved ones,  which is key to a rich and fulfilling life.

    She appealed for prayers for  President Bola Tinubu to succeed in security, education, health, employment and business opportunities.

    Earlier in her welcome address, Hajiya Hadiza Shiru, Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, thanked the first lady for the gesture and advised beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.

    Also, Mrs Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker of Niger Assembly, described the gesture as uncommon in the history of the country as it was done with transparency.

    One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Maimuna Idris, appreciated the wife of the President for coming to their aid, saying the gesture would help them take care of their health.

    NAN

  • NAN MD decries agency’s inability to attain full potential

    NAN MD decries agency’s inability to attain full potential

    By Moses Kolo

    Malam Ali Muhammed Ali, the newly appointed Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has expressed his displeasure over the inability of the agency to attain the zenith of its potential.

    Ali spoke on Thursday during a three-day ‘Strategic Foresight Management Retreat’ for NAN in collaboration with Paragon Links Consulting held in Kaduna.

    “With a staff strength of over 700, why thas NAN not been able to attain the zenith of its potential?

    “This retreat should be able to come up with answers,” Ali said.

    The managing director said that NAN was sitting on a goldmine, adding that all that was needed was the will power, creativity and ingenuity to harness the agency’s human capital and material resources to reach full bloom.

    “I have arrived at the inevitable conclusion that to thread the path to a prosperous future, we must first embark on a deep introspection on our past, reflect on our current realities and set the template to grab and run with the immense opportunities out there,” Ali said.

    He pointed out that the agency has its headquarters in Abuja, a directorate in Lagos, offices in 12 zones, the 36 states as well as 18 district offices.

    “We also maintain offices in New York in the United States, Johannesburg in South Africa and also have news exchange partnerships with major news agencies like Reuters, AFP in France, Xinhua in China, and Asian News Agency, among others.

    “Our services include general news services, Economy, Sports, Features, SMS, photo news services, among others.

    “Others include NAN Multimedia, PR and online advertising services.

    “We will also try to toe new programmes and, I am sure, going forward from the Retreat, we will leave with a better understanding on how to come about new products,” Ali added.

    The managing director said that as the new year opens in less than 10 days, it would no longer be business as usual in the running of NAN business.

    He said: “I believe collectively, for all us seated here, once we operate on the same page, this is realisable.

    “It has become imperative for every member of management and, by extension, every member of the NAN family, to define in clear terms, their contract with the Agency in 2024.

    “We are determined to draw a charter of engagement with each member of staff and this will be measured by deliverables as this is going to be a clear departure from the preceding practice.”

    Ali charged the editorial department, which he said was at the heart of NAN operations, to be interested in the number of stories, features and news analysis written, edited and published.

    “It is not enough for you to have a story in the portal. We will go the old school to see which of them are actually published by the clients we serve.

    “Timelines and accuracy of content as well as compliance with editorial guidelines and meeting of deadlines, among others, will be assessed.

    “In marketing, we worry over set targets, partnership development, digital enforcement, metrics, brand perception and performance as well as revenue generation outcomes.

    “Different performance indicators as above, will be used to assess the other departments in order to keep everyone in line with the new policy direction of the present management.

    “For NAN, we must innovate, constantly reinvent and be in tune; we must equip ourselves with new skills, new talents.

    “With the sense of expectation thick in the air beyond this table, back at the headquarters and from the government, I believe this should be the running motive all through this retreat,” Ali added.

    Malam Khalil Abdulhadi, Director, Administration and Human Resources, in his remark, expressed optimism that the Retreat would equip the management staff with vast knowledge on how to run the affairs of the agency.

    “The Consulting firm is a renowned one and I believe they will do justice to the theme of the retreat,” Khalil said.

    Earlier, Mr Ope Jegede, Senior Consultant of Paragon Links Consulting firm, said the Retreat would provide a platform for NAN Management staff to be strategic in reasoning and to position NAN to be a better futuristic organisation.

    Jegede said it was expected that there would be ground work to define the vision, mission and values of NAN.

    “The Retreat will also bring the staff together for better collaborations and innovative ideas that will catapult NAN to where it is supposed to be,” he added.

    NAN

  • “You are doing a good Job”- NSA Commends Olukoyede

    “You are doing a good Job”- NSA Commends Olukoyede

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede for the ongoing transformation of the Commission under his leadership.

    The NSA, who gave the commendation on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the new office complex of the  EFCC  Enugu Zonal Command, said that Nigerians were taking note of  Olukoyede’s impact.

    “I am particularly delighted by the transformation of this complex and indeed the transformation of the EFCC itself. Mr. Chairman, you are doing a good job. You are not just transforming the physical spaces and buildings but the EFCC itself.

    ‘:I can assure you that people are taking note of that and I want to commend the Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and his team for the vision to put up this magnificent edifice for use by personnel of the Zone”, he said.

    While charging the Commission to take a front row in the effort to check the laundering of proceeds of violent crimes like terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in order to restore growth and stability in the nation’s economy, he stressed that, “you have the biggest role and responsibility in the forefront to get things back to order. Lot of things were done wrongly and mismanaged. You must clean up, sanitise, and demonstrate that you are one of our best. Be honest, be just, be fair. That is what you are known for”, he said.

    While calling on other security agencies to collaborate with the Commission in achieving its mandate,  the NSA acknowledged the modest contributions of the Commission in checking illicit financial flows especially in the Designated Non Financial Sector, DNFS,  through the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, SCUML.

    He added that there was still room for improvement,saying, ‘“No agency can operate alone without the support and collaboration of stakeholders.

    ”I therefore call on other security and law enforcement organisations in this Zone to work with the EFCC to ensure that it achieves its mandate. This is how we can change our country. Stand by one another, support one another, be one”,  he said.

    In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi, Mbah,  said the commissioning of the edifice reconfirmed  the commitment of the nation to sustain the war against corruption.

    “The commitment is well founded in view of the many proven negative effects corruption has on economic development.

    For example, corruption is globally acknowledged to reduce the adoption of innovative strategies within economies. Secondly, it tends to discourage direct investments both foreign and domestic while reducing the rate of emergence of new jobs and increasing the prices of products and services”, he said.

    The governor, who was confident that the commissioning of the new structure will go a long way in boosting the effectiveness of the Commission’s operations in the region, commended the Commission for the sterling work it has done in fighting corruption and graft across all segments of society since its inauguration.

    Earlier,  in his opening remarks, the anti-graft czar said one of his desires is to provide a conducive environment for staff to boost their productivity in achieving the mandate of the Commission.

    “Ladies and  gentlemen , we cannot over emphasise the importance of a befitting and functional office environment for personnel motivation and productivity.

    This is being met for the personnel of the Enugu Command today and my vision is to ensure that staff in all EFCC outputs work in decent offices with facilities that compare with other law enforcement organisations in the world”, he said.

    While assuring citizens of Enugu State that fraudsters have no place in the State, the Chairman called on the Civil Society Organisations in the South East to collaborate with the command.

    “I want to assure his Excellency and indeed the citizens of Enugu State and the entire South East that fraudsters have no place to operate in the Zone. This pledge is a statement of conviction as the Commission’s pedigree speaks for itself.

    “I call on the CSOs in the South East to come forward and work with the Command. Let every stakeholder in the anti-corruption community rally behind the EFCC by providing support in whatever way possible to the Commission to deliver on its mandate.

    It is often said that if we walk alone, we may go fast but if we walk together, we will go far. Let us walk together and will be able to corporately break the fang of corrupt practices”.

    Olukoyede thereafter charged officers of the Command to be doubly committed to the mandate of the Commission. Highlights of the event include, planting of trees in front of the edifice by the NSA, the Governor, and the EFCC’s Chairman.  Thereafter, Olukoyede led them,  including other heads of sister security agencies on a tour of the new structure. (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

     

     

     

  • NANS lauds Tinubu for yuletide transport discount, urges further students’ support

    NANS lauds Tinubu for yuletide transport discount, urges further students’ support

    Enugu:  The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for this yuletide season transport discount even as it urges further students’ support from his administration.
    The President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, gave the commendation in a statement he issued on Thursday in Enugu while appreciating President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
    The Federal Government, through Chief Dele Alake, Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on the Presidential Intervention on Public Transportation, announced plans to subsidise all luxury buses for ease of transportation for citizens willing to travel during these festive holidays.
    Obi said that the remarkable decision demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and showcases a proactive step towards alleviating the burdens faced by travelers during this celebratory period.
    According to him, NANS extends its heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu for his exemplary initiative in implementing a 50 per cent transport discount for travelers during this festive Yuletide season.
    The NAN boss, who acknowledged this gesture as a positive step, extolled President Tinubu’s sensitivity to the needs of the people, especially during a time when travel expenses can be particularly burdensome.
    He said: “This discount undoubtedly eases the financial strain on many Nigerians, making it more feasible for them to reunite with loved ones and partake in the festivities.
    “However, while appreciating this thoughtful gesture, NANS, in its advocacy for students’ welfare, encourages President Tinubu to consider extending this generosity further for the students across the nation.
    “Recognising the financial challenges faced by students, especially during the holiday season, NANS urges President Tinubu to further alleviate the burden by offering free transport for students who can be identified with their Student Identity Cards.”
    Obi said that NANS understands the importance of supporting the educational pursuits of Nigerian students and firmly believes that such an extension of the transport discount to students would significantly alleviate their financial challenges.
    This, he said, would enable them (students) to travel to their respective homes without undue financial constraints.
    “NANS remains committed to advocating for the welfare and interests of Nigerian students and eagerly anticipates further positive actions that prioritise the well-being of the nation’s students and youths,” he said.
    It would be recalled that Chief Dele Alake, who is also Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said that the Tinubu’s approval of a 50 per cent cut in land transportation fares would last from Dec. 21 to Jan. 4, 2024, across the country, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
    Alake said that the President had also approved zero fare for train transportation in all the states of the federation within the same period, adding that “This presidential initiative is to give succor to the masses”.
    The minister, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, said that all the logistics for the implementation had been worked out between the Minister of Transportation, the transport unions and luxury buses owners. (Flowerbudnews)
  • NAN MD lauds Bako, former NBC boss’ contributions to journalism

    NAN MD lauds Bako, former NBC boss’ contributions to journalism

     

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Kabir Muhammad

    Abuja:  The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Ali M. Ali, has commended Dr Danladi Bako, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), for contributing so much to media practice in Nigeria.

    Ali made the commendation on Wednesday when Bako paid a courtesy visit to the NAN Headquarters in Abuja.

    He recalled that during the days of the Renewed Hope Campaign, he often went to Bako for intellectual discussions and always gained from his rich experience.

    “Listening to you was, and is still like, being in a workshop on leadership.

    “In just 10, 15 minutes, you have just told us about your life trajectory and it is quite an inspiring story.

    “The name Danladi Bako is synonymous to TV Talk Shows; he actually pioneered the talk show, ‘the Morning Ride’.

    “Most of the Morning Talk Shows you see on national television today were inspired by him.

    “There is no day, in those days, that you don’t look forward to, and watch out for, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    “We are journalists largely on account of some of them.

    “The NTA was the destination of choice and, there, you had great, excellent broadcasters.

    “We are mentees of Danladi Bako and we are proud to be associated with him,” Ali said.

    Earlier, Bako, who is the Koguna of the Sokoto Caliphate, extolled Ali’s capacity and competence to reposition the agency.

    “I want to vouch for your Mmanaging director. The gentleman you have here as a leader I can vouch for.

    “At 29, when I was made a controller of news in NTA, all my producers were older than me. At NBC as the DG, all the Directors were older than me.

    “I, nicely, navigated the affairs of the station.

    “I did what I had to do, gave them their respect and didn’t witch hunt anybody because I believe that God is in charge of every situation.

    “When President Tinubu was drafting us into the Campaign Council, he said we were going to work pro-bono and we worked pro-bono.”

    Bako also enjoined the members of staff to support Ali to successfully steer the agency to greater heights.

    “I want to urge all the management staff to do their best while you are here. He needs your support so that he can do the best.

    “He knows about how to improve welfare, train workers and other things; he knows them all and, God willing, he will achieve much here,” Bako said.

    Mr Abdulhadi Khaliel, the Director of Administration of the agency, on behalf of other directors, appreciated Bako for the visit and assured him of their support for the new NAN boss.

    “NAN is a home with an open mind.

    “God willing, the forthcoming NAN Management Retreat in Kaduna will help reshape the organisation and set objectives to enhance effective delivery of our mandate,” Khaliel said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)/Flowerbudnews

    =