Flowerbud News

Blog

  • Panic as petrol tanker explodes in Lagos

    Panic as petrol tanker explodes in Lagos

    A petrol-laden tanker has exploded in the Sari Iganmu area of Lagos State.

     

    It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday evening.

     

    The cause of the explosion is however yet unknown.

    Meanwhile, officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services are currently combating the fire.

     

    The spokesperson for the agency, Shakiru Amodu, in a terse statement sent to our correspondent, said, “Tanker fire is being combatted at the Lagos Quadrapoint Bridge, by National Arts Theater, Iganmu as Sari Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews combine efforts to tame the raging fire.”

     

    Details later

  • Ember months: Gov. Mbah urges strict penalties for motorists flouting road regulations

    Ember months: Gov. Mbah urges strict penalties for motorists flouting road regulations

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for strict penalties for motorists flouting road regulations and rules to stem the current spate of road crashes in the country.

     

    Mbah made the call on Thursday in Enugu while flagging-off the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) 2023 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Enugu State.

    The theme of the four months campaign is “Excessive Speeding Thrills But Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading”.

     

    The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Mr Obi Ozor, also tasked FRSC to ensure that there are consequences for irresponsible behaviour on the nation’s roads.

     

    According to him, as we embark on this awareness campaign, let us internalise the message of safety. Together, we can create a safer road environment for everyone.

     

    Mbah advised all road users to be disciplined and responsible on the road even as there is usually increased volume of traffic during the ember months particularly towards the end of the year.

    “The safety of roads is not just a government responsibility; it is a collective duty that each one of us must embrace.

     

    “It starts with the public understanding the importance of following traffic rules, respecting fellow road users, and avoiding reckless behaviours, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving etc.

     

    “Again, the FRSC has a huge responsibility to touch and alert the public about these critical issues, in addition to statutory enforcement,” the governor said.

     

    Speaking, the FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Corps Commander Adeyemi Sokunbi, noted that speeding and rush on the road are a temptation motorists must resist this season.

    Sokunbi noted that speeding and rush to enter the road by all road users increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries and even loss of life.

     

    “Let us remember that our loved ones eagerly wait for our safe return home, and it is our responsibility to ensure their dreams are not shattered by our reckless choices,” he said.

     

    The corps commander cautioned against overloading vehicles, adding that it remained another critical issue to be addressed by motorists especially commercial vehicle drivers.

     

    “Overloading not only compromises the safety of the driver and passengers but also poses a significant risk to other road users.

     

    “We must remember that following the rules and regulations regarding proper weight distribution ensures a safer journey for everyone,” he noted.

     

    Sokunki commended the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, for making the Ember Months Campaign flag-off a reality and other numerous support to the command.

     

    Highlights of the event included: a group photograph and goodwill messages from the Nigeria Police, Immigration, Nigerian Air Force, NSCDC, NURTW, fleet operators, Enugu State Fire Service and other road stakeholders within Enugu State. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Chief of Air Staff Lauds FG as NAF Receives 2 Additional Diamond-62 Aircraft

    Chief of Air Staff Lauds FG as NAF Receives 2 Additional Diamond-62 Aircraft

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): In its bid to add impetus to ongoing air operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) earlier today, 11 October 2023, received 2 additional Diamond-62 (DA-62) aircraft at a brief but colourful ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    In his remarks during the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, noted that the process that culminated into the reception of the 2 additional aircraft began about 2 years ago when the Federal Government (FG) appropriated funds for the acquisition of 4 Diamond-62 aircraft for the NAF.

    A statement by Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet
    Director of Public Relations and Information
    Nigerian Air Force, disclosed.

    According to him, out of the 4 aircraft, the first 2 aircraft were delivered between February and July 2023, while the remaining 2 were being received today. Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the 2 DA-62 aircraft received earlier in the year have since been deployed to the operating theatres in support of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in troubled areas within the country. While urging the air and ground crew that would handle the aircraft to eschew discipline and professionalism, Air Marshal Abubakar admonished them to also ensure the proper maintenance and operation of the aircraft in line with recommended best practices by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. He also implored them to leverage the capabilities available on the aircraft to enhance NAF’s operational efficiency.

    In paying glowing tribute to the FG for its commitment to revamping the fortunes of the NAF and other Services, Air Marshal Abubakar also noted that the receipt of the 2 additional DA-62 aircraft confirms the sincerity and commitment of the Government towards ensuring peace returns to hitherto troubled spots. He went on to add that the NAF will in no distant time take delivery of additional platforms that include the M346FA aircraft, AW109 Trekker light attack helicopter, AH-1Z Super Cobra, T-129 ATAK helicopters and the King Air 360i Beechcraft aircraft.

    In his remarks at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, commended the NAF for its efforts, alongside other security agencies towards ridding the nation of its numerous security challenges. He also expressed his appreciation for the CAS for making Ilorin the homebase of the DA-62, which is indicative of the peaceful and conducive nature of the State. He then assured the CAS of his administration’s unwavering support to the NAF and other security agencies in their onerous tasks of safeguarding lives and properties.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Yusuf, noted that the acquisition of the DA-62 aircraft stems from its ability to carry out robust missions in furtherance of combat operations. He then added that domiciling the DA-62 under 303 Medium Airlift Group in Ilorin will no doubt go a long way in breathing live into the unit while enhancing its operational activities. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Makinde Condems Road Blocks On Highways, urges improved patrol

    Makinde Condems Road Blocks On Highways, urges improved patrol

    Makinde Condemns Road Blocks On Highways, urges improved patrol

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says mounting road blocks on highways by the Police, will create apprehension in the minds of prospective investors willing to do business in the state.

     

    The governor said this while hosting the newly deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 11, Paul Odama who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

     

    Makinde however said that regular patrol on the expressway, encouraging the officers and men that are on patrol, will bring more peace to the area.

     

    He also commended CP Hamzat Adebola Oyo State Police Command, for his effort in bringing peace to the state and also the synergy among other sister security agencies in the state.

    “Democracy has come to stay in our country and it gladdens my heart that the police is also contributing its own quota to stabilise democracy in this country.

     

    “I will encourage you to keep pushing in that direction, the officers and men of Nigerian police.

     

    “The issue of having road blocks, I think we can do better in this age and time, I want you to please look into that and let’s see what we can do together to encourage investment.

     

    “Encourage the people also, the officers and men that are on patrol, if we can achieve the same thing that we have achieved in Oyo state without road blocks and unnecessary show of agitation, I think there will be more peace,” Makinde said.

    Earlier, Odama appreciated Gov Makinde for various support that his administration is providing for the police in the state , which included vehicles and security gadget for all the police divisions in the state.

     

    He also solicited extended support to the zone 11.

    “Haven been hearing how you’ve been assisting the police force. The governor of Oyo state is buying vehicles for all the divisions in Oyo State, more than 70, I want to thank you Sir.

     

    “Like Oliver Twist, we want to ask for more and I know you are going to assit us, and continuously assist us.

     

    “The Zone in Osogbo is also under your command, Zone 11 is made up of 60 per cent Oyo State and 40 per cent Osun State , because of the population in Oyo state.

     

    “I’m requesting that as you’ve given out vehicles to the divisions in the Oyo state, you should not forget the zone, even two vehicles will be enough for us,” he said.

    Gov Makinde later led the AIG and his team on inspection of new vehicles bought and ready to be deployed to all the security agencies in the state, to beef up the state security network, with a promise to give two vehicles to zone 11. (NAN)

  • Prof. Adedoja Solicits Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB

    Prof. Adedoja Solicits Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB

    Prof. Adedoja  Solicits  Partnership Between Teachers Continuous Training Institute And NCDMB
    By Adewale Owoade
    The Director General of Teachers Continuous Training Institute, TCTI, Biase, Cross River state, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, has solicited partnership between TCTI and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
    Prof. Adedoja asked for this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the NCDMB located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
    Adedoja who was accompanied by the institute’s Director of Academic planning, Dr. Godwin Ogar, had a meeting with top officials of the Agency’s Directorate of Human Resources headed by Dr. Ama Ikuru.
    Dr Ikuru used the occasion to highlight the various areas of intervention in the education sector by NCDMB over the years across the country and therefore commended the visit of Prof Adedoja to the Board .
     At the end of the meeting, they were able to identify key areas of potential partnership that would improve the quality of education in Nigeria in general and Cross river state in particular.
    Since the take off of the Teachers Continuous Training Institute in year 2020, the institute has been in the forefront in providing the needed reskilling of teachers  to meet up the current trends of teaching and learning.
    In a related development, Prof Taoheed Adedoja also visited one of Nigeria’s  foremost private libraries, The Azaiki Foundation and Public Library, which houses the Niger Delta Museum and Museum of African Arts, owned by Prof. Steve Azaiki.
    Prof. Adedoja’s portrait at the three story imposing library was admitted into the library hall of fame for distinguished personalities whose contributions to knowledge have been internationally acknowledged.
    In his remark ,Prof Adedoja , a former minister of sports and special duties commended the initiatives of the founder of the library, Prof. Steve Azaiki and charged his colleagues in the education sector to deposit their publications and research findings to the Azaiki library for prosperity. prof Adedoja promised to link the Azaiki library to the TCTI e-library
  • Nigerian Army, pillar of our national life — Adeleke

    Nigerian Army, pillar of our national life — Adeleke

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described the Military, especially the Army as the pillar of Nigeria’s survival as a nation.

    He also commended the Army for shunning anti-democratic tendencies, saying democracy is a necessity for societal development.

    A statement made available to journalists by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed disclosed that the Governor spoke while hosting the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja at his country home in Ede on Thursday.

     

    He added that the Military rather than embarking coup d’etat, should engaged in democratic correction mechanism, describing the Nigerian military as a thorough bred professional service which uphold respect for the national constitution while serving as a protector of the democratic process as well as national stability.

     

    He said, “The military, especially the Nigerian army, is a critical pillar of our national life. We owe the military accolades and commendation for securing and protecting the nation.

     

    “Our existence as a nation that is united despite challenges is linked to the patriotism and sacrifice of the military. When the civil population is sharply divided , the military remains united.On many occasions, the military saved our nation from disintegration.

     

    “Your reaching out to the civil population as a policy is a giant step to further unite the nation. I commend this civil- military rapport, the Osun state government enjoys a close relationship with the military establishments in the state”.

     

    Governor Adeleke further expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the speedy intervention during the recent Ifon -Ilobu crisis, noting “Your patriotic action is laudable. We deeply appreciate you”.

     

    Responding, the Chief of Army Staff said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide visit to army formations in the country, noting that he was at the Governor’s residence to pay homage.

    He assured the Governor of deep support for democracy and good governance, assuring that the engineering construction arm of the army is prepared to undertake projects from any willing states

     

  • What to know about Olukoyede, RCCG pastor appointed as EFCC boss

    What to know about Olukoyede, RCCG pastor appointed as EFCC boss

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

     

    Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson made this known in a statement on Thursday.

    Olukoyede is billed to serve for a term of four years, upon confirmation by the senate.

    Below are key things to know about the new EFCC boss:

     

    Olukoyede was born in Ikere-Ekiti on October 14, 1969.

     

    The new anti-graft agency chair is an indigene of Ekiti State.

     

    He is an alumnus of Lagos State University; University of Lagos; Institute of Arbitration ICC – Paris, France and University of Harvard (Kennedy School of Executive Education).

     

    He is an experienced lawyer specialised in compliance management, corporate intelligence, and fraud management.

     

    Olukoyede has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018).

     

    He is a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG.

    He served as EFCC Secretary under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2018 to 2023.

  • JUST IN: US assures Israel of support

    JUST IN: US assures Israel of support

    The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, vowed on Thursday that the United States will always back Israel but said the Palestinians also had “legitimate aspirations” not represented by militant group Hamas.

     

    “You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself. But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side,” Blinken said during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as war raged between Israel and Hamas.

     

    “But as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side.”

     

    Paying a solidarity visit as Israel’s army hammers Hamas over weekend attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel, Blinken also gave a new death toll for US citizens, saying at least 25 were confirmed among the dead.

    President Joe Biden has vowed unwavering support for Israel and not called for restraint against Hamas, but Blinken hinted at the need for an eventual peace settlement — an idea that has long met resistance from the right-wing Netanyahu.

     

    “Anyone who wants peace and justice must condemn Hamas’ reign of terror. We know Hamas doesn’t represent the Palestinian people, or their legitimate aspirations to live with equal measures of security, freedom, justice opportunity, and dignity,” Blinken said.

     

    Speaking in unusually personal terms, Blinken recalled how his grandfather fled anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia and his stepfather survived Nazi concentration camps.

    come before you not only as the United States secretary of state but also as a Jew,” said Blinken, who has a secular background.

     

    “I also come before you as a husband and father of young children. It’s impossible for me to look at the photos of families killed, such as the mother, father and three small children murdered as they sheltered in their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, and not think of my own children,” he said.

     

    Blinken promised that the Biden administration and Congress would work together to meet military requests for Israel, which enjoys wide support across party lines.

     

    “As Israel’s defence needs evolve, we will work with Congress to make sure that they’re met,” he said.

     

    Netanyahu, speaking next to Blinken, voiced appreciation for US support and said that Hamas, which rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, should be treated like the Islamic State group.

     

    “Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated,” Netanyahu said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

     

    Olukoyede’s appointment followed the resignation of the suspended Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.

    Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda as the Secretary of the anti-graft agency for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

     

    ”By the powers vested in President Bola Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President,” President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

     

    ”Mr. Ola Olukoyede is a lawyer with over twenty-two (22) years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence. He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023). As such, he fulfills the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC.

    Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda is a public administrator with extensive experience in public finance management who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank,” the statement reads.

     

    President Tinubu therefore tasked the new leadership of the Commission to justify the confidence reposed in them