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(FLOWERBUD NEWS) The chairman, Mathias Amuta of the Orozo Mass Housing Scheme Landlords’ Association, has called on the security agencies and Nasarawa state government to beef up security in the estate.

Amuta made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He appealed to the Inspector General of Police, the Nasarawa State Governor, the Emir of Karshi, Ordinary President, Ahmed Isah to intervene and restore sanity to the area and prevent the loss of lives and property.

According to him, in recent time it has become a regular incidence to record cases of thuggery, harassment, and criminal trespass and invasion of private residences.

“A day ago, thugs invaded residences in the Estate and physically assaulted the occupants including the wives, children and relatives, while destroying property which value cannot be ascertained at the moment.

 “Some of the residents, who were seriously injured, had been taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, and Asokoro General Hospital to receive treatments.

“These incidences are in addition to daily harassment, intimidation, and denial of entry into the estate by these thugs in spite of a valid court order,” he added.

The director of the company managing the estate, Pastor Andrew Akogwu, after collecting hundreds of millions of money from residents, disappeared into thin air without the infrastructural development of the estate.

“Suddenly, a new set of people appeared demanding for more money. The other faction of the company has written to residents not to make payment nor deal with the new management.

“Disturbed by this infighting and the lack of accountability, residents demanded that the company should first put its house in order, account for the money so far collected before demanding for more.

“Moreover, thugs chased away the officials of the state government who came to intervene to restore peace and sanity to the estate.

“As it is, the estate is fast turning into a slum, yet the company carries on like a quasi government of its own with series of complaints made at the New Karshi Divisional Police Station not attended to,” he said.

Meanwhile, some police officers who came to arrest two of the thugs refused to grant interview to newsmen and denied the allegation that the police were not doing anything about the situation. (NAN)

(FLOWERBUD NEWS)  Access Bank has introduced a financing scheme for procurement of phones for more Nigerians to get connected to more businesses online and deepen financial inclusion.

Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Retail Banking, said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos that the loan would provide more Nigerians with access to credit under its Device Finance scheme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Device Finance scheme is designed to provide customers on salary income with the opportunity to purchase smartphones of their choice and pay over a period of 12 months.

“Access Bank has taken the initiative to lead the digitization of lending in Nigeria and wants every customer to benefit from the modern connected lifestyle.

“Through our revolutionary and ground-breaking credit schemes such as Device Finance, we will see more Nigerians get connected to do more business online and enjoy social lifestyle of their choice,” he said.

Etuokwu said that the financing scheme currently includes smartphone devices with prices ranging from N12,500 to N325,000, at competitive market prices, spread across a 12-month repayment period. (NAN)

(FLOWERBUD NEWS) An Abuja based dietitian, Mr Paul Okoh has advised persons living with haemophilia condition to stay away from Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger.

Okoh, who gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said ginger has varied ingredients in many dishes.

Haemophilia is a rare disorder in which a patient’s blood does not clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins.

He said persons with haemophilia condition may have bleeding problems and should stay away from ginger.

According to him, haemophilia is not one disease, but rather one of a group of inherited bleeding disorders that cause abnormal or exaggerated bleeding and poor blood clotting.

H said that certain blood disorders such as haemophilia could make the use of ginger a risky proposition.

This is because ginger acts as a blood thinner, which can prevent the blood from clotting.

Okoh said the use of ginger can be very helpful for those with high blood pressure, or those who are prone to vessel blockages and other trouble in their circulatory system.

“But for persons with haemophilia conditions, this can be incredibly dangerous, given that haemophilia already have trouble recovering from open wounds due to the inability of their blood to clot.

“Ginger’s blood thinning properties can exacerbate the problem, causing hemorrhaging that could easily become fatal,” he said.

Okoh said that the part of ginger that is commonly used is called the rhizome; “most people think of ginger as a root, but this is somewhat inaccurate.

“The rhizome is a stem, not a root. Rhizome is packed with powerful nutrients, enzymes, and various compounds that altogether makes ginger an herb.

“Medicinally speaking, most often, ginger serves to relieve nausea, dizziness, vertigo, or to facilitate digestion; in the latter case, this is because ginger promotes the production of saliva, and its fiber content makes bowel movements easier,” he said.

He stated that ginger have a lot of benefits to the human body in a number of ways, and there are on-going researches to see how else it could help humans in various ways.

In addition to the uses of ginger, he said there was a research that suggested ginger had some promise as a painkiller, as a cleanser of cellulite and minor skin blemishes.

Ginger also acts as a soothing agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as a means to lower triglycerides or blood sugar, and even a tool to fight certain kinds of cancer.

According to him, using ginger as a remedy for these conditions and others had received mixed returns from various research studies.

He noted that while ginger was a great spice and natural remedy, Nigerians should keep in mind that taking it in excess, or if they were affected by certain conditions, could actually end up causing them more harm than good.

He, however, advised Nigerians that if any of the following situations apply to them, they should consult a medical professional to discuss their options before taking high levels of ginger or ginger supplements.

(FLAWERBUD NEWS)  Worried by the increasing security challenges in the country, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra Chapter, on Friday expressed willingness to partner with security agencies to stem the rising insecurity in the state.The State Chairman, NYCN,

Mr Samuel Egwuatu, made the pledge at a youth security summit organised by the council in collaboration with Directorate of Security Service (DSS)  and other security agencies in Awka.The Summit had the theme, “Securing Lives and Property: The Role of Youth Leaders for Sustainable Security in Anambra”.“Security is about life and property and it requires pragmatic approach.

“Like the saying, the youth are the security of any nation.  Also,  about 60 per cent of our security personnel are youths. Which means we have a critical role to play in ensuring stability in our state and country.“This is why we are holding this submit with security stakeholders to brainstorm and proffer solutions that will make us enjoy sustainable peace in the state,” he said.Also, Mr Afam Mbanefo, State Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy, said that ensuring safety of lives and property was the major priority of the Gov.

Willie Obiano led-administration.

“Security is prime to this administration. With security, we can attract more investors to boost our economy and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).“The youth can assist security agents with information gathering to make Anambra the most secured state in the country,” he said.In his keynote address,  retired Air Vice-Marshal Ben Chiobi, lamented that the underused resources that could address security problems in the country were the youth.“In spite of government’s huge budgetary allocation to security, our insecurity challenges remain unresolved.

“Nigeria is a country with large youth population, and if funds go to youth empowerment or even engaging them at the decision making level, they can be change agents in our society.“We have high rates of crime today because our youth are not duly recognised and empowered.“Youths as tomorrow’s leaders have much to offer in advancing peace and changing the society while they are still young,” Chiobi said. (NAN)

By Peter Okolie
The South East APC Young Progressives Forum has described the attack on former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu as shameful.

Ekweremadu claimed that members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) attacked him in Nuremberg, Germany on Aug. 17.

Mr Paschal Otimkpu, Chairman of the group who made this known in a statement to newsmen on Monday in Onitsha, also described the assault as “an embarrassment to the Igbo nation and Nigeria.

“It is also shamefully pathetic that an event, which was nobly put together by the Ndi-Igbo community which members make up the majority of Nigerians living in Germany, ended up in such a disgraceful manner.

“Obviously, this is not how to pay a man who has contributed his quota to the development of Igbo land and Nigeria at large.

“Most worrisome and inconceivable was that the attackers chose a great occasion for celebrating and showcasing our rich culture heritage` Iri-ji` –New Yam Festival — to exhibit such unbecoming conduct in the name of agitation.

“We urge our fellow youths of South-East extraction and every right thinking Nigerian to join in the condemnation.’’

The group noted that the country was currently going through challenges, including terrorism and kidnappings which required collective responsibility of all.

It, therefore, said that resorting to mob action and venting the spleen on leaders will rather create more problems and a vacuum that would leave Igbo and by extension, Nigerian leaders helpless.

“Irrespective of political difference, Sen. Ekweremadu is an outstanding and unpretentious Igbo leader, who deserves better treatment than he received,” the group said.(NAN)

Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects involved in a clash between area boys and scavengers at Oke-Odo Market.

The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana, said in a statement on Sunday, that the clash was triggered by a misunderstanding when a scavenger reportedly pushed an area boy, who had goods on his head, by mistake.

Elkanah said: “On Aug. 18, at 10.00 a.m., one Alh. Adekunle Habib, of Ilepo market, reported at Oke Ode Police Station that there was a misunderstanding between a Hausa scavenger and an area boy from the Yoruba ethnic group.

“The area boy was carrying some goods on his head and was pushed by the Hausa boy in error and the goods fell down. Arguments ensued between the two which led to exchange of blows.

“Friends of the two joined the fight in solidarity and other miscreants took advantage of the moment to steal and loot.

“They blocked Lagos/Abeokuta Express way. What started as a fight between two miscreants almost snowballed into ethnic crisis, if not for the timely intervention of the police.

“Police teams from Oke-Odo Division were the initial responders. The command sent reinforcements from the Operations Department, Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce, Tactical Units and Police Mobile Force.

“Divisions within the area command equally sent reinforcements, the situation was brought under control and traffic was cleared.

“No death was recorded, but four persons sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

“Five suspects namely, Kabiru Mohammed, Kabiru Adamu, Bashiru Mohammed, Saliu Madu and Yusuf Amuda, were arrested in connection with the breach of peace.” he said.

Elkana added that normalcy had been restored and patrols were ongoing in the affected areas, while the suspects would be charged to Court.

NAN

Elozonam Ogbolu, a housemate in the ongoing BBNaija reality show, has won this week’s veto power of chance card.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the game of chance was held on Sunday night shortly after the eviction.

While still trying to shake off the Eviction shock, the ‘Pepper Dem Gang’ were asked to move into the Arena for the Veto Power Game of Chance.

The chance card offers the winner 100 Bet9ja coins up for grabs and the power to Save and Replace.

In alphabetical order, each housemate was asked to pick a number card from the magic hat. Cindy, Diane, Elozonam, Esther, Frodd, Gedoni, Jackye, Ike, Khafi went first.

Then Mercy, Mike, Omashola, Seyi, Sir Dee, Tacha and Venita also did theirs.

After that, one by one, the Housemates dipped their hands into 32 gooey filled buckets from which each brought out different items.

In the first attempt, no one was able to fetch the badge. On a second try, Elozonam got lucky and revealed the Veto Power badge.

For this, he became the winner of the Veto Power Game of Chance and has earned himself the power to Save and Replace any Housemate at the Nomination Task on Monday.

He has also won 100 Bet9ja coins and 10 Betja coins for each member of his team, ‘The Icons’.

NAN reports that on Sunday, Enkay of ‘The Icons’ and Joe from ‘Cruisetopia’ were evicted from the game.

NAN

By Obike Ukoh

Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, has described as unfounded, social media reports that he suspended his planned medical check-up to Germany because of what happened to Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.

Kalu disclosed this in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

NAN recalls that the former deputy senate president was physically assaulted in Germany at the weekend by some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ekweremadu was invited as a speaker/special guest of honour at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival in Nuremberg, Germany.

Kalu said that since the Senate commenced its recess, he has been in his country home, interacting with his constituents.

“I have been in my country home interacting with the people and settling disputes. The news that I suspended by planned medical check-up in Germany was not true.

“I was invited by Igbo group in Spain to attend their function, I could not go because of the interaction with my constituents.’’

Kalu had described the action of the IPOB members as uncivilised, unacceptable and barbaric.

The former Abia governor urged Igbo people to respect their leaders at all levels.

He noted that the only way the South-East zone can be prosperous was by embracing dialogue, peace and unity.

Kalu also urged the Embassy of Nigeria in Germany, the German Government and appropriate authorities to bring the perpetrators of the ugly incident to book.

He said: “After watching a viral video of the physical attack on former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweramadu, I was not only disappointed, but irritated and disturbed with the action of some members of IPOB.

“The assault on the senator is a slap on Igbo leaders regardless of age, party affiliation and religion.

“The perpetrators of the uncivilised act must face the wrath of the law.

“Sen. Ekweramadu is not only one of the Igbo leaders, but also a prominent Nigerian and as such should be accorded due respect by all and sundry at home and abroad.

“For the South-East to move forward, the people of the zone must embrace dialogue as a way of resolving pertinent issues and eschew violence.

Kalu appealed to Igbo people across the globe to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of Nigeria.

NAN

Russian Daniil Medvedev survived cramps and tantrum where he cracked a racquet to clinch his first Masters 1000 title on Sunday with a 7-6 (3) 6-4 win over David Goffin in the final of the Cincinnati Masters.

Medvedev saved two breaks points while serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set before winning the next four, three of them with aces to close out his dogged Belgian opponent.

It was the second title of the year for Medvedev, who had lost on the past two Sundays, to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafa Nadal in Montreal.

“It would be not a good feeling if I lost three finals in a row so it’s just a relief and I’m so happy,” he said in a courtside interview with ESPN after playing his 16th match in 20 days.

“I started feeling cramps at 5-3 (in the second set), first time in three weeks I started cramping, probably because of the nerves and it’s been 24 days in a row I played tennis.

“I started cramping quite hard, so last game, 15-40, I know if it’s going to be five-all I’m in a bad position.

“I made four serves that he didn’t return and three of them were aces. It’s just unbelievable,’’ he said.

The pressure perhaps showed in the final game when Medvedev hurled his racquet to the ground after losing a point, but the temper tantrum was short lived and he regrouped quickly to clinch his fifth title in two years.

Earlier, Goffin did well to force a first set tiebreak by holding serve, including winning a 29-rally point.

But the Belgian, without a victory since 2017, lost the tiebreak on a double-fault.

“He played unbelievable the last three weeks,” Goffin said.

“He’s super solid. He doesn’t miss. It’s like playing against a wall. That’s why everybody is struggling, because he’s so consistent, now with more confidence.”

Medvedev, who beat world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, plans a short rest before the U.S. Open starts in eight days.

“I need some days off, I’ve been playing tennis for so long in a row. I just need to stay in the bed for a few days watching the TV 24 hours a day.

“Hopefully I can regroup and get to the U.S. Open fresh,’’ he said.