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  • Impeachment: Don’t make your deputy a ‘scapegoat,’ lawyer writes Akeredolu

    Impeachment: Don’t make your deputy a ‘scapegoat,’ lawyer writes Akeredolu

     

    Abuja:  A lawyer, Mr Donald Ayibiowu, has called on Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo not to make his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a scapegoat over allegation preferred against him by the state house of assembly.

    Ayibiowu, an indigene of Okelusi Town in Ondo State, made the call in an open letter he wrote to the governor and a copy made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The letter titled: “An Open Letter to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in respect of the Ongoing Needless Charade Called Impeachment of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Request for Leadership, Restraint, Caution and Focus in the Governance of Ondo State,” was dated Sept. 20.

    The state’s lawmakers, during plenary, had alleged that Aiyedatiwa was involved in gross misconduct while in the office as an acting governor.

    The assembly wrote a letter to the deputy governor, to respond to the allegation within seven days, signalling the beginning of his impeachment.

    Ayibiowu congratulated Akeredolu on his quick recovery and return to Nigeria from his medical treatment abroad.

    The Abuja-based legal practitioner said while Akeredolu was away, the state was left near rudderless by a combination of factors ranging from debilitating politicking, rumor mongering, sycophancy, etc

    “One may be tempted to forgive the various dramatis persona in the light of the fact that your unexpected ailment may not have allowed you to give proper directives as to the governance structure type you want in your absence.

    “Now that you are back and still recuperating in your Ibadan home, but in the light of your communication to the Ondo State House of Assembly that you have resumed work, one expects that you take charge fully of affairs of our dear Ondo, notwithstanding, the Shenanigans of family, friends and close political associates.

    “The shocking news of the on-going pointless impeachment of your deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is the least the people expects from our dear state.

    “I dare say that your deputy should not be made the ‘scape goat’ for what the whole world can see glaringly as ‘fuji house of commotion’ in your absence.

    “To participate, consent or authorise his removal would mean that you have taken side.
    “Your Excellency, your approach should be to declare that ‘all have sinned and come short the glory of God’, because I believe you don’t even know who is right, wrong, true, good or bad,” he said.

    According to him, you cannot be seen to want to adopt one sided narration of wrong doing in your absence.

    “This move will be misunderstood by most people; it will obstruct proper governance, due administration and it will subject our state to another round of ignoble national odious and negative perception that comes with such exertion’” he advised.

    He said if some of the power brokers within the state had scores to settle with Aiyedatiwa, they should rather do so privately and not fiddle with the peace and integrity of the state.

    “I wish to place on record that I have been your ardent supporter from your days as NBA President and I don’t know your deputy in person, I have never met him in person or by proxy, neither do I intend to hold brief for him.

    “I believe he may have, or harbor gubernatorial ambition after your tenure but I will like to tell you that the deputy governor, as Acting Governor, if he was very desperate, could have sack some of your appointees or could have radically alter the status quo in your absence.

    “But he didn’t do any of these things, why not imply that he is a saint, no one his either,” he said.
    The lawyer, however, advised that should the governor intend to proceed with the impeachment of his deputy, he should follow the law and respect the sanctity of court processes.
    His words: “Mr Governor, the law is settled per the position of the Supreme Court in Inakoju v. Adeleke on the process and procedures for the removal of persons holding the Office of the Governor/Deputy Governor.
    “You are a respected law scholar in Nigeria.
    “Therefore, should it be politically expedient for your team to proceed with their action, counsel them to follow the law.
    “So far, the public have not seen any cogent misconduct or clear-cut financial misappropriation or embezzlement attributable to the deputy governor to warrant this harassment.”

    Ayibiowu urged Akeredolu to call the impeachment actors to order, focus on finishing strong, pull his team together, motivate them and concentrate on delivery his campaign promises to the people.(NAN)(www nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • NBTE trains 250 lecturers on reviewed entrepreneurship curricula to enable students create jobs

    NBTE trains 250 lecturers on reviewed entrepreneurship curricula to enable students create jobs

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) says that reviewed entrepreneurship and skills development curricula was meant to give students pre-requisite knowledge of creating job and being employs of labour after school.

     

    The Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said this on Wednesday in Enugu during a National Workshop on the Reviewed Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Curricula for Entrepreneurship Educators in Nigeria Polytechnics and Similar Institutions.

     

    The two-day workshop, which is being attended by 250 lecturers drawn from polytechnics, mono-technics and related technical institutions in South-East, is organised by NBTE in collaboration with Danglo Management and Financial Limited sponsored by Tertiary Education Fund (TetFund).

     

    The theme of the workshop is “New Approach to Entrepreneurship Curricula Delivery”.

    Bugaje, represented by Dr Kabiru Yar’adua, said that the review curricula would allow the students to graduate with a dual certification – normal school certificate (degree) and skill (occupational) certificate that would encourage them to establish a business or trade.

     

    “Our objective is clear to ensure that our technical education curriculum aligns with the demands of the modern economy, embraces emerging technologies, and fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.

     

    “To achieve this, we must collaborate, share our expertise, and engage in open and constructive dialogue throughout the workshop,” he said.

     

    The executive secretary said that due to changing times and modern needs, the focus of the board had changed from degree acquisition to skill proficiency and employment creation.

     

    “Thus, we intend to equip students to make direct socio-economic impact in their environment, creation jobs and eliminate unemployment and idleness,” he said.

    He lauded the various stakeholders for their support so far to ensure the review and circulation of the reviewed entrepreneurship curricula after 17 years; adding that “for now entrepreneurship and skill acquisition is compulsory for every student in NBTE regulated institutions”.

     

    In a welcome address, Mrs Ngozi Okelekwe, South-East Director of NBTE, said that the revised (reviewed) curricula on entrepreneurship education, for whose delivery we are gathered together, is expected to enlighten the instructors on the systems that would bring about the expected results.

     

    “This is particularly on establishment of functional skill centres, recognition of skills from the non-formal sector and involving them in the training,” Okelekwe said.

     

    She appreciated TetFund, NBTE management for sponsorship of the workshop as well as private monotechnics and institutions for sponsoring their staff to the workshop.

     

    Dr Musa Koko, Director, Curriculum Development Department of NBTE, noted that before now, the existing entrepreneurship study that had lasted for over 17 years had been obsolete and not meeting modern job creation and employability demands.

     

    “So, we are here to ensure that the reviewed entrepreneurship curricula should work for all our students irrespective of discipline or department and ensure we achieve the deliverables from this modernised entrepreneurship curricula,” Koko said.

     

    Prof. E.A, Dangana, Lead Consultant of Danglo Management and Financial Limited, said that entrepreneurship at Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) had been the bedrock of fast developing nations across the world.

     

    “Entrepreneurship is driven by opportunity, necessity and environment and we must make such knowledge to be at the back of the minds of all our students going forward,” Dangana said. (Flowerbudnews)

  • It’s not enough to be gifted, Christian clerics must be called – Bishop Aremu

    It’s not enough to be gifted, Christian clerics must be called – Bishop Aremu

     

    It’s not enough to be gifted, Christian clerics must be called – Bishop Aremu

     

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Presiding Bishop of Christ The Light Ministry, Ibadan, Bishop Solomon Aremu, has said that it required a calling and not the display of gifts to be a man of God.

    Aremu disclosed this while hosting the executive members of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), Oyo State Chapter, at the headquarters of the church in Ologuneru area of Ibadan.

     

    The bishop bemoaned the situation whereby the true gospel had been taken over by prosperity teachings, thus affecting the nation negatively.

    He regretted that even the called ministers were derailing due to the love of money, women and the world.

    “We need to be saying the truth all the time and let all other colleagues, pastors founders and prophets know that there is a life beyond this one.

    “One day, we will sleep and wake up no more; whatsoever we have built will speak about us.

    “God did not send us to go and establish business centres but to go and call His people to His way.

    “At the end, there is going to be darkness, a thick darkness, but only those who have light will escape.

    ‘Our message should be to declare Christ as the way, the truth and the life – no one comes to the Father except through Him,” he said.

    Unfortunately, he said, the church had left teaching the truth.

    According to him, he does not care if people fail to come to his church in multitudes as long as he can train the few he can gather to know that there is heaven.


    “We should let all other people, especially preachers know that we should begin to preach about heaven now because everything that is happening now shows that the end is near,” he said.

    Aremu advised young Nigerians moving out of the country for greener pastures to think twice.

    “Where you are is the best, especially when you have God at this particular point in time,” he said.

    He admonished them to allow God in their lives in order to enjoy this life and the one beyond.

    On the issue of pastors becoming traditional rulers, the bishop said it was an issue of concern particularly within the Body of Christ.

    “Where a gospel preacher abandons his calling as an anointed soul winner to become a traditionalist by reason of becoming a king is a great concern.

    “However, if it is based on God’s instruction, God will definitely guide such a king to fulfill His purpose on the throne,” he said.

    He, thereafter, called on Nigerians to be patient and pray more for the nation to overcome many of its challenges.

    Earlier, the Chairman, NACJ, Oyo State, Lekan Shobowale, had described Aremu as a true man of God who had shown the right attitude and leadership traits in the last three decades.

  • CAF names hosts for 2025, 2027 AFCON

    CAF names hosts for 2025, 2027 AFCON

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Morocco hosts for the 2025 AFCON, while a joint bid from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania got the nod for the 2027 AFCON.

    NAN reports that Morocco won the hosting right by garnering 22 votes, after Algeria, Zambia and a joint bid by Nigeria/Benin Republic withdrew before the voting.

    At their voting  at the Cairo Marriott Hotel in Egypt on Wednesday, the Executive Committee of CAF announced the North Africans and East Africans as hosts for the 2025, 2027 editions respectively

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a joint bid by Nigeria and Benin Republic to host the 2025 or 2027 AFCON did not make the cut.

    Nigeria hosted the competition in 1980 and co-hosted with Ghana in 2000.

    NAN reports that Morocco won the hosting right by garnering 22 votes, after Algeria, Zambia withdrew before the voting.

    CAF also unveiled the joint bid from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as the winning bid for 2027 fiesta, after second round of voting.

    Morocco will be hosting the AFCON for the second time, after it hosted in 1988 while Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be hosting for the first time.

    NAN

  • Taraba gov approves N75,000 allowance for corps members

    Taraba gov approves N75,000 allowance for corps members

    In a bid to recruit the best quality teachers to complement the free and compulsory education policy of his administration, the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved a N75,000 welfare package for National Youth Service Corps members serving in schools across the state.

     

    The Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Zainab Usman Jalingo, disclosed this in a press statement issued in Jalingo on Sunday.

     

    According to the statement, the governor has approved significant allowances for NYSC corps members serving in schools across the state beginning with an additional N10,000 to their monthly allowance.

     

    The statement read, “In response to the emergency in the educational section sector, the governor has also approved a one-time payment of Fifty Thousand Naira as a medical allowance, an accommodation allowance of twenty-Five Thousand Naira per term, totaling Seventy-Five Thousand Naira for three terms.

    Exceptional corps members who distinguish themselves while serving in schools will be offered automatic employment opportunities.

     

    “To execute these initiatives, the Commissioner of Education has collaborated with the Commissioner of Youth and Sports to chart the way forward. The Commissioner of Youth and Sports is committed to ensuring the timely implementation of these new packages for Youth Corps members serving in our schools.

    These measures reinforced Taraba State’s unwavering commitment to enhancing access to quality education, fostering youth development, and ensuring a brighter future for our children,” the statement read.

    The statement added that uniforms, shoes, socks, and books will be made available to pupils and students in secondary schools by January to support the children in their pursuit of education.

     

    This is even as the statement said in the coming year, the government will cover the examination fees for all SS3 students, enabling them to write both WAEC and NECO examinations, while students who excel will be eligible for sponsorship and scholarships.

     

    “Commencing this term, an ICT-based registration system will be introduced. This will apply to both Teachers and new and returning students. The aim is to ensure seamless provision of essential school materials.

     

    “Adult learners seeking new enrollment would be directed to the various Mass Education Centers, ensuring accessibility to education for all, while schools that have reached their maximum capacity in terms of facilities will implement a shifting system temporarily while additional buildings are provided to meet the increasing demand,” the statement added.

     

     

  • Kaduna Electric begins refund to customers for MAP meters

    Kaduna Electric begins refund to customers for MAP meters

    By Aisha Gambo

    Kaduna Electric announced that it had since started refunding customers who bought meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
    The company disclosed this in a statement issued in Kaduna and signed by Head of Corporate Communication,  Abdulazeez Abdullahi.
    “Management is delighted to inform its esteemed customers that it has since commenced the repayment of the cost of meters to customers who purchased their meters through the MAP Scheme.”
    The statement said the repayment for the cost of the meters was in instalments through energy token when a customer purchased in line with the directives of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
    It added that the repayment would be completed in 36 months from the date of commencement of first instalment.
    Earlier this month, NERC reviewed the costs of both Single Phase and Three Phase meters to N88,123 and N154, 622 (VAT inclusive) respectively.
    With the new development,  Kaduna Electric advised its customers to hurry and purchase their meters through its MAP vendors.
    Customers can visit any of the company’s offices across its franchise for further inquiries.
    NAN
  • Organised Private Sector urges FG, Labour to factor wellbeing of Nigerians and avert strike

    Organised Private Sector urges FG, Labour to factor wellbeing of Nigerians and avert strike

    By Rukayat Moisemhe

    The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has urged the Federal Government and labour to factor in the wellbeing of more than 200 million Nigerians and avert the strike planned for October.

    It says the two should work together in the interest of the nation’s economy which could be jeopardised by the strike.

    The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared on Tuesday that they would call workers out on strike from Oct. 3.

    The declaration followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier given to government to provide palliatives to ameliorate the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

    Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) reacted to Labour’s declaration on behalf of the OPSN.

    He reiterated OPSN’s earlier admonition to avert the looming disruption of socioeconomic activities and noted that current economic indicators in the country do not support a strike.

    “The view of the OPSN is that of deep concern; if not that of anxiety.

    “We have keenly watched the back and forth consultations between the government on the one hand and Labour on the other.

    “It is evident that the series of consultations have not yielded positive results and the latter has resolved, in one way or the other, to go ahead with the strike.

    “We are worried that adequate consideration is not given to the dire situation of the economy and the devastating and disruptive impact that a nationwide strike will have on the country at this time.

    “Government and labour need to understand that our economy is being de-marketed and the livelihood of the average Nigerian is being diminished by these incessant bickering.

    “One is beginning to wonder if the wellbeing of more than 200 million Nigerians is being factored into their negotiations,’’ Ajayi-Kadir said.

    The MAN director-general urged government to reengage labour and find an amicable ground to avert the imminent disruption to business activities that would attend the protest and nationwide strike.

    He appealed that adequate consideration be given to the grim state of the economy and the possible unintended consequences of social unrest that might result from the strike.

    He also advised manufacturers to be circumspect in their business operations as the association continued to intervene in last minute attempts to avert the strike.

    “Adequate measures should be taken to protect companies’ assets and contingency plans should be made to keep businesses afloat.

    “Government should demonstrate good faith in keeping to its promises during the negotiations with labour and abstain from making promises they cannot or do not intend to keep.

    “On the other hand, labour should do a realistic assessment of its demands within the context of prevailing economic realities and possibilities.

    “It should go the extra mile to indicate how its demands could be met.

    “We look forward to a time that labour will extend the scope of its demands to include recommendations on how government could meet its demands.

    “Its recommendations should come with implementation strategies and realistic timelines,’’ Ajayi-Kadir said.

    OPSN is the umbrella body of MAN and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association.

    Other members are the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists.

    NAN

  • Chinese Dance Drama “MULAN” Premiered in the United States

    Chinese Dance Drama “MULAN” Premiered in the United States

     

    Boston (US):   On the evening of September 23, local time in the United States, the Chinese heroine Hua Mulan made a stunning appearance in the lyrical melody at the Wang Theater at the Boch Center in Boston, the United States.

    The “dance drama” has produced not only a classic legend, bus also a new environment of cultural exchanges. It was applauded once every 10 minutes on average!

    This was the premiere of the Chinese dance drama “MULAN” in the United States, where many overseas audiences were enchanted. More than 50 actors and actresses conveyed the unique oriental charm to the audience with their majestic and magnificent dancing performance.

    When the ensemble answering the curtain call, applause and cheers lasted for a full 15 minutes, which was enough to express the enthusiasm and love of more than 1,600 spectators for Chinese art.

    Huang Ping, Chinese Consul General in New York, Shang Jiyuan, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, Michael Thomas, President of the New England Commission of Higher Education in the United States, Tweed Roosevelt, Chairman of the Theodore Roosevelt Institute of Long Island University, and other guests came to see the performance and gave high praise.

    Huang Ping said, “This is not only a performance, but also a bridge that communicates the hearts and minds of the people of China and the United States and promotes bilateral exchanges.” Tweed Roosevelt from the Roosevelt family praised highly: “This is a great show!”

    Mulan is an international acclaimed IP of Chinese culture. The American audience is already familiar with the character of Mulan. Back in 1998, Disney has filmed the animated film Mulan. In 2020, the Disney has released its real-life version of the film Mulan worldwide.

    Behind the dance drama “MULAN” was China’s leading creative team. It was jointly produced by the Ningbo Performance & Arts Group Co., Ltd., the China National Opera House and the Huangpi District Government in Wuhan and has won China’s most prestigious award of the Chinese dance art China Dance Lotus Award.

    The drama premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in 2017, and has been staged in nearly 100 performances across China since then. It will be staged in Boston and Washington for six consecutive performances this time.

    “Although factors such as jet lag need to be overcome, the artists are excited. The enthusiasm of the American audience is quite out of my expectation.” Hao Ruoqi, the actress of Mulan, commented.

    Rick and his wife from Boston came to the show and praised with admiration, “The dancers are very professional! Their costumes and stage design also have Chinese characteristics.”

    Another spectator, Steve, commented: “The part of the performance that Mulan embarking on a heroic journey to the battlefield was very exciting and worthy of recommendation. The dance drama has expressed the yearning for peace, which is the common pursuit of mankind.”

    It is worth mentioning that the “circular turntable” with a diameter of 15 meters and a weight of 7 tons on the stage has demolished the limitations of time and space and created more scenes for a single stage.

    “I have been to China. Chinese history and culture are profound. Mulan in my impression is very traditional. I didn’t expect the stage of this dance drama to be so modern like this!” Michael Thomas told reporters.

    Lin Hong, chairwoman of Ningbo Performance & Arts Group Co., Ltd., said: “Ningbo is located next to Shanghai and is an important port city in China. It has been delivering excellent performances in the recent years. I hope that this performance will play a positive role in the exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between China and the United States.” (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

    Manuscript contact: Li Xiaohang

    Contact: 0086-13857875695

    Contact email: 406555375@qq.com

     

  • Main Venue Event of 2023 Beijing Great Wall Culture Festival Held in Changping District

    Main Venue Event of 2023 Beijing Great Wall Culture Festival Held in Changping District

     

    Changping (China): Flowerbudnews:  Strolling through the history of the Great Wall, we are now writing a new chapter of culture.

    The “Mountain and the Moon at the Juyong Pass” in the course of the main venue event of 2023 Beijing Great Wall Culture Festival in Changping District, “Rendezvous with Great Wall at Mighty Pass Under the Bright Moon”, was grandly presented at the foot of Juyongguan Great Wall on the evening of September 23.

    This Great Wall Culture Festival includes a main venue event, a high-level cultural salon, a summit forum and a number of thematic activities. With the Great Wall as a medium, culture as a link, the mighty Great Wall was presented to the global audience with an audiovisual language that is full of rich contemporary sense.

    As night fell, the magnificently illuminated Juyongguan Great Wall with brilliant lights or fireworks announced the kick-off of the event officially. The main venue event in Changping District consists of the results release and launching ceremony, cultural performances among others.

    On-site of the event

    Through the release of the results of the Great Wall Cultural Belt series, the broadcast of the Great Wall Cultural Promotion Videos as well as a variety of programs and performances, the event has shown the world the magnificent architectural miracles and unparalleled historical and cultural landscapes in human history.

    At the evening, literary and artistic programs with the characteristics of the Great Wall were also staged in turn. Ancient poems were chanted together, “Under a Border-fortress”, “Drinking Alone Under the Moon”, “Asking the Moon with Wine in Hand”, which was full of emotion and deeply moving; the original song “Enjoying the Sight of the Moon on a Platform in the Clouds”, which poured out the ancient inspiration of the Great Wall, itching the souls of our Chinese people;

    Others were, the song mix of “The endless Green of Juyong Mountain”, “The Mighty Pass of Thousand Miles” and “Four Seasons at Juyong Pass”, which revealed the magnificent and long history of the Great Wall, and built a Great Wall of poetry and music.

    On-site of the event

    To better disseminate the culture of the Great Wall, Changping District, Beijing, where the Juyong Pass is located, has also initiated other activities simultaneously during the Great Wall Cultural Festival, such as Juyong Soul – Great Wall Themed Photography Art Exhibition, Juyong Pass Great Wall City Market and Juyong Pass Great Wall Cage Football Invitational.

    In the form of “tourism + intangible heritage + cultural creation + sports”, the cultural and tourism industry is promoted for high-quality integrated development, cultural resources are activated, tourism supply is enriched, the people’s love for the Great Wall is stimulated, and a sound atmosphere for the whole people to participate in the protection of cultural relics is created.

    Contact: Li Yameng

    Tel: 0086-18511329901

    Email: lym66391@163.com