Year: 2026

  • Firm unveils 300 electric tricycles, boosts jobs in North-East

    Firm unveils 300 electric tricycles, boosts jobs in North-East

    By Talatu Maiwada

    P-GAT Industries Ltd. on Monday unveiled 300 electric tricycles under its Affordable Transport Solution (ATRaS) initiative to ease transportation costs and create employments in the North-East.

    The Chairman of the company, Mr Prime Timothy, disclosed this at the ATRaS Mobility Transition Summit in Numan, Adamawa State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit attracted government officials and stakeholders from the six North-East states.

    Timothy said the ATRaS ecosystem was a long-term strategy designed to expand access to affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility services.

    “The initiative will provide an integrated transportation system across the six North-East states in its first phase.

    “The electric-powered tricycles will reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and support the transition to cleaner energy.

    “Passengers will pay about half of the fares charged by conventional commercial tricycles,” he said.

    Timothy added that the initiative would also create economic opportunities for women and youths across the region.

    In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State said his administration had created a conducive environment for investors to thrive.

    Represented by Mrs Nafisa Tijani of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, the governor said the state had removed bottlenecks in licensing and regulatory processes, enabling businesses to commence operations within two months.

    He expressed confidence that the favourable business environment would support the successful implementation of the transport scheme in the state.

    Also speaking, Mr Timothy Iwuagwu, National President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, expressed optimism about the success of the project.

    Iwuagwu said improved security across the North-East would attract more investments to the region.

    He described the ATRaS initiative as a major step toward making transportation more affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable.

    NAN also reports that officials from Taraba, Yobe and Bauchi states pledged support for the initiative and expressed readiness to partner with the company in their respective states. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

  • Unical Hosts IMF in a landmark Academic Engagement

    Unical Hosts IMF in a landmark Academic Engagement

     

    By Bassey Asuquo
    Calabar (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar  has hosted officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a landmark academic engagement and outreach programme.

    Welcoming the IMF delegation and participants, at the University of Calabar Senate Chambers, the Head of the Department of Economics, Professor Greg Ekpung Edame, expressed appreciation to the Fund for selecting the University of Calabar as one of the institutions for the nationwide engagement.

    This was disclosed in a statement by the University’s Public Relations Unit, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.

    He noted that similar programmes had been conducted in other universities across the country and described the visit as a significant opportunity for students and academics to gain direct insight into the operations and impact of the IMF on the global economy.

    Prof. Edame explained that the IMF plays a critical role in supporting countries facing economic challenges and promoting stability within the international monetary system.

    He encouraged participants, including students from the University of Calabar and neighbouring institutions, to take full advantage of the session by engaging with the presentations and discussions.

    Also, the Economist at the IMF Abuja Office, Miss Nene Ikpechukwu, one of the resource persons, delivered an extensive presentation on the Fund’s mandate of promoting global economic and financial stability, facilitating international trade, supporting sustainable economic growth, and reducing poverty through surveillance, lending, and capacity development programmes.

    She introduced participants to the IMF’s structure, flagship publications, and analytical framework for assessing economic performance across the real, fiscal, external, and monetary sectors.

    The session also highlighted various career opportunities available within the organization, including internship programmes, economist tracks, and other professional pathways for students and young graduates interested in international development and economic policy.

    Miss Ikpechukwu further examined key risks facing the global economy in the 2026–2027 period, including inflationary pressures, rising commodity prices, insecurity, climate-related shocks, and tighter global financial conditions.

    According to the IMF, these challenges could slow economic growth and place additional fiscal and social pressures on countries worldwide.

    Addressing Nigeria’s economic outlook, the Resident Representative of the IMF Abuja Office, Mr. Christian Ebeke, recommended the adoption of a neutral fiscal stance in 2026, with emphasis on protecting social expenditures, enhancing domestic revenue mobilization, strengthening budget transparency, and expanding social safety net programmes.

    He also advocated for the continuation of a tight monetary policy to contain inflation, promote private sector credit growth, strengthen financial sector resilience, and improve regulatory oversight of emerging financial technologies, including stablecoins.

    In his closing remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Enang Udah, mentioned that the engagement provided participants with valuable exposure to contemporary global economic issues and reinforced the Department of Economics’ commitment to broadening students’ academic and professional horizons through strategic partnerships with leading international institutions.

    This was even as he encouraged the students to work hard to meet the criteria and standards of the IMF in order to achieve their set goals.

    The event featured a ‘fire-side’ chat session with two stellar students of the Department of Economics, University of Calabar; Udah, Nathaniel Enang and Akpama, Natasha-K’Bay Etom, as well as, a robust question and answer session involving students of the Cross River University of Education, Akamkpa, and the Author Jarvis University, Akpabuyo.

     

  • Court adjourns Nafiu-Bala Gombe’s suit against Mark, Aregbesola until June 30

    Court adjourns Nafiu-Bala Gombe’s suit against Mark, Aregbesola until June 30

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned a suit filed by Mr Nafiu-Bala Gombe to stop the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from parading themselves as leaders of the party until June 30.

    The matter, which was fixed for today for hearing of all pending applications, could not proceed.

    Earlier when the matter was called, all the lawyers to the parties were present except Mr Suleiman Usman, SAN, counsel for Sen. Mark, the embattled National Chairman of ADC.

    With the agreement of counsel, Justice Peter Lifu stood down the matter for 15 minutes to give Usman the opportunity to also be heard, and another case was called pending the senior lawyer’s arrival.

    However, after the case ended, Justice Lifu stood down proceedings and rose.

    Lawyers were then asked to take another date after waiting for some minutes.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Lifu had, on June 16, fixed today for hearing of all the pending applications after he dismissed the application seeking his recusal from the case.

    The judge, who held that the two motions filed by ADC and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (1st and 3rd defendants) lacked merit, awarded a fine of N1 million each against ADC and Aregbesola, the embattled National Secretary of the party, in favour of Gombe.

    ADC and Aregbesola had, in separate motions, asked Justice Lifu to withdraw from the suit filed by Gombe, an aggrieved party member, citing alleged bias.

    NAN reports that Gombe, in the suit, is seeking an order restraining Mark, Aregbesola and members of their interim National Working Committee (NWC) from parading themselves as the party’s leaders.

    He had argued that the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other interim NWC members as party’s leaders breached the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Gombe had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.

    Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership of the party.

  • El-Rufai opts for no-case submission as DSS closes case

    El-Rufai opts for no-case submission as DSS closes case

     

    Former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday opted for a no-case submission in his ongoing trial over alleged beach of national security.

    The ex-governor made this known through his lawyer, Paul Erokoro, SAN, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly after the Department of State Services (DSS) closed it case.

    When the case was called, the DSS lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling further witnesses in the matter.

    Aladedoye said with the evidence led so far, the prosecution was satisfied that it had been able to establish the offences with which El-Rufai was charged.

    Following the development, Erokoro notified the court that the defence planned to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence against the former governor.

    He, therefore, sought two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution requested two weeks to respond.

    Erokoro also applied for a variation of some of the bail conditions earlier granted to El-Rufai, describing them as stringent and difficult to meet.

    He argued that the bail terms were too stringent, particularly the requirements for level 17 civil servants with properties in Maitama or Asokoro, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State traditional council.

    Aladedoye, however, opposed the request, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the conditions exist and urging the court to refuse the application.

    Justice Abdulmalik, in her ruling, declined the application to vary the bail conditions.

    The judge held that there are civil servants who own properties at the said location.

    She adjourned the matter until Sept. 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and continuation of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS had sued El-Rufai after he claimed, during an Arise Tv interview, that he intercepted a telephone conversation involving the the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.

    The ex-governor had alleged that the conversation, on the telephone, revealed instructions to security operatives to arrest him.

    He linked the alleged directive to an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Feb. 12 after his return from Cairo, Egypt.

    El-Rufai, who was arraigned on April 23 for allegedly intercepting the phone conversations of the telephone line of the NSA, pleaded not guilty to the five-count further amended charge.

  • Tinubu Asked To Probe Chief Of Staff Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Kickback Fraud

    Tinubu Asked To Probe Chief Of Staff Gbajabiamila Over Alleged Kickback Fraud

    The organisation also claimed that there was alleged disagreement over funds which was responsible for a reported dispute between Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

     

    President Bola Tinubu has been asked to probe his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and order a full, independent and transparent investigation into allegations of misconduct and an alleged kickback request.

     

    In an open letter addressed to the President and copied to the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT,

    Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria), a civil society, Nigerians for Accountability and Integrity (NANI), said it was concerned about alleged irregularities surrounding the purported establishment and recognition of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

     

    The letter, signed by NANI’s Public Relations Officer, Hauwa Yelwa, claimed that there were unresolved contradictions between official denials of knowledge of the councils and their alleged inclusion in official government documents.

     

    The group stated: “We demand the immediate suspension of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, pending the outcome of a full, independent, and transparent investigation into serious allegations relating to the purported establishment, recognition, and inclusion of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).”

     

    According to the group, documents allegedly linked to the councils and provisions reportedly contained in the 2026 Appropriation Budget raise questions about governance, due process and accountability.

    “Our investigations and collated reports have shown that there are unresolved contradictions between official denials of knowledge by Femi Gbajabiamila regarding these councils and their apparent inclusion in official state documentation, including provisions reportedly reflected in the 2026 Appropriation Budget,” the statement said.

     

    NANI further alleged that it was in possession of evidence linking the Chief of Staff to the processing of grants earmarked for the councils.

     

    The organisation also claimed that there was alleged disagreement over funds which was responsible for a reported dispute between Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.

     

    In addition, the group alleged that individuals who attempt to raise concerns regarding the matter have faced intimidation and threats, and called for protection for potential witnesses.

     

    The group said: “There are additional allegations circulating from multiple independent sources suggesting a recurring pattern in which access, appointments, or official facilitation within certain government structures are allegedly influenced through unofficial or monetised channels, only for such arrangements to later be disowned when controversies arise.

     

    “It is also alleged that individuals who attempt to raise objections or report grievances in relation to such dealings are subjected to intimidation or threats. These are grave allegations that, if left unaddressed, risk undermining public confidence in the integrity of this government.”

     

    NANI also expressed concern for the safety of Prince Matthew, alleging that he was reluctant to publicly discuss the matter due to fears for his security.

     

    The group drew parallels with previous anti-corruption actions taken by the Federal Government, including the suspension of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, arguing that similar standards of accountability should apply to all public officials regardless of status.

     

    The organisation urged the President to take five immediate steps, including the suspension of the Chief of Staff pending investigation, the establishment of an independent investigative panel, a comprehensive audit of all documentation and budgetary allocations linked to the councils, protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, and assurances that due process would be followed,” the group stated.

    Copies of the letter were sent to several national and international organisations, including anti-corruption agencies, civil society groups, security agencies, diplomatic missions and multilateral institutions.

     

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Gbajabiamila had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the letter

  • Tinubu appoints ex-UNILAG VC Ogundipe as NUC chairman

    Tinubu appoints ex-UNILAG VC Ogundipe as NUC chairman

     

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Abuja:  President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    This is contained in a statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.

    Ogundipe succeeds Emeritus Prof. Olufemi Aina, who resigned his appointment less than a year after assuming office.

    Aina was appointed in July 2025, while members of the NUC governing board were inaugurated in November 2025.

    The new NUC chairman served as Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG from 2017 to 2022.

    Ogundipe, a Professor of Botany, is  with expertise in molecular plant taxonomy, biosystematics, ethnobotany, cytogenetics, forensic botany and ecological conservation.

    He holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Lagos.

    Currently, he serves as Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun,  he is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Society of Biology, London.

    He has also served as President of the Botanical Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).

    As Chairman of the NUC Governing Board, Ogundipe is expected to provide strategic oversight for the commission and support efforts aimed at improving funding, academic stability, quality assurance and global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

    Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogundipe’s ability to provide visionary leadership and sustain the credibility of the Nigerian university system in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The president also charged him to advance quality, access and integrity in the nation’s higher education sector. (NAN)

     

  • Bomb blast rocks Lagos commercial area, CP assures residents of safety

    Bomb blast rocks Lagos commercial area, CP assures residents of safety

     

    Bomb blast rocks Lagos commercial area, CP assures residents of safety

     

      (The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani addressing journalists at the scene of the bomb blast in Mushin area of the state on Monday)

     

    By Deborah Akpede

    Lagos:  The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has assured residents that a commercial area in Lagos, remains safe following a bomb explosion suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which triggered brief panic in the area.

    Tijani gave the assurance on Monday while addressing journalists at the scene of the incident at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, after security operatives carried out a comprehensive sweep of the environment.

    According to him, the police received information about an explosion and immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives to cordon off and secure the area.

    “We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.

    He explained that preliminary findings indicated that the explosion was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device planted under a vehicle.

    Tijani said the device was placed beneath the passenger side of the vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.

    “The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” he stated.

    CP Tijani addressing residents and traders

    According to him, one person sustained  injuries in the incident and is taken to a hospital, where the victim is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition.

    The commissioner added that after a detailed sweep by EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered in the area.

    The police commissioner urged members of the public, especially residents and traders in the affected commercial area, to remain calm and resume normal activities.

    Tijani also stated that remnants of the explosive device had been recovered and taken for forensic examination as investigations continue.

    He urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours suggesting widespread insecurity in Lagos, describing them as false and misleading.

    The police boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state, warning criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.

    Also speaking with journalists, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday while he was observing his morning prayers.

    “Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.

    He explained that due to the sensitivity of the situation, he immediately contacted the Area Commander and other security authorities, who quickly mobilised officers to the scene.

    According to him, dozens of police officers, about 35 operatives, were deployed to secure the area, while additional backup units were also drafted in to ensure order and prevent residents from approaching the scene.

    Faronbi said the swift response helped to calm tensions and prevent what could have escalated into panic within the community.

    He added that security operatives later cordoned off the area and took control of the situation, moving in to assess the suspicious vehicle and safeguard residents.

    He noted that the identity and ownership of the vehicle remained unclear, adding that residents were unable to confirm who parked it or its purpose. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Breaking:  Court orders Sowore’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre

    Breaking: Court orders Sowore’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), in Kuje Correctional Centre.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, in a short ruling, ordered Sowore to be kept in the correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of his motion for stay of the order for revocation of his bail and bench warrant.

    Justice Umar also dismissed Sowore’s ealier application seeking the judge’s recusal from the case on the ground of alleged bias.

    The judge then adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application for stay.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion for stay was filed by the defendant’s new lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN.

    NAN earlier reported that Sowore, also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court in company of members of his group with placards.

    Justice Umar had, on June 16 revoked a bail granted to Sowore following his failure to appear in court for his trial.

    Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on an oral application made by the lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

    The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

     

  • Economic Empowerment Expert Urges Nigerian Artisans to Key into Emerging IDENTICO-BACSAAN Financial Scheme

    Economic Empowerment Expert Urges Nigerian Artisans to Key into Emerging IDENTICO-BACSAAN Financial Scheme

     

    – under the partnership, IDENTICO ”will create a respectable and trustworthy identity for each artisan certified by BACSAAN as a reliable and competent skilled handwork professional” – Adekola

     

    –  Contact and artisans’ support Officer –  Ms. Dolapo Aladeokomo –    09021451667

     

    (BACSAAN National President. Haj. Fasasi Muhammad Jamiu)

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Lagos (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Managing Director of IDENTICO, a high-class Nigerian information Technology firm, Adedamola Adekola, has charged Nigerian Artisans to key into the emerging IDENTICO-BACSAAN Economic Empowerment Scheme to improve their trade and financial well-being.

    Answering questions from Newsmen in Lagos on Monday, Adekola said that the Conglomerate, CHAMS which owns IDENTICO, was motivated into designing programmes to help Nigerian Artisans out of poverty.

    Adekola noted that in several successful countries of the world, artisans played major roles in the economic well-being of the nations, especially in the area of poverty alleviation via entrepreneurship and small scale businesses.

     

    (Adedamola Adekola, Managing Director, IDENTICO integrated services Limited)

     

    The IDENTICO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said that CHAMS conglomerate initiated the evolving economic empowerment scheme for Artisans leveraging on BACSAAN’s high national membership strength and nationwide spread.

    ”We see it as a way of giving back to the society. CHAMS is a highly successful business conglomerate which has benefited the country in several areas and has decided to extend the same hand of support to Nigerian handwork professionals through collaboration with BACSAAN,” the IDENTICO CEO stated.

    He said that under the partnership, IDENTICO ”will create a respectable and trustworthy identity for each artisan certified by BACSAAN as a reliable and competent skilled handwork professional”.

    ” We, CHAMS’ -IDENTICO do not know individual Artisans, but BACSAAN does, and has been training and ascertaining the competence and capability of each artisan, that is why we will only accept and design identity for artisans cleared by BACSAAN,” the IDENTICO Managing Director declared.

    Adekola urged Artisans to avail themselves of the sure economic empowerment and poverty reduction opportunity which is coming with the unique initiative of IDENTICO- BACSAAN partnership platform.

    ”I can assure you that CHAMS, our parent conglomerate, is a highly respected private sector organisation which has evolved many beneficial programmes for Nigeria, including the Bank Verification Number (BVN), the National Identification Number (NIN) among others, Adekola told the reporters.

    ‘:So, our involvement with Nigerian skilled artisans through BACSAAN, will change the fortune of thousands of artisans within a short period,,” he assured.

    ‘It is a known fact, anywhere in the world, that no government of any country can eradicate poverty alone. Successful private sector organisations and bodies were also always involved as complement to the efforts of the government,” Adekola stressed.

    Flowerbudnews reports that BACSAAN, the Builders Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria, is the national umbrella body for all Artisans in Nigeria. Its members include welders, bricklayers, tilers, electricians, iron benders, Rewires, mechanics. Shoe makers, Tailors, POP Makers,