Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Nigeria: Down the Memory Lane:  Our Leaders Were Once Pious, Respectable, Non- Gluttonous 

     

    From the Archives

    In the First Republic, Shehu Shagari served as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

    On one occasion, Balewa’s mother was visiting him in Lagos. While the Prime Minister travelled to Kaduna for an NPC convention, Shagari was assigned to attend to her. During his absence, the elderly woman became homesick and insisted on returning home immediately.

    Shagari tried to persuade her to wait for her son’s return, but when she refused, he arranged, thinking he was doing the right thing, for her to be flown home on the presidential jet.

    When Balewa returned and learned she had gone home, he inquired about her mode of travel, road or rail? Shagari innocently replied that she had gone by presidential jet.

    The Prime Minister was furious. He explained that even he could not use the presidential jet for his trip to Kaduna because it was a party convention, not an official state function. To fly a private individual with no government business on state resources, he said, was grossly irresponsible.

    Balewa ordered Shagari’s immediate dismissal. It was only after intense pleas from Sir Ahmadu Bello and several emirs that Balewa relented on one condition: the full cost of the flight would be deducted from Shagari’s salary in instalments. Shagari was still paying off the debt until the military coup.

    This episode speaks volumes about the integrity and discipline that once guided public office. Today, by contrast, we witness ministers freely using the presidential jet to attend political declarations of interest, a level of decadence unimaginable in Tafawa Balewa’s time.

  • MainPower DisCo Engages Investors at Enugu State Investor Forum

    MainPower DisCo Engages Investors at Enugu State Investor Forum

    MainPower DisCo Engages Investors at Enugu State Investor Forum

    The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), on Tuesday, engaged key industry stakeholders and potential investors at the Enugu State Investor Forum.

    Discussions at the event, held at the International Conference Center, Enugu, centered on investment opportunities in Enugu State’s electricity market, vendor financing, and the Smart Metering Demonstrator – a pilot project implemented by the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) in collaboration with MEDL.

    The project highlighted how AI can be harnessed by distribution companies to enhance revenue assurance and attract private investment through data-driven metering.

     

    MEDL’s Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, and Chief Commercial Officer, Ikenna Akabogu, participated in panel sessions exploring strategies to bridge the gap between utility bankability, revenue assurance, and private capital, as well as pathways for replicating successful models across other state electricity markets.

    Mupwaya assured potential investors that MEDL is open for business and ready to collaborate to close the metering gap across its network.

    Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Enugu State (representing Governor Dr. Peter Mbah).

    Others are: the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Enyinnaya Franklin Ogbonna, and Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Chairman/CEO of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), along with his commissioners; and Engr. Frank Edozie, Team Lead, UKNIAF.

  • MainPower launches Quick Response Team (QRT), to quickly attend to electrical faults in Enugu

    MainPower launches Quick Response Team (QRT), to quickly attend to electrical faults in Enugu

    MainPower launches Quick Response Team (QRT), to quickly attend to electrical faults in Enugu

    The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has launched a customer-focused service called Quick Response Team (QRT), meant to fasten electrical faults repair time in Enugu State.
    .

    Speaking after the engineers taking an oath of safety/service pledge on Tuesday in Enugu, the Managing Director of MainPower, Mr Ernest Mupwaya, said that the QRT would deliver
    speed, responsiveness, and accountability to customers.

    According to Mupwaya, today, with the launch of the Quick Response Team (QRT), we are demonstrating that we are not just making promises—we are taking concrete action.

    He said, “The QRT has been designed to significantly enhance our operational responsiveness by ensuring that faults across our network are addressed swiftly, efficiently, and safely.

    “Our engineers and field teams have undergone targeted training—not only in rapid fault resolution, but also in customer service and safety.

    “This is because we recognise that resolving a fault is not just a technical task—it is a service to a customer, a business, a household, and a community.

    “To deliver on this commitment, we are deploying fully equipped response teams operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across six operational districts—two in Abakpa, and two in Ogui, and one each Nsukka, and Awkunanaw.”

    Mupwaya  said that in summary (9×3=27 teams to achieve 24/7) and these teams are strategically positioned to reduce response times, improve coordination, and ensure that when faults occur, “our response time is immediate and effective”.

    Corroborating, Dr Steve Dike, a Member of Board of MainPower, said that the board had committed to supporting MainPower management in this transformation.

    Dike noted that the board would continue to provide the oversight needed to ensure that the QRT initiative and progress is real, measurable, and sustained.

    He said, “To our customers and stakeholders, this is a signal of intent. A sign that MainPower is serious about improving service and doing things differently.

    “And to everyone here today, let us remember that transformation is not a single event. It is something we build every day, through the choices we make and the standards we uphold.”

    Dr Chuka Akunne, Commissioner for Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) in-charge of Organisational Support, commended MainPower for the initiative and the perfection of logistics towards it.

    “EERC is impressed with this noble initiative meant to put service delivery at the centre of MainPower operations. EERC will continue to support MainPower to provide best services for Enugu State residents,” Akunne said.

    The residents should call on QRT 24/7 on: 02084700100 or send a WhatsApp on 07074609958 to report faults and get immediate attention of the QRT teams.

  • 2026:World Maths Day; Over 5.9 Million Students Set to Participate in Global Maths Competition

    2026:World Maths Day; Over 5.9 Million Students Set to Participate in Global Maths Competition

     

     

    – Students in Lagos are set to represent Nigeria

     

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Lagos, Nigeria – Over 5.9 million students, from more than 160 countries, including those from Lagos State, representing Nigeria, are set to  participate in the Global Mathematics Competition to mark  year 2026 World Maths Day.

    Flowerbudnews reports that the event, powered through Mathletics platform, is scheduled to hold on March 25, bringing together students worldwide in a real-time online contest focused on speed and accuracy in solving mathematics problems.

    Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Gbolahan Laniyan, CEO of GLAN Consulting, said the initiative ”is aimed at positioning Nigerian students as globally competitive in STEM education.”

    “Our goal is to showcase Nigeria as a hub of young, innovative minds capable of competing with the best in the world. This is not just a competition; it is a platform to build confidence and global relevance for our students,” he said.

    Laniyan explained that selected students from partner schools, including Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Lagos, have undergone intensive training to prepare for the global challenge.

    Unlike traditional competitions, World Maths Day is conducted entirely online, enabling participants from different countries to compete simultaneously without physical travel.

    He added that the participation of Nigerian students reflects a growing emphasis on digital learning and global collaboration in education.

    Observers note that such initiatives could play a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) on the global stage.

    The event is expected to attract attention from educators, parents, and policymakers, as Nigeria continues to explore innovative approaches to improving learning outcomes and international competitiveness. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Pro-Mbah movement inaugurates Udenu LGA Chapter, urges mobilisation of every vote

    Pro-Mbah movement inaugurates Udenu LGA Chapter, urges mobilisation of every vote

    Pro-Mbah movement inaugurates Udenu LGA Chapter, urges mobilisation of every vote

    The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a Pro-Gov. Peter Mbah’s organisation, has urged its members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, ensuring that every vote counts for Mbah’s re-election come 2027.

    The President of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, gave the directive on Tuesday while inaugurating the Udenu Local Government Area (LGA) Chapter of the movement at the popular Obollo Affor Market.

    Okonkwo said that the Udenu LGA Chapter stands as a testament to the growing influence of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement as a formidable platform for grassroots mobilisation, political awareness, and inclusive governance.

    According to him, this event not only reinforced the movement’s alignment with the developmental vision of the Enugu State Government but also highlighted its role as a bridge between leadership and the people.

     

    Okonkwo also outlined key achievements of the current administration within a short period in office.

    He stressed on critical developmental projects, particularly the 260 Smart Schools Initiative, urging the people of Udenu LGA to take ownership and safeguard these facilities across all wards.

    He reiterated the importance of community participation in protecting government investments for the benefit of future generations.

    Corroborating, the Commissioner for Energy and Mines, Chief Enyinaya Ogbonna, commended Gov. Mbah for what he described “as transformative leadership that is redefining governance in Enugu State”.

     

    Ogbonna described the movement as a people-oriented structure, distinct from conventional political platforms that primarily serve elite interests.

    According to the commissioner, the uniqueness of the movement lies in its inclusive nature and its commitment to carrying the people along in governance processes.

    He stressed that the movement belongs to the masses and serves as a veritable platform for grassroots participation and development.

    Speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani, engaged the audience through his widely recognised “Gwam Gwam Gwam” sensitisation approach.

     

    Ezeani, who is also the Vice President of the Movement, used his sensitisation and interactive sessions to focus on enlightening the people about government policies, projects, and expectations of the state government under Gov. Mbah.

    He emphasised the need for continuous public awareness and participation to ensure the success and sustainability of government initiatives in Udenu and beyond.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government, Chief Aka Eze Aka, applauded the movement for its proactive role in ensuring that government policies and developmental initiatives are effectively communicated to rural communities.

    Aka emphasised that “such engagement is critical in bridging the gap between governance and the people”.

     

    The chairman, in a show of solidarity, further pledged his intention to formally identify with and become a member of the movement.

    In an opening remark, the Udenu Local Government Coordinator of the movement, Chief Michael Urama, expressed appreciation for the sustained leadership and infrastructural strides of Gov. Mbah.

    Urama made particular reference to the buses provided for Nsukka residents commuting to Enugu each day, describing them as highly luxurious and of superior standard.

    “They are far better compared to what I experienced during my stay in South Africa,” he said.

    He further commended the governor for creating an enabling political environment that had made participation in governance more accessible and effective for stakeholders and grassroots actors alike.

    The event also featured a moment of youth engagement and empowerment, as a young girl who correctly answered a question during the interactive session was awarded a scholarship; thus, demonstrating the movement’s commitment to education and human capital development.

  • BoI, MTN foundation launch N1bn fund for women entrepreneurs

    BoI, MTN foundation launch N1bn fund for women entrepreneurs

     

     

    By Rukayat Moisemhe

    Lagos:  The Bank of Industry and MTN Nigeria Foundation have launched a N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund to support women-owned businesses across Nigeria.

    Managing Director of BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, disclosed this at a media parley and call for applications on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Represented by Executive Director, MSMEs, Mr Oluwatoyin Edu, Olusi said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.

    He said the partnership has grown from a N100 million youth programme in 2018 to a N1 billion fund, financed equally by both institutions.

    “Today, we are pleased to deepen this collaboration with the launch of the N1 billion Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund.

    “This programme aligns strongly with BoI’s 2025–2027 strategy for enterprise development and economic transformation,” he said.

    Olusi said 1,000 women entrepreneurs would receive structured training, while 200 women-led MSMEs would access loans of up to N5 million each.

    He added that the programme targets sectors including agro-processing, light manufacturing, fashion, energy, waste management and digital services.

    Chairman of MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, said the initiative highlighted women’s critical role in economic development.

    According to her, the foundation now treats women’s empowerment as central to nation-building, rather than a corporate social responsibility obligation.

    Belo-Olusoga said over 5,700 women had been trained, with the programme designed to bridge economic gaps limiting women’s participation.

    “This fund provides equipment financing, enabling women to transition from small-scale operations to industrial-level businesses,” she said.

    She stressed the need for greater awareness, especially in rural communities, to ensure inclusiveness.

    Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative combined capacity building with access to capital.

    Sanya said beneficiaries would undergo a five-week training programme by Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, ending with business growth plans.

    She said the foundation aimed to build 30,000 female-led businesses in five years, with 10,000 expected to receive funding.

    “We believe this partnership with BoI opens the door to scaling women-owned businesses through working capital and equipment financing,” she said.

    Lagos State governor’s wife, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as timely in tackling unemployment and unlocking women’s economic potential.

    Mrs Sanwo-Olu, represented by wife of Lagos Head of Service, Mrs Oyinlola Agoro, said equipping women with skills, mentorship and planning tools is vital for resilient enterprises.

    Sanwo-Olu commended earlier phases, which trained over 5,700 women and supported 122 beneficiaries with equipment.

    “This shows that when women are empowered, families thrive, communities prosper and the economy grows stronger.

    “The N1 billion matching fund will deepen financial inclusion and promote women-led enterprises,” she said.

    She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives promoting women’s empowerment, economic independence and inclusive development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • “Repete to Represent: Laughing Our Way to a Better Ibadan North!”

    “Repete to Represent: Laughing Our Way to a Better Ibadan North!”

    In Ibadan North where the brown roofs shine,
    A voice keeps echoing, clear and fine.
    Not just gist, not just hype—
    But service shaped in action type.

    Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega — Repete the name,
    Not for noise, not for fame.
    When others are sleeping and counting sheep,
    Repete is counting projects to keep.

    Job creation? He says, “Let’s hire the future!”
    Water supply? “No more trekking with bucket and sutra!”
    Electricity? “Let there be light — not candle romance!”
    Youth empowerment? “Give them skill, give them chance!”

    Education? He smiles, adjusts his cap with style,
    “Sharp minds today, strong nation in a while.”

    He listens more than he talks — (rare, we know!)
    Turns community pain into policy glow.
    With wisdom steady and vision clear,
    He’s bringing representation closer and near.

    So when you hear the name “Repete” repeat,
    It’s progress knocking on your street.
    Ibadan North, get ready to smile —
    Good leadership is back in style.

    Repete to Represent — Because the People’s Voice Deserves an Echo!

  • PHOTO ESSAY: Life goes on underground in Israel, in scenes both real and surreal

    PHOTO ESSAY: Life goes on underground in Israel, in scenes both real and surreal

     

    A man takes cover in a bomb shelter underneath a residential building as air raid sirens warn of incoming missile strikes from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A man takes cover in a bomb shelter underneath a residential building as air raid sirens warn of incoming missile strikes from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

     

    By  ODED BALILTY, Text by MELANIE LIDMAN
    Updated 9:00 AM WAT, March 24, 2026

    TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) /— When sirens and cellphone alerts blare warnings of missiles incoming from Iran, people in Israel stream into shelters, turning parking garages, metro stations and basements into temporary communities.

    These images show how surreal the scenes can become when life is interrupted at any moment day or night, and how, after constant waves of conflict, Israelis have found ways to quickly adapt, snatching a few moments of relief even as tensions rise.

    A woman dressed as a bride rides on the back of a man dressed as a turtle during a singles event in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A woman dressed as a bride rides on the back of a man dressed as a turtle during a singles event in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People gather in a bomb shelter as air raid sirens warn of incoming missiles from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People gather in a bomb shelter as air raid sirens warn of incoming missiles from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Medical staff transfer patients in a temporary emergency ward set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Medical staff transfer patients in a temporary emergency ward set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People sit around a makeshift dinner table with groceries beside tents as they take shelter beneath Tel Aviv's central bus station as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People sit around a makeshift dinner table with groceries beside tents as they take shelter beneath Tel Aviv’s central bus station as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A temporary emergency ward is set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A temporary emergency ward is set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    Inside one shelter, a bride-to-be poses with her family, continuing the wedding photo shoot they’d been doing above ground. Their big dresses take up much of the dark, cramped space. During the Jewish holiday of Purim, revelers in costumes — a Shrek, a horror-film nurse splattered with fake blood — crowd into an underground station, almost dreamlike against the gray walls.

    A bride and her family sit in a bomb shelter after an alert warning of missiles fired from Iran toward central Israel interrupted their wedding photo shoot in a nearby park in Ramat Gan, Israel, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A bride and her family sit in a bomb shelter after an alert warning of missiles fired from Iran toward central Israel interrupted their wedding photo shoot in a nearby park in Ramat Gan, Israel, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People, some wearing costumes for the Jewish holiday of Purim, gather in an underground metro station used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People, some wearing costumes for the Jewish holiday of Purim, gather in an underground metro station used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People sleep in an underground metro station used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Ramat Gan, Israel, Saturday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People sleep in an underground metro station used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Ramat Gan, Israel, Saturday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    For many Israelis, heading to shelters is a familiar response shaped by past wars. Israel has an extensive system of private safe rooms and public shelters, unlike other nations across the region, including Iran and Lebanon, where residents are also seeking shelter from strikes. While the occupied West Bank is not being directly targeted, missiles can pass above the territory that has little access to shelters, and four Palestinian women were recently killed.

    When warnings around Israel blare, shelters swell with people for 15 minutes, half an hour, however long the alert lasts.

    Jewish men wrapped in prayer shawls pray in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Jewish men wrapped in prayer shawls pray in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A woman sits on a mattress in an underground metro station serving as a bomb shelter amid the threat of possible Iranian missile attacks during the Jewish holiday of Purim in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A woman sits on a mattress in an underground metro station serving as a bomb shelter amid the threat of possible Iranian missile attacks during the Jewish holiday of Purim in Ramat Gan, Israel, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    Some have moved completely underground because they don’t have access to shelters in poorer neighborhoods or have mobility issues.

     

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    Under Tel Aviv’s decrepit bus station, dozens of families have moved full-time into tents. Many are Filipino and Eritrean migrants from the surrounding area, Tel Aviv’s most decrepit, which lacks sufficient shelters. They go home for a few hours every day to cook and bring it back to share with others, creating an impromptu soup kitchen with ice coolers, microwaves and Tupperwares of food.

    Israel’s hospitals quickly instituted their underground emergency procedures on the first day of the war with Iran. At Sheba Medical Center, a staffer blows bubbles to entertain a young patient in a makeshift ward set up on a parking level.

    In the cavernous parking lot under Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff Center mall, each day brings new, incongruous moments as thousands crowd within the echoing, concrete walls and pillars, where in normal times mallgoers wander in search of their cars.

    Tents are seen set up beneath Tel Aviv's central bus station, where people shelter as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Tents are seen set up beneath Tel Aviv’s central bus station, where people shelter as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A child's stuffed rabbit sits on one of the mattresses spread across an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A child’s stuffed rabbit sits on one of the mattresses spread across an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People take cover in a bomb shelter beneath a shopping mall as air raid sirens warn of incoming missiles from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    People take cover in a bomb shelter beneath a shopping mall as air raid sirens warn of incoming missiles from Iran in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A medical staff member entertains a young patient in a temporary emergency ward set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A medical staff member entertains a young patient in a temporary emergency ward set up in a parking garage used as a shelter beneath Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Children watch TV in an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Children watch TV in an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    Women in a yoga class slide into downward dog pose on mats laid across parking spots as a man nearby plays guitar. Miri Kaftor, who in normal times teaches yoga in a quiet studio nearby, has had to adapt to holding classes here under fluorescent lights with screaming kids riding scooters nearby.

    A man plays the guitar as people attend a yoga class in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A man plays the guitar as people attend a yoga class in an underground parking garage used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Tents, mattresses and children's toys are spread across an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Tents, mattresses and children’s toys are spread across an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    Later that night, a stand-up comedian hosts a singles event in which a hopeful woman dressed as a bride laughs and rides on the back of a man wearing a turtle costume.

    One corner becomes an impromptu prayer hall, where a circle of men in shawls bow their heads among the shadows. In another section, kids watch TV at a children’s play zone.

    The photos give a look at daily life transplanted into sometimes claustrophobic spaces – down to the pets. A dog lies across the lap of a sleeping man. Another waits patiently in the darkness as people sit worried, bored, impatient, under a shelter’s neon light and the glow of a mobile phone.

    Children play in an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    Children play in an underground parking garage where people spend the night as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A smiley face is painted on a blue wall beneath Tel Aviv's central bus station, used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
    A smiley face is painted on a blue wall beneath Tel Aviv’s central bus station, used as a shelter against possible Iranian missile attacks, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

    ___

    This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors.

    MELANIE LIDMAN
    MELANIE LIDMAN
    Lidman is an Associated Press reporter based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

     

     

  • Oborevwori Inaugurates Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Charges Grassroots Leaders on Unity And Results

    Oborevwori Inaugurates Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Charges Grassroots Leaders on Unity And Results

     

    By Fidelis Edugbo

    Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Local Government and Ward chapters of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, marking a significant expansion of the movement’s grassroots reach across the state.

    ​The ceremony, held at the Asaba, brought together top government officials, and party stalwarts.

    Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, emphasized that the inauguration of 25 Local Government Ambassadors and 270 Ward Ambassadors creates a vital, structured link between the government’s vision and the everyday reality of Deltans.

    He said, ​”you are the heartbeat of Renewed Hope at the grassroots.

    “This inauguration is not just recognition; it is empowerment, it gives you the authority to act, the structure to operate, and the responsibility to deliver..

    “Today marks a defining moment in the journey of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Delta State.

    “This is the formal launch of a grassroots structure designed to take our vision closer to the people and deepen its impact across every community in the State.

    “The theme, Our Party, One Message, One Mobilisation, speaks to the core of our mission; it reminds us that our strength lies in unity, discipline, and coordinated action.

    MO

    “We must speak with one voice, share one message, and mobilise with one purpose.

    “With the inauguration of 25 Local Government Ambassadors and 270 Ward Ambassadors, we are establishing a network that is structured, accountable, and responsive.

    “Our ambassadors have a clear mandate: engage the people, listen to their concerns, and communicate our vision with clarity and conviction; mobilise support with discipline, ensuring consistency in message and coordination in action. Above all, uphold accountability, knowing that you represent the ideals of service, unity, and hope.

    “As you go forth, you must also highlight the tangible achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope agenda.

    “These accomplishments demonstrate that Renewed Hope is not merely a promise, it is progress in action, real and measurable in the lives of our people.

    “This inauguration is not just recognition, it is empowerment; it gives you the authority to act, the structure to operate, and the responsibility to deliver.

    “From today, you stand as the face of Renewed Hope in every ward and every local government in Delta State.

    “Let me emphasise: our success depends on unity; when we function as Our party, with one message and one mobilisation, we become stronger, more effective, and unstoppable.

    “The people of Delta State deserve a movement that is organised, responsive, and impactful and that is what we are building today.

    “I charge each of you: carry this message with pride, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Let your actions reflect our ideals; let your efforts strengthen our unity. Let your service bring renewed hope to every community.

    “Together, we are building a stronger, more coordinated, and more impactful movement; together, we will ensure that Renewed Hope is not just a vision but a lived reality for all.

    “Our Party, One Message, One Mobilisation; that is our charge; that is our commitment; that is our future.”

    The immediate past Governor of Delta State and South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the initiative, instituted by President Tinubu in collaboration with Governor Hope Uzodimma and other progressive governors, is a well-structured platform to lead conversations, engage Nigerians, and communicate government policies and achievements.

    He urged the ambassadors to collaborate with ward chairmen, executive members, councillors, and party leaders, emphasising effective communication to counter false narratives and explain reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, which has boosted revenue allocation, enabled salary payments, and supported initiatives like the student loan scheme.

    In his goodwill message, Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka, expressed gratitude to the programme’s organisers,

    Chief Areyinka declared that the APC in Delta State is “on the move, moving steadily towards success and victory.”

    APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Hon. Victor Tombari Giadom, reminded the ambassadors that leadership is local and that they are the direct representatives of the party and President Tinubu in their communities, urging them to engage people directly, tailor messages to local realities, such as the gradual decline in food prices, and justify the trust placed in them.

    State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, hailed the inauguration as a strategic milestone that builds a strong functional grassroots structure across all 25 local government areas and 270 wards.

    He charged the new ambassadors to discharge their duties with dedication, unity, and integrity for the advancement of the Renewed Hope agenda in Delta State.
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