Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Tomorrow Is Here Movement inaugurates ward coordinators aligning with Gov. Mbah’s re-election

    Tomorrow Is Here Movement inaugurates ward coordinators aligning with Gov. Mbah’s re-election

    Tomorrow Is Here Movement inaugurates ward coordinators to align with Gov. Mbah’s re-election

    The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM) has called on residents of Enugu State, especially those living in rural areas, to fully align with the re-election of Gov. Peter Mbah, for continuation of people-focussed visionary leadership

    The President of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, made the call at the weekend while inaugurating ward coordinators of the movement in Igboeze South Local Government Area.

    Okonkwo outlined visionary achievements of Mbah’s administration, which included: the modernisation of the International Conference Centre, the revitalisation of Hotel Presidential and the establishment of Enugu Air with a growing fleet of airlines.

    “The construction of Smart Schools across the 260 wards, and the development of Type-3 Primary Healthcare Centres in every ward.

    “We also have the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as part of efforts to position Enugu as the aviation hub of the South-East and many more revitalised moribund projects,” he said.

     

    The movement boss also donated two wheelchairs to two physically challenged individuals – Chinenye Nweke and Master Ikechukwu Ezugwu – who approached the venue with difficulty and arrangements made for delivery of the wheelchairs on Monday.

    For the newly-inaugurated ward coordinators, Okonkwo charged them to remain committed to grassroots mobilisation and effective dissemination of government policies and achievements.

    Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Ezenta Ezeani, described the Local Government Chairman, Barr. Ferdinand Ugwueze, as a “prayer answered” for the people.

    Ezeani, who is also the Vice President of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, highlighted the chairman’s visible transformation of the local government headquarters, stating that it now reflects the standard of a Government House.

    He also acknowledged his role in advocacy that contributed to the emergence of an Nsukka indigene as Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

     

    Speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Sunday Ajogwu, described the Tomorrow Is Here Movement as “a credible, focused, and grassroots-oriented organization”, noting that it remained one of most intentional structures he had encountered.

    He expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his mandate with diligence.

    In an address, the Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government, Barr. Ferdinand Ugwueze, commended the governor for numerous developmental interventions in the area since assuming office in 2023.

    Ugwueze noted that under Mbah’s administration, an indigene of Nsukka emerged as Vice Chancellor of UNN, describing it as “a historic achievement”.

    The chairman further emphasised that the Tomorrow Is Here Movement had found a strong base in Igboeze South and is well-positioned to support the governor’s re-election in 2027.

     

    In a welcome address, the Coordinator of the movement in Igboeze South, Hon. Darlington Mama, expressed profound appreciation to the governor for his remarkable achievements within a short period in office.

    Mama also acknowledged the supportive role of the governor’s wife, noting that her contribution had provided the stability necessary for effective governance.

    In his address, the Zonal Coordinator of the movement, Hon. Jude Amunebo, reaffirmed that the youths of Nsukka Zone remained firmly behind the governor, citing visible developmental strides across the zone.

    Speaking on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ejike Amedu (Kpakpando) highlighted the advantages of Enugu State’s alignment with the party at the Federal level.

    Amedu urged the masses to formally register as members, emphasising that participation guarantees access to the dividends of democracy.

     

     

    The event attracted a wide array of stakeholders, party faithful, and community members, signaling a strengthening of grassroots structures ahead of future political engagements.

    Other speakers included: Hon. Elochukwu Ugwueze; the State Auditor of APC, Hon. Favour Asogwa; the APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Febian Onah, and a stakeholder in Igboeze South, Hon. Edith Ugwuanyi,

    A major highlight of the event was the “Gwam Gwam” interactive civic engagement segment, designed to educate citizens on government projects, their impact, and the expectations from communities.

    During the session, a young girl, Miss Juliet Chidimma, who correctly answered a question, was awarded a full educational scholarship by a sponsor of the movement, Hon. Chilota Odoh (“Messiah na Nsukka”), who pledged to support her education from her current level up to the university.

  • Family Cries out as 12 year old Destiny Goes Missing in Calabar 

    Family Cries out as 12 year old Destiny Goes Missing in Calabar 

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Calabar:  The family of Destiny Alianu has been thrown into grief following the disappearance of their son, DESTINY ALIANU over the past ten days.

    Family sources said that Destiny was last seen on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

    According to the family:

    Destiny left home on Thursday 12th March. He returned from school, completed his chores and was last seen by neighbors leaving the street. His aunty could not find him after that.

    He has not been found since.

    Age: 12 years old
    School: St. Anne’s Private School, State Housing, Calabar
    Complexion: Chocolate brown
    Languages: English and Ika (not fluently)
    State of Origin: Delta

    The family urged anyone who had seen Destiny, or know his whereabouts to ”please contact:
    08030945970
    08090264831′:.

    Please repost. A child is missing and every share counts. (Flowerbudnews).

  • PRES. TINUBU CELEBRATES TONY ELUMELU ON HIS BIRTHDAY

    PRES. TINUBU CELEBRATES TONY ELUMELU ON HIS BIRTHDAY

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mr Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu, an economist, banker and philanthropist, on his birthday, March 22.

    Elumelu is the chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa, Transcorp, and the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy) has disclosed.

    President Tinubu describes Elumelu as an African business icon and a standout advocate of the Nigerian and African enterprise.

    The President commends the Heirs Holdings chairman for his resilience, the excellence that governs his entire enterprise and his staunch belief in Africapitalism.

    As an avid believer in investing in the youth, President Tinubu especially lauds the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s entrepreneurship programme, which has so far trained 2.5 million young Africans in 54 countries and empowered over 24,000 budding African entrepreneurs with non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 each.

    As Elumelu celebrates this special occasion, the President joins his family and friends to wish him good health and strength and continued success in his pursuits.

     

  • Sen. Natasha Urges PDP Defectors to Return as Ikpeazu Sets tone for PDP Rebuilding 

    Sen. Natasha Urges PDP Defectors to Return as Ikpeazu Sets tone for PDP Rebuilding 

     

     

    The inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Convention Committee has signaled a renewed push for unity and repositioning within the party, as key stakeholders called for reconciliation and a return of defected members.

    The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, used the occasion to appeal to former PDP senators who left the party during its internal crisis to reconsider their decision and return.

    Addressing party members and the media at the event, she expressed optimism that the inauguration marks a turning point for the PDP.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, I would say I’m extremely elated tonight simply because we have a political party,” she said.

    “Congratulations to everyone here today. I know it’s not been easy. We’ve been on the news back and forth, and that has kept a lot of people wondering what befalls the PDP.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled the steady decline in the party’s representation in the Senate, attributing it to the leadership crisis that rocked the PDP in recent times.

    “When I joined, it was late November 2023… we were 37 PDP senators. But today we’re only six. I tell you, it wasn’t easy. It was almost like at every sitting, you were expecting senators to decamp,” she noted.

    According to her, many of her colleagues cited internal party disputes as the reason for their defection, a situation she believes has now been addressed.

    “When I asked a few of them why they were leaving the party, they mentioned the leadership crisis. So I’m saying this to my colleagues who have decamped — trust me, it’s not more greener on the other side. You are all welcome back to the PDP,” she added.

     

     

    In his inaugural acceptance speech as Chairman of the PDP 2026 National Convention Committee, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, described the event as a critical moment in the party’s history.

    “Today is not just ceremonial, it is consequential,” Ikpeazu declared. “This convention is more than a gathering, it is a reckoning. A moment of truth.”

    He acknowledged the internal challenges and legal battles that had threatened the unity of the party, noting that they tested both its institutional strength and collective resolve.

    “We have passed through a difficult phase… marked by internal disagreements, institutional strain, and a protracted legal battle that travelled from the Federal High Courts to the Court of Appeal,” he said.

    Ikpeazu, however, described the affirmation of the National Caretaker Working Committee by the appellate court as a fresh opportunity for renewal.

    “It is not merely a legal victory, it is a moral and political reset. It offers us a rare opportunity to rebuild, restore confidence, and reaffirm due process within our party,” he stated.

    He emphasized that reconciliation must be central to the party’s rebuilding efforts, urging members to move beyond divisions.

    “What the PDP needs at this moment is honest reconciliation, rooted in truth, driven by sincerity, and sustained by mutual respect,” Ikpeazu said.

    “We must have the courage to listen to one another, the humility to admit where we went wrong, and the strength to forgive.”

    The convention committee chairman charged stakeholders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to support the process with discipline and a shared sense of purpose.

    “Our mission is to deliver a smooth, transparent, and widely accepted convention that will produce a credible National Working Committee capable of repositioning the PDP for victory in the 2027 general elections,” he added.

    The inauguration of the convention committee is widely seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the PDP, rebuilding trust among members, and strengthening its position as a leading opposition party in Nigeria.

    Source

     

  • Makinde Lauds Military, Says Security Drives Growth

    Makinde Lauds Military, Says Security Drives Growth

    Makinde Lauds Military, Says Security Drives Growth

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emphasised that no meaningful development can take place without a safe and secure environment.

     

    The governor made this known during the Chief of Army Staff Special Sallah Celebration with troops of the 2 Division Nigerian Army at the Forward Operating Base, Igbeti, in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    Makinde commended the troops for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and security in the state, noting that their efforts have positioned Oyo as one of the safest states in the country. He stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of military personnel in recognition of their service.

     

    “There is nothing that can take place if we don’t have a safe and secure environment. Without security, investments, trade and economic activities cannot thrive.

     

    “Even education would be affected, as parents cannot send their children to school in an atmosphere of insecurity. So, we cannot thank you enough for your sacrifices.

     

    “You are making sacrifices for us, and your welfare must be prioritised. As you keep us safe, we must ensure that your well-being is taken care of.”

    Makinde also appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Army, including the Chief of Army Staff, for implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving troop welfare.

     

    Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major General Nansak Shagaya, commended the officers and men of the division for their discipline, resilience and commitment, which he said have contributed to improved security in the area.

    He also expressed gratitude to President  Bola Tinubu for his continued support and leadership, describing it as a source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

    “Mr President’s strategic guidance remains a strong source of motivation as we carry out our constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

     

    In the same vein, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, praised Governor Makinde for his consistent support to the Army and other security agencies over the years.

    He urged officers and soldiers to remain committed to the core values of the Nigerian Army and continue to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    “I want to commend every officer and soldier of 2 Division for a job well done. Continue to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army and justify the confidence reposed in you by the COAS and the Nigerian People.

     

    “I thank the COAS once again for this thoughtful initiative. May I at this juncture appreciate Gov Makinde for his Once again continuous support to 2 Division and indeed other security agencies in Oyo State,” Nnebeife said.

     

    The event was attended by top military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries, including the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Olalekan Siyanbola IV.

  • An Exclusive Executive Interview with Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete), Hopeful Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirant

    An Exclusive Executive Interview with Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete), Hopeful Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirant

    In this exclusive executive interview, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete), the Hopeful Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirant, speaks passionately about his vision, loyalty to party ideals, commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and his unwavering dedication to the people of Ibadan North.

    Journalist: What inspires your ambition to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency?

    Repete:
    My ambition is not driven by personal gain but by a genuine desire to serve. Ibadan North is blessed with brilliant minds, hardworking entrepreneurs, vibrant youths, and resilient elders. Yet, there is more we can achieve. I am stepping forward because I believe our constituency deserves purposeful representation — leadership that listens, engages, and delivers measurable results.

    This is a defining moment for our constituency. We need a representative who understands grassroots realities, who can connect effectively with the youth, women, artisans, professionals, and party faithful — and who will amplify their voices at the National Assembly.

    Journalist: How do you align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

    Repete:
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courageous leadership through bold reforms and strategic economic repositioning. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about restructuring opportunities, empowering citizens, and building a resilient Nigeria.

    I strongly align with that vision. Representation at the National Assembly must complement and support the President’s developmental agenda. Ibadan North deserves a representative who will not only defend constituency interests but also collaborate effectively with the presidency and party leadership to attract federal projects, youth empowerment schemes, infrastructure development, and social investment programmes.

    Journalist: What makes you different from other aspirants?

    Repete:
    Leadership must be intentional, accessible, and accountable. I bring a combination of grassroots connection, intellectual capacity, strategic thinking, and unwavering party loyalty.

    I am deeply rooted in the community. I understand the educational needs of our students, the business challenges facing our traders, the aspirations of our youths, and the welfare concerns of our elders. My approach will be consultative and inclusive.

    I am not just aspiring to occupy a seat; I am aspiring to make impact — through quality legislation, effective oversight, and constituency-driven development initiatives.

    Journalist: What key areas will define your legislative focus if elected?

    Repete:
    My focus will center on:

    Youth Empowerment & Employment: Creating sustainable pathways through skills acquisition, tech innovation, and federal partnerships.

    Education Advancement: Supporting policies that improve funding, infrastructure, and access to quality learning.

    Entrepreneurial Support: Advocating for grants, soft loans, and enabling environments for SMEs in Ibadan North.

    Infrastructure & Community Development: Ensuring federal presence is visible in roads, healthcare facilities, and public amenities.

    Security & Social Stability: Strengthening collaborative efforts to ensure peace and safety across the constituency.

    Ibadan North must become a model federal constituency in Oyo State.

    Journalist: What message do you have for party leaders and stakeholders?

    Repete:
    To our respected party leaders and stakeholders, I reaffirm my total loyalty to the structure and ideals of our great party. I am a team player. I respect leadership, value unity, and believe in collective progress.

    I seek your support not just for my ambition, but for a shared mission — to position Ibadan North strategically within the national developmental framework under President Tinubu’s administration.

    Journalist: Finally, what is your message to the people of Ibadan North?

    Repete:
    To my beloved people of Ibadan North, this journey is ours together. I am committed to transparent representation, constant engagement, and visible results. Your trust will never be taken for granted.

    This is about building a stronger, more prosperous constituency — where opportunities are expanded, voices are heard, and development is deliberate.

    With your support, we will write a new chapter of responsive and impactful leadership.

    Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega (Repete) stands as a symbol of renewed grassroots energy, progressive thinking, and unwavering loyalty to party leadership. His aspiration represents not just political ambition, but a structured commitment to legislative excellence, strategic collaboration with the presidency, and transformational development for Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

    The future of Ibadan North is calling — and Repete is ready to answer.

  • *TMSG to ADC: Don’t blame President Tinubu, look elsewhere for the source of your internal crisis*

    *TMSG to ADC: Don’t blame President Tinubu, look elsewhere for the source of your internal crisis*

    By Iyiola Olalere

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to examine its internal issues and refrain from blaming President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group described the party’s claim of a plot to make President Bola Tinubu the sole Presidential Candidate in 2027 as wicked, malicious and preposterous.

    The statement read in part: “We are alarmed by recent claims by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of an alleged plot to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise a faction of the party as the authentic other than the group headed by former Senate President David Mark.

    “They also alleged that certain unnamed ‘powerful figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) were out to manufacture confusion in their party ranks. We find these claims not only preposterous but deeply laughable.

    “This is because no one in the APC tele-guided supposedly politically savvy individuals who were former top government officials to pick ADC as a platform for a so-called coalition to wrestle power from the ruling party when they were forum-shopping.

    “We are aware that not long after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar literally announced a takeover of the ADC structure in July 2025, some members of that party were quick to raise the alarm about the lack of due process in the arrangement that saw former Party National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu handing over to the Atiku group.

    “Nwosu had claimed that it was the culmination of an 18-month-long process, meaning that negotiations began about 6 months into the Tinubu administration but within one week, a faction within the ADC rejected the process insisting that the whole arrangement bypassed the party’s internal mechanisms, including its National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “Only recently, the spokesman of the faction, Christopher Okechukwu tagged the David Mark-led group as interlopers who embarked on ‘hostile takeover’ because they did not want to go through a rigorous and painstaking process of building a party from scratch.

    “We also note that both factions are in court so we wonder why the Mark-led group would drag President Tinubu or any APC member into a purely internal crisis in a party that has had a lingering leadership crisis since the 2023 election.

    “Was it the ruling party that prevented the Atiku group from carrying out the necessary due diligence when they were forum-shopping for a platform as a coalition to unseat the President?

    “We know that if President Tinubu and his predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari had not done the heavy lifting required to build a political party, the APC would not be where it is today. But former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies, in spite of their experience, opted for the easy way out, and rather than admit that they erred they are looking for scapegoats.

    “We are surprised that they are not blaming the judiciary for their failure to follow due process and allow themselves to be conned into adopting a problematic platform.”

    The TMSG maintained that building and nurturing political parties is not a tea-party, admonishing the ADC leadership to look inwards and seek practicable ways to put its house in order rather than blame extraneous factors and imaginary people for the party’s woes.

  • Fed Poly, Ayede Council midwives seamless transition as new Principal officers assume duties

    Fed Poly, Ayede Council midwives seamless transition as new Principal officers assume duties

     

    The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and merit in the recent appointment of new Principal Officers.

    The Council appointed the institution’s Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo as acting Rector, Mrs. Bukola Elizabeth Dairo as Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr Oluseyi Abiola Afolabi as Bursar and Mr. Dare Samuel Adeleke as acting Polytechnic Librarian.

    The Council noted that the exercise was conducted in strict compliance with the polytechnic Act and in line with the guidelines of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    The Council disclosed that the selection process attracted overwhelming interests, with over 104 qualified applicants contesting for the positions.

    Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, the institution’s acting Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, emphasised the diligence and responsibility demonstrated by the Governing Council.

    “The Council thoroughly reviewed all applications, conducted interviews, and administered computer-based examinations, through which it identified the most competent candidates for the positions.

    Mr. Adepoju further noted that in line with the federal character principle, the appointments reflect balanced national representation, with the Registrar emerging from Ogun State and the Bursar from Oyo State.

    He stated that the Council also considered the capacity of applicants to attract the much needed private investment to reduce reliance on government in a renewed drive in making the institution self sustaining.

    Addressing concerns in some quarters regarding the emergence of candidates from the university system, he stressed that such developments are neither unusual nor a barrier in the Nigerian higher education system.

    He cited several precedents to reinforce this position.

    He said, “Mr. Olujimi Iretola Olukoya, who served as the 11th Registrar of the University of Ibadan in 2012 was drawn from the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. Similarly, Mrs. Glory Ojochogu Yakubu was appointed Registrar of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, after serving as a Deputy Registrar at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

    “In the same vein, the Bursar of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, Mr. Oyewale, previously served at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti.”

    He also pointed out a recent example within the institution where a staf of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Mr. Kazeem Popoola just assumed duty as pioneer Bursar of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State.

    “These instances clearly demonstrate that movement across institutions within the higher education system is a well-established practice, driven by competence, experience, and institutional needs, rather than the type of institution where an individual previously served,” he said.

    Mr. Adepoju reiterated that the process adopted by the Council was transparent, credible, and merit-driven, assuring stakeholders that the best candidates emerged from the highly competitive exercise.

    He acknowledged that exercises of such magnitude may naturally generate diverse opinions but maintained that the integrity of the process remains unquestionable.

    Already, the council has forwarded nominees to the President for appointment of a substantive rector, in line with the Act, as an Acting Rector has resumed to avoid any vacuum.

    He further reaffirmed the institution’s confidence in the capacity and competence of the newly appointed officers and assured the public of continued adherence to fairness, excellence, and due process in all its operations.

  • Eid Message: MUSWEN urges Muslims to uphold righteous deeds beyond Ramadan

     

    The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the apex regional body for Muslims in the South West, has called on the faithful to sustain the spirit of devotion and righteousness beyond the holy month of Ramadan.

    In a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Wole Abbas, Executive Secretary, to commemorate the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations on Thursday, MUSWEN
    noted that the conclusion of fasting should not mark the end of the spiritual and moral transformation achieved during the sacred month.

    It emphasized that the virtues of discipline, self-denial, generosity and intensified worship practiced during Ramadan are intended to be a lifelong guide for every believer.

    Reflecting on the current state of the nation, MUSWEN urged Muslims to continue offering special prayers for peace, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.

    “As we celebrate this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, let us remember that the God we served during Ramadan is ever alive to reward our deeds throughout the year,” the Muslim group said.

    MUSWEN concluded by praying that Almighty Allah accepts the fasting and prayers of the Ummah and grants the nation lasting stability.