Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU ESTABLISHES TASK FORCE ON PRESIDENTIAL PETROLEUM REFORM & VALUE OPTIMISATION

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the establishment of a Presidential Petroleum Reform & Value Optimisation Taskforce to design and sequence the next phase of structural reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

    Mr Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and founder and chairman of the Fate Foundation, is the Task Force’s chairman. As chairman, he will coordinate the group’s work and ensure the timely delivery of its mandate.

    Other members of the Taskforce are: Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Osagie Okunbor, Abubakar Suleiman, Adaeze Aguele, Farouk Gumel, Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye and Seyi Bella, a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed on Friday.

    Mofoluwasho Fadayomi will serve as secretary.

    As constituted, the Taskforce is a time-bound, high-level executive working group tasked with producing execution-ready reform blueprints that will consolidate ongoing reforms, unlock capital within the petroleum sector, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global energy investment destination.

    The initiative reflects the President’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry into a more competitive, transparent, and value-maximising sector capable of driving long-term economic growth, macroeconomic resilience, and industrial development.

    It will operate as a technical reform body rather than a representative committee, engaging industry operators, regulators, investors, and civil society as consultees while focusing on actionable policy design and implementation strategies.

    The Taskforce will report directly to the President and provide monthly progress memoranda. An interim report will be submitted after three months, while the final outputs are expected within six months of inauguration.

    President Tinubu expects the Task Force to deliver three major reform blueprints.

    One of the deliverables is the Implementation Toolkit for Immediate Structural Fixes – including draft legislative amendments, executive instruments, and institutional restructuring proposals.

    The second deliverable is the Capital & Liquidity Acceleration Blueprint, aimed at unlocking $5–10 billion in sectoral liquidity while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereign interests.

    The third blueprint will focus on the National Energy Transformation Strategy – a ten-year roadmap with measurable targets for production, foreign exchange earnings, GDP contribution, and cost competitiveness.

    President Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, regulators, and relevant institutions to provide full technical support to the Taskforce and to submit inventories of ongoing initiatives to ensure alignment with the emerging reform framework.

    In furtherance of this directive,  President Tinubu has also directed all existing committees, teams, and working groups established under various reform initiatives within the sector to align their activities, reporting structures, and work programmes with the new Task Force.

    The streamlining will ensure coordination, avoid duplication of mandates, and provide institutional clarity, thereby ensuring coherence in the petroleum sector reform architecture.

    The President has also directed that all relevant documentation, institutional knowledge, and ongoing workstreams should be made available to the Taskforce to support the development and implementation of its comprehensive reform framework.

    The creation of the Taskforce represents a strategic presidential instrument to accelerate petroleum sector reforms, strengthen governance architecture, optimise national energy assets, and position Nigeria’s petroleum resources as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

    The Taskforce will automatically dissolve upon submission and acceptance of its final report.

  • NEM Insurance reaffirms commitment to women’s inclusion

    NEM Insurance reaffirms commitment to women’s inclusion

    By Taiye Olayemi

    NEM Insurance Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women and promoting gender inclusion as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.

    The Chairman of NEM Insurance, Mr Tope Smart, made the pledge during a commemorative event at the company’s corporate headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

    Smart said the company remained dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that enables women to thrive in professional and entrepreneurial pursuits.

    According to him, women’s contributions remain critical to the sustainability and growth of the insurance industry.

    “In line with the global IWD theme, ‘Give To Gain’, we view gender diversity not merely as corporate social responsibility but as a driver of innovation and organisational performance.

    “Our commitment to female professionals at NEM Insurance is unwavering.

    “We recognise that giving women the right tools, mentorship and leadership opportunities enables the industry to gain dedication and diverse perspectives that advance progress,” he said.

    Smart described the firm as a multiple award-winning underwriting company and one of Nigeria’s top three general insurers.

    He said the company had consistently promoted initiatives that support women across the sector.

    Smart urged stakeholders in the insurance industry to prioritise the development of female talent to achieve a more inclusive and prosperous sector.

    He added that strengthening opportunities for women would contribute to the long-term growth of the industry and the Nigerian economy.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, Corporate Services, Mrs Mojisola Teluwo, said the company’s gender programmes translate advocacy into practical support.

    She cited the company’s “She Means Business” contest as one of its initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and encouraging inclusion.

    “Supporting women-led initiatives is a strategic investment in national development.

    “At NEM Insurance, we believe when a woman thrives, a family thrives and the nation prospers.

    “The ‘She Means Business’ initiative reflects our commitment to move beyond celebration and provide tangible support that turns business aspirations into reality,” Teluwo said.

    She said the company’s support framework focused on leadership development, inclusive workplace culture and economic empowerment.

    According to her, the initiatives include targeted training programmes designed to prepare more women for executive leadership roles.

    She added that the framework also promotes professional growth, workplace wellbeing, and provides grants and professional support to female entrepreneurs.

    The event also featured mentorship sessions for female staff, with discussions on career advancement within Nigeria’s evolving insurance sector.

    Participants also engaged in a Paint and Sip activity designed to encourage creativity and interaction among staff members. (NAN)

  • MainPower DisCo carries out maintenance, as part of Enugu experience power interruption

    MainPower DisCo carries out maintenance, as part of Enugu experience power interruption

    MainPower DisCo carries out maintenance, as part of Enugu experience power interruption

     

    The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) says it will undertake maintenance work at its Trans-Ekulu Injection Substation in Enugu to install a newly-procured 11KV indoor switchgear panel at the facility.

     

    The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu, that the maintenance would be carried out this weekend.

     

    According to Ezeh, the exercise, which is expected to last for 48 hours, will commence at 6:30a.m. on Saturday, March 14, and end on Sunday, March 15.

     

    He explained that two 11KV feeders radiating from the Trans-Ekulu Injection Substation – Phase 6 and Dhamija feeders – would be affected during the maintenance period.

     

     

    He said, “Consequently, customers served by these feeders will experience a temporary interruption in electricity supply while the work is ongoing.

     

    “Areas that will be affected included: Trans-Ekulu Flyover, Oshimiri axis, RCC Quarters, Green Roof, Ugbo Odogwu, Agu Abor, Zion Hill, Ogbanokwute, Ogbuowere, Ugboenyi, Keshington Plaza, Sani Abacha Street, and Emeka Abalu Street.

     

    “Other locations included: Old Police Station area, Augustine Agu axis, Ogbaga, Chike Egwuonwu, Hill View, Dhamija, Agu Owa, St. Mary, St. Andrew, and School of Dental Technology area.

     

    “The rest are: North 4th, Road 10, Old Akonobi, Mary Emmanuel, Prof. Anosa, Malunze axis, Green Kpoloko axis, Winners Estate axis, Roads 12, 9, and 8 and their environs, as well as Ivory Estate and surrounding areas.”

     

     

    Ezeh appealed for the patience and understanding of residents who would be affected by the exercise, “as it is aimed at enhancing service delivery”.

     

    He further noted that the procurement of the new equipment, which costs about N200 million, aligns with the organisation’s commitment to improving network reliability and delivering more stable and quality electricity supply to its customers.

     

    Ezeh recalled that on Jan. 21, at about 7:23p.m., an explosion occurred at the control room of the Trans-Ekulu Injection Substation.

     

    The MEDL spokesman said that the incident necessitated the procurement and installation of a new 11KV indoor switchgear panel.

     

    He noted that MEDL had already initiated procurement processes for additional equipment to replace other components identified within its network as part of the company’s ongoing maintenance and network improvement strategy.

  • NANTA @50: Alake of Egbaland Confirms Attendance at Ibadan Golden Jubilee

    NANTA @50: Alake of Egbaland Confirms Attendance at Ibadan Golden Jubilee

    The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has confirmed that he will personally attend the Golden Jubilee celebration and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) scheduled to hold in April in Ibadan.
    The monarch gave the assurance on Thursday when he received members of the NANTA AGM Planning Committee at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.
    The delegation was led by Mrs. Lola Adewole and included the association’s Second National Deputy President, Dr. Tokunbo Dagunduro, as well as its Financial Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ladipo.
    Oba Gbadebo commended the association for sustaining its activities and professional relevance for five decades, noting that keeping a professional body united and active for 50 years reflects resilience, visionary leadership and a shared commitment among members.
    He prayed for the continued growth of the association and its sustained contributions to Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector.
    According to the monarch, NANTA has played a significant role in promoting Nigeria’s culture and travel trade industry, a feat he described as exemplary and worthy of emulation by other professional organisations.
    The Alake also assured the delegation that he would grace the anniversary celebration, noting that Egbaland and Ibadan share deep historical, cultural and traditional ties.
    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Adewole, told the monarch that the association has consistently promoted Nigeria’s cultural tourism offerings as a vital national asset.
    She said the association sees the country’s rich cultural heritage as a goldmine that must be preserved and harnessed to support economic growth and social development.
    Adewole explained that the theme of the Golden Jubilee celebration, “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Ambassadors,” reflects NANTA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy.
    As part of activities ahead of the anniversary celebration, the NANTA team also visited the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, to formally invite him to the Ibadan conference.
    During the visit, the delegation highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ogun State and its importance to national tourism development and economic growth.
    Meanwhile, NANTA, through its National President, Dr. Yinka Folami, has congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on his appointment.
    In a letter dated March 9 and acknowledged by the police authorities, Folami pledged the association’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force to tackle fraudulent activities within the travel trade sector.
    He also formally invited the police chief to the association’s elective Annual General Meeting in Ibadan, noting that the gathering would provide an opportunity for the Inspector-General to interact with travel trade professionals on ways to promote a secure and globally compliant travel industry in Nigeria.

  • CSOs Situation Room, CCIDESOR task Tinubu, NASS on political will to ensure LG autonomy

    CSOs Situation Room, CCIDESOR task Tinubu, NASS on political will to ensure LG autonomy

    CSOs Situation Room, CCIDESOR task Tinubu, NASS on political will to ensure LG autonomy

    Nigeria Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Situation Room and Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR) have tasked President Bola Tinubu on political will to ensure autonomy of Local councils.

    The CSOs, who are NGOs, also called on Tinubu to work closely with the National Assembly to get the Supreme Court judgment on full local council autonomy implemented to facilitate grassroots development in the country.

    The CSOs made this known on Friday in Enugu after a Media Parley on the theme: “Local Government Administrative, Political and Fiscal Autonomy in Nigeria: A Recipe for Economic Recovery”.

    In a resolution of the CSOs, read on their behalf by the Executive Director of CCIDESOR, Dr Emeka Ononamadu, said that the CSOs demanded direct payment of LGA allocations from the Federation Account to Local Governments.

     

    “Constitutional amendments to remove ambiguities around the Joint Account system.

    “Strengthening local government accountability mechanisms, including transparency in budgeting, procurement, and citizen oversight.

    “Guaranteeing democratic elections for local governments across all states.

    “Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful economic recovery without empowering its local governments,” he said.

    Ononamadu noted that the resources to make a turnaround in the council areas are available but currently being hijacked through joint council and state account as well as joint council/state projects.

    He said, “The legal framework is emerging; while the Supreme Court has spoken on it and President Tinubu has recently raised an alarm on deterioration at the council areas.

    “What remains now is decisive political action (on the part of the President and National Assembly).

    “History will remember whether this administration seized the opportunity to transform grassroots governance – or allowed the moment to pass in the name of political expediency”.

    He noted that a fully independent and operational council system would lead to rural economic development; employment generation; grassroots democracy and improvement on basic services – primary healthcare, primary education, sanitation and water supply.

  • 2 ADC members pray court to stop Sen. Kingibe from parading self as party member

    2 ADC members pray court to stop Sen. Kingibe from parading self as party member

     

    Two executive members of the African Democratic Party (ADC) in Wuse Ward, Abuja have prayed a Federal High Court to restrain Sen. Ireti Kingibe, from parading herself as a member of the party.

    Mr Okezuo Kanayo, Chairman of ADC, Wuse Ward, and his Secretary, Mr Isaiah Sameul, filed the suit on Friday through their lawyer, Dr Maxwell Opara.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the originating motion is dated and filed on March 13 by Opara.

    They prayed the court to declare that by virtue of the Constitution of the ADC, the Wuse Ward Executive Committee had the power to discipline and suspend any member of the party within its jurisdiction.

    They also sought a declaration of the court that the suspension of Sen. Kingibe, by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the ADC was valid and subsisting.

    They also prayed the court to declare that Sen. Kingibe cannot lawfully parade herself as card-carrying member of the party during the subsistence of the said suspension.

    They want the court to declare that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ADC cannot and should not lawfully recognise the defendant as a member of the party at any level during the subsistence of her suspension.

    They equally urged the court to affirm and validate Kingibe’s subspension by the ward.

    In the affidavit deposed to by the Wuse Ward Secretary, he averred that the senator is a member of ADC registered under Wuse Ward.

    According to him, sometime in 2026 the Ward Executive Committee received complaints regarding acts allegedly committed by the defendant contrary to the constitution of the Party.

    He said on March 10, at the general meeting of the party and upon review of the lawmaker’s activities since she joined the party, they found some infractions against her.

    Sameul alleged that Kingibe willingly confiscated the ward register, thereby contravening some sections of the party’s constitution.

    “The defendant has continuously and persistently absented herself from ward meetings since joining the party.

    “She willfully and intentionally failed to pay the party’s statutory fees including membership registration, dues and levies.

    “Following deliberations and due consideration after the review of the defendant’s activities, the Ward Executive Committee resolved to suspend the defendant from the party pending further disciplinary action.

    He said her suspension was ratified by two third majority of the executive committee in the general meeting of the party.

    According to the secretary, the suspension was duly communicated to the defendant and relevant party organs.

    Sameul said it would be in the interest of justice for the court to determine the questions raised in the suit.

    Meanwhile, the suit is yet to be assigned to a judge.

  • UNICAL VC APPOINTS ACTING CSO

    UNICAL VC APPOINTS ACTING CSO

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    Calabar:  The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar,Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has approved the appointment of Peter Ateh Abang (DSP, Rtd.) as the new Acting Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the institution.

    According to a letter of appointment signed by the Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka I. Icha, Mr. Abang’s appointment is for an initial period of two years and takes effect from March 9, 2026.

    The new Acting CSO is expected to be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day to day administration of the University Security Department, with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property within the University community.

    The Vice-Chancellor also expects him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in strengthening security operations and improving the general security situation on campus.

    All relevant units of the University are informed by this notice, and requested to accord him the necessary courtesies associated with his new office.

    (Public Relations unit
    University of Calabar)

  • 2026 Women’s Day: NAFDAC DG Calls for Increased Investment in Well-being of Women and Children for a Healthier Nigeria

    2026 Women’s Day: NAFDAC DG Calls for Increased Investment in Well-being of Women and Children for a Healthier Nigeria

     

    –  Celebrates Women’s Contributions to Public Health

     

     

    By Biola Lawal
    FLOWERBUDNEWS: As NAFDAC marks 2026 Women’s Day. Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has called for more investment in the well-being of women and children as an essential factor to build a healthier and more sustainable future for Nigeria

    Prof. Adeyeye made the appeal while speaking during NAFDAC commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026 with the theme “Give to Gain,” celebrating the contributions of its staff, particularly women, at an event held in Abuja.

    The event highlighted the critical role of women in advancing public health and national development.

    The NAFDAC DG emphasised the importance of recognising women’s resilience and contributions within an institution dedicated to safeguarding lives.

    Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the Agency’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative launched in November 2025, noting that investing in the well-being of women and children should be an integral part of national development.

    The event brought together NAFDAC staff and stakeholders to reflect on the role of women in strengthening healthcare systems and community well-being.

    In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Joan Agbaagu, Head of the Reforms Unit, noted that the theme “Give to Gain” underscores the value of selfless service and collective commitment to improving the health of mothers, women, and children.

  • Alleged N1.35bn fraud: Retrial of Sule Lamido, sons, others stalled

    Alleged N1.35bn fraud: Retrial of Sule Lamido, sons, others stalled

     

    The retrial of former Gov. Sule Lamido of Jigawa, his two sons and others over alleged N1.35 billion fraud suffered setback, on Friday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The case, which is now reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu, could not proceed due to the absence of the defendants in court.

    Although the lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chile Okoroma, SAN, and counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi, SAN, were in court, the defendants were conspicuously absent.

    Agi, while addressing the court, said the hearing notice for the proceedings was received late yesterday at about 5pm.

    The lawyer said the defendants, who based in Kano State, could not make it since there was no available aircraft to convey them to Abuja.

    Agi, however, undertook to produce them in the next adjourned date.

    Okoroma, who appeared for the EFCC, sought a re-assignment of the matter back to the former trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who handled the case.

    He said a letter had been written to the chief judge in this respect.

    However, Agi said he was yet to get the letter.

    Justice Lifu then asked Okoroma, the former Director of Legal Services in the EFCC, if he was still in service.

    “Are you part of the EFCC? Are you still in the employment of EFCC?” the judge asked.

    “No my Lord,” Okoroma responded.

    “The onus of your protest is that you want my Lord, Hon Justice Ojukwu, to come from Calabar to take the case,” Justice Lifu said.

    Th judge, who observed that the case had lingered since 2015, said there is the need to commence trial on time.

    “The CJ assigned the case to me and it is my duty to start hearing, as obedient servant,’ he said.

    The judge then directed Okoroma to avail a copy of the letter to Agi, who said there were objections he would want to raise.

    The case was subsequently adjourned until April 1 for hearing.

    The Supreme Court had, on Jan. 16, ordered a trial of the former governor and others over alleged N1.35 billion fraud.

    A five-member panel of the apex court issued the directive in two unanimous judgments delivered in the two appeals filed in the name of the Federal Government by the EFCC.

    Both appeals were against the July 25, 2023 judgments by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which upheld the no-case submission made by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on which they were being prosecuted, on the grounds that the Federal High Court, Abuja lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case.

    In the lead judgments of the Supreme Court, Justice Abubakar Umar set aside the July 25, 2023 judgments of the Court of Appeal and affirmed the earlier decision by Justice Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja which overruled the no-case submissions by Lamido and others and ordered them to enter their defence.

    The EFCC, in the 37-count charge, among others, accused Lamido of abusing his position as governor between 2007 and 2015, allegedly laundering sums of money received as kickbacks from companies that were awarded contracts by the Jigawa State Government under his leadership.

    The other defendants charged alongside Lamido are: his two sons – Aminu and Mustapha; Aminu Wada Abubakar and their companies – Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.