Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Ministry Orders Immediate Enforcement of NIHOTOUR Act 2022, Regulations 2025

    Ministry Orders Immediate Enforcement of NIHOTOUR Act 2022, Regulations 2025

    Ministry Orders Immediate Enforcement of NIHOTOUR Act 2022, Regulations 2025
    Abuja, March 1, 2028
    The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has ordered the immediate and full implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the NIHOTOUR Regulations 2025, directing the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to begin enforcement without delay.
    The directive was contained in a letter dated February 26, 2028, and signed by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. The letter mandates the Director-General of NIHOTOUR, Abisoye Fagade, to proceed with immediate implementation in line with the powers conferred on the Institute by its Establishment Act and subsidiary regulations.
    The Ministry said the move is aimed at strengthening regulation within Nigeria’s hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors, describing it as a necessary step toward repositioning the industry as a structured, professional, and globally competitive contributor to the national economy.
    According to the Minister, regulating personnel and operators in the sector is critical to enhancing professionalism, improving service quality, protecting consumers, and promoting sustainable industry growth.
    “The regulation of personnel and operators within the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors, as specified in the Act, is essential to enhancing professionalism, service quality, consumer protection, and sustainable industry growth,” the Minister stated. “This regulatory framework establishes minimum standards for skills, ethics, safety, and operations. It will strengthen public confidence, improve competitiveness, and align the sector with national and international best practices.”
    The Ministry further noted that the implementation of the NIHOTOUR Act 2022 and the 2025 Regulations marks a strategic milestone in strengthening institutional governance and standardizing training and certification across the tourism value chain. It added that strict compliance with operational standards would boost investor confidence and ensure improved service delivery nationwide.
    NIHOTOUR has been directed to formally communicate the mandate to all departments, stakeholders, operators, and practitioners under its regulatory purview to ensure full and immediate compliance.
    Observers say the directive signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to formalize and regulate the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, a sector widely regarded as a key driver of employment, cultural promotion, and non-oil revenue generation.
    The Federal Ministry reiterated its commitment to building a vibrant, well-regulated, and globally competitive hospitality and tourism industry that reflects Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable economic growth.

  • 3 U.S. soldiers killed, 5 seriously injured as part of Iran operation

    3 U.S. soldiers killed, 5 seriously injured as part of Iran operation

     

    WASHINGTON,  (Xinhua)/FLOWERBUDNEWS:  — Three U.S. soldiers were killed in action and five others seriously injured as part of the military operation against Iran, the U.S. Central Command said Sunday.

    Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions, said the command in a statement on social media, adding that they are “in the process of being returned to duty.”

    “The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information,” the command added.

    The United States and Israel began massive airstrikes against Iran on Saturday morning. U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday in an interview with Fox News that 48 senior Iranian officials have been killed in the strikes.

     

  • AIDS Prevention Initiative Lauds Prof. Adeyeye for repositioning, strengthening NAFDAC regulatory systems

    AIDS Prevention Initiative Lauds Prof. Adeyeye for repositioning, strengthening NAFDAC regulatory systems

    (NAFDAC DG. Prof Mojisola Adeyeye with APIN Delegation at NAFDAC Headquarters, Abuja)

     

    –  Donates Laptops, Tablet to support NAFDAC’s regulatory and operational activities.

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): A Non-governmental organisation, the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) has commended NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye for her leadership courage in repositioning and strengthening NAFDAC regulatory systems.

    Leader of the APIN, Pharm. Uche Okezie gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, during which
    20 laptops and 304 tablets were donated by APIN to NAFDAC to support the Agency’s regulatory and operational activities.

    Pharm. Okezie also congratulated the Director General for NAFDAC’s attainment and Retaining of WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3). He attributed the milestone achievements to Prof. Adeyeye’s sustained dedication and institutional reforms.

    He reaffirmed APIN’s commitment to partnering with the agency to advance its public health mandate.

    Responding, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, appressed appreciation for the donation by APIN, noting that the devices would further enhance NAFDAC’s regulatory and operational activities across the country.

    She assured Nigerians of the Agency’s total commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only wholesome products were available for sales and consumption in the country.

    The Director General said that NAFDAC remained committed to intensifying its monitoring and surveillance operations to ensure that the safety, quality, and efficacy of regulated products across the country was not compromised. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

     

  • Enugu Tech Festival 2026 Surpasses Expectations, Records Attendance of 53,000 –  Commissioner Ezeh

    Enugu Tech Festival 2026 Surpasses Expectations, Records Attendance of 53,000 –  Commissioner Ezeh

    Enugu Tech Festival 2026 Surpasses Expectations, Records Attendance of 53,000 –  Commissioner Ezeh

     

    The second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival 2026 (ETF 2.0) has concluded with a record-breaking 53,000 physical participants, underscoring Nigeria’s accelerating push to position itself as a continental leader in digital innovation.

     

    The festival, held from Feb. 24 to Feb. 27 at the Enugu International Conference Centre, surpassed its projected target of 50,000 attendees.

     

    The convener of the festival, Enugu Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, described the turnout as a resounding validation of Enugu State’s vision to become “a technology trailblazer in Africa,”

     

    Ezeh noted that the festival drew not only physical attendees but also hundreds of online participants from across the world.

     

    He said that the event was broadcast live on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and reported to be among the top five global trending events on social platforms during its run — an unprecedented level of digital engagement for an African tech convergence.

     

    “We set out to inspire 50,000 innovators, thinkers, founders, investors and digital talents.

     

    “To see nearly 60,000 people here in real time — not registrations but actual engagement — shows that the narrative around African tech is shifting beyond perception to meaningful participation and impact,” Dr Ezeh told journalists on the final day.

     

     

    The convener provided a breakdown of attendance across the festival’s four days: 20,000 participants on Day 1, followed by 15,000 on Day 2, 13,000 on Day 3 and 5,000 on Day 4.

     

    “Each day was curated around a central theme, drawing voices from government, global tech firms, startups, and academia.

     

    “The theme of this year event was: “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”Day One centered on policy and governance, with Governor Peter Mbah declaring the festival officially opened.

     

    “His keynote address was resounding. He said technology and innovation remain at the heart of Enugu’s transformation under his administration, urging youths to explore the abundant opportunities in both.

     

    “The world has crossed a line. What we are witnessing in our lifetime is nothing short of an economic renaissance powered by technology.

     

    “In just three decades, companies that began in garages and dorm rooms have grown into some of the most valuable institutions in human history.“Enterprises like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms have reshaped commerce, communication, entertainment, finance, governance, and even human relationships.

     

    “The rise of these companies tells us something profound: the world economy is no longer driven primarily by physical assets, but by ideas, code, data, and innovation. We are witnessing the acceleration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

     

    “Here in Enugu, we have made a deliberate decision: we will not be spectators in this revolution. We will be participants. We will be producers,” he stated.

     

     

    Consequently, Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Anna Westerholm and other VIPs were walked through exhibition halls filled with startups, coding boot camps, robotics demonstrations and AI-powered agricultural tools.

     

    Observers from Britain and other European markets noted the growing sophistication of Nigeria’s tech discourse — shifting from aspirational rhetoric to implementation frameworks and measurable outcomes.Day Two placed investment and entrepreneurship at the forefront.

     

    A curated “Deal Room” facilitated meetings between early-stage startups and venture capitalists, while technical masterclasses focused on scaling, product-market fit and cross-border expansion.

     

    Investors from Lagos, Nairobi, London and Dubai were in attendance, reflecting increasing global appetite for African digital enterprises.

     

    Several seed-stage companies reportedly secured follow-up funding conversations, though specific figures were not publicly disclosed.

     

     

    Ezeh described the festival as “a bridge between talent and capital,” adding that Enugu aims to become “the investment gateway to South-East Nigeria’s technology corridor”.

     

    Day Three explored artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web3 technologies.

     

    A live hackathon — culminating in public demonstrations — spotlighted teams developing solutions in fintech, healthcare diagnostics and climate-smart agriculture.

     

    Panels debated responsible AI governance and decentralised finance regulation, topics increasingly relevant as African markets adopt digital currencies and data-driven systems.

     

    The emphasis, however, remained firmly on skills acquisition. Hundreds of young participants underwent hands-on training sessions in software engineering, cloud computing and blockchain development.

     

    The closing day blended innovation showcases with awards and cultural performances.

     

    Addressing the gathering, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, reaffirmed federal backing for youth-driven enterprise.

     

     

    “We are strengthening Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem,” he said.

     

    “Research commercialisation and youth entrepreneurship are central to our economic diversification strategy.”

     

    The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, described the festival as “a landmark achievement” that had elevated Enugu’s global profile.

     

    Perhaps the most tangible legacy of ETF 2.0 was its youth empowerment drive.

     

    Hundreds of young participants received laptops and tablet devices during the closing ceremony, distributed to top hackathon performers, student innovators and emerging developers identified through competitive assessments.

     

    In a further boost, select startup founders and innovation teams were awarded cash grants of ₦10 million each, aimed at accelerating product development and market entry.

     

    Additional groups received grants running into several hundreds of thousands of naira to fund digital training, prototype development and community tech hubs.

     

     

    Ezeh explained that the initiative was designed to move beyond symbolic recognition.

     

    “Inspiration without tools is incomplete. “We are placing actual resources in the hands of those who will shape the ecosystem.

     

    ”For many young attendees, the grants represented life-changing capital in a country where access to early-stage funding remains uneven.

     

    “Beyond the speeches and spectacle, ETF 2.0 served as a marketplace of ideas — and ambition.Several attendees praised the festival’s blend of culture and commerce.

     

    “Evening performances featured local musicians and digital art installations, reinforcing the narrative that technology can coexist with, rather than displace, cultural identity.

     

    “For international observers, ETF 2.0 reflects a broader continental trend: Africa’s youthful population — more than 60 per cent under the age of 25 — is increasingly tech-savvy, entrepreneurial and globally connected.

     

    “Nigeria, home to Africa’s largest economy and population, has produced unicorn startups and attracted billions in venture funding over the past decade.

     

    “Yet infrastructure gaps and regulatory uncertainty remain persistent challenges.Against this backdrop, Enugu’s bold attempt to convene 58,000 innovators under one roof sends a symbolic and strategic message: regional governments are stepping into the arena, not merely as facilitators but as active ecosystem builders,” he said.

     

    As the lights dimmed on the final evening and award recipients posed for photographs, Ezeh reflected on what he called “Africa’s defining decade”.

     

    “This festival is not an endpoint. It is the foundation. We are building from Enugu to the world.

     

    ”If ETF 2.0 is any indication, that ambition may be gathering real momentum,” he said.

  • COWA plants trees to tackle environmental challenges in Sokoto border communities

    COWA plants trees to tackle environmental challenges in Sokoto border communities

    The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has commenced the planting of trees to tackle environmental challenges in Nigerians Customs Service (NCS) formations and border communities in Sokoto State.
    The Sokoto State COWA Chairperson, Mrs Hajara Idris-Aliyu inaugurated the exercise on Sunday in Sokoto.
    Idris-Aliyu said the exercise was part of the National Green Border Initiative aimed at transforming border communities into sustainable, eco-friendly hubs that empower women and youths.
    The chairperson, who is the Wife of the Comptroller, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Mr Aliyu Isa-Ndako, charged the wives of customs officers and other members of the society to engage in lawful climate-friendly trades and other environmental friendly engagement.
    She said the initiative aligned with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Agenda, targeting empowerment for widows and low-income families.
    She lauded the COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi’s vision and commitment to community service.
    “It is about a movement of hope, responsibility, and transformation that connects our people, our borders, and our planet.
    “A greener border environment is not just beneficial to our communities but also essential to maintaining safe and prosperous borders,” she said.
    A Resource Person, Dr Bello Hassan-Almustapha, who delivered a lecture on the importance of trees to human lives and environmental sustainability, urged the stakeholders to increase commitment on climate change and resilient strategies.
    Hassan-Almustapha dwelt on different species of trees suitable at different locations, values, nursing techniques and enjoined COWA to dedicate more efforts on awareness to ensure public ownership of the initiative.
    The representative of the Sokoto State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mansur Yahaya, assured the customs officers’ wives of the commitment of the state government to partner in making the programme a success.
    The COWA’s Green Border Initiative is a national campaign aimed at cleaning, greening, and empowering the border communities through sustainable and inclusive development.

  • INVESTING ELSEWHERE , SEEKING MANDATE AT HOME

    *INVESTING ELSEWHERE , SEEKING MANDATE AT HOME .Jigawa media professional offers powerful lessons*

    By Musa Ibrahim

    Jigawa State has long been blessed with a rich pool of distinguished journalists and seasoned broadcasters across senior, intermediate, and executive levels. Over the years, these professionals have built reputations grounded in integrity, competence, and dedication to the craft of journalism and broadcast media. This legacy of excellence has not only shaped narratives within the state but has also positioned Jigawa as a respected contributor to Nigeria’s media landscape.

    It is therefore no surprise that when the late AVM Mouktar Mohammed, Wazirin Dutse and an illustrious son of Jigawa State, established one of the first private radio stations in Kano, he did not forget his roots. Although the station was located in Kano, he looked back to his beloved home state and appointed the late Umar Mohammed Dutse of Radio Jigawa as the pioneer General Manager.
    Subsequently, he went on to establish Freedom Radio in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State. His decisions clearly demonstrated a profound sense of loyalty to his state and a strong belief in the competence and professionalism of Jigawa’s media practitioners.

    Similarly, when Nura Muhammed, former Minister of Information, founded Sawaba FM, he chose to site the station in his hometown of Hadejia, Jigawa State. In a clear affirmation of confidence in indigenous expertise, he appointed Ja’afar Umar , a proud indigene of Jigawa, as there General Manager.

    In another commendable example, Sen ( Amb) Ahmed Abdulhamid Malam Madori, the Senator representing Jigawa North East, expressed true patriotism to his community by establishing another media outlet , Fa’ida Radio in his hometown Mallam Madori. True to the tradition of investing in local talent, he appointed veteran broadcaster Bashir F. Danladi—an indigene of Jigawa and former staff member of Radio Jigawa—as the pioneer General Manager.

    These three prominent figures, not only established their stations within the state only, but consistently looked back home when entrusting leadership responsibilities. Their actions reflected not just professional judgment, but also love, loyalty, and a genuine commitment to the development of their state, socially , economically and politically . It also empowered indigenes, strengthened local capacity and set a standard of patriotism worthy of emulation.

    However, in contrast to these examples of patriotic investment, concerns have emerged regarding the actions of another son of the soil , Mohammed Babandede, former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service an ( acclaimed ) indigene of Jigawa State from Hadejia Area. While intending to make his investment on media , he chose to locate the stations in Kano State rather than in Jigawa.
    More strikingly, when appointing a General Manager, he selected a candidate from Borno State instead of drawing from the vast reservoir of qualified and experienced media professionals in Jigawa renowned nationwide for producing accomplished journalists.

    For many observers,within the pioneers group this sequence of actions presents a contradiction between past decisions and present political aspirations. it also indicated a sign of lack of commitments and concern to ones immediate locality , that may not be acceptable to locals in this political era , were individuals love for his people is measured by his deeds and actions .

    Capacity and committed of any ambitious political figure is now measured not merely by ambition, but by consistency and demonstrated commitment. True loyalty to one’s people is revealed in tangible investments that empower communities, create opportunities, and build sustainable institutions.

    As Jigawa moves forward politically and socially, its citizens are called upon to carefully evaluate that their state deserves leaders who not only speak of development but have already demonstrated dedication through their actions.

    Eventually , Jigawa broadcasting pioneers is hereby offering a powerful lessons stressing that , we must understand how genuine commitment begins at home, and lasting legacy is built by uplifting owns people.

  • Okechukwu, ex-DG VON, warns opposition against acrid criticism, defends Electoral Act 2026

    Okechukwu, ex-DG VON, warns opposition against acrid criticism, defends Electoral Act 2026

    Okechukwu, ex-DG VON, warns opposition against acrid criticism, defends Electoral Act 2026

    The former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, has cautioned opposition political parties against sustained scaremongering and attempts to demonise Nigeria’s democracy.

    Okechukwu, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the warning while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Enugu.

    He appealed to opposition leaders to desist from utterances capable of discouraging voter participation and undermining democratic institutions.

    According to him, democracy becomes the ultimate casualty when political actors deploy negative and alarmist narratives that dampen citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

    Rather than resorting to blame games, he urged opposition leaders to emulate the strategic political organisation demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with investing time and resources in nationwide mobilisation of supporters.

    Okechukwu noted that Tinubu demonstrated party loyalty and internal democracy by stepping aside for former President Muhammadu Buhari from the outset.

    This, he described, as “obedience to the zoning convention and the spirit of internal democracy”.

    Speaking on the new Electoral Act 2026, Okechukwu acknowledged that the legislation might have shortcomings but argued that it would be illiberal to “throw our baby democracy away with the bathwater.”

    “Whereas the Electoral Act 2026 has its downside, the truism is that it is significantly closer to achieving real-time transmission of election results than the repealed Electoral Act 2022,” he said.

     

    Okechukwu noted that under the Electoral Act 2022, the law required presiding officers to transfer results “in a manner as prescribed by INEC” but did not legally mandate electronic transmission itself.

    By contrast, he said, the Electoral Act 2026 mandates electronic transmission of polling unit results to the IReV portal after Form EC8A is signed.

    “However, it also provides a fallback mechanism that where transmission fails due to communication issues, the hand-signed Form EC8A becomes the primary legal source of results.

    “The framework strikes a balance between technological advancement and practical realities on ground.

    “My dear compatriots, we are not in Cameroon or Uganda please; as Nigeria’s democracy, though imperfect, remains resilient and competitive,” he said.

    On allegations that the APC is plotting to establish a one-party state, Okechukwu dismissed the claim, attributing such fears to what he called anti-democratic tendencies within the leadership of the opposition parties.

    He accused the PDP of arrogantly breaching the long-standing zoning and rotation convention during its 2022 presidential primary, a move he alleged triggered the party’s internal crisis and eventual disintegration.

    According to him, the material conditions that birthed what some describe as a looming one-party state stem from the PDP’s internal implosion rather than any grand design by the APC.

  • KHAMENEI KILLING: MUSLIMS SHOULD ALIENATE US, ALLIES – MURIC

    KHAMENEI KILLING: MUSLIMS SHOULD ALIENATE US, ALLIES – MURIC

     

    ‎هيئة حقوق المسلمين

     

     

    ‎‎Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint US-Israel bombing of Iran yesterday.

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    ‎‎Reacting to his killing, an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), described the incident as extremely outrageous, unlawful aggression and an assault on international law and order.

    ‎‎MURIC’s reaction was expressed in a press release issued on Sunday, 1st March, 2026 by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

    ‎‎He said:

    ‎‎”The supreme leader of the Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint US-Israel bombing of Iran yesterday, Saturday, 28th February, 2026.

    ‎‎”We strongly condemn this killing. It is extremely outrageous, preposterous and unlawful. The attack constitutes an assault on international law and order. 

    ‎‎”By attacking Iran while peaceful negotiations were going on, the US and Israel have sent a strong, negative and most dangerous signal to the world that this is the age of criminal aggression, the end of friendly relations based on mutual trust, the era of ‘might is right’ and the demise of trans-atlantic transparency.

    ‎‎”MURIC admonishes Muslim leaders around the world to trust the US and its Western allies at their own risk and to expect daggers and bullets instead of handshakes and salads at the table.

    ‎‎”Within Nigeria, we call on Muslims to shun official engagements with leaders of other religious groups but to continue to be good neighbours to all, loving, giving and tolerating.

    ‘:At the same time, we urge Nigerian Muslims to remain peaceful and law abiding but vigilant. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”

    ‎‎

     

  • Indian Army showcases humanitarian, rescue capabilities

    Indian Army showcases humanitarian, rescue capabilities

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Agra (India):   The Indian Army on Sunday showcased its advanced Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief  (HADR) capabilities, emphassing on self-reliance and rapid response mechanisms through recent initiatives in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

    The delegation comprised 28 defence journalists from 25 countries, observed the Army’s rapid-response mechanisms for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations across diverse and challenging environments.

    Officials provided detailed briefings on planning frameworks, preparatory protocols and execution mechanisms, enabling swift deployment of specialised HADR units during emergencies and demonstrating high operational readiness.

    The visitors were also briefed on rapid mobilisation timelines, structured coordination with civil administration and host governments, and integration of the dedicated HADR Task Force for immediate response.

    A major highlight of the visit was the display of specialised HADR equipment, including advanced rescue tools, watercraft, flood-relief systems, portable bridging assets and mass-casualty medical support kits.

    The interaction underscored the Indian Army’s evolving role as both a combat-ready force and a dependable partner in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, regional stability and international goodwill initiatives.

    According to the brief by the officers, the Indian army has earned a strong reputation as a first responder, conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in multiple countries worldwide, providing aid efficiently and professionally during crises.

    In South Asia, it has intervened in Nepal during earthquakes, Sri Lanka for cyclones and floods, and Bhutan for disaster and medical support, demonstrating swift deployment and effective coordination with local authorities.

    In Southeast and East Asia, Myanmar benefited from the Army’s rapid-response efforts, including flood and earthquake relief, highlighting India’s regional commitment to humanitarian assistance and operational readiness in challenging environments.

    The Middle East and West Asia have witnessed Indian interventions, including earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria, evacuations in Yemen, and operations like Kaveri in Sudan and Ganga in Ukraine, showcasing versatility.

    In Africa, Mozambique received cyclone relief support from the Indian Army, reflecting its global HADR footprint, rapid mobilisation of resources, and commitment to saving lives while restoring affected communities efficiently.

    These interventions underline the Indian Army’s dual role as a combat-ready force and dependable international partner, reinforcing India’s global goodwill, regional stability, and humanitarian commitments across continents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)