Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • AGF to re-arraign lawyer, co-defendants on amended charge for allegedly cyberbullying senator

    AGF to re-arraign lawyer, co-defendants on amended charge for allegedly cyberbullying senator

     

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) will, on March 9, re-arraign an Abuja-based lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, and his co-defendants, for allegedly cyberbullying Sen. Shehu Buba Umar.

     

    Justice Rita Offili-Ajumogobia fixed the date, on Monday, due to the absence of the 4th and 5th defendants in court.

     

    When the case was called on Monday, all the defendants, except the 4th and 5th defendants (Abdulrashid Musa and Nasir Abubakar), were in court.

     

    The AGF’s counsel, Leyii Abueh, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of hearing.

     

    She said though the court hinted that the amendment to the charge could be done orally with the agreement of the defence lawyers, Abueh said the prosecution sought to go with the formal amended charge.

     

    The lawyer, however, told the court that the defendants could continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted by the court after taking their plea.

     

    Offili-Ajumogobia, who agreed with the prosecuting lawyer’s submission, said since two defendants were not in court, the re-arraignment cannot proceed.

     

    The judge then adjourned the matter until March 9 and 10 for continuation of trial.

     

    It would be recalled that on Feb. 10, Justice Offili-Ajumogobia had advised parties in the case to agree to continue with the earlier charge and to allow the prosecution to correct the mistakes on the charge sheet in order to accelerate hearing in the trial.

     

    The judge, who said justice delay is justice denied, said such a move would save the precious time of the court on hearing another bail applications of the defendants, among others.

     

    Two witnesses had, earlier, given their evidence in the ongoing trial of Abdulrahman and his co-defendants.

     

    One of the witnesses, Rabiu-Rangers Abdullahi, on Feb. 9, told the court how David Daure, the 2nd defendant, attempted to use the name of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, to defraud Sen. Umar.

     

    The AGF and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had, in December 2025, taken over the prosecution of the matter from the Inspector General (I-G) of Police.

     

    Abdulrahman (1st defendant) and his co-defendants were initially being prosecuted by the I-G.

     

    The I-G, in the initial charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025 and filed by Anthony Egwu on Oct. 6, 2025, named David Daure, Ishaq Muhammed, Abdulrashid Musa and Nasir Abubakar as 2nd to 5th defendants respectively.

     

    The defendants were, on Oct. 30, 2025, arraigned on 11 counts which also bordered on alleged cybercrime, defamation, advance fee fraud, among others.

     

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and they were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre before they were admitted to bail.

     

    In count one of the earlier charges, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar.”

     

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

     

    In count three, Abdulrahman was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his Tiktok handle with user name “Kibanna Channel” and his Youtube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image as a serving Senator.

     

    The suspect was alleged to have stated that “Senator Umar, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation, a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death”.

     

    The offence Is also said to be contrary to Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024, among other counts, among others.

  • Thai Royal Family Honours Nigerian Health Icon Amazigo, Global Laureates

    Thai Royal Family Honours Nigerian Health Icon Amazigo, Global Laureates

     

     

    *By Paul Ejime

    Prof. Uche Veronica Amazigo, Nigeria’s renowned scientist and recipient of several international awards, is among honorees from across the world celebrated last week by the Thai Royal Family, administrators of the prestigious Prince Mahidol Award (PMA), which she won in 2012.

    Since 1992, the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation has bestowed the Award on individuals whose contributions to Medicine and Public Health have had a profound and lasting impact on global health. In 2025, it reached a historic milestone, “with 100 distinguished laureates, whose collective efforts have shaped medical advancements and public health policies worldwide.”

    The laureates include three Africans – the late Prof. Frederick Sai of Ghana (1995), Prof. Amazigo (2012), and the late internationally renowned public health expert Prof. Adetokunbo Lucas, the first Nigerian to have won the award in 1999.

    Seven of the PMA Laureates have also won the Nobel Prize.

    The 45 American Awardees include Walter C. Willett, a nutrition researcher (2025), and Alfred Sommer, an ophthalmologist and professor of epidemiology (1997).

    PMA honorees from other countries include Japan’s world leader in bio-organic chemistry, Prof. Satoshi Ōmura (1997), who also won the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 2025, and former WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan of Hong Kong (1998).

    To commemorate the 100-milestone, the Foundation, under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as the President, hosted the PMA Laureates in Thailand’s northern Nan Province from 2-5 February 2026.

    King Bhumibol Adulyadej founded the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation in 1992, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his father, Prince Mahidol Adulyadej’s birth.

    The Foundation said the 2026 “special gathering aims to foster connections among past laureates, reflect on the legacy of the Award, and explore future opportunities to advance global health.”

    The “100 Prince Mahidol Laureates Celebration Award Nexus (PMAN)” featured the launch of a publication and a display of all the laureates in paintings with write-ups on their discoveries and contributions to medicine and public health.

    The laureates visited Nan Province’s Artistic, Cultural and Academic Heritage Centres, and met the Wolith monks at the Phumin Temple. They also toured the 888-metre Nan Cultural Art Route and explored the Pharma-Agroforestry District.

    According to the PMA Foundation, Prof. Amazigo “pioneered community-directed treatment, transforming control of neglected tropical diseases in Africa by empowering communities. As Director of WHO’s African Programme on Onchocerciasis (River blindness), she expanded treatment to millions across 19 countries… She continues to advance community health through school feeding, education initiatives, and the establishment of affordable healthcare services for marginalized populations.”

    Under Amazigo’s leadership, the WHO/APOC Programme, one of the most successful health interventions in Africa, received the One-million-Euro António Champalimaud Vision Award in 2011, the biggest global award for outstanding contributions to the prevention of visual impairment and blindness.

    She has also provided expertise to the Campaign by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to eliminate malaria in the region, through an integrated vector control strategy, as happened with the successful River Blindness control programme.
    In 2018, Amazigo was among nine personalities and an institution, honoured by the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF), which “celebrates Nigerians, Africans and people of the Black race, who have achieved success through hard work, honesty, integrity and justice in every field of human endeavour.”

    Her “HLF Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Public Health” acknowledged her as “one of the few Africans to have led a specialised UN Agency, overseeing a highly successful multilateral, multidisciplinary partnership in global public health.”

    Uche Amazigo is married to Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, John Amazigo. Both are Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Science and are blessed with children.

    A Knight of the National Order of Burkina Faso (2011), she has, since retiring as WHO/APOC Director, established an NGO, the Pan-African Community Initiative on Education and Health (PACIEH), which trains and empowers mothers to provide a comprehensive feeding and health programme for their children in rural schools.

    A committed scientist, philanthropist and humanist with a large heart for the poor, Amazigo, is the brain behind the Goodwill Medical Centre (GMC), constructed and equipped by the TY Danjuma Foundation, in Enugu, eastern Nigeria, which provides quality primary and secondary healthcare services to low-income families, transforming lives in its host and neighbouring communities.

    Commissioned in November 2023 by its chief benefactor, General TY Danjuma, the hospital, in April 2025, constructed and unveiled for public use a multi-million-Naira iron bridge across a river linking at least three urban slums to essential services in Enugu State.

    By removing the transportation barrier in the area, the Avah River Bridge has opened up healthcare and other essential services to forgotten Enugu East LGA communities.

    The GMC’s maternal, newborn and child health, eye care and family medicine units provide essential services to surrounding communities and beyond, with a commitment to achieving zero maternal and child mortality despite the challenges.

    In February 2025, the hospital signed an MoU with the Enugu East Local Government Authority to significantly increase the number of health insurance beneficiaries.

    The hospital collaborates with local groups and residents to address their needs, with resilience, vision and unwavering commitment to saving lives and inspiring community buy-in and collective ownership of the Centre’s programmes.

    In these days of global economic difficulties, when scarce financial resources are shared among competing needs, the health sector is usually the most severely affected.

    By contributing to revolutionising healthcare delivery and other essential services to rural communities through public-private partnership, the GMC is setting the pace through a model that complements government efforts in transforming the lives of poor communities for accelerated development and progress.

    *Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communication.*

  • Shock as wedding called off in Imo, after groom discovers old social media photo

    Shock as wedding called off in Imo, after groom discovers old social media photo

     

    ByJames Moses

    A planned marriage ceremony in Imo State State has been abruptly cancelled after the groom reportedly discovered an old Facebook photograph of his fiancee allegedly smoking cannabis, locally refered to as “Canadian Loud”

    According to sources close to the couple, the man uncovered the image just two days before the wedding while browsing through her past social media posts.

    The discovery led to a disagreement between both families and eventually the suspension of the ceremony.

    The bride-to-be reportedly pleaded with him, insisting the photo reflected a past lifestyles she no longer lives. She explained that she had changed and asked that her present character be considered instead of her previous behavior.

    However, the groom allegedly declined to continue with the marriage, stating he was uncomfortable proceeding after the discovery. Family members were unable to dispute before the scheduled date, forcing the ceremony to be called off.

    Community reactions have been mixed. Some residents supported the groom’s decision, saying marriage requires transparency and shared values, while others argued that people should not be judged solely by the past actions especially if they have changed.

    Relationship counselors say incidents like this are becoming more common as old social media content resurfaces during courtship and wedding preparations often raising issues of trust, disclosure, and compatibility.

    However, the families involved have not issued an official public statement pertaining the incident.

  • “We Will Sustain the Excellence” — Rector Assures as Tinubu Hails Federal Polytechnic Ayede Best Among 2021 Polytechnics

    “We Will Sustain the Excellence” — Rector Assures as Tinubu Hails Federal Polytechnic Ayede Best Among 2021 Polytechnics

    The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), has reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to sustaining excellence following high commendation from Pres.  Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the polytechnic as the best-performing among federal polytechnics established in 2021.

    President Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the institution, gave the commendation at the combined maiden convocation ceremony where 325 students graduated from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions. Represented by Dr. Usman Ejeh, Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, the President praised the institution’s rapid infrastructural expansion, academic stability, and strategic growth within five years.

    “The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has distinguished itself among its peers established in 2021. Its commitment to infrastructure, skills acquisition, and academic stability clearly positions it as a model institution,” the President stated, aligning the polytechnic’s achievements with the Federal Government’s reform agenda for technical and vocational education.

    In his appreciation message, the Rector, speaking on behalf of the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, Staff, and Students, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his visionary policies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, curriculum modernisation, infrastructural renewal, and digital skills expansion.

    “We are deeply honoured by the recognition from Mr. President. This commendation is not only a validation of our modest efforts but also a call to greater responsibility. We will continue to sustain this excellence, consolidate on our gains, and further position Federal Polytechnic Ayede as a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical competence,” the Rector affirmed.

    Dr. Abdul-Hameed described the combined convocation ceremony as a defining milestone in the history of the institution, noting that 138 students graduated in the 2023/2024 session and 187 in the 2024/2025 session, bringing the total to 325 pioneer graduands.

    “Our graduates are not just job seekers but employers of labour. Beyond their National Diploma certificates, each has acquired at least two additional vocational certifications through our Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development. We have deliberately equipped them with practical and entrepreneurial competencies,” he said.

    The Rector also appreciated the support of the National Board for Technical Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for accreditation and infrastructural interventions that accelerated the institution’s development, disclosing that 68 major projects have been executed across both temporary and permanent sites, alongside over 64 research projects and nine TETFund-supported fabrication innovations.

    He extended special appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service and guest lecturer, Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and Dr. Abubakar Isa for their presence and support, as well as to revered traditional rulers including the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandy Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III; the Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal; and the Aresa of Iresapupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye, alongside distinguished senators, rectors of sister institutions, scholars, and other dignitaries who graced the historic ceremony.

    “We are sincerely grateful to all our royal fathers, political leaders, corporate partners, regulatory agencies, and members of the host community whose presence added prestige and significance to this landmark event. Their support strengthens our resolve to relocate fully to our permanent site in Ayede and continue building an institution that Nigeria will always be proud of,” he added.

    With a presidential endorsement and growing national recognition, Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s maiden convocation has not only celebrated its first set of graduates but also firmly established the young institution as a model of strategic leadership, academic stability, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s technical education landscape.

  • Coup: Court orders DIA to produce Sheikh Zaria in court, Feb. 18

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Defence Intelligence Agency, (DIA) to produce Sheikh Abdulkadir Zaria in court on Feb. 18.

    Justice Peter Lifu gave the order on Friday while ruling on the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the respondents by Zaria seeking his release from detention since December 2025, following his alleged involvement in the attempted coup against President Bola Tinubu.

    The respondents listed in the suit are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), the DIA, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Jaiz Bank.

    Sheikh, a Zaria-based Islamic scholar, was arrested by the EFCC and handed over to the DIA on allegations bordering on coup plotting.

    His family raised the alarm over his disappearance after he travelled to Abuja following the alleged blockage of his bank account.

    In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that having perused the case, the facts remained that Zaria was arrested by the EFCC and handed over to DIA for safe keeping.

    Justice Lifu also said that Zaria had been in confinement since December 11 and had no access to his family and that an alleged detention order obtained by the respondents was neither exhibited or produced from the bar.

    The judge held that as the case stood, there was no detention order authorising the applicant’s detention in a military facility as no judge or court was named to have issued it even after a three-hour stand down of the case.

    He also held that the applicant from all the processes filed, was a civilian with no military background.

    He therefore ordered the agency to produce the applicant in court for the purpose of admitting him to bail.

    The court had ordered the respondents in the fundamental rights enforcement suit to show cause why the reliefs sought by Zaria should not be granted.

    The court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/55/26, had on February 6 directed the respondents to respond within 72 hours and fixed February 12 for continuation of hearing.

    Counsel to the applicant, Mr Abdul Aliyu, SAN, had on Thursday informed the court that the respondents claimed to have obtained a court order authorising the Sheikh’s detention.

    He, however, said that there was no such order even as the respondents had failed to produce same.

    He also said that the argument of the respondents that they were keeping his client in safe custody was not tenable as it was unknown to law.

    “They are saying they are keeping him in safe custody but I have perused the Defence Intelligence Agency Act.

    “I know that their duties do not include keeping in safe custody people being investigated by the Special Investigation Panel,’’ he said.

    The senior lawyer further contended that the argument of the respondents that his client would interfere with investigation or jump bail if released was baseless.

    He said that they had not placed any evidence before the court to that effect.

    He prayed the court to grant the prayers of his client but where the court was not minded to grant the prayers, the court should order that he be produced in court on the next adjourned date.

    For his part, counsel to the EFCC, Mr M.C Odimbaiwe told the court that the applicant was not in EFCC custody.

    Odimbaiwe told the court that the applicant was handed over to the DIA and that efforts were being made to find the nexus between the applicant and the EFCC.

    When the judge sought to know for how long they had been trying to make the connection, the lawyer said that the legal unit of the commission had written to the investigation unit but was yet to receive a reply.

    Counsel to the DIA, Mr I.O Odom told the court that he had filed a 19 -paragraph affidavit praying the court not to grant the applicant’s application.

    Odom told the court that contrary to the argument of the applicant, there was indeed a valid court order obtained before he was detained.

    He, however, said that he didn’t attach the order to his processes due to security reasons because of the sensitive nature of the case but he declined to say what the case was about in court.

    The trial judge stood the matter down for three hours to enable Odom produce the said order.

    Upon resumption, he informed the court that he was unable to obtain the document, explaining that the Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel was out of the country and would return on Thursday.

    He was also unable to provide the name of the judge who allegedly issued the detention order or the court that granted it.

    The judge then adjourned the matter until February 13 (Friday) for ruling.

    The suit was brought over alleged violation of Sheikh Zaria’s fundamental rights, including his rights to personal liberty and dignity of the human person.

    It also borders on the breech of his right to fair hearing and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

  • Alleged extortion of inmates: NCoS CG orders immediate probe of officers at Kuje Prison

    Alleged extortion of inmates: NCoS CG orders immediate probe of officers at Kuje Prison

     

    Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, the Controller-General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), on Friday, ordered the immediate investigation of his officers at Kuje Correctional Centre accused of extorting inmates in the facility.

    The order followed a petition written by a lawyer, Mr Bala Dakum, accusing the controller in charge of Kuje Correctional Centre and his aides of engaging in series of grave allegations bordering on extortion of inmates, abuse of office, corruption and gross misconduct.

    The Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Ms Jane Osuji, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Osuji assured that such allegations would not be swept under the carpet.

    “We are in receipt of the petition that you sent me a copy of; the office of the CG has received it and it is disheartening to read such allegations put out by a lawyer.

    “I will tell you that, of course, the Controller-General and the Nigerian Correctional Service, as a whole, will not take kindly to such allegations; we don’t treat them with kit gloves.

    “It is something that speaks negatively to the whole essence of us achieving our mandate. So we don’t take it kindly.

    “Immediately after our conversation yesterday, when the CG got the message, he had already ordered for a full investigation to ascertain the veracity of that claim to ensure that such a thing, if it is true, is not condoned by the service at all,” she said.

    According to her, we cannot be building and tearing down at the same time or allow anybody within our system to tear down what we are building everyday.

    “My brother, my response is, we have received the petition and investigation has already commenced.

    “Of course, like the petition said, if need be, we will be contacting the petitioner/the lawyer because his evidence will assist us to get to the root of the allegations.

    “If need be, the investigators might be reaching out to him too. But it is not in my place to say now.

    “We have a department that deals with this and it will be professionally handled so that we can punish people that need to be punished, if there is need, and make known, respond appropriately to the petitioner on what has been done and what will be done.

    “I believe the lawyer has the evidence which he must have gotten before now.

    “So we are going to get across to him for those evidence and do our due diligence to get to the root of the matter

    “We will not sweep this under the carpet. This is not something we take kindly too.

    “If and when it is investigated, there is merit to it, it will be made known to the petitioner,” Osuji said.

    NAN earlier reported that Dakum, the Principal Partner of B.I. Dakum & Co law firm, had written the petition, dated Feb. 11, to the CG.

    He equally copied the the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    The lawyer, who said he is a solicitor to over 100 inmates in the facility, sought an independent and thorough investigation into the matter.

    He also urged the service to sanction erring officers accordingly.

    According to him, the inmates, their families, and other credible sources have repeatedly alleged that the controller in charge has used his position to facilitate a systematic extortion of inmates through his aides (names withheld).

    “These acts reportedly include, but are not limited to, demands for unlawful payments in exchange for access to basic rights and privileges such as medical attention, movement within the facility, humane treatment and other services that inmates are legally entitled to without inducement.”

    Dakum alleged that these acts are carried out with the knowledge, consent or tacit approval of the officer, thereby creating an environment of fear, exploitation and injustice within the facility,

    He said such conducts, constitute serious violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, the Public Service Rules and the constitutional rights of inmates, as well as undermines public confidence in the correctional system, safety of inmates, officers and the administration of justice as a whole.

    “The situation is creating serious agitations among the inmates and unless you act fast, the situation may degenerate into chaos and the safety of the officers and inmates will be in danger.”

    The lawyer, therefore, demanded that “an independent and thorough investigation be instituted immediately into the allegations of extortion, abuse of office, and misconduct against the officers by subjecting their bank accounts to forensic investigations.

    “That the officers be redeployed or transferred to a non-sensitive post pending the conclusion of investigations, in order to preserve the integrity of the process and ensure the safety of my clients.

    “That appropriate disciplinary and legal actions be taken against the erring officers.”

    The lawyer said he was compelled to write the petition in the overriding public interest and the need to protect the rights and dignity of persons in custody.

    His words: “I trust in your office’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

    “However, in the unlikely event that No immediate action is taken, I shall not hesitate to petition other relevant law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for proper investigation.

    “I did not attach evidence of transfer of funds to the officers in issue in the interest of safety of my clients some of whom are still in their custody.”

    According to him, I shall present the evidence at your request.

  • IFTDO-CYWEE, Africa visits FIIRO

    IFTDO-CYWEE, Africa visits FIIRO

     

     

    In furtherance to strengthen partnership with key players in the agriculture value chains, IFTDO-CYWEE, Africa recently paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian foremost Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Nigeria recently for the purpose of collaboration
    and seeking transfer of technology and skills to empower women in agrobusiness across the country.

    Dr. Janet Jolaoso, Chairman CYWEE Africa and Asia lead the team to the Federal Agency on Technology in the country.

    The team was accorded warm reception by the FIIRO Director General, Dr. Jummai Tutuwa and her Management team during the visit.

    Dr. Jummai cordially welcomed Dr. Jolaoso and CYWEE members on the visit.

    In her welcome address, Dr. Jummai assured the visiting CYWEE team that the Agency will continue to accelerate industrialization and forge a sustainable partnership with key stakeholders including CYWEE in Nigeria, aim at enhancing social and economic activities in Nigeria.

    Dr. Janet Jolaoso in her response, shared the mission of CYWEE globally which is “to ensure equal opportunities for women, network, mobilize support and be in partnership with key stakeholders to correct the global gender imbalance”.

    She made a short presentation of IFTDO-CYWEE’s objectives, mode of operations, key Women and Youth empowerment projects executed and the need to reach out to FIIRO with the visit.

    She hinted that the purpose of the visit was to collaborate with the Agency in the areas of technology initiatives and skills transfer to empower women in the area of agrobusiness to fast track their production value chains through the help of technology and capacity building with locally fabricated machines by FIIRO to make life easy to them while pursuing means of living livelihood and contributing to the Nigerian Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in agriculture practice.

    Prof. Tayo George in her contribution said that CYWEE was looking for agency that can assist in the area of locally fabricated machines to process agriculture produce most especially gari and FIIRO came handy based on its pedigree in the technological innovative milestones.

    In her response, the FIIRO DG, Dr. Tutuwa confirmed that the needs of IFTDO-CYWEE Africa are within the mandates and capacity of the FIIRO. According to her “when it comes to local fabrication of equipment, the training for skills transfer and utilization of their products, FIIRO is an unrivalled premier Agency in Nigeria”.

    She expressed the Agency’s willingness and readiness to enter into Memorandum of Understanding with CYWEE and ready to work amicably for the mutual benefits of both organizations.

    To drive home their points on available Machines Fabrication and workability of the proposed mutual agreement, the FIIRO’s Director General lead her team and took CYWEE visiting team round the Agency’s Fabrication centre on a tour guide to various sections including Cassava Processing Plant.

    At the end of the Plant’s tour, Dr. Janet Jolaoso was engaged by the Press on her team’s impression and their purpose of the visit.

    In her response, she hinted that gari is the most stable food in Nigeria and cassava grow without much efforts.

    “There are many women in this business and that’s why CYWEE is looking for a way to collaborate with FIIRO in the area of fabrication of equipment product development and training for skills transfer which are beyond the reach of an average agrobusiness woman-entrepreneur.

    Mrs. Folake Davies, FIIRO’s Deputy Director, Planning, Technical Training Information Management informed the team and local press that the most important aspect of the Agency’s operations is the production and development of agriculture machineries, training of trainers as well as the end users.

    The Agency has done that over the years, “she said.

    The outcome of the visit will eventually yield the mutual agreement between the CYWEE and FIIRO on required machine fabrications, training and utilization of same to support women in agrobusiness under CYWEE scheme.

    Dr. Janet Jolaoso was accompanied on the visit by CYWEE members such as Prof. Tayo George, Engr. Rufus Adetoye, Dr. Olasunkade Azeez and Arc. Timothy Jolaoso.

  • Nigerian Army, Enugu Govt, Task Students On Innovation, Creativity, Self-Reliance 

    Nigerian Army, Enugu Govt, Task Students On Innovation, Creativity, Self-Reliance 

    Nigerian Army, Enugu Govt, Task Students On Innovation, Creativity, Self-Reliance
    The Enugu State Government has tasked students on embracing innovation, technology and creativity to build self-reliant individuals that becomes champions in their chosen careers in life.
    The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, gave the task at the 2026 Cultural and Scientific Display Day of Command Day Secondary School, Enugu.
    The theme of the  Day was: “Celebrating Nigerian Heritage and Innovation”.
    Ezeh noted that the state government had activated various platforms and programmes to ensure every student in the state remain attuned to latest innovative and technology ideas and knowledge to strive in a highly innovative world.
    According to him, I must appreciate the management and staff of the school for understanding and pushing innovation, science and technology to greater height and getting the students to believe is the best way to go.
    He said, “I am quite impress with the innovative and scientific display here today and from my accessment the innovative showcased so far have potential to be start-ups.
    “I have invited students of all levels especially innovators in this school to attend the Enugu Tech Festival holding between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 to showcase their ideas, meet with international innovation/tech leaders to learn and connect/network.”
    Speaking, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Nigerian Army, appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his unwavering commitment to the development of Army schools nationwide.
    Represented by Col. John Oshikoya, acting Commander, 105 Division Equipment Support, Fadairo thanked the commissioner, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, Chairman, Enugu East Traditional Rulers’ Council and other dignitaries that attended the event.
    In a welcome address, the Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, Enugu, Lt.-Col. Nuhu Abdulsalam, said that a Cultural and Scientific Fiesta (Day) provides a platform for deepening understanding, innovation, unity and mutual respect through intercultural interaction.
    Abdulsalam lauded the GOC and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA for approving and funding the 2026 Cultural and Scientific Display Day.
    “Culture represents the total way of life of a people encompassing their dressing, arts, language, music, religion, customs, morals, values and even evolving scientific innovations.
    “These are preserved and transmitted through the process of enculturation.
    “It is in recognition of the importance of these life-shaping elements that the management of this school, in its wisdom and foresight, deliberately integrated cultural and scientific exhibitions into our core educational experience.
    “This is with the aim of producing well-rounded and responsible individuals for the society,” he said.
  • Osun 2026: PDP state, federal lawmakers endorse Adeleke

    Osun 2026: PDP state, federal lawmakers endorse Adeleke

    Ahead of the August 8 governorship election in Osun State, members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state have endorsed the Accord Party and its candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the lawmakers’ stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

    NAN reports that Adeleke defected from the PDP to the Accord Party on December 9, 2025, to seek re-election.

    The communiqué, read by the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, stated that the endorsement of Adeleke was based on his performance in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability.

    “Having reviewed the performance of the governor in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability, we unanimously endorse and give our total support to His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for a second term in office in the interest of continuity, stability, and sustained progress for Osun State,” it said.

    The communiqué, however, stated that the political realignments in the state do not in any way diminish the strength, structure, or grassroots support of the governor and the PDP in the state.

    “The party remains united and firmly established at the National Assembly caucus level, State Assembly level, Executive Council, local governments, wards, and grassroots structures across the state,” it said.

    The lawmakers also said they passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the PDP Chairman in the state, Mr Sunday Bisi, the State Working Committee, and the leadership of the party in all the 30 local government and area offices, as well as the 332 wards in the state.

    “We say unequivocally that they remain the executives of the party in Osun State.

    “Any individual or group parading themselves as alternative leadership does not have the backing of the duly elected National and State Assembly caucus of the party in Osun State and should not be accorded legitimacy,” the communiqué said.

    The communiqué also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the local government crisis in the state.

    The lawmakers said the continued withholding of local government allocations due to the state was causing avoidable hardship for teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, local government civil servants, retirees, and traditional institutions at the grassroots.

    “We call on His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to give a directive to the illegal occupants to vacate immediately to avert crises.

    “PDP as a party and the government in the state are law-abiding, and that is why we have chosen the path of peace and the path of law, not to throw the state into crisis,” it said.

    The lawmakers called on the people of the state to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and steadfast in the defence of democracy and good governance.

    NAN reports that five members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the PDP on Saturday officially defected to the All Progressives Congress in the state.

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