Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Presenting Chief Architect of Half Salaries as a Youth-Friendly Candidate Is Political Mockery

    Presenting Chief Architect of Half Salaries as a Youth-Friendly Candidate Is Political Mockery

     

    (Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State)

     

    –  APC Should Seek Forgiveness, Not Attempt Manipulation

     

    By  Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

    Oshogbo (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  It is important to remind the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Osun youths are not politically naive, emotionally detached, or historically amnesic. They remember clearly how the state was under APC’s failed government, how their homes suffered, and who the helmsman was over that period of pain.

    The recent attempt by the APC and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to parade familiar promises of a “youth-friendly government” is therefore not only hollow, it is insulting. Presenting one of the chief architects of the half-salary era as a youth-friendly candidate is irrefutably political mockery of the highest order.

    The gallery of history has shown that Osun youths do not vote based on slogans or manipulative statements. They vote from lived experience. They remember the era when payment of salaries were neglected, when pensioners were abandoned, and when parents could not plan their lives. They remember the anxiety in their homes when school fees became a burden and survival became a daily struggle.

    That period did lasting damage. When parents were unpaid or underpaid, the burden shifted to young people. When pensioners were ignored, they became unintended liabilities on their children. Many youths were pushed into frustration, despair, and uncertainty. This is the reality the APC now wants Osun people to forget.

    Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke is deliberately prioritizing welfare of the people, and creating an enabling environment for the safe actualization of dreams, and aspirations of young people. He understands that if parents are in trouble, their children will suffer.

    That is why his administration pays salaries promptly and in full. That is why pensions are paid as and when due, and payment of arrears that he did not owe are being addressed. That is why minimum wage has been implemented and improved upon. These are conscious decisions rooted in empathy, not politics.

    If parents cannot pay school fees, the consequences are disastrous. Dreams are disrupted, confidence is broken, and frustration deepens. Governor Adeleke understands this human reality and has restored dignity to workers and retirees. Today, families can plan again, homes are stable, and youths can focus on their future instead of survival.

    Beyond this, the administration’s strong local content policies are empowering artisans, traders, and small business owners. These are majorly youths, and parents who can now earn honestly and support their children. When parents are economically active, youths are shielded from social pressure and desperation.

    This is what genuine youth-friendly governance looks like in practice, not in propaganda.

    For the sake of posterity, instead of attempting to manipulate Osun youths with recycled narratives, the APC should seek forgiveness for the hardship inflicted on families during its time in government. No amount of rebranding can erase pain without accountability and remorse.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke remains confident of the people’s support because his government has reduced pain, restored dignity, and governed with a human face. Osun youths feel the difference. Osun homes feel the difference. And they are determined never to return to an era that broke families and strained the future of a generation.

    It’s pertinent to state clearly that Osun youths have already made their choice in Governor Adeleke because the 2026 election will not be decided by political tricks or empty promises.

    (Mallam Olawale Rasheed is
    Spokesperson to the State Governor)

     

    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

  • Leadership dispute: Court to hear Turaki-led PDP motion for stay in Wike-led PDP’s suit

    Leadership dispute: Court to hear Turaki-led PDP motion for stay in Wike-led PDP’s suit

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, fixed Jan. 23 for hearing of the application for stay of further proceedings filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against a suit instituted by a faction of the party in the camp of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to allow counsel for plaintiffs, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, respond to the motion for stay.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Wike-led PDP and its acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, alongside Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary, had filed the suit.

    The plaintiffs, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025, had sought an order of injunction, restraining the Turaki-led leadership (5th to 25 defendants) from parading themselves as representatives of the PDP in any capacity whatsoever.

    They also prayed the court to stop the police and Department of State Services (DSS) from allowing Turaki-led leadership access to the party’s national secretariat at Wadara Plaza in Abuja.

    Besides, they sought an order of injunction, restraining the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any other office address or any other address from the Turaki-led leadership as the PDP’s office address other than as already contained in the commission’s records, among other reliefs.

    The plaintiffs prayed the court to declare that INEC, police and the DSS are constitutionally bound to enforce and give full effect to the decisions of the Federal High Court in the judgments and ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho and Justice Peter Lifu.

    Justice Abdulmalik had earlier granted an ex-parte motion brought by the plaintiffs directing parties not to take any action pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

    Following the order, the Turaki-led PDP challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal.

    They also filed an application for the court to stay proceedings in the suit pending the decision of the Appeal Court.

    The Turaki-led leadership, through their lawyer, equally filed a motion on notice asking Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself from the case.

    They argued that there exists a reasonable and well-founded apprehension of likelihood of bias against them in the manner the suit had been handled by the judge.

    NAN reports that Justice Abdulmalik had, on Dec. 5, 2025, adjourned the matter to Jan. 14 to allow parties regularised their processes and for hearing of all pending applications and the substantive suit.

    When the case was called on Wednesday, lawyer to the plaintiffs, Ikpeazu, informed the court that on the last adjourned date, the court ruled that all pending applications would be taken together with the substantive case.

    He said they were ready to proceed.

    But Chief Chris Uche, SAN, who appeared for the Turaki-led leadership of the PDP, informed the court that on Dec. 5 when the matter came up, they drew the attention of the judge to the motion for recusal, asking her to withdraw from the case.

    The lawyer said the court then adjourned the matter for the plaintiffs to respond to their motion.

    Uche said though Justice Abdulmalik made an order pending their motion for recusal, they had filed an appeal against the order.

    “We filed an appeal against my lord’s decision and we have a duty to report to your lordship that, that appeal has now been entered in Court of Appeal numbered: CA/ABJ/CV/1770/2025.

    “We have also filed an affidavit of facts of entering of the appeal in order to bring to your knowledge the entry of the appeal.

    “Records have been fully transmitted and the plaintiffs are very much aware and have taken steps to filed processes in the appeal,” he said.

    Uche, who said the processes were already before the court, added that a motion for stay of further proceedings in the suit pending the appeal had also been filed.

    According to him, it is trite and beyond dispute that once an appeal has been entered, the trial court is ceased to take further proceedings or further hearing in the suit.

    He cited a 2021 case of Secondus vs. Ibaochi Alex to back his argument

    He, therefore, prayed the court to stay proceedings pending the determination of their appeal and urged the court to adjourn the matter sine die (indefinitely).

    Responding, Ikpeazu admitted that though an appeal had been filed, the lawyer argued that an appeal in a matter does not automatically translate into a stay of execution or proceedings.

    He argued that in determining whether or not to proceed, the nature of the appeal is utmost relevant.

    “By virtue of Order 4, Rules 11(2) of the Court of Appeal rules, Sub. 1 provides for a basis for the application they have just made but Sub. 2 limits the scope of the Sub. 1,” he said quoting the section.

    He argued that a stay cannot be granted if an appeal does not affect the subject matter of the suit.

    “The bottom line is the appeal is against the interlocutory decision of my lord,” he said, arguing that the court has the inherent power to made an order for parties to stay action while the subject matter is determined.

    Ikpeazu further stated that based on the rules of the Federal High Court (FHC), the judge had done rightly by the order.

    Besides, he submitted that the defence had not filed any application to set aside the ruling.

    He, therefore, urged the court to proceed with the proceedings, having earlier made order to take all the pending applications.

    But Justice Abdulmalik asked Ikpeazu if he had been served with the application for stay and he responded that they were only served the previous day.

    “We were served very late yesterday my lord,” he said.

    He said he could respond to the application on points of law.

    But the judge held that Ikpeazu should filed a formal application in response to the motion for stay.

    Justice Abdulmalik consequently adjourned the matter until Jan. 23 for hearing of the application for an order staying further proceedings in the suit.

    The Turaki-led leadership of the party, in the motion on notice filed by Uche, had prayed the judge to withdraw from the suit and remit the case file to the chief judge (CJ) for re-assignment to another judge for determination on its merit.

    Giving twelve grounds while their application should be considered, Uche argued that the right to fair hearing is constitutionally guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including the right to an impartial tribunal.

    The senior lawyer said the 5th to 25th defendants/applicants, in the motion, had formally petitioned the CJ of FHC, requesting that no case concerning the internal affairs or disputes of PDP be assigned to Justice Abdulmalik and two other judges of the Abuja judicial division due to past antecedents and perceived partisanship in similar matters.

    According to Uche, the suit which was filed only on Nov. 21, 2025, got its way into His Lordship’s court and on Nov. 25, 2025, the judge made an ex-parte against the defendants in a format and template that was curious and in alliance with the format and template utilised by Hon. Justice Omotosho of the same court against the defendants.

    He said while giving the impression on paper that the prayers in the motion were being refused, yet the judge granted even more far-reaching orders against the defendants in fact, which similarity and pattern exceed coincidence.

    Uche said the orders made ex-parte by the judge when there was no real urgency touched directly on and determined the main substance of the suit at such a preliminary and interim stage.

  • Federal Polytechnic Ayede Strengthens Skills Agenda with Understudy Visit to Federal Polytechnic Offa

    Federal Polytechnic Ayede Strengthens Skills Agenda with Understudy Visit to Federal Polytechnic Offa

    In a strategic move to deepen skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has undertaken an understudy visit to the Skills Development Centre of The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The visit, which took place on Monday, 12 January 2026, underscores the Ayede institution’s commitment to building a robust, sustainable, and nationally compliant skills development framework.

    The delegation was led by Mr. Owojori Oluwaseun Christopher, Acting Director, Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED), Federal Polytechnic Ayede, and was warmly received by the management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The visit was designed to provide firsthand exposure to best practices in the establishment, operation, and sustainability of a functional skills development centre, in line with Nigeria’s national skills policies.

    During a comprehensive tour of the Skills Development Centre, the Coordinator, Engr. Tech. Alabi Abdullateef, guided the Ayede delegation through the centre’s operational structure. He explained the processes involved in infrastructure development, programme design, and delivery, as well as the centre’s alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), National Skills Qualification (NSQ), and Mandatory Skills Qualification (MSQ). The session offered practical insights into training modules and quality assurance mechanisms that drive effective Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

    Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Owojori commended the management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa and the Skills Development Centre for their remarkable achievements. He described the institution as a trailblazer in TVET and skills acquisition, noting that its consistent emphasis on practical, industry-relevant training has earned it national recognition. He assured the host institution that lessons drawn from the visit would be diligently implemented at Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s CSAED to strengthen capacity building, entrepreneurship development, and community service delivery.

    The understudy visit followed a formal request by the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), whose visionary leadership continues to prioritize innovation, skills development, and strategic partnerships. The Rector had earlier commended the Rector of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, and his management team for their outstanding performance in skills development and effective implementation of national vocational training frameworks.

    Operating under the motto “Skills, Knowledge and Industry,” The Federal Polytechnic Offa continues to attract partnerships and understudy visits from institutions across the country. For Federal Polytechnic Ayede, the engagement marks another significant step under the proactive leadership of Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE), reinforcing the institution’s resolve to produce skilled, entrepreneurial graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.

  • Untitled post 82183

     

     

     

    By Aliyu Mofoluwaso Raheem

    There was jubilation in Ayede community, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government of Oyo State, on Tuesday, as the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede announced plans to relocate to the permanent of theu institution in Ayede in February.

    The announcement was made during an engagement meeting between the management of the Polytechnic and the host community at the permanent site.

    The Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo, informed the gathering that the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution would hold at the permanent site on February 12, 2026.

    The Rector disclosed that a series of activities had been lined up for the maiden convocation, including a press conference scheduled for February 9, 2026, also at Ayede.

    Dr. Ojo urged members of the host community to prepare adequately and actively participate in the historic event, describing it as a major milestone in the life of the institution.

    According to him, the decision to hold the first convocation at the permanent site aligns with the promise earlier made by the Rector during a familiarisation tour in 2021 that the polytechnic would eventually relocate to Ayede.

    “The management has decided to first conduct the maiden convocation here and thereafter commence full relocation to the permanent site this February,” he said.

    He appealed to the host community for support, particularly in the areas of security and accommodation for staff and students.

    The Rector also identified poor access roads as one of the challenges that had delayed the relocation but expressed optimism that the situation would soon improve, following the pledge by a prominent son of the soil to construct the road from Idi-Araba to Ayede before the onset of the rainy season.

    The Polytechnic Librarian who is also the Chairman of the coming convocation ceremony, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, intimated the gathering with thw lined up activities for the events and enjoined the communities to participate in the programmes.

    Responding on behalf of the host community, a member of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic and community representative, Prof. Olajide Ajao, assured the management of peaceful coexistence.

    He noted that Ogbomosoland has a long history of hosting higher institutions without incidents of conflict between students and indigenes, citing institutions that have existed for decades in the area.

    “Ogbomoso people are law-abiding, and we assure the management of one hundred percent cooperation,” Prof. Ajao said.

    Also speaking, Mr. Solomon Adeyanju expressed profound gratitude to the management, describing the announcement as a source of immense joy to the community.

    He recalled that the establishment of the Polytechnic at a temporary site had initially attracted ridicule but said hosting the maiden convocation at Ayede had silenced critics.

    Adeyanju appealed to the management to consider providing more employment opportunities for members of the host community.

    In his remarks, Dr. Okun Adepoju assured the management of the safety of staff and students, stating that since construction began at the permanent site, there had been no incidents of theft or disruption.

    He added that efforts were ongoing to ensure adequate accommodation for both staff and students.

    One of the community leaders, Mr. Matthew Adedokun, commended the Rector for his achievements and urged the management to properly orientate students on the norms and values of the host community.

    Similarly, Mr. Adetayo Ajiboye described the news as heartwarming, saying the relocation fulfilled long-held aspirations of the Ayede people.

    Speaking at event, the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Akin Odesola, represented by Deputy Rebistrar, Mr. G. K. Olantinwo, called on residents to treat incoming students as their own children, while urging the community to report any erring students to appropriate authorities.

    The Director of Academic Planning, Dr. T. M. Adepoju, in her vote of thanks, commended the synergy between the management and the host community.

    Courtesy: Pannigeriannews

  • Alleged certificate forgery: Court to hear UNN’s objection in ex-minister’s suit

    Alleged certificate forgery: Court to hear UNN’s objection in ex-minister’s suit

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, fixed Feb. 26 for hearing of the preliminary objection filed by the University of Nigeria, Nsuka (UNN) against a suit instituted by the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

    Justice Hauwa Yilwa fixed the date to allow the 3rd to 7th defendants, through their counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, served the preliminary objection on the 1st and 2nd defendants who were not represented in court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit are Minister of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    The UNN had jointly filed the preliminary objection alongside its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar of UNN; a former acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguenjiofor Ujam; and the Senate of the university who are 3rd to 7th respondents respectively.

    They had prayed the court to strike out the ex-minister’s suit for being statute barred.

    They also urged Justice Yilwa to strike out the motion on notice for prerogative writs for being incompetent and wrongly commenced.

    NAN reports that Nnaji had filed the suit
    following allegations of certificate forgery levelled against him.

    The former minister, in an ex-parte motion, had sought an order granting him leave to issue prerogative writs prohibiting the university and its officials from “tampering with” or continuing to “tamper with” his academic records, among others.

    Nnaji, in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, sued the Minister of Education, the NUC, UNN and Ortuanya as 1st to 4th respondents.

    He also joined the Registrar of UNN; Ujam and the Senate of the university as 5th to 7th respondents respectively.

    He sought the leave to issue a prerogative writ of mandamus compelling the university and its officials to release his academic transcript to him, and asked the Minister of Education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to do so.

    He equally sought an interim injunction restraining UNN and its officials from “tampering” with his academic records pending the determination of the substantive suit, among others.

    But in their preliminary objection, they prayed the court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

    They also sought an order awarding substantial costs in favour of the 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants.

    In a nine-ground of argument, they said the motion ex-parte for leave was not filed within three three months of the occurrence of the subject matter.

    They argued that this was contrary to Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Section 2 (a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004, which rendered the entire proceedings incompetent and rob this court of jurisdiction.

    “The substantive motion for prerogative orders was wrongly brought by motion on notice instead of an originating motion as required under Order 34Rule 5 (1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

    “The application is incompetent, premature, speculative there being no prior request or denial of release of academic records or any evidence of interference with the applicant’s academic records prior to the commencement of this action,” they said.

    They equally argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain “matters concerning student academic records, examinations, results and transcripts.

    They argue that the matter is not proceedings arising from the administration or management of any agency within the exclusive jurisdiction in Section 251(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    They also argued that internal remedy has not been exhausted and the applicants’ fundamental rights has not been breached.

    Besides, they said no reasonable cause of action was disclosed against the 3rd to 7th respondents, particularly the 4th respondent, Prof. Ortuanya, who acted solely in his official capacity as VC of UNN, among others.

    When the case was called on Tuesday, Uche who appeared for the 3rd to 7th defendants, said the matter was to hear their objections.

    Although Nnaji’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, acknowledged the receipt of the preliminary objection, there was no proof of service of such in the court record to show that the 1st and 2nd defendants had been served.

    Justice Yilwa then adjourned the matter until Feb. 26 and ordered that the Minister of Education and NUC, who are 1st and 2nd defendants, be served with the process.

  • NSC orders suspension of port charge increases nationwide

    NSC orders suspension of port charge increases nationwide

     Jan. 13, 2026, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies, agents and terminal operators to suspend all reviews or increases in port charges to restore stability and ensure transparent stakeholders engagement.
    The directive was issued by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, through the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Mrs Rebecca Adamu, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Akutah said all terminal operators, shipping agents and shipping companies must refrain from implementing new tariff adjustments until meaningful consultations with stakeholders have been concluded.
    He noted that recent port charge reviews were conducted strictly within the council’s statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator.
    “All tariff reviews conducted were transparent, structured, and followed a well-defined regulatory process,” Akutah said.
    According to him, the review processes involved detailed technical assessments and consultative engagements with affected service providers.
    This, he emphasised, was to evaluate cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations and regulatory compliance.
    Akutah explained that such engagements did not amount to automatic approval of new charges, noting that final decisions were made only after rigorous internal, technical and financial assessments.
    He added that the assessments were guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks and prevailing economic conditions.
    “Notwithstanding these processes, shipping companies, agents and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until proper stakeholder engagement has been conducted,” he said.
    The NSC boss warned that the council would take strict action against any service provider found disrupting port operations, stressing its authority to enforce compliance under existing laws.
    “Transparency, fairness and stakeholder participation remain fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria,” Akutah said.
    He reassured port users and operators of the council’s commitment to protecting stakeholders’ interests, promoting fair competition and ensuring a predictable and stable business environment in the maritime sector.
    Akutah also noted that the NSC is empowered to apply sanctions, including enforcement measures outlined in relevant regulatory frameworks, against defaulting operators.
    The directive followed protests on Monday by members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and other freight forwarders, who shut down the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office in Apapa over increased charges.
    The MSC had raised the Import Documentation Fee for 20-foot containers from N45,000 to N58,500 and for 40-foot containers from N72,000 to N93,600, while additional port charges increased from N50,000 to N80,000 for 20-foot containers and from N100,000 to N160,000 for 40-foot containers.
    The NSC said its intervention was aimed at ensuring fair consultation, preventing further disruptions and maintaining harmony in port operations while balancing the interests of service providers and port users.
  • Army offers free medical treatment to Sokoto community

    Army offers free medical treatment to Sokoto community

    Army offers free medical treatment to Sokoto community

    The Nigerian Army, has provided free medical treatment to Tsefe community and environs, a suburb of Sokoto as part of 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

    Inaugurating the exercise on Tuesday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the initiative aimed to improve healthcare delivery in communities.

    Ajose, who also serves as the Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAR YANMA, was represented by the Commander 108 Equipment Support, Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Musa..

    He said AFCRD was enshrined to reflect on the sacrifices, dedication of our fallen heros who selflessly laid down their lives for the peace, unity and security of the country along with those that suffered various ailments.

    He explained that it was also celebrate the commitment of the present servicemen as way of encouraging their dedication to defending the sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of the country.

    The GOC reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while calling on the community to continue supporting security agencies in the quest for lasting peace.

    He enjoyed communities to properly utilise the opportunity through accessing the medication and cares providing by team of doctors and other auxiliary healthcare workers.

    The Commander, 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Brig.-Gen. David Ibeh, said the effort was to support the community by addressing immediate health challenges through free medical consultations, treatment, and distribution of essential drugs particularly for women, children, and the elderly.

    Ibeh said the medical outreach is a demonstration of Nigerian Armed Forces commitment to both national security and improving well-being of the citizens.

    He said the choice of Tsefe community was deliberate, considering its proximity to Giginya Barrack and the prevailing needs to foster increased mutual relationships between Nigerian Armed Forces and communities.

    Responding, the Village Head of Tsefe, Alhaji Muhammadu Tsefe, expressed gratitude to the Army for the initiative, describing it as timely and commendable.

    Tsefe said the gesture reflects the Army’s dedication to supporting host communities while fulfilling its constitutional mandate and pray for souls of fallen heroes who sacrifices for the nation.

    .“We pray for continuous guidance and protection for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their service to the nation,” he said.

    The exercise witnessed distribution of treated mosquito nets, medical consultations, diagnostics, distribution of eye glasses and medications.

  • Youth Groups urge Ndarani, SAN to contest Niger South senate seat, pledge support

    Youth Groups urge Ndarani, SAN to contest Niger South senate seat, pledge support

    Youth Groups urge Ndarani, SAN to contest Niger South senate seat, pledge support

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Two prominent youth-based groups in Niger State have formally called on Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, to declare his interest in contesting the Niger South (Zone A) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

    They cited his record of philanthropy, grassroots engagement and leadership credentials as some reasons behind their call.

    The members of the groups who came in there large numbers made the presentation at a brief ceremony in Abuja on Monday

    The Niger South Coalition of Youth Groups, in a letter endorsed by its Coordinator, Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad Gangwa, said the decision to propose Ndarani’s candidacy followed extensive consultations across the eight local government areas of the zone.

    The coalition described Ndarani as the preferred choice of youths, noting that his public popularity, community presence and consistent service to humanity have positioned him as a beacon of hope for improved political leadership and effective representation.

    According to the coalition, Ndarani’s experience, expertise and international exposure would add value to deliberations in the upper legislative chamber.

    The group pledged to publicly present and support his candidacy and further undertook to purchase the required nomination forms, describing the move as a people-driven initiative aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

    Similarly, the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM) also urged the legal luminary to vie for the Senate, declaring him the most qualified candidate to represent Niger South.

    In a separate letter signed by its Chairman, Hon. Theophilus A. Mamman, the group said its support was anchored on Ndarani’s distinguished academic background, professional accomplishments as a SAN and his personal attributes of humility, empathy, philanthropy and effective communication.

    The group noted that Ndarani’s qualities have made him a unifying figure capable of driving meaningful development and elevating the status of Niger South at the national level.

    It stressed that the zone requires his vision, passion and expertise in the Senate to advance the interests of the people.

    Responding, Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani,SAN, the Hukunchi Nupe and Hukunchi Kasan Hausa, appreciated them for the visit and for calling on him to contest for Senatorial seat in 2027.

    He assured them that he would answer their calls at an appropriate time after due consultation.

    “I am so delighted and overwhelmed that you people have come down to pay me a courtesy visit and to ask me to contest for the seat of Senate, Niger South Senatorial district, Zone A come 2027.

    “This your Clarion Call is a call for service to humanity.

    “I am very optimistic that by the special grace of God, I will do a robust consultation and I will come with a very informed position that is going to help us all, Nupe extraction, Nupe Kingdom and Niger State,” he said.

    He said, “I will consult widely with my family members, friends, associates and other critical stakeholders before communicating my decision to the groups

    He urged them to continue to advocate for good people to vie for leadership positions in the interest of peace and development of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

    The learned silk commended the initiative and the confidence reposed in him.

    In a goodwill message, Engr. Mohammed Dagachi Etsugaie, the National President of Community Association for Grassroots Transformation (CAGRAT) who said he was at the historic occasion as a civil society runner and friend of Ndarani
    described him as a man of integrity whose past records of achievements speak volumes.

    He said it was a positive development in politics when people voluntarily consider and invite an individual to contest for public office in a representative democracy.

    Engr Dagachi noted that such a call reflects trust and the belief that the person would offer quality representation.

    According to him, the youths’ decision underscores their conviction that Ndarani’s presence in the Senate would translate into effective advocacy and tangible benefits for Niger South.

    Speakers, after the speaker in their goodwill messages, extolled the virtues of the legal icon in their approval for his Senatorial Candidacy.

  • Federal Polytechnic Ayede Celebrates Alh. Rasheedat Oladepo (FCA), Pioneer Bursar of Integrity

    Federal Polytechnic Ayede Celebrates Alh. Rasheedat Oladepo (FCA), Pioneer Bursar of Integrity

     

    (The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle AbdulHameed – building FEDPA into a hub for innovation and youth entrepreneurship)

     

    Alhaja Rasheedat Oladepo (FCA), the Pioneer Bursar of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, stands tall as a shining example of integrity, accountability, and disciplined financial stewardship within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

    As she marks her birthday, the institution and its stakeholders celebrate not just the passage of another year, but a legacy of prudent leadership that has helped lay a solid financial foundation for the Polytechnic.

    Fondly nicknamed “Mama Kosowo” by colleagues and staff—a proof to her watchful eye over public funds—Alhaja Oladepo earned the name through her uncommon prudence, transparency, and zero tolerance for waste.

    Under her leadership, financial processes were strengthened, resources were judiciously managed, and trust in the institution’s fiscal operations was firmly established.

    A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Alhaja Oladepo brought to office a wealth of professional experience, blending technical competence with deep ethical values.

    As a pioneer officer, her role went beyond routine administration; she helped shape systems, policies, and standards that continue to guide the Polytechnic’s financial governance.

    Her service reflects a rare balance of firmness and compassion—ensuring accountability while supporting institutional growth. Through dedication and selfless commitment, she has contributed significantly to the stability and credibility of Federal Polytechnic Ayede in its formative years.

    On this special occasion, the Polytechnic community celebrates a woman of financial excellence and grace. May Allah increase Alhaja Rasheedat Oladepo (FCA) in wisdom, grant her sound health, long life, and reward her invaluable service with continued strength and enduring honour.