Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Emir of Ilorin Appoints Sheikh Muhammad Bashir as Chief Imam of Ilorin

    Emir of Ilorin Appoints Sheikh Muhammad Bashir as Chief Imam of Ilorin

     

    By Biola Lawal

    ILORIN – The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has  appointed Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the Chief Imam Fulani of Ilorin Emirate.

    The appointment followed a rigorous selection process in which Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani emerged victorious among several distinguished scholars vying for this prestigious spiritual leadership position.

    This was announced in a statement by Dr.  Abdulraheem Muritala, the Personal Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin on Thursday

    About the New Chief Imam

    Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, aged 42, is a grandson of the 8th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Ibrahim Dasuki Imam Fulani Agaka, and the son of the 10th Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Maliki bn Dasuki Agaka.

    Prior to his appointment, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir was the founder and proprietor of Darul Bisharah Arabic and Islamic Studies, Airport Egbejila, Ilorin. He also served as the Imam leading daily and weekly Jumu’ah prayers at Afsat Oloriegbe Memorial Mosque, Oko Olowo, Ilorin.

    Additionally, he is a presenter of the Al-Bisharah Islamic Foundation radio program on Radio Kwara during Ramadan and teaches at Darul Kitab College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin.

    Educational Background

    · Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin: Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies (M.Sc. Islamic Studies in view)
    · Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt (2014): Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Islamic Shari’ah
    · Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Institute of Education): Diploma in Arabic Islamic Education
    · Darul Kitab wa Sunnah, Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin (2007): SSCE
    · Oke Suna LGEA Primary School, Ilorin

    Emir’s Remarks

    In his remarks, the Emir offered prayers for the new Chief Imam’s successful reign, wishing him long life, sound health, and divine wisdom to effectively pilot the affairs of the Muslim Ummah.

    “Amin. Long live the Ilorin Emirate. Shehu, Shehu, Shehu, wallahu yazimuka mina nas, amin,” the Emir declared.

     

  • Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman, 3 rescued

    Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman, 3 rescued

     

    By Olajide Idowu

    Osogbo:  The Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun, Debo Farounbi, was on Tuesday night abducted by gunmen in Ora-Igbomina town.

    It was learnt that the gunmen invaded the community around 10 p.m., firing sporadically to scare residents.

    An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen also abducted three other persons but were confronted by military personnel at the border community.

    It was further gathered that the ensuing gun duel led to the rescue of the three victims, while the vice chairman was taken away into the bush.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and assured that a tactical team had been deployed to secure the victim’s release.

    “I want to assure the people of the state to remain calm.

    “The situation is under control, and our men are on the ground for the rescue operation,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.com)

  • Court adjourns property dispute suit against Iyabo Obasanjo, others until July 9

    Court adjourns property dispute suit against Iyabo Obasanjo, others until July 9

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned a suit filed against Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo and others over an Abuja property until July 9 for hearing.

    The suit, which was before Justice Mohammed Umar as at March 30, had now been reassigned back to Justice Inyang Ekwo, who was earlier handling the case.

    The matter, which was on number 8 on the day’s cause list, however, could not proceed and was fixed for July 9 for further mention.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observes that hearing in the suit had suffered several adjournments due to the attitude of the parties.

    On March 30 when the case came up before Justice Umar, neither the plaintiffs’ lawyer nor the defendants’ counsel was in court and the case was fixed for June 10.

    Justice Umar had, on Jan. 6, fixed March 30 for the matter following the absence of the lawyers in court.

    When the case came up on Oct. 2, 2025, hearing could not equally proceed.

    Counsel for the plaintiffs, Abniyilo Na’allah, had sought an adjournment following inability to serve the defendants in the suit as no lawyer appeared for the defence.

    The plaintiffs; ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Amb. Yohana Margif, had dragged Sen. Obasanjo and other co-defendants to court over dispute on a landed property.

    The property is located at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, measuring approximately 1.67Ha in Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja.

    Other defendants in the suit are the former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda; Ismail Iron; John Mbata; Jamaila Sani Alhassan; Altine Jibrin, and unknown persons as 2nd to 7th defendants respectfully.

    The case was formerly before Justice Ekwo before Justice Umar took over last year, and now reassigned back to Ekwo for adjudication.

    Justice Ekwo had, on Jan. 28, 2025, refused to grant the the ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiffs after it was moved by Na’allah.

    The applicants had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents from entering, trespassing, altering or modifying the property known as Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04.

    The plot is approximately 1.67Ha, Asokoro, Asokoro District Abuja.

    The judge, instead, directed the plaintiffs to put the defendants on notice in order to hear from them why the prayer should not be granted.

    The plaintiffs had filed the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/67/2025 dated Jan. 13, 2025, but filed Jan. 17, 2025 by Na’allah.

    In their six-ground argument, the applicants said they were agitated with the fear of the defendants trespassing or altering the property belonging to them.

    They said they were the rightful owners of the land by virtue of the statutory Right of Occupancy granted to them.

    “That the plaintiffs/applicants have been in quiet and peaceful possession of the land without any challenge from the defendants/respondents or anyone at all.

    “It will occasion serious miscarriage of justice against the plaintiffs/applicants if the defendants/respondents are allowed to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs.

    “Allowing the defendants/respondents to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs will destroy the res and render the judgment of this court nugatory,” they said.

    The applicants said irreparable damage would be caused to them if the defendants were not restrained.

    Margif, in the affidavit he deposed to, stated that the company (1st plaintiff) was allocated the parcel of land by the Federal Capital Development Adminstration (FCDA) covered by a Statutory Right of Occupancy with new issued date of May 23, 2006.

    He said the company intended to start developing the said land in compliance with terms contained on the statutory Right of Occupancy and other guiding rules and laws within the FCT.

    He alleged that the recent activities of the defendants, including Sen. Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, had become worrisome.

    Margif prayed the court to grant their application in the interest of justice.

  • Skilled Worker Visa: UK may consider easing immigration rules for Nigerians, others

    Skilled Worker Visa: UK may consider easing immigration rules for Nigerians, others

     

    The United Kingdom government is currently considering relaxing certain skilled work visa rules by potentially lowering strict salary thresholds across several immigration routes.

    This move comes on the heels of recommendations from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) aimed at balancing labor shortages with competitive wage standards.

    If officially implemented, these proposed adjustments will directly expand employment and migration pathways for skilled professionals from Nigeria, India, and other non-EU countries.

    A key recommendation from the MAC is to reduce occupation-specific salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker visa route.

    The committee proposes that salary requirements for individual occupations be based on the 25th percentile of earnings instead of the current median salary benchmark.

    This would effectively lower the minimum salary employers must offer for many sponsored roles.

    However, the MAC recommends retaining the overall salary threshold of £41,700, while also presenting an alternative option of £48,400 for government consideration.

    The proposed adjustment could improve access to sponsored roles in sectors such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, construction, and education, where employers continue to face recruitment challenges.

    The advisory body also recommended introducing a single salary threshold of £33,400 for new entrants under the Skilled Worker route.

    The proposal is aimed at making it easier for younger professionals and recent graduates to enter the UK labour market without requiring employers to meet salary levels typically associated with experienced workers.

    In another notable recommendation, the MAC proposed scrapping salary discounts currently available to applicants holding PhD qualifications.

    Where postdoctoral salary concessions remain necessary, the committee suggests replacing them with a single threshold of £41,700, applicable for up to four years.

    The proposed changes also extend to Global Business Mobility routes used by multinational companies to transfer staff into the UK.

    For Senior or Specialist Workers and UK Expansion Workers, the MAC recommends aligning salary requirements with median earnings for each eligible occupation.

    Graduate Trainees would be subject to a single salary threshold of £33,400, with occupation-specific salary requirements removed.

    The committee also proposed a minimum salary threshold of £30,900 for jobs on the Temporary Shortage List, with employers still required to meet market-rate pay levels.

    The development comes after reports that the UK recently increased visa application fees across multiple categories.

    Short-term visit visas of up to six months rose from £127 to £135, while two-year visas increased to £506 from £475. Five-year and ten-year visit visas now cost £903 and £1,128 respectively.

    The fee adjustments also affected transit, study, and family visa routes as part of broader immigration cost changes.

  • Panic as stage collapses during Imole canvassers’ launch in Ijebu-Jesa

    Panic as stage collapses during Imole canvassers’ launch in Ijebu-Jesa

    Panic broke out in Ijebu-Jesa on Wednesday when the stage where Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries sat collapsed during the launch of the Imole Canvassers.

     

    The event was organised by the Accord Party candidate for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Pelumi Olajengbesi.

     

    According to the organiser, the Imole Canvassers, numbering 10,000, are expected to take Governor Ademola Adeleke’s good governance message to all corners of the federal constituency and Osun East Senatorial District at large.

     

    In a video obtained from the event, the stage caved in immediately after the governor stood up to address the audience.

  • Stakeholders endorse tourism safety, security conference

    Shola Ilupeju, Organiser

    Travel Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited, organisers of the forthcoming National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Trade Show, has revealed the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), and others in staging the first edition of the tourism and security conference.
    The Chief Executive Officer of Travel Marketing Partner, Mr Shola Ilupeju, a seasoned tourism expert and promoter of trade shows, disclosed with delight this development, as he unveiled the various collaborators for the tourism conference and plans to host a landmark event.
    Ilupeju noted that the conference, which is a broad-based event requires the partnership of allied sectors and Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government, hence array of partners extending support to the event, including the Nigeria Military and other security agencies.
    Speaking on the details of the event, Ilupeju said; ‘‘the National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Exhibition, is an initiative aimed at strengthening safety, security, and resilience within Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem through the deployment of modern technologies, policy dialogue, and stakeholder collaboration.’’
    With the theme: Safe and Secure Destination: Key to Sustainable Tourism Development, he said it is designed to achieve the following: Provide a national platform for discussing tourism safety and security challenges; Showcase modern security and safety technologies relevant to tourism destinations; Promote inter-agency collaboration among MDAs, security institutions, and the private sector.
    Beside the conference, and exhibition, the two days gathering will also feature the Safe Destination Award 2026.
    He noted that the award; ‘‘is designed as a prestigious benchmark for security excellence within the Nigerian tourism landscapе.
    ‘‘It is a flagship recognition framework established under the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX) initiative. It is designed to evaluate, validate, and celebrate destinations, hospitality hubs, and local jurisdictions within Nigeria that demonstrate exceptional commitment to travellers’ safety and institutional security.
    ‘‘As Nigeria continues to position itself as a premier African hub for business and cultural toürism, this award serves as a “seal of confidence,” bridging the gap between perceived security risks and the reality of safe, well-managed travel corridors.’’
    Ilupeju further noted the significance of the award for Nigeria as a destination, stressing; ‘‘the Safe Destination Award is more than a trophy; it is a strategic tool for nation-branding. By highlighting the pockets of excellence across the country-from the serene heights of Obudu to the bustling business district of Lagos and Abuja.
    ‘‘The award counteracts negative narratives and replaces generalised travel advisories with specific, verified accounts of safety. Empowers local governance, encourages a “race to the top” among state governments to secure their local tourism assets.’’
    With endorsement of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), he disclosed that the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), which is also another component of events being promoted by Nigeria Marketing Partner Limited, will be a benchmark for the industry.
    ‘‘We are pleased to inform you that NTDA has endorsed the National Safe and Secure Travel Experience (NASTREX), an initiative of Travel Marketing Partners Nigeria Limited, which is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of tourists, travellers and tourist facilities,’’ he said.
    ‘‘Travel Marketing Partners in partnership with NTDA intends to use this project to effectively deploy the use of technology driven solution through biometrically verifiable identity and other relevant personal information to reduce the risks posed to Tourists and other users.
    ‘‘It is ‘expected that this project will not only provide a safer experience for tourists and other users but also create jobs within the local economy, boost confidence in tourism businesses and attract investments into the tourism industry, thereby fostering the economic growth of Nigeria.’’
    While the Director General of NTDA, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, through the Director of Legal Services, Olufunke Soleye, said; ‘‘Nigerian Tourism Development Authority believes that the “National Safe and Secure Trave! Experience” would boost safety and security measures and have an invaluable impact on the Nigerian tourism sector, and therefore requests the cooperation of stakeholders to make it successful.’’

  • Oyo Govt, KickStart International Partner to Boost Food Security, Irrigation Farming

    Oyo Govt, KickStart International Partner to Boost Food Security, Irrigation Farming

    ‎Oyo Govt, KickStart International Partner to Boost Food Security, Irrigation Farming
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade
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    ‎The Oyo State Government, KickStart International, and other key stakeholders have pledged to strengthen agricultural sustainability and enhance food security across the state.
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    ‎The stakeholders made the commitment at a forum held in Ibadan, stressing that increased agricultural productivity and improved access to farming inputs are essential to improving livelihoods and ensuring food sufficiency.
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    ‎Speaking at the stakeholders’ forum organised by KickStart International, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has continued to make significant investments in the agricultural sector.
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    ‎Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Research, Planning and Statistics, Mrs Adeniran Funke, the commissioner said the state government remains committed to partnering with stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
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    ‎He identified irrigation as a critical component of agricultural development, noting that rivers flowing through Ibadan already support many young farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation.
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    ‎According to him, only about 40 per cent of the state’s water resources are currently being utilised for agricultural purposes.
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    ‎”Irrigation practice is very important. Within Ibadan, we have rivers flowing through the city where many young people cultivate vegetables. The Oyo State Government has been supporting them to become more productive.
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    ‎”However, only about 40 per cent of our water bodies are being utilised in Oyo State. We can do much more, and the government is interested in expanding collaboration with KickStart International to achieve this,” he said.
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    ‎Olaleye added that the government is shifting its focus toward smart, precision and climate-resilient agriculture.
    ‎Citing forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicating reduced rainfall this year.
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    ‎He urged farmers to plant early, adopt early-maturing crop varieties and embrace irrigation farming to sustain productivity.
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    ‎”Government has responded by intensifying farmer training and certification programmes. Farmers are encouraged to plant early, use early-maturing varieties and adopt irrigation practices to ensure adequate productivity before rainfall declines,” he said.
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    ‎In his remarks, the West Africa Regional Manager of KickStart International, Dr Festus Ademola, said the organisation has expanded support for smallholder irrigation farmers to improve livelihoods and agricultural output.
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    ‎He explained that the organisation’s affordable MoneyMaker Irrigation Pumps enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, sell produce during off-season periods at better prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
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    ‎”What we encourage is year-round farming regardless of rainfall patterns. Farmers are able to create their own water supply for farming, increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.
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    That is what we stand for,” Ademola said.
    ‎He added that KickStart International provides free training on pump operation, maintenance and good agricultural practices, noting that the manually operated pumps are simple and farmer-friendly.
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    ‎Representatives of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), MFI-BOWEN, Cocoa Farmers Association and other partners pledged continued collaboration with KickStart International to promote sustainable agriculture and food security in Oyo State.
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    ‎Also speaking, a participant, Mr Bankole Ojo, Project Officer with the Cocoa Sustainability and Fabrication Project, described water as a critical resource for farming.
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    ‎He noted that many farmers have benefited from KickStart International’s locally manufactured and environmentally friendly irrigation pumps.
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  • Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman

    Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman

    Some gunmen have attacked Ora, a boundary community along Osun/Kwara boundary and abducted the Vice Chairman of the Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Mr Debo Farounbi.

     

    Farounbi was reportedly abducted in Ora around 10pm on Tuesday, alongside three other people by the gunmen, who shot into the air causing panic among the residents.

     

    It was further learnt that the military men and local volunteers that were stationed in the town put up a strong resistance, forcing the perpetrators to abandon three of those abducted.

     

    They reportedly went away with Farounbi after a heavy gunfight.

     

    Some residents, who spoke to The PUNCH on Wednesday, said the attackers shot sporadically before they went for their target.

     

    A resident, who pleaded for anonymity for security reasons, during a chat with our correspondent said the gunmen had “successfully moved those abducted in the town towards the bush.

     

    The resident said, “Four people, two Fulani women and two men including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, Debo Farounbi were abducted. But the resistance put up by the military made the perpetrators to abandon three people.

    “The however went away with Farounbi. Our people did not sleep throughout the night. We are in serious fear. The incident happened around 10pm on Tuesday.”

     

    When contacted, the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident.

     

    One person was abducted. He is a local government Vice Chairman, Hon Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident happened, the military, police and others responded. Efforts are in place to rescue the man. It is abduction until we are able to prove that it is a case of kidnapping,” Ojelabi said.

     

    Farounbi’s abduction is the third of such incident that will occur in the community in the last 7 months.

     

    The PUNCH reports that in December, 2025, a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi was abducted by suspected bandits in Ora.

     

    After spending almost four weeks in captivity, Owolabi was eventually released in a community in Kwara State following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

     

    Barely weeks later, suspected bandits invaded Ora again through the Kwara boundary on February 1 and abducted two other residents. They were also released after about four weeks in captivity.

     

    Meanwhile, a cross section of the residents that spoke with our correspondent on the recurring incident of abduction in the community have called for stronger security presence to stop further invasion of the town.

     

    A community leader, identified simply as Thomas, and a market leader, Mrs Alarape, in a telephone interview, expressed concerns that more residents may flee the town.

     

    “People are leaving the town. And more people may leave unless some urgent is done to secure us. The invaders are coming through our boundary with Kwara State,” Alarape said

     

  • 27-Year: Democratic structures struggle to address multidimensional poverty, insecurity, youth unemployment – LEAD Network

    27-Year: Democratic structures struggle to address multidimensional poverty, insecurity, youth unemployment – LEAD Network

    27-Year: Democratic structures struggle to address multidimensional poverty, insecurity, youth unemployment – LEAD Network

     

    The Leadership Entrepreneurship and Advocacy (LEAD) Network Africa, an NGO, says democratic structures have struggled to address deep-seated multidimensional poverty, insecurity and youths unemployment.

    The Executive Director of LEAD Network Africa, Mr Chukwuma Okenwa, said this on Wednesday in Enugu while giving an assessment of 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.

    Okenwa noted that the tangible benefits of democratic rule had been inconsistently distributed.

     

    He said, “As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day on June 12, assessing the journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999 reveals a complex landscape of institutional resilience and systemic challenges.​

    “Electoral processes continue to grapple with integrity crises, low voter turnout, and a judiciary heavily entangled in resolving political disputes.

    “Furthermore, the state’s legitimacy faces ongoing challenges due to the consolidation of power among elites and policy failures that do not align with the needs and expectations of the general public.​”

     

    Okenwa, however, said that on the positive side, the 27 years represented Nigeria’s longest unbroken stretch of democratic governance since independence in 1960.

    He said that the country had successfully institutionalised a culture of regular transitions, highlighted by the historic 2015 alternation of power between political parties.

    The LEAD Network boss noted that civil society had expanded significantly, and digital tools had democratise public discourse, enabling citizens to demand greater transparency.

     

    Okenwa, who is a prominent social entrepreneur, educator, and public affairs analyst, said: “Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic journey remains a work in progress.

    “The survival of constitutional rule is a victory over past military disruptions.

    “The future of democracy depends on deep institutional reforms, genuine economic inclusivity, and a move beyond procedural elections toward active and welfare-driven governance.”