Year: 2026

FTAN lauds Eko Hotel for contineous collaboration
…seeks partnership with Weatbaker Hotel

The President of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Dr. Aliyu Badaki has lauded the management of Eko Hotel and Suites and Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos for their collarborations, partnerships and support over the years.

Badaki said the collarboration from Eko Hotel has been huge, adding that the Federation is happy about that.

The President of FTAN while commending the management of Eko Hotel during a courtersy visit to the Hotel on Tuesday June 2nd also congratulated its management on their recent 50th anniversary celebration.

Badaki noted that: “We celebrate with you because its an achievement worth celebrating, it was a huge success, we are happy to be part of the celebration and also rejoice with you too and hoped that Eko Hotel will keep flying”.

He commended the hotel in the aspect of safety and security, pointing out that last year November, the Federation gave the hotel an award on this aspect they are good at.

He stated further: “To the best of our knowledge, you assisted Lagos state in the area of fire figthing.
The kind of equipment you have, the training you have for your staff and how much you have invested both in training and infrastructure, no other hotel around here in Nigeria has it. You have invested hugely in that area. We have to commend you on that and thank you so much.
“What we do as the umbrella body of all the private associations that are involved in tourism businesses and private sector in Nigeria is to align with our members, the investors, associations and hotels like Eko Hotel.”

He continued: “We are able to do this. It is our responsibility to protect our members like in the case with NIHOTOUR. We have to address the matter with the Minister.
“Unfortunately, they did not stop until we have to be in court, we are not relenting. We are with you in whatever case that will benefit you and benefit the business you are doing and other members. We wish you well and we do hope that the collaboration you have been enjoying will continue”.

At the Weatbaker Hotel, Badaki also emphasised the need for collarboration and support.

FTAN President explained that its cardinal point is to protect the interests of their members where the need arises.

Badaki said: “We’ve been doing that very well. We’re having robust engagements with the governments and some other agencies. And that means striving to ensure that proper things are done that will promote our business and have a conducive environment to work”.

In his response, the Managing Director of Eko Hotels and Suites, Mr Ghassan Faddoul who was accompanied by Chief Samuel Alabi, company Secretary of Eko Hotels and former President and BOT chairman of FTAN respectively, appreciated the body for courtesy visit and the good words of appreciation.

He explained that if any government in the world supports the private sector in achieving their ultimate goal, the private sector will also be altogether with the government in pushing the industry forward.

According to him: “But once they put a certain objective and the picture is clear and they say we need to support this industry because this industry could be a very major contributor to our GDP.
“When we took over we had around 300 employees, around 500 rooms out of which only 150 were available for sale”.

He stated that due to the hard work and dedication of the owners, the hotel today has 824 rooms, 1,500 employees.

In his words: “So you can imagine our operation, how it has created jobs and how it has created not only immediate job but both direct and indirect jobs.
We have a 10 megawatt power plant. We are managing a mini city. The indirect jobs creation also include the suppliers and the contractors.
“Before we have one or two restaurants and now we have reached 10 and 12. So this is also increasing the supply chain and everybody is benefiting.
And we are happy with it because we are creating a momentum. We are investing in the property. We are investing in our human capital”.

Faddoul said the hotel want to develop its human capital because it believe in their motto and also to be of international hospitality standards with African hospitality.

In his remarks, the General Manager of Wheatbaker Hotel, Mr Paul Kavanagh welcomed the idea of collarboration and support for FTAN.

Kavanagh stated that Wheatbaker Hotel is open to partnership and support based on what is available at the time of request.

The GM disclosed the hotel has done so much in the area of corporate social responsiblity which remained largely unannounced or publicised.

He said: “Currently, I am tasked by my owners to build the greatest hotel this part of Africa, including the one the whole of West Africa, has ever seen.
We’re not building another hotel, we’re not building another few rooms. We are building what Government, organizations, competitors will marvel at.
This nation said is impossible that you can’t build a hotel that is on that par, that It’s not possible here.

23 Years of Persistence and Patience: Why Senator Sabo Nakudu’s ADC Governorship Ticket in Jigawa State Is No Surprise

By Mati Ali
The emergence of Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu, CON, as the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State has generated widespread political discussion across the state. However, to many political observers, his victory in the party’s primary election is not an unexpected development but rather the culmination of a political journey that began more than two decades ago.

A careful examination of Jigawa State’s political history reveals that Senator Nakudu’s governorship ambition predates that of virtually all current aspirants. Since 2003, he has consistently pursued his aspiration of becoming the Governor of Jigawa State, demonstrating remarkable resilience, commitment, patience, and political endurance. For 23 years, he has remained steadfast in this pursuit, navigating various political transitions while maintaining his relevance and influence across the state.

Over the years, Senator Nakudu has painstakingly built one of the most extensive political structures in Jigawa State. His support base spans all 27 Local Government Areas, with thousands of loyal supporters who have stood by him through different political seasons. This loyalty was once again demonstrated during his recent move to the ADC, where a significant number of supporters followed him into the party.

Historical records show that among those who sought the governorship of Jigawa State in the modern political era, the only individual whose ambition predated Senator Nakudu’s and who eventually became governor was former Governor Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki. During the 2003 governorship election, Turaki, then seeking a second term under the All People’s Party (APP), contested against Senator Sabo Nakudu, who flew the flag of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Since that period, Senator Nakudu has remained one of the most experienced and longest-serving political figures associated with the governorship contest in Jigawa State. Many politicians who later contested for or occupied the office of governor entered the race years after he had already established himself as a formidable gubernatorial candidate.

Viewed against this backdrop, Senator Nakudu’s victory in the ADC gubernatorial primary election appears to be the natural outcome of years of political engagement, grassroots mobilization, and sustained public support. His entry into the ADC attracted a substantial influx of political stakeholders and supporters from across the state.

Among those who joined the ADC following Senator Nakudu’s defection were supporters of prominent political figures such as Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, Senator Ubale Shittu, Alhaji Ahmed Isa Barayan Dutse, former Local Government Chairmen under the leadership of Hon. Bala Chamo, as well as several notable figures from the APC. The movement also included former Special Advisers and other influential political actors who resigned from their positions to align themselves with the ADC.

Political analysts have observed that Senator Nakudu’s victory in the ADC gubernatorial primary election was largely driven by the combined support base brought into the party by Senator Sabo Nakudu himself, His Excellency Ahmed Mahmoud Gumel, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, Senator Ubale Shittu, Alhaji Ahmed Isa Barayan Dutse, former Local Government Chairmen, and several other prominent political figures. Their collective influence and mobilization efforts significantly contributed to Senator Nakudu’s emergence as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.

The conduct of the primary election itself has also been widely commended. The exercise was carried out peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with democratic principles. At the conclusion of the process, Senator Sabo Nakudu secured 35,939 votes, while Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo garnered 19,533 votes. The outcome was seen by many party members as a clear reflection of the collective will of ADC members across the state.

Senator Nakudu’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate therefore represents more than just a primary election victory. It marks a significant political milestone and reinforces his position as one of the most enduring political figures in Jigawa State’s democratic history. For many supporters, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter and a renewed push for political transformation in the state.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, party stakeholders and supporters are being encouraged to unite behind the ADC’s vision and work collectively towards achieving electoral success at all levels. The call for unity, inclusiveness, and shared purpose is expected to play a crucial role in determining the party’s fortunes in the years ahead.

By Alex Enebeli

Flowerbud News/ Adedokun Adebowale, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has urged procurement officers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and accountability in public procurement.

Adebowale made the call on Wednesday in Enugu during the 6th National Conference of the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria (APPON).

Speaking on the future of the procurement profession, the BPP boss said technological innovation was rapidly transforming governance and business processes globally.

He stressed the need for procurement officers to equip themselves with relevant digital skills to remain effective.

“The future of procurement lies in Artificial Intelligence, big data and blockchain technologies. The question is, are you prepared for that tomorrow?” he asked.

He challenged participants to enrol in courses that would strengthen their capacity to utilise technology in carrying out procurement functions.

According to him, professional competence, leadership capacity and continuous learning are critical to sustaining reforms in the procurement sector.

Adebowale disclosed that the bureau was advancing the development and implementation of the National Procurement Officers Management System (NAPOMS), which he described as a foundational platform for procurement officers at the federal and state levels.

He said the system would enhance visibility, strengthen institutional protection and improve procurement management across government establishments.

The D-G also announced plans to launch an Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in public procurement processes.

He reminded public officers of their responsibility to publish all contract information on relevant government platforms, warning that failure to comply constituted a violation of procurement regulations.

He called on procurement practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, openness and due process in the discharge of their duties.

He further stressed the need for greater professionalism within the sector, lamenting the presence of unqualified personnel occupying procurement-related positions.

According to him, only academically and professionally qualified officers should be allowed to continue working in procurement units.

He encouraged practitioners to pursue short-term training programmes and acquire new skills to meet the evolving demands of the profession.

Adebowale also highlighted government efforts to promote inclusiveness in public procurement.

He noted that, at least seven per cent of public contracts were reserved for small and medium enterprises, women-owned businesses, youth-owned enterprises and persons with disabilities.

NAN