Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

     

     

    Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade.
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    ‎The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described renowned educationist and former Nigerian Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, as an illustrious son of Ibadanland whose life and achievements are worthy of celebration.
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    ‎The revered monarch stated this while paying glowing tributes to Adedoja on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.
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    ‎Oba Ladoja noted that Prof. Adedoja had remained at the forefront of efforts aimed at bridging gaps in teachers’ continuous professional development across Nigeria and West Africa.
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    ‎The Olubadan recalled working closely with Adedoja during his tenure as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, when the celebrant served as Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
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    ‎“As an educator and institution builder, Prof. Adedoja had the opportunity of working with me as Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board when I served as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007.
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    ‎“He was the board chairman when we carried out comprehensive education reforms, which culminated in the 30-students-per-class policy. If Oyo State emerged as the second-best state in education in Nigeria during that period, it was due largely to the lofty contributions of people like the celebrant,” the monarch said.
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    ‎The chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs also prayed for God to strengthen the academic and statesman to continue shaping minds, bridging divides and contributing to a better education system.
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    ‎The monarch noted that Adedoja’s 75th birthday coincided with the celebration of Children’s Day and Eid al-Adha.
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    ‎In the same vein, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of its President-General, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, also celebrated the former minister.
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    ‎Ajewole described Adedoja as an exemplary leader, globally renowned educationist, epitome of humility, political heavyweight and a complete gentleman who has remained a pride to Ibadanland.
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    ‎According to him, Ibadan indigenes across the world have every reason to celebrate Adedoja for his numerous achievements and contributions to education, governance and national development.
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    ‎”Adedoja has held several notable positions in Oyo State and Nigeria, including Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board; Commissioner for Education in Oyo State.
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    ‎”Minister of Sports; Minister for Special Duties; and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Chairman of Governing Council of Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State, Obudu, ” Ajewole said.
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    ‎The media space was also flooded with goodwill messages from the University of Ife Alumni, Kano Teachers College Old Students Association, Associations of Persons with Disabilities, and several other organisations and individuals across the world in honour of the consummate academic and administrator.
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    ‎Also goodwill messages from top politicians from across the country.
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    ‎Adedoja, who was also the Action Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2007, marked his quiet 75th birthday celebration at his Ikolaba residence with scholarship and empowerment schemes for children and Persons with Disabilities.

     

  • Tin-Can Customs records N1.61tr under Onyeka leadership

    L-R, Comptroller Joe Anani receiving the baton from Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Frank Onyeka, in Lagos

     

    Tin-Can Customs records N1.61tr under Onyeka leadership
    A cross session of officers and stakeholders during the handing handing over ceremony held on Friday in Lagos
    May 23, 2026(Lagos) Immediate past Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin-Can Island Port Command, Assistant Comptroller-General Frank Onyeka, has handed over leadership of the command after recording revenue collection of N1.609 trillion in 2025.
    Left, the Public Relations Officer of the Tincan Island customs command, Mr Oscar Ivara, officiating the handing over ceremony held in Lagos on Friday
    The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Oscar Ivara, confirmed this in a statement made available  on Saturday in Lagos, following Onyeka’s elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
    L-R, Comptroller Joe Anani receiving the command Blueprint from Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Frank Onyeka, in Lagos

     

    Onyeka said the command exceeded its 2025 revenue target of N1.524 trillion, describing his tenure as one of the most fulfilling periods of his career in the service.
    He formally handed over to Comptroller Joe Anani, who previously served as Customs Area Controller at Ports and Terminal Multiservices Ltd.
    “This moment is both emotional and historic for me. Serving as the Customs Area Controller of this great command has been one of the greatest honours of my career,” Onyeka said.
    He disclosed that under his leadership, the command generated N1.60 trillion in 2025, surpassing its target, and also recorded N401.01 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
    Onyeka attributed the performance to discipline, intelligence-driven operations, improved compliance measures, stakeholder engagement, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation tools.
    Beyond revenue, he said the command recorded significant anti-smuggling successes, including seizures of illicit drugs and prohibited goods valued at over N35 billion.
    “These seizures underscore our collective resolve to protect the nation from criminal networks and safeguard public health and security,” he said.
    He also noted strengthened collaboration with port stakeholders, including freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers and exporters, aimed at improving efficiency and compliance.
    According to him, staff capacity development was prioritised through training, workshops and professional development programmes to enhance operational effectiveness.
    “I believe that the strength of any institution lies in the quality and preparedness of its personnel,” he said.
    Onyeka further acknowledged support for the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), noting their humanitarian contributions to families and surrounding communities.
    He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, and thanked the media and stakeholders for their cooperation during his tenure.
    He urged continued collaboration with the incoming management, stressing that unity and continuity were key to sustaining the command’s performance.

  • Miko takes over PTML Command, pledges integrity, faster trade facilitation

    Comptroller Joseph Anani passing the baton to Assistant Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko at the PTML Command ceremony

     

    Miko takes over PTML Command, pledges integrity, faster trade facilitation
    May 26, 2026(LAGOS) The Deputy Comptroller, (DC) Nura Miko has resumed as the Acting Controller of PTML Command, promising integrity, due process, and seamless trade facilitation for all officers and stakeholders.
    The Customs Public Relations Officer, PTML Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Abubakar made this known in as statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
    He succeeded Comptroller Joseph Anani, who revealed that the command collected over N181 billion in revenue before handing over to the new leadership.
    Miko assured officers and stakeholders to work collaboratively, stressing integrity, trade facilitation, due process, teamwork, and results through cooperation, not fear.
    According to the new controller, PTML is well-organised and pledged to build on his predecessor’s achievements while strengthening inter-agency synergy and national security commitment.
    He affirmed the command remained open to constructive engagement, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all stakeholders in port operations.
    Miko thanked Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adeniyi, for the trust, vowing to uphold Innovation, Consolidation, and Collaboration as they advance PTML’s next chapter.
    Anani, now posted to Tin Can Island, called his eight months at PTML an extraordinary privilege and highlighted key modernization milestones achieved.
    Comptroller Joseph Anani handing over the command blueprint to Assistant Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko at the PTML Command ceremony
    He noted consolidating the B’Odogwu system, improving enforcement, and achieving one-hour clearance for compliant vehicle imports through collective dedication and resilience.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Cleric urges leaders to make sacrifices

    Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, after slaughtering ram on Wednesday to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir

     

    Eid-el-Kabir: Cleric urges leaders to make sacrifices
    May 27, 2026  Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, has urged Nigerian leaders to make more sacrifices  for the wellbeing of the masses.
    Abdul-Kadiri made the call on Wednesday after prayers at the mosque’s praying ground shortly after slaughtering a ram to celebrate 2026 Eid-el-Kabir.
    The cleric said that if Nigerians in positions of authority would make more sacrifices, Nigeria would be better and Allah would reward their faithfulness.
    Some Muslims at the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday
    “If we make sacrifices for the sake of Almighty Allah, He will give us something far better in return in this world and in the hereafter.
    “Prophet Ibrahim was a model of sacrifice. He was ready to give his only son for the sake of Allah, and Allah rewarded him by substituting his son with a ram.
    “That ram became a lasting symbol of sacrifice for humanity,” Abdul-Kadiri said.
    He congratulated those who emerged victorious in the recently-held primary election, and advised them to govern with the fear of God, if eventually elected into power.
    Abdul-Kadiri prayed for President Bola Tinubu, asking Allah to grant him sound health and wisdom to lead Nigeria to greater heights.
    He also prayed for end to terrorism in the country.
    Mr Jubril Oshodi, Director of Logistics and Transportation at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, described the celebration as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
    He said the festival should inspire Nigerians to fear God, be their brothers’ keepers, make sacrifices, and live exemplary lives.
    Oshodi urged motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations at all times.
    Some Muslims at the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday
    A food scientist, Hajia Basirah Oreagba, said that in spite of challenges, many Muslims turned out for the prayer.
    She described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s trial.
     A computer scientist, Mr Abdullahi Musa, also expressed delight at the large turnout of Muslims for the prayer.
    Some Muslims at the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday
    He prayed for improved security in Nigeria, urging governments to do more to address insecurity.
    A fashion designer, Hajia Serifah Ogunlowo, said that the celebration was remarkable, and prayed for continued God’s guidance for Nigerians.
    Some Muslims at the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday

    Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos, while slaughtering ram on Wednesday to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir
    The prayer attracted Muslims from different ethnic groups.

  • Oyetola, Adeyanju, Umar to lead SCAN Dockworkers’ Day talks on Green Ports

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Labour National President, Alhaji Adewale Adeyanju and the President Nigeria Chamber of Shopping, Alahjai Aminu Umar

     

     

     

     

    Oyetola, Adeyanju, Umar to lead SCAN Dockworkers’ Day talks on Green Ports

     

     

     

    Lagos, May 27, 2026: The Minister of and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, labour leader Adewale Adeyanju, will headline SCAN Dockworkers’ Day discussions on June 4 in Lagos.

     

     

    The SCAN Chairman Mr Moses Ebosele, and the Organising Committee Chairman Mr Yusuf Babalola, made this known in a statement jointly signed and make available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.

     

    They will join the President of the Nigeria Chamber of Shopping Mr Aminu Umar, and other maritime leaders to address sustainability and welfare issues affecting Nigeria’s dockworkers at the event.

     

     

    Ebosele said the event holds at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Rockview Hotels, Apapa, Lagos, organized by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria.

     

     

    Themed “Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,” it focuses on eco-friendly port operations, new technologies, and better working conditions across Nigerian seaports.

     

     

    The SCAN President says the goal was aligning Nigerian ports with global standards while ensuring dockworkers benefit from greener, technology-driven maritime systems and improved welfare.

     

     

    Babalola said that Umar will deliver the keynote address, while Adeyanju chairs the event, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), th Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) heads are expected to give goodwill messages.

     

     

    Babalola Chairman said Dockworkers’ Day would addressed the economic contributions, environmental, and operational challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

     

     

     

    “SCAN Dockworkers’ Day acknowledges dockworkers’ contributions while pushing for sustainable port practices,” the statement read, stressing the need for adaptation to industry changes.

     

     

    “As maritime evolves, dockworkers need skills and tools for green port initiatives and digital transformation across global shipping systems, the association added,” Babalola said.

     

     

     

    He urged government agencies, shipping firms, Customs, freight forwarders, and others to join, advancing a sustainable and worker-friendly port environment for Nigeria.

     

     

     

    The committee chairman reaffirmed commitment to collaboration, improving dockworkers’ welfare, and deepening awareness of sustainable port operations nationwide.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Sabo Nakudu Secures ADC Governorship Ticket in Jigawa

    Sabo Nakudu Secures ADC Governorship Ticket in Jigawa

    Senator Sabo Nakudu Polls 35,939 Votes to Secure ADC Governorship Ticket in Jigawa

    The Chairman of the Electoral Committee for the conduct of the African Democratic Congress governorship primary election in Jigawa State, Alhaji Zaki Mohammed Ahmed, has declared Sabo Mohammed Nakudu winner of the party’s governorship primary election with a total of 35,939 votes. Hon. Basher Adamu emerged second with 19,533 votes.

    Announcing the results during the collation exercise held at Tahir Guest Palace on Wednesday, May 27, 2027, the Electoral Committee Chairman and Returning Officer, Alhaji Zaki Mohammed Ahmed, said a total of 55,476 valid votes were cast across the local government areas of the state. He subsequently declared Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu as the duly elected governorship candidate of the ADC in Jigawa State.

  • CNS Restates Nigerian Navy’s Resolve To Safeguard Territorial Waters

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has restated the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to safeguard the country’s territorial waters and critical national asset.

    Abbas stated this during the inauguration of key infrastructure projects at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

    Represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Abbas said the Nigerian Navy had continually played a significant role in combating maritime crimes and ensuring security within the Gulf of Guinea through various operations and security initiatives.

    “We are to get a more efficient, more optimise Nigerian Navy to ensure that the maritime security is improved in Nigeria and economic prosperity.

    “The Nigerian Navy is currently celebrating 70 years of dedicated service, sacrifice, and commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and protecting critical national assets,” Abbas said.

    The projects inaugurated were a newly constructed 2 by 2 Senior Rating Accommodation, remodelled NNS Jubilee Galley, and NNS Jubilee Ship’s bell.

    Abbas said the key infrastructure projects at NNS Jubilee was aimed at improving the living and working conditions of personnel.

    The CNS also said that the projects were part of activities lined up to commemorate the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Navy.

    Abbas said the projects also formed part of ongoing efforts by the Naval Headquarters to improve welfare standards across units and formations.

    The CNS said the personnel welfare remained a top priority of his administration, adding that adequate accommodation and conducive working environments were essential factors in maintaining high morale, discipline, and operational readiness among officers and ratings.

    He said that the inauguration of the accommodation facility and other remodelled projects at NNS Jubilee would help to reduce accommodation challenges within the Base while enhancing the comfort and efficiency of personnel in the discharge of their duties.

    He emphasised that improved welfare directly translated to increased motivation and operational effectiveness.

    The event also featured the cutting of the commissioning ribbon and the unveiling of the project plaques by the representative of the CNS, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, signifying the formal inauguration of the projects for use by personnel of NNS JUBILEE

    Abbas commended the Commander NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, and personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment towards ensuring the successful execution of the projects.

    He urged personnel to make proper use of the facilities and maintain them responsibly.

    The event ended with the inspection of facilities, signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs with senior officers and personnel of the Base.

  • 2026 Eid-el-Kabir : Seyi Makinde Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity Beyond Ethnic, Religious Lines

    2026 Eid-el-Kabir : Seyi Makinde Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity Beyond Ethnic, Religious Lines

    2026 Eid-el-Kabir : Seyi Makinde Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity Beyond Ethnic, Religious Lines

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has charged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians at large to de-emphasise ethnic and religious differences and instead focus on the shared values that unite the people.

     

    The governor stated this on Wednesday while receiving a Muslim delegation that paid him a homage at his Ikolaba private residence shortly after the Eid al-Adha prayers held at the Agodi Eid Ground, Gate, Ibadan.

     

    Addressing the delegation, Makinde congratulated Muslim faithful on witnessing the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration and appreciated them for their prayers, support and commitment to the progress of the state.

     

     

    He also thanked them for their continued support for his administration over the past seven years and urged them to sustain their prayers for the success of the government.

     

    Makinde, who noted that the general elections would hold within the next eight months, called on politicians and citizens alike to place the interest of Oyo State and Nigeria above partisan considerations.

     

    Speaking on the security challenges confronting the state, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area, the governor assured families of the victims that the government was working tirelessly to secure their safe return.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, who led the delegation, commended the governor for what he described as purposeful and visionary leadership.

     

     

    He said Makinde’s style of governance had continued to attract recognition beyond Oyo State, describing him as a strong political force in the country.

     

    Lawal urged residents, particularly Muslim faithful, to continue praying for the success of the administration and for lasting peace in the state, stressing that the government needed the support, understanding and prayers of the people to further deepen stability, unity and prosperity in Oyo State.

     

    Also offering prayers for the governor, Professor Kamil Oloso prayed for more success for the administration and expressed appreciation on behalf of the Muslim community for the governor’s unwavering support.

     

    The delegation included the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; and member representing Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide.

     

    Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Establishments, Prof. Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Mikal Bayo Lawal; Chairman of All Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; Oloye Nureni Akanbi; and Hon. Tunde Tijani, among other dignitaries.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Imam 82 Division Tasks Faithful On Sacrifice, Fear Of God

    Eid-el-Kabir: Imam 82 Division Tasks Faithful On Sacrifice, Fear Of God

    Eid-el-Kabir: Imam 82 Division Tasks Faithful On Sacrifice, Fear Of God

     

    The acting Imam of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Capt. Bashiru Bello, has urged Muslim faithful to imbibe virtues of sacrifice and fear of God in all they do, in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

     

    Bello, who led the Eid Prayers on Wednesday at the Eid Prayer Ground of the Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu, urged the faithful to ensure they are always guided in the right path.

     

    He noted that the country would be a better place when both the leaders and the people remain committed to doing the right things.

     

    Bello, who represented the Chief Imam of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Bello Musa, enjoined the faithful, to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice for the common good of all.

     

     

    The Imam said that Eid-el-Kabir festival symbolises sacrifice, devotion and obedience to Almighty Allah.

     

    He alluded to the Holy Qur’anic narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated unwavering faith by obeying Allah’s command to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (Ishmael).

     

    “In recognition of his commitment, Almighty Allah replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment.

     

    “On that day, therefore, Muslims in the world over demonstrate their obedience to Almighty Allah by sacrificing an animal and commemorate it with a feast,” he said

     

    The Imam, consequently, offered prayers for protection and success of troops in various theatre of operations in the country.

     

    He made supplications for wisdom and protection for the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Oluremi Fadairo; the Garrison Commander and other commanders in the division.

     

    He also prayed for protection and wisdom for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; as well as for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu.