Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity 

    NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity 

    NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity

     

    NOA Management Team with Exco members of NURTW in Kwara

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has sought improved partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in curbing insecurity across the country.

     

    The Zonal Director, North Central Directorate, Mrs Priscilla Gondoalour said this on Thursday while paying a courtesy visit to the Kwara Council of the union in Ilorin.

     

    Gondoalour said the road transport workers were major stakeholders needed to bring an end to insecurity bedevilling the country.

     

    She said the drivers could help reduce insecurity to the barest minimum by giving useful and timely information to security agencies because they were always closer to the people.

     

    ” Road transport workers are as important as doctors and teachers because 90 percent of movement worldwide is by road; few are by air, water, rail.

    “This meeting with you is because of your importance and relevance in almost every area of operation in this country and you have contact with different people daily.

     

    “The challenge of insecurity confronting all of us, the risk is faced more by your people on a daily basis.

     

    “So, we believe that partnering with you on the need to help join hands with the government to fight it out is imperative.

     

    “We need collective action which means that we need to be patriotic first; and your members who encounters some of these mischief makers, need to supply security agencies with timely and useful information,” the Zonal Director said.

     

    She said we must work collectively salvage the country from the present mess we are in, hence the need for the information to be passed across all the local governments that makes up the council.

     

    Mrs Gondoalour further urged members of the union to promote tolerance, have respect for the rule of law and avoid tribalism, ethnic and religious sentiments.

     

    In his response, the Chairman NURTW Kwara Council, Alhaji Razaq Ariwoola said tackling insecurity was now everyone’s business as we do not know who is next.

     

    Ariwoola said the drivers were doing their best to help security agencies but their efforts were always truncated due to disclosure of the identity of the whistleblowers.

     

    He said they have devised a means of reporting directly to the senior officers to safeguard the identity of their members.

     

    The NURTW chairman added that efforts should be doubled to eradicate drug abuse as it is an enhancer of Social vices.

     

    He further appealed to the judiciary to ensure that justice cannot be bought.

     

    “If justice can be bought, we cannot have a just society, and if the judiciary continues this way, we cannot have a crime free society,” he said.

     

    Ariwoola said the union will continue to enlighten its members to be security conscious. (NAN)

  • Tinubu Not Addicted to Debt, Atiku is clueless, should be ignored – Group

    Tinubu Not Addicted to Debt, Atiku is clueless, should be ignored – Group

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Democratic Front (TDF) has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s comment on borrowings by the federal government as mischievous.

    In a statement by its Chairman Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, it argued that the Presidential aspirant is using narrow, short-sighted metrics to assess the need and viability of the borrowings.

    “Our position is informed by the recent economic survey and analysis of Nigeria’s debt profile by the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), based on credible and empirical research, showing that Nigeria requires spending a minimum of $14.2 billion annually for a consistent period of 10 years to close the country’s huge infrastructural gap.

    “We wonder where Atiku Abubakar expects Nigeria to generate such a humongous amount of money without massively increasing taxes

    “We believe that the decision by the President Bola Tinubu administration to borrow for Nigeria’s infrastructural development is largely informed by the realisation that inadequate infrastructure, coupled with the exponential rise in the country’s population, is responsible for the poor level of productivity, which in turn, accounts for the ever-growing level of unemployment and appalling state of poverty in the nation. This is the sad reality which Atiku mischievously failed to comprehend.

    “Atiku cannot, for selfish political reasons, deny that those foreign loans are tied to mega projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Phase 1A of the Lagos Green Line, Kano State Metro City Rail, and Kaduna State Light Rail System amongst others.

    “This represents a huge financial relief for Nigeria’s internal revenue and fiscal commitments, because these aforementioned projects will directly pay back the loans from returns on investment.

    “We find Atiku’s antics more intellectually distasteful and disconcerting, when we remember that during the period he was Nigeria’s Vice President, the government spent a meagre sum of $3.5 billion annually on capital spending.
    “Despite rising crude oil revenue, there was worsening infrastructural deficit, resulting in widespread power outages, decaying roads, and grossly underperforming sectors.

    “We wonder how the former Vice President found the spine to condemn President Tinubu for embarking on the courageous and commendable route to reducing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit with foreign loans that are strictly tied to mega national projects, despite the clear reality of the inexcusable failure to build critical infrastructure, by the government he served.”

    The group also alluded to a widely circulating policy statement by the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) which justified the Tinubu borrowings.

    “It is necessary to refer the former Vice President to IMPI’s policy statement 037, which revealed that President Tinubu’s administration is the biggest spender on infrastructure in the last 25 years in Nigeria, when compared to other governments within the period.

    “One of the foremost independent policy groups in the country, authoritatively stated in its lucid and compelling analysis of Nigeria’s debt burden, that no government since 1999, has spent up to `$8 billion annually on infrastructure like the Tinubu administration is currently doing.

    “IMPI equally hinted that savings from fuel subsidy alone cannot fund the nation’s infrastructural requirements. These are indeed realities the former Vice President cannot deny.

    “The irresponsible use of unprintable and intemperate words by Atiku Abubakar to condemn President Tinubu’s borrowings, is further proof of his personal frustration with President Tinubu’s exceptional performance in successfully resetting Nigeria’s economy, against his blind political rhetoric.

    The mischievous antics of a former Vice President who encouraged and aided his own President to waste $18 billion in the name of debt relief from the Paris Club of creditors and another $16 billion said to have been wasted on nonexistent power projects totalling $34 billion, at a time the nation was in dire need of infrastructural transformation, deserve to be ignored by Nigerians. We therefore urge the Nigerian electorate to continue to reject Atiku Abubakar at the polls,” it added.

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS PROFESSOR SEGUN AINA AS NEW JAMB REGISTRAR

    PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS PROFESSOR SEGUN AINA AS NEW JAMB REGISTRAR

     

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure expires on July 31, 2026.

    Professor Aina, who will be 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform.

    This was announced in a statement byBayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and  Strategy

    He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

    A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes. These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

    With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform. At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.

    He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.

    Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

    President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.

     

  • BACSAAN seeks funding for Nigerian Artisans, partners Chams’ IDENTICO  for financial support

    BACSAAN seeks funding for Nigerian Artisans, partners Chams’ IDENTICO  for financial support

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    –  Chief Demola Aladekomo, Chairman,  Identico Integrated Services Limited, described BACSAAN as an integral part of the economy that needs support to grow and sustain the Nigerian economy.

     

    Lagos:  Skilled artisans in Nigeria say they have sought alternative channels to finance their businesses after being neglected by the Government.

    Alhaji Fasasi Jamiu, the National President of the Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria BACSAAN, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria NAN said they were professionals government could never do away with.

    Jamiu, who spoke on the sidelines of his association’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Identico Investment Identity services limited on Thursday in Lagos, decried the level of their neglect by the federal government.

    “In spite of our contribution to the economy of this country, and with our strength numbering over 25 million nationwide, the government seems to have ignored our plea for grants and financial empowerment.

    “But to sustain our businesses and livelihoods, BACSAAN is happy to have forged a partnership with Identinco Investment Identity services.

    ” Many times our members do get government patronage; and even when we manage to get patronized, we are unable to get funding to prosecute the projects.

    ” This has been frustrating for our members, who have either lost life- time- break through contracts or face intimidation from influential members of society for unfinished job.

    “Or they don’t get patronage because of small nature of their trade.

    ” But we are glad that this partnership will give us visibility and a new business direction in the emerging digital financial ecosystem,” he said.

    First from left, BACSAAN President Alhaji Fasasi Jamiu exchanges signed MoU document with Demola Aladekomo, chairman of Identinco investment identity management in Lagos on Thursday,

     

    Earlier, Demola Aladekomo, Chairman of Identico Integrated Services Limited, described BACSAAN as an integral part of the economy that needs support to grow and sustain the Nigerian economy.

    “They have enormous potential that needs to be groomed and developed for the good of the Nigerian economy.

    “They need to become visible, accessible and connected to key players in the sector.

    “We are doing this by creating an identity management platform for the association to help members realise their worth and potential, while also assisting them with grants to stay afloat and become major players in the building sector through trusted service device connectivity,” he said.

    NAN reports that Identico Integrated Services Limited is a Nigerian technology company focused on identity management, access control, smart card systems and digital verification solutions. NAN

     

     

     

  • EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    EU invest €4.5m to reach 537,000 people on conflict resilient project in Sokoto

    The European Union (EU) supported project, Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP), has earmarked 4.5 million euros for 537,000 people in 10 local government areas in Sokoto State.

    Ms Xenia Stoll, the Political Officer at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, disclosed this at the external stakeholders’ grant opening and RECAP project launch in Sokoto.

    Stoll said the project was designed to strengthen local capacity on conflict prevention and resolution mechanism by improving partners understanding of conflict dynamics.

    She said it would ensure reinforcement of community mediation structures, creating inclusive dialogue platforms and empowering youth to act as peacebuilders.

    ” It will also supports conflict-sensitive media engagement to reduce harmful narratives and increase the dessemination of verified peace messages including through local languages.

    ” Strengthen peaceful coexistence in Sokoto State by reducing conflict drivers and improving resilience, social cohesion and equitable access to services.

    ” Services included; enhance community dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution, improve inclusive, climate-resilient and conflict-sensitive livelihood,” she said.

    According to her, the project would also strengthen access to gender sensitive health, Sexual Reproductive Health Right (SRHR), Gender Based Violence (GBV) and MHPSS services.

    Stoll stressed the importance of the EU– Sokoto partnership and underscored the strategic importance of prevention, resilience and inclusive governance highlighting the possible upscale of the project based on successes recorded.

    ” The EU values the relation with the authorities in their efforts to provide stability and prosperity for their population. Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion, and human security in Northwest Nigeria.

    ” By addressing the root causes of violence, such as exclusion, resource competition, and economic marginalization, this action strengthens local capacities for peace and contributes to long term stability in Sokoto State,” Stoll added.

    In his remarks, the Country Director, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, Mr Thierno Diallo, emphasized the importance of stakeholders collaboration stressing that the project reflects a collective responsibility to move beyond crisis response and invest in sustainable peace.

    Diallo said RECAP project is funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF Nigeria), International Alert (IA) and Save The Child Initiative (STCI) with the federal, Sokoto state government, local authorities, traditional institutions, civil society actors and community leaders.

    He said conflict, effects of climate changes, poverty, and displacement intersect demanded inclusive, locally owned solutions.

    ” RECAP will strengthen community resilience, restoring trust, and empowering women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding and recovery.” Diallo said.

    The Sokoto state Dep. Gov. Alhaji Idris Gobir, reaffirmed reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnership, project stability and sustenance in view of its importance to peoples lives.

    Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar described the intervention as important life changer and appreciated the European Union and Action Against Hunger Nigeria for their continued solidarity with people.

    ” The focus on dialogue, livelihoods, water governance, and protection directly aligns with our development and peacebuilding priorities.

    ” We remain committed to providing the necessary institutional support to ensure that this project delivers lasting benefits for our communities, ” Abubakar said.

    Sultan of Sokoto represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, urged partners to always involved traditional rulers on all their activities as they closer to people and understand community structures.

    Newsmen eports that the event featured contributions from representatives of federal and state ministries, departments as well as civil society organisations and community groups with reassurances of commitment in order to achieve the desired objectives.

  • Adamawa guber aspirant Madaki withdraws from race, endorses Haske

    Adamawa guber aspirant Madaki withdraws from race, endorses Haske

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Mr Joel Madaki veteran politician and governorship aspirant, of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), in Adamawa has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Mr Abdulrahaman Haske.

    Madaki announced his decision in a press conference, on Thursday, in Yola, ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primaries.

    He said his decision to endorse Haske and transfer all his political structures and support base to him was in the collective interest of the people of Adamawa state. 

    He said he will work with him to mobilise party members across the state and deploy his political skills, grassroots connections to ensure that he clinches the party ticket

    “I have made a decision that I believe will best serve our people.

    “I wholeheartedly endorse Abdurrahman Haske as the candidate to lead us into a brighter future.

    “I have full confidence in his ability to champion the values we all hold dear,” he added.

    Madaki stated that he stepped down from the race with humility and conviction, urging his supporters, delegates and loyalists to rally behind Haske during the pramary election.

    He noted that the decision was not taken lightly but was based on careful consideration of the challenges facing the state.

    Madaki described Haske as a leader with the vision, integrity and dedication required to move the state forward.

    Responding, Haske expressed appreciation to Madaki for the endorsement, describing it as emotional and encouraging.

    “It feels very emotional for somebody like Baba Joel Madaki to agree to form an alliance with my movement,” he said.

    “It comes with so much joy, and I want to thank Baba for finding us worthy of this opportunity to serve our dear state,” he said.

    Haske said the development showed that their engagements were yielding positive results and strengthening their political base.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

  • Adamawa guber aspirant withdraws, backs ex-PTDF Boss

    Adamawa guber aspirant withdraws, backs ex-PTDF Boss

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Mr Dialhaq Abubakar, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Adamawa, has withdrawn from the race to support former Executive Secretary Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Alhaji Tijjani Galadima.

    Abubakar announced his decision on Thursday, in Yola, ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primaries.

    He said the move was informed by Galadima’s vision and plans for the development of the state, which he noted distinguished him among other aspirants.

    According to him, Galadima is an achiever and a man of proven integrity with impressive records in public service.

    “I decided to step down in support of Alhaji Tijjani Galadima because of his good plans and vision for the development of Adamawa State,” he said.

    Abubakar urged his supporters and other party members to come out en masse to vote for Galadima to secure the party’s ticket.

    The aspirant further announced a donation of N100 million to support Galadima’s campaign.

    He pledged his commitment to work closely with Galadima’s team and other stakeholders to ensure victory at the primaries.

    “I am committing myself and my team to work assiduously to deliver him in the election,” he said.

    In his response, Galadima thanked Abubakar for the support and sacrifice, describing it as a significant boost to his campaign.

    “I will not take this support for granted. The people of Adamawa will be the greatest beneficiaries of our administration,” he said.

    Galadima promised to govern with the fear of God, honesty and sincerity.

    He added that his mission was to transform the state through people-oriented policies and programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

  • Kajola APC Primary: Kafirugbin Records Landslide Victory, Emerges Assembly Candidate

    Kajola APC Primary: Kafirugbin Records Landslide Victory, Emerges Assembly Candidate

    Kajola APC Primary: Fakayode Records Landslide Victory, Emerges Assembly Candidate

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Primary Election in Kajola Local Government has produced Hon. Gazali Afolabi Fakayode, popularly known as Kafirugbin, as the party’s candidate following what stakeholders described as a peaceful, transparent, and credible democratic exercise.

    Hon. Fakayode emerged victorious after securing a commanding 2,622 votes across the eleven wards of Kajola Local Government, defeating other contestants in the keenly contested primary election conducted under the supervision of party officials, security agencies, election observers, journalists, and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    According to the officially announced results, Hon. Gazali Afolabi Fakayode polled 2,622 votes to defeat Hon. Azeez Musbau Action who secured 1,613 votes, while Tairu Muibi garnered 258 votes and Hon. Gbolashile Abigeal recorded 83 votes.

    The outcome of the exercise was widely applauded by party faithfuls and stakeholders who described the election as a true reflection of the collective wishes of APC members in Kajola Local Government.

    Political observers and party leaders present at the exercise commended the orderly conduct of the primary, noting that all aspirants were given equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process without intimidation or interference.

    The victory of Hon. Fakayode has since generated excitement among supporters and party loyalists across Kajola, with many describing him as a grassroots politician whose popularity and acceptance among party members played a major role in his overwhelming victory at the poll.

    Speaking shortly after his emergence, Hon. Gazali Afolabi Fakayode expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining democratic values within the APC and for allowing internal democracy to flourish within the party structure.

    He equally thanked APC leaders, supporters, and the people of Kajola Local Government for standing firmly for justice, fairness, and accountability throughout the electoral process.

    According to him, the outcome of the primary election clearly demonstrated that the people of Kajola had spoken with one united voice in support of credible leadership and progressive representation.

    Hon. Fakayode also acknowledged the support and sacrifices of party stakeholders and aspirants who worked for the unity and stability of the APC ahead of the election.

    Among those commended were Hon. Dayo Olanrewaju and Hon. Samuel Adejumo, who stepped down in support of his aspiration, as well as Hon. Sakirullah Asoore, who voluntarily withdrew from the race in the interest of party unity and progress.

    Stakeholders at the exercise maintained that the transparent conduct of the primary election further strengthened confidence in the APC’s commitment to fairness, justice, internal democracy, and the rule of law.

    Party members and supporters therefore urged the leadership of the APC at both the state and national levels to respect the mandate freely given to Hon. Gazali Afolabi Fakayode by party delegates and grassroots leaders across Kajola Local Government.

    They stressed that preserving the integrity of the primary election would further consolidate the unity, credibility, and electoral strength of the APC ahead of future political contests in Oyo State.

    With his emergence, many party faithfuls expressed optimism that Hon. Gazali Afolabi Fakayode’s candidacy would further strengthen the APC’s popularity and political influence across Kajola Local Government and beyond.

  • Oyo State APC Governorship Primaries: Prof Adedoja Meets Aspirants, Urges violence free primaries

    Oyo State APC Governorship Primaries: Prof Adedoja Meets Aspirants, Urges violence free primaries

    Oyo  State APC Governorship Primaries: Prof Adedoja Meets Aspirants, Urges violence free primaries
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade
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    ‎A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has called on governorship aspirants in the party to ensure peaceful conduct before, during and after the forthcoming primary elections.
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    ‎Adedoja made the call during a meeting with governorship aspirants in Ibadan, stressing the need for unity and mutual respect among contenders in order to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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    ‎The meeting which  lasted over 5 hours, at  his residence, Prof Adedoja said the success of the party would largely depend on the ability of aspirants and their supporters to avoid actions capable of causing division within the APC.
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    ‎According to him, the party must remain focused on presenting a united front capable of winning the governorship election in Oyo State.
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    ‎The former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, urged the aspirants to regard the primary election as a family affair and support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate.
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    ‎He also appealed to party members to avoid violence, inflammatory statements and acts of intimidation during the exercise.
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    ‎Governorship aspirants  present at the meeting included former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Dr. Ololade Usman Bakare; Prince Musbau Asatola Asanike; Sen. Sharafadeen Alli; and Engr. Akeem Alao.
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    ‎Barr. Akeem Agbaje was absent at the meeting but sent his apologies.
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    ‎The aspirants, while speaking at the meeting, commended Adedoja for his leadership role
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    ‎They pledged to abide by the rules guiding the primary election and work towards the unity and progress of the APC in Oyo State.
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    ‎In an interview, the Chairman of the G5, Engr Olaniyan, said the APC remained one family despite existing differences, adding that he would participate in the forthcoming governorship primary election, despite feelers that a candidate has been anointed even before  the primary.
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    ‎Also speaking, Prince Asanike described the gathering as a peace meeting, expressing optimism that “there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”
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    ‎Efforts  to get Sharafadeen Alli for the post meeting comments, proved abortive, as his line was switched off.
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