Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

    FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

    FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

     

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inducted no fewer than 145 fresh Special Marshals to ensure traffic flow and sanity on roads within Enugu State.

     

    Speaking after days of training and induction on Saturday in Enugu, the Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Core Commander Franklin Agbakoba, urged the new special marshals to uphold the age-long discipline of the corps.

     

    Agbakoba, represented by his Second-in-Command, Deputy Core Commander, Mr Kyrian Okolo, noted that the special marshals had become the backbone of volunteerism in the country.

     

     

    He commended them for sacrificing resources and time to serve, adding: “This is patriotism and love for the nation and humanity in action”.

     

    According to him, through intensive days of training, we have prepared you physically and psychologically for the job and to protect FRSC core value of integrity, service and professionalism.

     

    “Thank you for volunteering to serve humanity and the nation and joining FRSC to ensure accident-free roads,” the sector commander said.

     

     

    In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, lauded the special marshals for the sacrifice of serving without expecting “a kobo”.

     

    Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Mr Oliver Odimega, the commissioner assured the special marshals of cooperation of the police to ensure seamless operations in the state.

     

    Speaking, Dr Elijah Willie, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, congratulated the new special marshals for coming onboard to protect lives.

     

     

    Represented by his Personal Assistant, SC Emmanuel Nwatu, the commandant urged them to be faithful in their service, “since the Almighty has ways of paying back good works and sacrifices”.

     

    Earlier, the State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Comrade Anthony Orji, cautioned the new special marshals against lawlessness.

     

    Orji urged them to ensure that their vehicle documents are up-to-date and intact, adding that they must first comply before ensuring others comply to traffic rules.

     

     

    “Special Marshals are men and women of proven integrity and people that stand out in their places of work and carrying out traffic duties as need arises,” he said.

     

    One of the inductees, Dr Godwin Lamidi, thanked the FRSC for providing the privilege and platform for him to carry out public-spirited work of safety that would touch lots of lives in the state.

  • Energy & Maritime Reporters forum births in A’Ibom, Pledges Responsible Reportage

    Energy & Maritime Reporters forum births in A’Ibom, Pledges Responsible Reportage

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Uyo:  The Energy and Maritime Reporters of NIgeria (EMR) is set to inaugurate its branch in Akwa Ibom State following a maiden meeting Friday night in Uyo.

    A statement
    E-signed by the National Chairman, EMR, Comrade Martins Giadom, also highlighted the group’s commitment to drive transparency, sustainable development, and stakeholders engagement in Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors.

    At the meeting moderated by the EMR national chairman, the group stated that members would focus on professional, investigative and solution-oriented journalism to raise public awareness on oil and gas, energy, blue economy and maritime issues.

    Members also resolved to spotlight challenges around accountability, safety standards, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and the Federal Government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ agenda.

    According to Giadom, the reporters also agreed to build stronger partnerships with International Oil Companies (IOCs), host communities, labour unions, government agencies, and development partners.

    Key players listed by the group included the Eastern Ports, terminal operators, Seplat Energy, Mobil, Agip, Renaissance, HYPREP, OGFZA, the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, the Local Content Board, and public-private initiatives like INDORAMA and NLNG.

    Other resolutions included the resolve to push for media involvement in policy dialogues and industry conferences, running regular training programmes to boost digital and technical reporting skills of members, and upholding ethics, fact-checking, and professionalism across EMR chapters.

    Members also called on organisers of energy and maritime events in Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta to actively involve journalists within the maritime domain to improve community-based reporting and regional development.

    The meeting also pledged to uphold responsible journalism and contribute to the growth, competitiveness, and socio-economic advancement of Nigeria’s energy and maritime industries.

  • Victory, Loss And The Immortal Spirit Of Democracy, Politics: Reflections On Today’s APC Primary Elections In Nigeria

    Victory, Loss And The Immortal Spirit Of Democracy, Politics: Reflections On Today’s APC Primary Elections In Nigeria

     

     

    By Sylvester Udemezue

    The primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which were held today, 16 May 2027, across all the states in Nigeria and the FCT, have once again demonstrated one eternal truth about politics and democracy: not every dream matures in one season, not every aspiration blossoms at the first attempt, and not every journey to greatness begins with victory. Politics is a battlefield of ideas, endurance, sacrifice, persuasion, courage and hope. It is a theatre where ambition encounters destiny; where preparation meets opportunity; where resilience is tested; and where character is ultimately revealed.

    In every political contest, many aspire, many labour, many sacrifice and many dream. Yet, at the end of the day, only a few emerge victorious at that particular moment in time. That is the nature of democracy. That is the beauty of competitive politics. That is the unavoidable reality of leadership contests.

    Accordingly, I heartily congratulate all those who emerged victorious in today’s primaries. Your victory is not merely a triumph of numbers. It is a solemn call to higher responsibility, deeper humility and greater service to the people. Victory must never intoxicate its beneficiaries. The mandate received today is not a crown for arrogance; it is a burden of responsibility. It is a call to reconciliation, maturity, inclusiveness and statesmanship. The true measure of political victory lies not merely in defeating opponents, but in demonstrating the wisdom, discipline and largeness of heart required to unite all sides after the contest.

    However, beyond celebrating the winners, I believe equal, if not greater, attention must be devoted to encouraging those who did not emerge successful today. This is because politics is not warfare. Politics is not bitterness. Politics is not the end of life. Politics is not a do-or-die affair. Politics is a continuum. Politics is a journey. Politics is a long road upon which today’s disappointment may become tomorrow’s greatest advantage. Every genuine democrat must understand from the outset that victory and defeat are twin possibilities in every contest. Anyone who enters politics believing only in victory may eventually be destroyed by the emotional weight of temporary defeat.

    The strongest politicians are not necessarily those who have never lost. More often than not, they are those who lost, learnt, rebuilt, persevered and returned stronger, wiser and more refined. History itself bears eloquent testimony to this truth. Many of the world’s most admired political leaders endured painful defeats before attaining enduring greatness. Some were mocked before they were celebrated. Some were rejected before they were embraced. Some lost elections before they eventually won the confidence of history itself.
    This is because defeat, painful as it may seem, possesses its own hidden wisdom.

    Sometimes, defeat teaches lessons that victory can never teach. Sometimes, loss builds character more than success. Sometimes, disappointment strengthens vision. Sometimes, delay prepares destiny. Accordingly, those who did not emerge victorious today must never see themselves as failures. Far from it. Participation itself is courage. Aspiration itself is leadership. Offering oneself for service is itself an act of patriotism, conviction and hope.

    Indeed, democracy is strengthened not merely by those who win elections, but also by those courageous enough to participate honourably, compete peacefully and accept outcomes maturely. What matters most after defeat is attitude. A politician’s future is often determined less by the fact of losing and more by the manner in which the loss is managed. Bitterness destroys future opportunities. Hostility weakens political families. Division diminishes collective strength. But humility preserves relevance. Maturity commands respect. Sportsmanship earns admiration. And loyalty during difficult moments often lays the foundation for greater opportunities ahead.

    I accordingly, respectfully urge all aspirants who did not emerge victorious today to remain steadfast, peaceful and committed to the larger vision and success of their political family. The party must always remain greater than individual ambition. Those who won today need the cooperation, support and goodwill of those who did not win. In the same manner, those who emerged victorious must resist every temptation toward triumphalism, exclusion or political arrogance.

    This is the time for reconciliation. This is the time for healing. This is the time for bridge-building. This is the time to remind ourselves that after every primary election, there still remains a bigger contest ahead: the collective struggle to secure victory for the party and deliver good governance to the people.

    Democracy flourishes not merely when elections are conducted, but when both winners and losers demonstrate maturity, restraint, discipline and respect for democratic outcomes. Indeed, some of today’s losses may become the very foundations upon which tomorrow’s victories shall be built. Therefore, let no one despair. Let no one surrender to bitterness. Let no one abandon hope. And let no one mistake temporary disappointment for permanent failure. The sun may set today only to rise more gloriously tomorrow.

    To the winners: congratulations on your victory.

    To those who lost: congratulations on your courage, resilience and democratic spirit.

    And to all participants: congratulations for strengthening democracy through your participation, sacrifice and commitment to peaceful political engagement.

    At the end of the day, democracy wins when peace prevails over bitterness, when unity survives competition, and when political actors place collective progress above personal disappointment. May wisdom guide all our leaders. May humility guide all our victors. May courage sustain all aspirants. And may hope continue to inspire all those who still dream of serving their people tomorrow.
    Warmest regards, All.
    Respectfully,
    Sylvester Udemezue, Udems.
    lawmentorng@gmail.com.
    08021365545.
    (16 May 2026)

  • FUNATO Founder’s Day: Senator Abdulfatai Buhari’s Vision for Educational Renewal Takes Centre Stage in Historic Celebration

    FUNATO Founder’s Day: Senator Abdulfatai Buhari’s Vision for Educational Renewal Takes Centre Stage in Historic Celebration

    The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho is set to witness a defining moment in its history as it rolls out plans for the grand celebration of its inaugural Founder’s Day scheduled to hold on Friday, 22nd May 2026, at the University Football Field, Okeho, Oyo State.

    The epoch-making event is expected to attract distinguished personalities from across the education sector, government circles, religious institutions, traditional communities, and the general public as the institution celebrates its emergence as one of Nigeria’s newest centres of academic excellence and technological advancement.

    At the heart of the historic celebration is the unwavering commitment and visionary leadership of Abdulfatai Buhari, whose relentless advocacy and dedication culminated in the establishment of the university following the assent of the bill into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Founder’s Day celebration is widely regarded as a tribute to purposeful leadership, educational transformation, and the collective aspiration for national development through quality university education.

    One of the major highlights of the event will be a high-profile public lecture titled, “University Education: Everybody’s Responsibility — Reclaiming the Nigerian University as a Catalyst for National Renewal,” to be delivered by renowned scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. A. S. Gbadegesin. The lecture is expected to provide intellectual insights into the future of higher education and the role universities must play in rebuilding Nigeria’s socio-economic and moral landscape.

    The ceremony will also feature an impactful talk on substance abuse by respected cleric Pastor Yemi Famoroti, aimed at sensitising students and youths on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of responsible living.

    In another landmark development, the university will officially commission the newly established FUNATO Radio, a strategic communication platform expected to strengthen information dissemination, educational broadcasting, community engagement, and practical media training for students.

    The Founder’s Day celebration will further showcase the creative and cultural identity of the institution through the selection of the official university anthem, alongside presentation of awards to the winner and runners-up who participated in the anthem competition.

    Observers have described the forthcoming event as more than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it symbolises the birth of a new academic culture rooted in innovation, agricultural development, technological advancement, and national service.

    With an array of entertaining and intellectually enriching activities lined up, the management of the university has called on staff, students,guests, and stakeholders to be seated by 9:30 a.m. ahead of the official commencement of proceedings at 10:00 a.m.

    As anticipation continues to build, many education stakeholders have commended Senator Abdulfatai Buhari for championing a legacy project that is already positioning Okeho and Oyo State prominently on Nigeria’s educational map, while opening new opportunities for academic growth, innovation, youth empowerment, and national development.

  • NAFDAC, NEPZA strengthen oversight in free trade zones

    NAFDAC, NEPZA strengthen oversight in free trade zones

    (Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, NEPZA Managing Director)

     

    – NAFDAC remains committed to monitoring the importation, exportation, production, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and other regulated consumables within the zones – Prof. Adeyeye

     

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja:  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) are strengthening joint oversight within Nigeria’s free trade zones.

    The collaboration focuses on pharmaceutical and consumable products manufactured by enterprises operating in the zones.

    The Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a visit to the Managing Director of NEPZA, Olufemi Ogunyemi, at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Adeyeye said the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration and partnerships that would enable NAFDAC to effectively discharge its regulatory responsibilities within the free trade zones nationwide.

    According to her, the agency remains committed to monitoring the importation, exportation, production, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and other regulated consumables within the zones.

    “We must view this meeting as a responsibility we have to the country to protect citizens from fake drugs and consumables infiltrating our markets from known and unknown destinations,” she said.

    The NAFDAC boss said the agency had consistently insisted on strict testing procedures and compliance with approved standards to guarantee quality control across regulated manufacturing and export industries.

    She emphasised the strategic importance of the free trade zone scheme to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and broader economic growth objectives, particularly in manufacturing and export promotion activities.

    However, Adeyeye said stronger monitoring mechanisms were necessary to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of products entering Nigeria’s customs territory from the free trade zones.

    “NEPZA and NAFDAC can fix this misalignment by jointly insisting on compliance.

    “We can close this gap through excellent facility management and improved inspection across production lines,” she said.

    Responding, Ogunyemi welcomed the collaboration, describing it as critical to addressing alleged irregularities associated with medical supplies and consumable products originating from enterprises operating within the free trade zones.

    According to him, the free trade zone scheme, comprising 63 zones and more than 900 enterprises, remains a major gateway for industrial growth, investment attraction, and national economic development.

    The NEPZA managing director, however, acknowledged that regulating operations within the zones still presented significant challenges requiring stronger inter-agency collaboration and improved enforcement mechanisms.

    “We need a joint effort to address some of the irregularities. We will allow NAFDAC to perform its regulatory functions because the public’s health depends on it,” he said.

    Ogunyemi added that NEPZA remained committed to ensuring that free trade zones were not used as safe havens for illicit activities or the circulation of substandard products.

    “We fully endorse this partnership and collaboration, which has the potential to enhance the scheme’s global compliance across all production and export activities for the benefit of the country,” he said.

    The meeting also featured the confirmation of an eight-member technical committee to examine challenges affecting seamless regulatory operations between both agencies within the nation’s free trade zones.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

  • Hajj: Pilgrims Commend NAHCON’s hospitality services, collaboration

    Hajj: Pilgrims Commend NAHCON’s hospitality services, collaboration

    (more…)

  • President Tinubu confirms elimination of ISIS Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki by US, Nigerian forces

    President Tinubu confirms elimination of ISIS Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki by US, Nigerian forces

     

    By Hamza Suleiman

    Abuja:   President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the elimination of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, one of the senior leaders of the Islamic State, during a joint counter-terrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

    In a statement issued from the State House on Saturday, Tinubu described the operation as a major example of effective international collaboration in the fight against terrorism.

    The president said that the operation was conducted overnight by the Nigerian Armed Forces in close coordination with the United States Armed Forces.

    “Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States, conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State,” Tinubu stated.

    The president said early assessments confirmed the killing of Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.

    Tinubu commended the partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing shared security objectives and expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for his leadership and support toward the operation.

    “Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives. I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” he said.

    The president also praised security personnel from both countries involved in the mission for their professionalism and courage.

    He expressed optimism that the operation would pave the way for more decisive actions against terrorist enclaves across the country.

    The operation is regarded as one of the most significant joint counter-terrorism missions involving Nigerian and U.S. forces in recent years against ISIS-linked elements operating within the Lake Chad region.

    Security analysts believe the death of Al-Manuki could disrupt the operational coordination of Islamic State West Africa Province and weaken extremist activities across parts of the North-east and the wider Sahel region. (NAN)

  • Trump explains how U.S. and, Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki

    Trump explains how U.S. and, Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki

     

    By Hamza Suleiman

    Abuja:  The United States has announced the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of the global Islamic State network, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted with Nigerian security forces.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Donald Trump via X also known as Twitter, said American forces, working alongside the Nigerian Armed Forces, carried out what he described as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” targeting the ISIS commander.

    According to Trump, al-Minuki had been operating from Africa and was considered one of the most active terrorist figures globally.

    “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump said.

    He said the operation was enabled through intelligence sources that tracked the activities and movements of the ISIS commander.

    Trump added that the removal of al-Minuki would significantly weaken the global operations of ISIS and reduce its capability to coordinate attacks, including plots targeting American interests.

     

    “With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation,” he said.

     

    Neither U.S. nor Nigerian authorities immediately disclosed the exact location or operational details surrounding the mission.

    Security and intelligence sources familiar with extremist activities in the Lake Chad region, however, described al-Minuki as one of the most influential foreign ISIS operatives deployed to West Africa in recent years.

     

    However, a security analyst, a counterinsurgency expert in the Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, in a related development said the killing of Al-Minuki and other terrorists would restore relative peace in the region.

     

    According to the expert, Al-Minuki reportedly arrived in the region alongside nearly 60 foreign fighters tasked with strengthening the operational capabilities of Islamic State West Africa Province across Nigeria and the wider Sahel.

     

    Makama said the group introduced new battlefield tactics that significantly altered the operational pattern of insurgent attacks in the North-east.

     

    “The tactics reportedly included increased night assaults on military formations, coordinated raids using mobile attack teams, deployment of armed drones for surveillance and attacks, renewed suicide bombing operations and more sophisticated use of improvised explosive devices,” he said.

     

    The security analyst said the emergence of armed drone tactics among insurgent groups in the Lake Chad Basin had become a major concern for Nigerian security agencies because it reflected warfare methods previously associated with ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria.

     

    He added that Al-Minuki was also believed to have coordinated international funding channels, communications, training support and strategic guidance between ISIS central leadership and ISWAP factions operating in West Africa.

     

    Makama said the operation marked one of the most significant joint counterterrorism actions involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in recent years.

     

    According to him, the successful targeting of such a senior ISIS figure suggested deeper intelligence penetration into extremist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

     

    Makama said that the operation could disrupt ISWAP’s command structure, weaken operational coordination and create distrust within militant ranks.

     

    He, however, cautioned that while the elimination of al-Minuki represented a major strategic and psychological blow to ISIS-linked groups in the region, it did not necessarily signal the end of ISWAP’s insurgency.

     

    According to the analyst, the group has repeatedly demonstrated resilience despite leadership losses, sustained offensives and internal divisions.

     

    He added that long-term success against extremist groups would still depend on sustained intelligence operations, regional cooperation, stabilisation programmes and addressing governance and economic challenges in conflict-affected communities. (NAN)

     

  • 4 in police net over alleged defilement in Adamawa

    4 in police net over alleged defilement in Adamawa

     

    By Nafeesa Vandi

    Yola:   The 31-year-old man, who sexually assaulted his neighbour’s 3-year-old girl and three others, has been arrested by the police in Adamawa.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Adamawa Command’s Spokesman, made this known to the  newsmen on Thursday in Yola.

    Nguroje said that the suspect, a resident of Tingno in Lamurde Local Government Area, was arrested for defiling a three-year-old baby.

    “He is a neighbour to the baby’s family and when he discovered the parents were away, he took advantage of their absence to defile her.

    “The other suspect was also arrested for taking advantage of a five-year-old girl in Yolde Pate.

    “The remaining two suspects were equally apprehended for luring a 17-year-old girl to a hotel in Yola and unlawful had canal knowledge of her,” the Spokesman said.

    Nguroje, however, said that Mr Kabir Hassan, the state Commissioner of Police had directed the Family Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the matter and charge the suspects in court.

     

    Nguroje said that the police had put modalities in place towards tackling all forms of Gender- Based- Violence.

     

    The Spokesman, who called on parents and guardians to properly protect their children at all times, urged residents of the state to report cases of rape and abuse to the security agencies. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)