Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • IHRO condemns extra-judicial killing of Mene Ogidi, lauds I-G for swift action

    IHRO condemns extra-judicial killing of Mene Ogidi, lauds I-G for swift action

    IHRO condemns extra-judicial killing of Mene Ogidi, lauds I-G for swift action

    The International Human Rights Observatory (IHRO) has strongly condemned the extra-judicial killing of Mr Mene Ogidi, allegedly carried out by some unprofessional police officers in Delta State.

    The Country Director of the IHRO, Ambassador Chimbo Obieze, on Friday in Enugu while interacting with journalists, also commended the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu, swift action on the matter.

    Obieze noted that the incident had sparked widespread international outrage and concern about human rights abuses within law enforcement agencies in the country.

     

    According to him, that very sad and unfortunate incident is a blatant violation of human rights and a tragic abuse of power.

    The country director reaffirmed the Observatory”s commitment to holding law enforcement agencies accountable and ensuring justice for victims of police brutality.

    “We stand with the Ogidi family in their time of grief and demand that all those responsible for this horrific act be brought to justice.

    “This is a reminder of the urgent need for reform within law enforcement agencies to prevent future occurrences of such brutality,” he said.

     

    Obieze said that IHRO also expressed appreciation for the swift response of the I-G, who immediately launched an investigation into the matter.

    He said, “The I-G swift actions demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the incident.

    “We commend the I-G for his quick action in initiating an investigation. This is a positive step towards ensuring that police officers act within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of citizens.”

     

     

    The country director called for a thorough and transparent investigation, as well as the implementation of reforms to ensure that incidents of extra-judicial killings and police brutality are eradicated from the Nigeria Police.

    “IHRO also pledges to continue monitoring the case and providing support to the Ogidi family as they seek justice,” he added.

  • Fubara inspects commissioners’ quarters, targets Nov. 2026 for completion

    Fubara inspects commissioners’ quarters, targets Nov. 2026 for completion

     

    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt:  µ Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has said that the new residential quarters being constructed for commissioners and special advisers would be completed by November 2026.
    Fubara disclosed this during an inspection of the project in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
    He said the state government embarked on the construction of a centralised residential facility for senior officials to reduce the financial burden of rented accommodation on government.
    According to him, the initiative will also enhance operational efficiency and improve coordination among top government functionaries.
    “It looks so embarrassing that the government will be spending a lot of money renting places for these senior officials.
    “So, we decided to embark on this project, believing that when it is completed and accommodation provided for our productive officers, efficiency will be enhanced,” he said.
    Fubara added that housing the officials in one location would also strengthen security arrangements and reduce the cost of deploying security personnel to multiple residences.
    “When they are all living together, it makes it easier for us to have just one unit of security, and the multiple arrangement of carrying police here and there will also stop,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the project handled by Shaanxi Construction Engineering Nigeria Ltd, consists of 25 units of six-bedroom flats.
    The residential quarters is located within the Rainbow Housing Estate along the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout in Port Harcourt.
    The governor was led on the project inspection by the Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr Tonye Belgam, and some officials of the construction company
    An elated Fubara commended the contractors for their commitment and urged them to adhere strictly to the Nov. 2026 completion timeline.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
  • NHRC seeks urgent actions to cushion economic hardship on workers

    NHRC seeks urgent actions to cushion economic hardship on workers

    Action

    By Edith Nwapi

    Abuja, May 1, 2026 (FBN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called  on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive actions to cushion the devastating impact of rising cost of living.

    The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made this call in a statement to commemorate the International Workers’ Day.

    Ojukwu stressed that the recent increase in petrol prices has significantly intensified the burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly workers who rely on daily commuting to earn a living.

    He noted that transportation costs have surged beyond the reach of many, eroding incomes, reducing productivity, and undermining the dignity of labour.

    He acknowledged the ongoing government efforts to address poverty in the context of global inflation.

    ” Such measures are yet to sufficiently ease the immediate and lived realities of Nigerians grappling with escalating costs of living.

    ” Transportation remains one of the most pressing challenges, with the absence of an efficient and affordable public transport system compounding the effects of fuel price increases.

    ” Without urgent intervention, millions of workers risk being pushed further into economic vulnerability” he said.

    The senior advocate also drew attention to persistent structural issues, including estimated electricity billing and metering challenges.

    He noted also,  the high cost of housing, inadequate healthcare coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme, and frequent industrial actions in the health sector driven by poor welfare conditions.

    These factors, Ojukwu said, continue to place immense strain on workers and their families.

    He also expressed concerns over wage disparities for workers performing similar roles, with a call for transparent and fair salary harmonisation.

    Ojukwu described delays in the payment of retirement benefits as unacceptable.

    ” This singular act deprives retirees of dignity and security after years of service.

    ” There is the need to expand affordable and reliable transportation options nationwide to directly relieve the burden on Nigerian workers.

    ” The current hardship occasioned by fuel price increases and inflation is not merely an economic issue but a human rights concern that demands urgent people-focused responses” he noted

    He therefore,  called on the federal government to intensify efforts by implementing practical and inclusive policies that will directly improve the living and working conditions of Nigerians.

    “As the nation marks the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the NHRC urged all levels of government to act swiftly and decisively to restore hope and dignity to Nigerian workers.

    ” Nigerian workers cannot continue to bear the weight of economic reforms without protection, their welfare, dignity, and rights must be placed at the center of national policy decisions” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that workers Day is celebrated annually on May 1.

    This  day is set-aside for the recognition of the sacrifices   of workers and advocate for better working conditions, solidarity, and justice.

  • Gov. Yahaya celebrates workers, promises improve welfare

    Gov. Yahaya celebrates workers, promises improve welfare

    Workers

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, May 1, 2026,

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended workers for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

    Yahaya said this on Saturday in a message to mark the 2026 May Day celebration, by his media aide, Ismaila Misili.

    He described workers as the driving force of government and a key part of his administration’s vision for a more prosperous state.

    “Today, we honour the resilience, commitment and hard work of our workers. Your efforts remain the foundation of the progress we are seeing across the state,” he said.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fair pay and improve workers’ welfare, adding that Gombe was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage.

    The governor said the state government ensured regular payment of salaries, pensions and other entitlements in spite of economic challenges.

    “We are also working to clear all outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at both state and local government levels.

    “We have made steady progress in improving working conditions across public institutions. Our aim is to protect the health, dignity and productivity of every worker,” he said.

    Yahaya said that his administration has approved full implementation of the new national minimum wage for local government employees, including staff of the 11 local government councils, Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and primary healthcare workers with effect from May 2026.

    “This clears the remaining 43 per cent balance, bringing implementation to 100 per cent.”

    He assured that his administration would continue to place workers at the centre of its policies while promoting fairness, excellence and good governance.

    While commending the role of the organised labour in maintaining peace in the workplace, Yahaya described their cooperation as vital to the feat achieved.

    He urged workers to be committed in spite of the current economic challenges, and called for unity and shared responsibility.

    “Our workers are central to service delivery and economic growth. I urge you to stay dedicated, while we continue to ensure your efforts are recognised and fairly rewarded,” he said.

  • Malaria Elimination: ENSG, partner enrol 1,000 pregnant women on health insurance scheme

    Malaria Elimination: ENSG, partner enrol 1,000 pregnant women on health insurance scheme

    Malaria Elimination: ENSG, partner enrol 1,000 pregnant women on health insurance scheme

    The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), has enrolled 1,000 pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme in order to stamp out malaria.

    The benefitting pregnant women, which enrollment gesture is part of the state celebration of World Malaria Day, would get free malaria testing and treatment; free antenatal services, free delivery and free post-natal care for mother and child.

    Speaking on Thursday in Enugu after being awarded Malaria Elimination Ambassador for Enugu State, the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, pledged to strengthen her commitment to zero malaria prevalence in the state.

    Represented by the Wife of the Speake of Enugu State, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, the governor’s wife noted that she would put more vigor to malaria elimination in all ramifications.

    According to her, we will empower women as frontline warriors to ensure concentrate actions are take even at the household level and with concerted efforts of all the anticipated victory of malaria elimination is within reach.

    Corroborating, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, commended malaria partners, state coordinator and council area focal persons as well as the media for reduction of malaria prevalence from 25.5 per cent to 9.9 per cent.

    Ugwu noted that the state is currently running a free malaria testing and treatment in 527 health facilities (both government-owned and private facilities) in the state.

    According to him, it is highly possible there will  be reduction to malaria prevalence below five per cent in 2027 and a total elimination of malaria in its entirety in few years to come in the state.

     

    “We are also getting support from some council areas that procured and distributed insecticide treated nets and some that have enrolled thousands of their residents to the state health insurance scheme free of charge.

    “The state is still expecting insecticide treated nets from the National Malaria Elimination Programme and involvement of more partners as well as residents keying into all malaria prevention, testing and treatment programmes,” he said.

    The commissioner noted that Gov. Peter Mbah led administration had invested heavily in building 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, secondary hospitals, two tertiary hospitals and a 300-bedded international hospital in Enugu metropolis.

    He appreciated health partners –  ECEWS, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate (jhpiego), Real Pharmaceutical Ltd, WHO, UNICEF and council, ward and community malaria focal persons among others for their unwavering support in the fight against malaria.

    Speaking, Project Director of ECEWS, Chief Ayodele Alegbeleye, said that earlier in the week ECEWS, other partners and health ministry took malaria elimination message directly to residents through a malaria awareness walk and flier distribution.

    Alegbeleye said that the walk engaged women, children, youths, law enforcement officers and senior citizens; thus, promoting prevention measures, early testing, and effective treatment, and information on free malaria testing and treatment in health facilities.

    “The next day, Wednesday, we carried out free medical outreach in five selected health facilities in Enugu State. Today, we are supporting the state in enrolling 1,000 pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme.

    “Through strengthened collaboration, community driven action, and sustained advocacy, ECEWS remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s path to a malaria free future,”‘he added.

    The health ministry awarded Best Malaria Elimination Supportive LG Chairman to the Chairman of Enugu East council area, Rev. Beloved-Dan Anike and the Best Malaria Elimination Supportive LG Focal Person to Mr Kyrian Ezeh, working in Udenu LGA.

  • Odidiomo Empowers Youths, Unveils Plan to Make Ibadan Tech Hub

    Odidiomo Empowers Youths, Unveils Plan to Make Ibadan Tech Hub

    Odidiomo Empowers Youths, Unveils Plan to Make Ibadan Tech Hub

    ‎

    ‎By Adewale Owoade.

    ‎

    ‎

    A member of the House of Representatives, Dhikrullahi Adedeji Olajide, Odidiomo, has intensified his political visibility in Oyo State, leveraging a large-scale youth empowerment initiative to reinforce his governorship ambition ahead of 2027.

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    ‎

    ‎No fewer than 200 youths from Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency and other parts of the state benefitted from a 10-day digital skills and empowerment programme facilitated by the lawmaker in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.

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    ‎The participants, largely unemployed, received training in digital marketing, cybersecurity fundamentals, remote work, and tech-driven entrepreneurship.

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    ‎Each beneficiary was also supported with a laptop and startup funding to kick-start digital ventures.

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    ‎Speaking at the closing ceremony, Olajide—who chairs the House Committee on Digital, ICT and Cybersecurity—framed the intervention as both an economic and strategic response to youth unemployment and the widening digital gap.

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    ‎He said the initiative aligns with his broader vision of transforming Oyo into a technology-driven economy, noting that Ibadan has the potential to emerge as a leading innovation hub in the South-West.

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    ‎Olajide also acknowledged the role of Governor Seyi Makinde in laying what he described as a “solid foundation” in infrastructure, education, and governance, pledging to consolidate on those gains if elected.

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    ‎According to him, the programme is part of a sustained effort that has seen over 2,400 youths trained across the state, alongside the establishment of digital hubs and provision of scholarships.

    ‎

    ‎“This is not just the end of a training programme but the beginning of economic independence for these young people,” he said. “The tools provided are meant to drive innovation, enterprise and productivity.”

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    ‎Beyond empowerment, the lawmaker used the platform to advance his policy direction, highlighting plans for broadband expansion, public Wi-Fi in commercial centres, and the establishment of tech and innovation hubs across the state.

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    ‎He also disclosed that a Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill he sponsored at the National Assembly is nearing public hearing, calling on stakeholders to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s digital policy framework.

    ‎Reaffirming his governorship ambition, Olajide said his aspiration is driven by a commitment to deepen ongoing reforms and unlock new economic opportunities through technology and innovation.

    ‎

    ‎“We will not slow down progress. We will scale it up—particularly by investing in digital infrastructure and skills that create jobs and improve livelihoods,” he stated.

    ‎

    ‎A representative of NITDA, Eedris Faruk, said the training exposed participants to practical digital tools, including artificial intelligence applications and online business development.

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    ‎Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, while pledging support for the lawmaker’s gubernatorial bid.

  • Malaria Prevention: Enugu Govt., partner enrol 1,000 pregnant on health insurance scheme

    Malaria Prevention: Enugu Govt., partner enrol 1,000 pregnant on health insurance scheme

    Malaria Prevention: Enugu Govt., partner enrol 1,000 pregnant on health insurance scheme

    The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), has enrolled 1,000 pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme in order to stamp out malaria.

    The benefitting pregnant women, which enrollment gesture is part of the state celebration of World Malaria Day, would get free malaria testing and treatment; free antenatal services, free delivery and free post-natal care for mother and child.

    Speaking on Thursday in Enugu after being awarded Malaria Elimination Ambassador for Enugu State, the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, pledged to strengthen her commitment to zero malaria prevalence in the state.

    Represented by the Wife of the Speake of Enugu State, Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, the governor’s wife noted that she would put more vigor to malaria elimination in all ramifications.

    According to her, we will empower women as frontline warriors to ensure concentrate actions are take even at the household level and with concerted efforts of all the anticipated victory of malaria elimination is within reach.

    Corroborating, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, commended malaria partners, state coordinator and council area focal persons as well as the media for reduction of malaria prevalence from 25.5 per cent to 9.9 per cent.

    Ugwu noted that the state is currently running a free malaria testing and treatment in 527 health facilities (both government-owned and private facilities) in the state.

    According to him, it is highly possible there will  be reduction to malaria prevalence below five per cent in 2027 and a total elimination of malaria in its entirety in few years to come in the state.

     

    “We are also getting support from some council areas that procured and distributed insecticide treated nets and some that have enrolled thousands of their residents to the state health insurance scheme free of charge.

    “The state is still expecting insecticide treated nets from the National Malaria Elimination Programme and involvement of more partners as well as residents keying into all malaria prevention, testing and treatment programmes,” he said.

    The commissioner noted that Gov. Peter Mbah led administration had invested heavily in building 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, secondary hospitals, two tertiary hospitals and a 300-bedded international hospital in Enugu metropolis.

    He appreciated health partners –  ECEWS, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate (jhpiego), Real Pharmaceutical Ltd, WHO, UNICEF and council, ward and community malaria focal persons among others for their unwavering support in the fight against malaria.

    Speaking, Project Director of ECEWS, Chief Ayodele Alegbeleye, said that earlier in the week ECEWS, other partners and health ministry took malaria elimination message directly to residents through a malaria awareness walk and flier distribution.

    Alegbeleye said that the walk engaged women, children, youths, law enforcement officers and senior citizens; thus, promoting prevention measures, early testing, and effective treatment, and information on free malaria testing and treatment in health facilities.

    “The next day, Wednesday, we carried out free medical outreach in five selected health facilities in Enugu State. Today, we are supporting the state in enrolling 1,000 pregnant women into the state health insurance scheme.

    “Through strengthened collaboration, community driven action, and sustained advocacy, ECEWS remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s path to a malaria free future,”‘he added.

    The health ministry awarded Best Malaria Elimination Supportive LG Chairman to the Chairman of Enugu East council area, Rev. Beloved-Dan Anike and the Best Malaria Elimination Supportive LG Focal Person to Mr Kyrian Ezeh, working in Udenu LGA.

  • Arraignment of woman charged with cyberstalking minister suffers setback

    Arraignment of woman charged with cyberstalking minister suffers setback

     

    The arrangement of a woman, Tracynither Ohiri, for allegedly cyberstalking the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Wednesday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The matter, which was fixed for Ohiri to take her plea before Justice James Omotosho, could not proceed due to the absence of the defendant in court.

    When the case was called, neither Ohiri nor her lawyer was in court

    The prosecution lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, informed the court that though the case was scheduled for Ohiri’s arraignment, they were unable to serve her with the charge.

    He said the prosecution had planned to serve Ohiri at an Abuja magistrate court on Tuesday where she was facing another trial, but the defendant did not come to the court.

    Madaki, however, said that the police had applied to discontinue the case at the magistrate court.

    He then prayed Justice Omotosho for another date to enable them do the needful.

    “Now that you have withdrawn your matter at the magistrate court, how will you serve the defendant,” the judge asked.

    Responding, Madaki said the prosecution had mobilised the bailiff of the court to serve Ohiri in Lagos State.

    The judge, who said that the court is not a dumping ground for cases, threatened that if the police failed to produce the defendant on the next adjourned date, the case would be struck out.

    Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until May 26 for Ohiri’s arraignment or for the matter to be struck out.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wednesday’s proceeding marked the third time the case would be coming up for hearing.

    Justice Omotosho had, on April 16, threatened to strike out the charge filed by the police against Ohiri, the sole defendant in the case.

    The judge gave the warning following the inability of the prosecution to produce Ohiri in court for arraignment.

    The judge then fixed April 24 (Friday) for Ohiri to take her plea.

    However, when the case came up on Friday, Madaki, who expressed police inability to serve the defendant, begged the court for another adjourned date.

    The police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026, preferred a 13 counts bordering on cyberstalking and defamation against Ohiri.

    The charge, dated March 31, was filed same day by Madaki from the Directorate of Legal Services, Police Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    In count one, Ohiri was alleged to have, on or about Oct. 16, 2023, intentionally transmitted through her TikTok account, a video publication wherein she accused the minister of threatening to kill her if she entered Ebonyi.

    The prosecution said the statement, which she knew to be false and of a menacing character, capable of causing fear and reputational injury, is punishable under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

    In count three, the defendant was alleged to have, on or about March 8, 2024, transmitted via her TikTok account, a video alleging that Umahi victimised her for refusing sexual relations and used his office to oppress women.

    Count four accused her of publishing via her TikTok account, on or about May 3, 2024, alleging that Umahi tied down her business capital for 10 years due to her refusal of his sexual advances.

    The police accused Ohiri in count six of publishing on Sahara Reporters and circulated on social media, on or about March 28, 2025, a statement alleging that Umahi owed her over N200 million for campaign materials which statement she knew to be false.

    In count seven, she was alleged to have, on the same date and through the same medium, alleged that non-payment of her mony was a retaliation for refusal of sexual advances, which she knew was false and intended to damage reputation.

    Count eight accused her of transmitting via her Facebook page, on or about Feb. 26, a video of a press conference wherein she stated that Umahi threatened to ensure she would “not leave Ebonyi State alive and that he would do to you what happened to the NELAN Engineers.”

    The prosecution, in count 10, accused Ohiri of causing her publications to be widely shared, reposted and circulated across social media platforms, thereby amplifying their reach and impact, with intent to cause hatred, ill will and reputational injury, among other counts.

  • Breaking: Supreme Court voids Ibadan PDP convention

    Breaking: Supreme Court voids Ibadan PDP convention

     

    Abuja,  The Supreme Court has voided the national convention the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Nov.  15 and Nov. 16, 2025.(NAN)(www nannews ng)