Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Grenada Reaffirms Appreciation, Commitment to Sustain Collaboration with Nigeria through NTAC

    Grenada Reaffirms Appreciation, Commitment to Sustain Collaboration with Nigeria through NTAC

     

     

    – As Nigeria Intensifies Effort to Strengthen South-South Cooperation

    (Grenada National Flag)

    By Biola Lawal
    FLOWERBUDNEWS: A high-level Nigerian delegation has visited Grenad as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to deepening South-South Cooperation with African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries.

    The delegation, which was led by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, was part of the nation’s ongoing official foreign engagements aimed at further projecting Nigeria’s positive image.

    (THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL/CEO OF NTAC, RT. HON. YUSUF BUBA YAKUB, FLANKED BY DR. SANI ABDULLAHI (VOLUNTEER), DR. MAJI JOSEPH USMAN (VOLUNTEER), AND DR. MALAU KEFAS THOMAS, DURING A MEETING WITH NTAC VOLUNTEERS IN GRENADA.)

     

    This was disclosed in a statement by Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi (anipr),
    Head, NTAC Information and Public Relations, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews.

    (FROM L-R FSO, ROMANA ROSS, HOC, LINDA HILLS, DIR. PROG. AMB. BELLO A. JAYE, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, GRENADA, HON. JOSEPH ANDALL, DG/CEO NTAC, HON. YUSUF BUBA YAKUB, CHARGE DE AFFAIRS MRS DANKARO ANGYE ASHUMATE, CDA, ai, FSO, HAKEEM LADIPO FALUSI, AND THE PROTOCOL OFFICER OF THE HON. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MRS LYNDEON.)

    The delegation, which included the NTAC Director of Programmes, Amb. Bello A. Jaye, alongside other officials, commenced its engagements with a visit to Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs where it was warmly received by Honourable Minister, Joseph Andall.

    Hon. Andall highlighted the positive impact of the NTAC Scheme in Grenada and reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria.

    (DG/CEO NTAC, RT. HON. YUSUF BUBA YAKUB
    PRESENTING THE PERMANENT SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, WITH SOUVENIR.)

     

    The Grenadian Minister was accompanied by Foreign Service Officer, Mr. Ghavri Bartholomew.

    At the Ministry of Health, the delegation was received on behalf of the Honourable Minister by the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Rhonda Jones.

    Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in healthcare delivery, capacity building, and technical assistance.

    Dignitaries present at both engagements were Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Grenada, Mrs. Dankaro Angye Ashumate, and the Head of Chancery, Mrs. Linda Hills.

    (NTAC DG/CEO, RT. HON. YUSUF BUBA YAKUB PRESENTING A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AND NTAC MAGAZINE TO GRENADA’S MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, HON. JOSEPH ANDALL, AFTER BILATERAL DELIBERATIONS.)

     

    In his remarks, the NTAC Director-General emphasised Nigeria’s sustained commitment to South-South Cooperation through the NTAC Scheme.

    He disclosed that NTAC has being deploying skilled Nigerian professionals to partner countries in support of human capital development and institutional strengthening, in line with the foreign policy thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    The Director of Programmes, Amb. Bello A. Jaye, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing shared challenges, particularly in the health sector.

    He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to support partner countries through Technical expertise and Knowledge exchange.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ms. Rhonda Jones, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support and leadership, noting the impact of Nigerian professionals in strengthening healthcare systems.

    She called for sustained collaboration in key areas.

    (Grenada National Flag)

    Other officials present at the Ministry of Health engagement included Ms. Romana Ross, Foreign Service Officer, and Mr. Delran Andrews, Desk Officer.

    The engagements further underscore Nigeria’s leadership role in South-South Cooperation and its commitment to promoting shared development and international solidarity. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • Group to Baba-Ahmed: President Tinubu is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians

    Group to Baba-Ahmed: President Tinubu is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Democratic Front (TDF) has dismissed claims by the Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Hakeem Baba-Ahmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not in touch with Nigerians regarding the hardship in the country.

    In a statement by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF said it expected the former Permanent Secretary to bring his work experience to bear, rather than resort to politics.

    “We observed that Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed did not bring his knowledge and experience to bear, as a former Permanent Secretary and Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, during his chat with Arise Television where he made the erroneous statement about the President’s relationship with the people of Nigeria.

    “We reject his claims in their entirety and remind him that all the indices of hardship he hyperbolises in drawing the wrong conclusion about President Tinubu’s responses to the plight of Nigerians were indeed, in existence many years before the President was sworn into office in May 2023.

    “Even though we agree that comparing economic data with lived experience may sometimes result in contextualising economic indicators, it is wrong to draw conclusions on the impact of President Tinubu’s economic reforms on Nigerians, the way and manner Baba-Ahmed did, without fair comparative analysis of existing social and economic variables,” it added

    TDF noted that Baba-Ahmed thought that petroleum subsidy and the multiple exchange rate regimes constituted major clogs in Nigeria’s economic wheel before he accepted an appointment to serve as Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters.

    “On a serious note, Baba-Ahmed will agree that Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook has improved to the admiration of Nigerians and global economic players even before the commencement of the ongoing war in the Gulf Region. He should have attributed the recent increase in the cost of petrol to the war in Iran, which is not within the control of the Nigerian government or the President.

    “The Nigerian economy has successfully evolved around the fundamental principles of Tinubu’s Reforms. What should be on the mind of Baba-Ahmed and his likes, should be the unconditional transmission of economic gains to the ordinary citizens.

    “It is not true that the President is out of touch with the plight of Nigerians as wrongly conjectured by Baba-Ahmed. The technocrat/ politician was simply not fair enough to acknowledge the reduction in headline inflation to 15% from 35%, which eventuated in a crash of food prices across the nation, and the ongoing efforts by NELFUND to guarantee university education for indigent students in Nigeria amid a plethora of socioeconomic interventions, before arriving at his faulty conclusions.

    “We believe that Baba-Ahmed goofed by ignoring the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of 2025, which indicated a massive industrial expansion in the manufacturing sector of the economy, a development which has generated employment in the non-oil sector. These are the actual transmitters of economic gains that will alleviate poverty and hardship among the people, which Baba-Ahmed chooses to ignore.

    “The domestication of the crude oil refining process has also saved a huge chunk of the nation’s foreign exchange alongside the withdrawal of subsidy from petroleum, combined with the consolidation of national revenue, through Tinubu’s tax reform, has all resulted in humongous accruals to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    “As a former Permanent Secretary in the federal civil service, we expect Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed to know that the sub-national governments have a primary obligation to use the huge allocations given to them in FAAC to ameliorate hardship among Nigerians. And that the Federal Government alone cannot succeed in addressing the challenges of hardship in the country, if the states and local governments disavow their responsibilities to the people.”

    The group argued that accusing fingers should rather point at the sub-nationals, not the President.

     

  • APC Appoints Kaduna Governor Senator Uba Sani as Chairman of Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council

    APC Appoints Kaduna Governor Senator Uba Sani as Chairman of Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council

     

     

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially appointed Senator Uba Sani CON, Governor of Kaduna State, as Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council.

    In a letter dated 24th April, 2026, signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru Ph.D., BL, the party described the appointment as a recognition of Governor Sani’s “distinguished leadership, political experience, and commitment to the success of our party in this critical election.”

    The letter, addressed to Governor Sani at the Kaduna State Government House, also extends a formal invitation to the official flag-off campaign rally for the Ekiti State governorship election.

    Rally Details:
    Date: Monday, 27th April, 2026
    Time: 11:00 am
    Venue: Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

  • Opposition Parties Ibadan Summit, a Ruse – APC

    Opposition Parties Ibadan Summit, a Ruse – APC

     

    Courtesy: The Nation

     


    APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru has described the just concluded Ibadan Summit of Nigeria’s opposition political parties as ”a ruse”.

    “The so-called Ibadan summit is a ruse. It was an assemblage of individuals, not ten political parties,” Sen. Basiru declared in an interview with the Nation.

    He declared:
    ”For parties to meet, there must be prior authorisation from their NWC or NEC. Without that, it is simply a gathering of individuals.

    “If they now claim that ten political parties met to gang up against one party, it contradicts their earlier narrative.

    It shows that the political space remains open, but they lack the strength to compete individually”.

     

  • Shekarau receives APC membership card in Kano

    Shekarau receives APC membership card in Kano

    By Aminu Garko
    Kano:  Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State, on Saturday received his membership card of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his return to the fold.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Shekarau received the card at his Giginyu constituency.
    NAN also reports that Shekarau was accompanied by the Kano State Governor, Malam Abba Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, as well as other party stalwarts.
    In a brief remark after getting his card, Shekarau expressed appreciation for the support shown by party members and reiterated his commitment to contributing to the growth of the APC in Kano and beyond.
    He said that the development “reflects ongoing political realignments in the state”.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Shekarau’s return represents a significant moment in the politics of the north-western state as the former governor commands a significant following.
    With his movement to the APC, Shekarau is expected to join forces with former Governor Ganduje to fight another former governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recently left the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress(ADC).
    NAN recalls that Governor Yusuf secured the seat on the NNPP platform before he left the party to join the APC. (NAN) www.nannews.ng)
  • FROM EXPERIENCE TO EXCELLENCE: A NEW DAWN OF PURPOSEFUL REPRESENTATION FOR FCT/AMAC/BWARI 2027

    FROM EXPERIENCE TO EXCELLENCE: A NEW DAWN OF PURPOSEFUL REPRESENTATION FOR FCT/AMAC/BWARI 2027

     

     

    By Sharon Babatunde

    In the journey toward purposeful leadership, competence and experience are not optional—they are essential. Dr. Kayode Babatunde, mni, stands tall as a tested professional, a seasoned administrator, and a man whose life’s work reflects discipline, growth, service, and compassion.

    From his formative years at Government Secondary School, Malete (1977–1982), Dr. Babatunde demonstrated early promise and an enduring commitment to excellence. He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he undertook his basic studies (1985–1986) and earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (1986–1991). Driven by a passion for governance, security, and national development, he further obtained a Master’s degree in Criminology and Security Studies from the University of Abuja (2016–2017), and crowned his academic and leadership journey at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in 2018, earning the distinguished mni title.

    Dr. Kayode’s professional career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and measurable impact. He has served meritoriously across key Area Councils within the FCT, including:
    Director of Agriculture, Bwari Area Council (2019_2024)
    Director of Agriculture, Gwagwalada Area Council (2014);
    Director of Agriculture, Kuje Area Council (2012–2014);
    Director of Agriculture, Abuja Municipal Area Council (2007–2011);
    Head of Agriculture, Bwari Area Council (2003–2004);
    Head of Veterinary Services, Bwari Area Council (1994–2003).
    Across these roles, he built a reputation for effective administration, grassroots engagement, agricultural transformation, and policy implementation that directly improved livelihoods and strengthened local economies before he finally retired from public service in 2024

    Beyond public service, Dr. Babatunde is a distinguished traditional title holder—the Aare Atayese of Babanloma in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, reflecting his deep cultural roots, integrity, and recognition as a bridge-builder within communities.

    His life is equally defined by compassion and a consistent record of humanitarian service. As far back as 2001, he awarded scholarships to two pupils in Bwari Area Council who have today grown into graduates—clear evidence of his long-term investment in human capital. He further expanded this commitment by providing scholarships to 20 pupils in Bwari primary schools, opening doors of opportunity for the next generation.

    Dr. Babatunde is also the Founder of Restore Hope For The Boy Child Initiative, a non-governmental organisation devoted to protecting, mentoring, and advancing the rights and welfare of the boy child in Nigeria, demonstrating his belief in inclusive human development and balanced societal progress.

    He has consistently translated empathy into action—visiting displaced persons from North-East Nigeria with food items and toiletries, offering relief and dignity in times of hardship. His regular visits to Bwari General Hospital to support the needy, as well as sustained outreach to orphanage homes, underscore a life devoted to service beyond office and title. In addition, his donation of a wheelchair to a physically challenged individual in Bwari Area Council reflects his personal commitment to inclusion and care for the vulnerable.

    A respected professional, Dr. Babatunde is affiliated with notable bodies including the National Institute (mni), the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, the Institute of Corporate Administration, and the Nigerian Society of Disaster Risk Managers, among others. These memberships reflect his continuous pursuit of knowledge, ethical standards, and national relevance.

    Today, Dr. Kayode Babatunde, mni, offers himself for higher service, seeking to represent the good people of FCT/AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

    This is not just another candidacy, it is a call to credible leadership.

    The Green Chamber demands individuals who understand governance, policy, and the realities of the people. It requires a voice that is informed, experienced, compassionate, and courageous. Dr. Babatunde embodies these qualities. With his rich academic background, deep administrative experience, grassroots connection, and strategic training at NIPSS, he is uniquely positioned to deliver impactful, people-oriented, and forward-thinking legislation.

    His vision is clear:
    Strengthening agricultural development and food security;
    Enhancing community safety and security frameworks;
    Promoting youth empowerment and job creation;
    Advocating infrastructural growth across AMAC and Bwari;
    Ensuring effective representation that truly reflects the people’s needs.
    Dr. Kayode Babatunde is not a promise—he is proven capacity, tested character, and compassionate leadership in action.

    As the 2027 elections approach, the choice before the people is clear: to settle for the ordinary or to embrace competence, experience, and purposeful leadership.

    For effective representation, quality legislation, and a stronger constituency,
    Dr. Kayode Babatunde, mni, is the right choice.

    (Sharon Babatunde Esq writes from Abuja)

  • Over 2,490 People Killed by Israel in its Attacks on Lebanon Since March 2

    Over 2,490 People Killed by Israel in its Attacks on Lebanon Since March 2

     

    By Mohammad Sio

    Lebanon said Saturday that five people were killed and six others wounded over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll from Israeli attacks to 2,496 killed and 7,725 injured since March 2.

    The figures were published in a report by the Lebanese Cabinet’s Disaster Risk Management Unit, as reported by the National News Agency (NAA).

    The update comes as Israel continues to violate a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon that began on April 17.

    The previous official toll stood at 2,491 killed and 7,719 injured, in addition to more than 1 million displaced, before the updated figures were released.

    The unit did not provide further details on how the figures were calculated.

    According to field sources and local media, authorities continue to recover bodies of victims killed before the ceasefire took effect, while the rise in injuries is attributed to data updates and newly reported cases from recent days.

    On April 17, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Lebanon, later extending it on Thursday by an additional three weeks.

    Since March 2, Israel has continued to violate the fragile ceasefire, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction, while Hezbollah has responded by targeting Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon and Israeli communities.

    * Writing by Mohammad Sio

  • 60 Former UK Ambassadors Warm of Israel’s West Bank Annexation Moves

    60 Former UK Ambassadors Warm of Israel’s West Bank Annexation Moves

     

     

    A group of former British diplomats has called on the UK and its allies to take stronger action against Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning that current policies risk enabling annexation and undermining international law.

    In a letter published in the Financial Times on Friday, more than 80 former diplomats – including 60 ambassadors, high commissioners and senior officials – said Israel’s expansionist activity and policies in the occupied Palestinian territories amounted to “accelerating annexation.”

    “America is indeed falling out of love with Israel. So is Europe. While the world watches Iran and Lebanon, Israel extends control over the West Bank and Gaza. Its accelerating annexation is unmistakable,” the letter said.

    They argued that Israel is in breach of both the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, which require respect for human rights and democratic principles.

    “Israel is in breach of both agreements,” the letter said, citing expanding occupier placements, discrimination against Palestinians and what it described as “systematic state-supported settler violence.”

    The signatories called for the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel, ban trade with settlements, halt arms transfers and restrict Israel’s participation in EU programs. They also urged the UK to ban all trade with settlements and review its agreements with Israel.

    “Israel’s settlements project aims to kill the viability of the Palestinian state – Gaza, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank – which Britain recognized in September 2025. That aim needs to fail, for the sake of long-term stability and a just peace.”

    The diplomats warned that continued occupier settlement construction, including planned projects in the E1 area of the West Bank, could further undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state.

    “Mere words of condemnation are ignored. While the world is distracted, grave contraventions of international law continue in occupied Palestine. We have drawn the EU letter to foreign secretary Yvette Cooper’s attention. Government action is now needed,” the letter added.

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for $516m loan for Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway

    Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for $516m loan for Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway

     

    By Naomi Sharang

    Abuja:   President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate’s approval for a 516.3 million dollars syndicated loan to finance key sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.

    The Superhighway is a major infrastructure project under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The request, is contained in a letter read during plenary on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeks legislative authorisation in line with Sections 16 and 21 of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2011.

    In the letter, the President outlined the scope and purpose of the proposed financing.

    “The purpose of this communication is to formally request the resolution of the National Assembly, to approve a proposed foreign financing arrangement of a syndicated loan facility of US$516,333,007 for the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway Project.”

    Tinubu specifically asked lawmakers to approve both the loan facility and its inclusion in the federal government’s borrowing plan already endorsed by the National Assembly.

    “Approval is sought for the syndicated financing facility from Deutsche Bank for the execution of Sections 1, 1A, and 1B… and the inclusion of the said financing in the federal government’s borrowing plan,” the letter stated.

    Tinubu described the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as a flagship initiative aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s economic corridors.

    “The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway is a flagship infrastructure initiative designed to open up Nigeria’s northwest–southwest economic corridor through the construction of an approximately 1,000-kilometre high-capacity carriageway.”

    He added that the highway will connect Sokoto to Lagos, passing through Kebbi, Niger State, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun, stretching from Illela to Badagry.

    According to the President, the project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic and social benefits.

    “The project will enhance north–south connectivity and road safety, reduce logistics costs and travel time, facilitate trade and strengthen food security, and promote national integration.”

    He added that provisions for future rail integration and utility corridors would ensure long-term infrastructure efficiency.

    The president said the proposed financing arrangement includes a syndicated loan backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank.

    He noted that the federal government is expected to provide counterpart funding of ₦265.5 billion for land acquisition, compensation and ancillary infrastructure.

    Tinubu said the loan will run for nine years, including a grace period of up to three years, with an interest rate capped at CME SOFR plus 5.3 percent per annum.

    He noted that the Federal Executive Council has already approved the financing terms.

    Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, directing it to report back within one week.

    During deliberations, Sen. Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) described the superhighway as a long-awaited development.

    He noted that the project, which had remained on the drawing board for over 50 years, is now becoming a reality.

    “This project has been on the drawing board for more than five decades and today, it is taking shape,” he said.

    Aliero revealed that he had inspected parts of the road, describing the construction quality as modern and durable.

    “The superhighway is being constructed using reinforced concrete and equipped with solar-powered street lighting. It meets modern infrastructure standards,” he said.

    He added that the project would significantly reduce travel time between Sokoto and Lagos:

    “Travel time will drop from about 13 hours to roughly six hours, which is a major improvement.”

    The senator urged his colleagues to support the initiative by approving the committee’s report once presented.

    In his remarks, Akpabio endorsed the project, describing it as economically transformative.

    “This is a major economic game changer capable of saving lives and boosting productivity,” he said.

    He defended the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy:“Borrowing for critical infrastructure is justified, particularly where such investments yield long-term benefits and can facilitate repayment through generated value.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)