Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • ANA, Edo State Literary Community to Mark World Book Day with “Go All In” Reading Session

    ANA, Edo State Literary Community to Mark World Book Day with “Go All In” Reading Session

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    BENIN CITY — The literary heartbeat of Edo State is set to quicken this Thursday as the *Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)* joins forces with the *Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC)* and state education officials to celebrate the transformative power of the written word.

    In a collaboration with the *Edo State Library Board* and the *Ministry of Education*, the *ANA Edo State Chapter*, alongside the *Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC)*, will host a special reading session at the *Edo State Secretariat Building* on Sapele Road. Under the theme, *”Go All In,”* the event aims to bridge the gap between local authors and the reading public.

    The program, scheduled to begin promptly at *11:30 AM*, will feature a mix of live readings, keynote talks, and interactive sessions designed to engage both seasoned and aspiring writers. The chairman of the ANA Edo state Chapter says the event is part of a broader effort to revitalize the culture of reading within the state.

    The event is open to residents, educators, and book enthusiasts, and serves as the central activity for the chapter’s *World Book Day* observation.

  • Alleged coup: FG set to arraign 6 suspects

    Alleged coup: FG set to arraign 6 suspects

     

    The Federal Government is set to arraign six suspected coup plotters.

    The case is listed on number 14 on the Wednesday’s cause list before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

    The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had filed the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, against the defendants.

    The suspects are Maj-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (rtd), Cap. (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (rtd), Insp Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Abdulkadir Sani, listed as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    Although the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, is not named as a defendant in the charge, he is listed as being at large.

    Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, only Abdulkadir Sani, the 6th suspect and a cleric in Zaria, Kaduna State, was in court.

    Other suspects are yet to be brought to court.

    The charge before Justice Abdulmalik, dated and filed on April 20 by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accused the defendants of alleged treason and terrorism.

    The defendants were also accused of failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.

    At the centre of the case is an allegation that the defendants conspired in 2025 to undermine the Nigerian state.

    They were alleged to have conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The offence is said to be punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

    The case is yet to be called as at the time of filing this report.
    ========

     

    Details later

  • Oborevwori Says His Administration Will Prioritise Investments In Renewable Energy

    Oborevwori Says His Administration Will Prioritise Investments In Renewable Energy

     

    By Fidelis Egugbo
    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said that his administration would
    prioritise development through targeted investments in renewable energy and improved waste management systems.

    The Governor stated this at the second edition of the 2026 mandatory continuing professional development programme of the National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) at Asaba.

    Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme Ph.D, Governor Oborevwori noted that the theme of the programme ” Climate Change and Sustainability Reporting “was very timely and forward looking as it speaks directly to the pressing realities of the time.”

    The Governor said,
    “I commend the national leadership of ANAN and the Delta State Branch for convening this programme and for choosing the timely and forward-looking theme, Climate Change and Sustainability Reporting.

    “This theme speaks directly to the pressing realities of our time.

    “Climate change is no longer a distant or theoretical concern. Here in Delta State, its impact is evident in recurring flooding, changing rainfall patterns, and the growing vulnerability of our riverine and coastal communities.

    “These challenges demand deliberate, data-driven, and measurable responses.

    “As accountants and financial professionals, you occupy a strategic position in shaping these responses. Sustainability reporting is not merely a compliance obligation; it is a critical tool for strengthening transparency, guiding responsible investment, and enabling sound decision-making by properly accounting for environmental and social costs.

     

    “Our administration, guided by the MORE Agenda, remains committed to building a resilient and sustainable Delta State.

    “We are embedding sustainability into our priorities through targeted investments in renewable energy, improved waste management systems, sustainable agriculture, urban renewal, and climate resilience initiatives, particularly in our vulnerable communities.

    “We look to professional bodies such as ANAN to continue upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Credible and transparent reporting will not only enhance public trust but also position our economy to attract green finance by engaging rigorously and translating its outcomes into practical tools for financial reporting, risk management, and governance.”

    Speaking , the President/Chairman of Council, Hajia Zuwariat Talatu Kishima commended the State government for their support, the enabling environment and commitment of the State Government to governance and development.

  • Court threatens to jail erring lawyers in EFCC’s forfeiture case against Malami

    Court threatens to jail erring lawyers in EFCC’s forfeiture case against Malami

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday threatened to jail any lawyer, who flouts court’s rules to cause delay in the forfeiture suit filed by the EFCC against 57 properties linked to Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malami is former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minsiter of Justice.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the warning following a complaint by EFCC lead counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, that some of the lawyers to interested parties deliberately served on him their proceses late to delay proceedings.

    When the case was called, Justice Abdulmalik declined to allow lawyers, whose names were not in the cause list, announced appearance for their clients.

    The judge, who condemned the act, said it was high time lawyers conducted themselves in line with the rules.

    Okutepa, while addressing the court, said the matter was scheduled for today for the hearing of all applications.

    “Unfortunately, I came this morning by 8:31am and I received a called from learner silk, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he is leading his legal team to Appeal Court for time sensitive matter,” he said.

    He said Daudu told him that he would be sending a lawyer with a letter to the court.

    Okutepa said, truly, he said in the letter that Daudu had a Peoples Democratic Party’s case at the Appeal Court.

    He said he expressed his discomfort to his colleague because the suit was filed since January.

    He said though the parties were before the court on Feb. 28, some of the lawyers to the interested parties were still serving him their processes up to Tuesday, even after some of them had filed their responses to the court order since January.

    “These people filed their processes as far back as January but they didn’t serve me in January, they didn’t serve me in February, March but until April 18,” he said.

    Okutepa, who said about 14 of the lawyers served him late, told the court that another lawyer just approached him when in court to serve him with their process.

    “We are ministers in the temple of justice my lord and things should be done rightly,” he added.

    He described the act as deliberate ploy to delay hearing.

    He said the publication of the interim forfeiture order of the 57 properties was done on Jan. 9 as directed by the court and that interested parties were supposed to show cause within 14 days of the order why a final forfeiture order should not be made.

    “My lord, we need court guidance,” he said.

    The lawyer said though he would not oppose the application for adjournment, he, however, said that so many motions were filed by the respondents to overwhelm them.

    “But we will not be overwhelmed,” he said

    Justice Abdulmalik then said that a definite date would be given to all parties in the suit to file and serve their processes.

    “And anyone who fails to file within time will shoot himself in the foot.

    “I will not take any rascallity from any lawyer and if you dare me, I will charge you for contempt, dock and jail you.

    “So please let’s do the needful,” the judge warned.

    She subsequently adjourned the matter until May 26 for hearing of all applications.

    The judge ordered that all the interested parties shall, before April 27, file all their processes and served same on the EFCC lawyer to enable him respond appropriately.

    According to her, any process that is served on April 28 should not be received.

    “This will mean, you shut yourself out,” the judge said.

    Justice Abdulmalik, who ordered EFCC to respond to any process served on it within one week, gave the respondents four days to file their reply as well.

    NAN reports that the EFCC had filed a motion on notice for final forfeiture of the 57 properties.

    The commission, in the application, filed by its team of lawyers led by Okutepa, SAN, and Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told Justice Abdulmalik that the respondents had failed to place sufficient evidence before the court to warrant the court to vacate the earlier interim order.

    The motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, named the ex-AGF, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami as 1st to 4th respondents.

    Others are Rayhaan Bustan and Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd as 5th to 9th respondents.

    They also include Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd, Kawsar Ben of Brahim, Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju, Real Edge Agro Services Ltd as 10th to 15th respondents respectively.

    The application was brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

    The anti-graft agency sought “a final order of this honourable court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the properties described in the schedule below, which were found by the commission as properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    NAN reports that a sister court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had, on Jan. 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities to the Federal Government.

    The judge made the order following an ex-parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Iheanacho.

    The judge directed the commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested person(s) to show cause, within 14 days, why all the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The case was, however, reassigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu after the vacation ended but Egwuatu recused himself from the matter, citing personal reasons and in the interest of justice, before it was reassigned to Abdulmalik.

    Malami and others had since challenged the anti-graft agency’s civil suit, praying the court to vacate the order.

  • Ex-VP Atiku is out of touch with Nigeria’s political realities -TMSG

    Ex-VP Atiku is out of touch with Nigeria’s political realities -TMSG

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that the manner in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was dismissive of President Bola Tinubu’s policies shows that he is not in touch with the political realities of the country.

    Speaking in a recent TV interview, Abubakar had suggested that he would reverse every action and policy carried out by President Bola Tinubu if he wins the 2027 Presidential election.

    But in a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group wondered if the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would indeed return the country to the inglorious era of fuel subsidy and multiple foreign exchange rates.

    The group maintained that the attendant positive fallout of the policies particularly the quantum leap which the economy has recorded has been a subject of rave reviews by global ratings agencies including the World Bank and IMF.

    It said: “For a man that has not had a lengthy interview since he lost his bid for the Presidency at his sixth attempt in 2023, it was not a surprise that many Nigerians looked forward to knowing his thoughts on national issues outside of the press statements his media handlers issue regularly..

    “We indeed expected that as a leading member of the opposition, he would amplify all the anti-Tinubu rhetoric which his media handlers had usually bored Nigerians with, so no one would have been surprised to hear him brand the government as the worst ever.

    “When he was asked what he would do differently if elected next year, it beggars belief to hear him vow to reverse all policies of President Tinubu’s administration..

    “Like many Nigerians who watched the interview, we have been wondering if it means that Atiku, as President, would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy which he had also promised to end during his 2023 campaigns? What about the harmonisation of the foreign exchange markets which we also know he had vowed to carry out?

    “We are aware that there is a tax reform in place, courtesy of the Tinubu administration. Aside from the students’ loan, NELFUND, and the newly introduced Consolidated Salary Structure for University lecturers which has given academics a new lease of life and finally killed the ghost of perennial strikes in Nigeria’s once-crisis- ridden university system.

    “What about the Consumer Credit Scheme which has given many Nigerians the opportunity to get household stuff on credit without having to pay outright, as it is done in countries with a strong middle-class bracket?

    “It is also worth asking if the former Vice President would also consider stopping the ongoing legacy projects across the country, amongst other purposeful structures the incumbent administration has put in place to the satisfaction of many Nigerians?

    “Here is a former Vice President who served in an administration that institutionalised commercial motorcycle operation, a.k.a Okada, as a poverty alleviating scheme pontificating on good governance and vowing to roll back sound policies that are bound to make life better for the average Nigerian.

    “For us, it is either the man who spends much of his time in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is sabre-rattling, out of touch or resisting the reality in Nigeria or he is simply lashing out in anger because Tinubu got, at his first attempt, what he sought for all his political life.

    “This is because it is worrisome that a man with the sort of public sector experience Atiku has, could be so angry, in fact infuriated, to the extent of being dismissive of policies of an incumbent administration which many Nigerians have hailed as impressive.

    “It is however not surprising that Atiku has not seen anything good in the Tinubu administration because it is on record that he made similar comments while assessing the administrations of former Presidents Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, who at various successive times stopped him from attaining his longtime political ambition.

    “Judging from his reckless comments in the interview, he would be out to whip up sectional sentiments in what he has said would be his final attempt at the Presidency but we are convinced that it would end like the six previous ones-on the canvass.”

    The group urged Nigerians to ensure that the former Vice President does not get the chance to reverse the progress the country has made under the Tinubu administration otherwise it would end up as a trip to Siberia.

    End.

  • FCCPC, Lagos agency sign MoU to address consumer issues in real estate, transportation

    FCCPC, Lagos agency sign MoU to address consumer issues in real estate, transportation

     

    By Ginika Okoye
    Abuja:   The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address consumer complaints in real estate.
    The partnership would also address consumer issues in transportation sector, particularly in airline operations and other sectors of the state.
    Signing the MoU in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice Chairmman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the collaboration was necessary for effective consumer protection that could not only be delivered from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone.
    He said that many consumer issues usually arose within states and communities hence, the need to partner with consumer protection agencies in the states.
    Bello,  who said the commission had received various consumer complaints on real estates, housing, called for more collaboration with  various agencies in charge of consumer protection in the states.
    According to him, many consumer issues are local in character, immediate in effect, and often requires rapid intervention.
    ”Today’s event is significant because it reflects a shared commitment to improving the daily experience of consumers and strengthening the fair business conduct through practical decision and cooperation.
    ”Consumer protection is no longer a narrow subject.
    ”State institutions are therefore indispensable partners in building a credible and accessible consumer protection framework across the Federation.
    ”As markets become more sophisticated, complaints also become more complex.
    ”Consumers now face issues that cut across jurisdictions and sectors. This reality requires regulators to be coordinated, responsive and forward-looking. That is why this partnership matters,” he said.
    Bello recollected a Supreme Court judgement in 2023 which established that urban and regional matters were residual matters under the control of states and not Federal Government.
    He said that working together with states would help the Commission to better address consumer issues.
    ”I therefore encourage close operational cooperation at that level, particularly in the areas of complaints and the intelligence sharing, consumer education, and coordinated interventions where necessary,” he said.
    The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said the collaboration was aimed at  addressing the myriad of consumer complaints in transportation sector particularly as it concerned airlines.

    According to him, we believe that the issue of air transportation is within the purview of FCCPC but on our own, we have tried.

    Solebo said the agency had recovered over N40 million and $10,000 dollars customers’ funds from both local and international airlines.

    He said that recently, the jurisdiction of the agency in some consumer issues had been challenged.

    ”We are here to sign this MOU. I can’t wait to go back to Lagos and shout to all Lagosians that we have more powers; that our big brother have decided to join forces with us.

    ”And we can assure you that with this collaboration and synergy, we are going to work assiduously to ensure that the rights of consumers in Lagos State are not only protected, but will stop the issue of exploitation and unscrupulous trade practices,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Court discharges Actress Angela Okorie, strikes out defamation charge

    Court discharges Actress Angela Okorie, strikes out defamation charge

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday discharged the Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, and struck out the defamation case filed against her by the police.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, struck out the case after counsel for the police, Victor Okoye, withdrew the charge shortly when the case was called.

    Okoye told the court that he had the directive of his office to withdraw the charge pursuant to Section 108 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, parties having resolved the their dispute.

    (Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, with her lawyers shortly after she was discharged of a defamation case at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday.)

    Okorie’s lawyer, Emerie Onyemelukwe, did not oppose Okoye’s application.

    “That is the position my lord,” he said.

    Justice Nwite consequently discharged the actress and struck out the charge.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case stemmed from a petition by actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie.

    Against this development, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police filed a charge against Okorie for allegedly cyberbullying Johnson-Okojie.

    The judge had, on Jan. 30, admitted Okorie to a N5 million bail following her re-arraignment on a seven-count charge bordering on cybercrimes.

    Okorie was alleged, in the amended charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025, to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (now at large) to commit cyberstalking and defamation by calling a fellow actress, Johnson- Okojie a blood sucking demon in their posts on their social media platforms of Instagram and Tiktok.”

  • Breaking: Edun, Dangiwa replaced as ministers by Tinubu

    Breaking: Edun, Dangiwa replaced as ministers by Tinubu

     

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have exited the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with their replacements named.

    Tinubu approved the cabinet reshuffle made known by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

    In a memo signed by Akume, the replacements for Edun and Dangiwa were also named.

    Edun has been directed to hand over to Taiwo Oyedele, who is now to take over as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

    Also Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

    The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

    The memo stated: “All handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

    Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

    Tinubu thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

    The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous”.

  • Staff Healthcare, Wellbeing: EEDC Commission’s ultra-modern Sick Bay

    Staff Healthcare, Wellbeing: EEDC Commission’s ultra-modern Sick Bay

    Staff Healthcare, Wellbeing: EEDC Commission’s ultra-modern Sick Bay

     

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has strengthened its commitment to employee welfare with the commissioning of an ultra-modern Sick Bay aimed at providing quality healthcare support for its workforce.

     

    The facility, commissioned at the company’s corporate headquarters in Enugu, represents a significant step in EEDC’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive and health-conscious work environment.

     

    The sick bay is designed to provide immediate first aid and basic emergency care to employees, customers, and visitors who may experience sudden illness or injury within the company’s premises.

     

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of EEDC, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s people-first philosophy, noting that the health and wellbeing of employees remain central to the organisation’s operational success.

     

    According to him, the primary objective of the facility is to stabilize affected individuals and, where necessary, facilitate prompt referral or evacuation to appropriate healthcare facilities.

     

    Ekwekwu clarified that the facility is not a hospital or full-service clinic and will not provide long-term medical care, advanced treatment, or surgical procedures.

     

    In his remarks, the Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL), Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, who performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally declare the facility open, commended EEDC’s management for the well-thought-out initiative targeted at staff welfare.

     

    He noted that given the amount of time employees spend in the workplace, the likelihood of sudden illness cannot be ruled out, making the sick bay a critical intervention point for immediate care.

     

     

    “We at MainPower are excited about this development, as we are key beneficiaries of this facility,” he said.

     

    The sick bay is managed by a qualified occupational health nurse who ensures that staff receive competent and timely medical attention.

     

    In a move that underscores innovation and efficiency, the facility is powered by a robust Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system developed in-house by the EEDC ICT team.

     

    The Chief Information Officer, Engr. Idika Okechukwu, who was also present at the event, explained that the EMR application enables seamless management of patient records, appointment scheduling, and real-time health monitoring, while ensuring confidentiality, accuracy, and ease of access to medical services.

     

    He added that staff can access the facility using their staff numbers, while assuring that strict data privacy measures have been implemented to safeguard employees’ medical records and health history.

     

    Also speaking, the Chief Finance Officer, Mr Pauli Isiguzo, reiterated EEDC’s commitment to investing in initiatives that enhance staff welfare, noting that a healthy workforce is critical to delivering reliable and efficient service to customers.

     

    Other management staff of EEDC present at the event included the Head of Audit, Mr. Bode Aro; Head of Supply Chain Management, Mrs. Nnenna Aguji; Group Head, Human Resources, Ms. Nkiru Chukwuma; and Group Head, Health, Safety & Environment, Dr. Francis Iwu.

     

    Also in attendance were management staff of MEDL, including the Head of Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe, and the Head of Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.

     

    Some staff members who spoke at the event expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and reassuring. They noted that access to immediate healthcare within the workplace enhances their sense of security and improves their ability to focus on their duties.

     

    With this development, EEDC continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a healthy, safe, and productive workforce; while setting a benchmark for employee-focused initiatives within the power sector