Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Stop cursing leaders, pray for Nigeria – Clerics urge Nigerians

    Stop cursing leaders, pray for Nigeria – Clerics urge Nigerians

    Stop cursing leaders, pray for Nigeria – Clerics urge Nigerians

     

    By Adewale Owoade.

     

    Clerics have called on Nigerians to desist from cursing or speaking negatively about their leaders, urging citizens instead to embrace prayers and constructive engagement as tools for national transformation.

     

    The admonition was given during a seven-day programme organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Oyo Province 2, themed “The Covenant Keeping God.”

     

    Speaking at the event, the ministers emphasised that while Nigerians may be dissatisfied with the state of governance, resorting to curses and negative utterances could further worsen the nation’s challenges.

     

    They noted that words carry spiritual weight and can either build or destroy, stressing that leaders, regardless of their shortcomings, require divine direction to make decisions that will positively impact the country.

     

    One of the speakers, Pastor (Mrs) Olubukola Afuye of Ekiti Province 11, urged citizens to continually pray for those in authority.

    “We should be praying for those in government. The Bible instructs us to pray for kings and those in authority. When we pray for them, they will have the people in mind and change for the better.

     

    “Instead of cursing them or speaking ill of them, we should encourage them through prayers. Whatever we give in prayers will come back to us. It shall be well, and we will eat the fruits of the land,” she said.

     

    The cleric also encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith, noting that God remains faithful to his promises and is able to turn difficult situations around for good.

     

    Samuel Adeyemo, Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Oyo Province 2, also said  that God remains ever faithful.

    “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is still the same today. He keeps His covenant. He said, ‘Call on me and I will answer you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.’

     

    “If God has made such promises, then we must ask, seek and knock,” he said.

     

    Also, Olukorede Adeyemo, wife of the Pastor-in-Charge, affirmed God’s covenant-keeping nature.

    “She said” God is a covenant keeper. He has made promises to us, and He alone is able to fulfill them.

    The cleric, therefore, urged Christians to be good ambassadors of their faith by promoting peace, unity and responsible speech, especially in times of economic and social strain.

    The week-long programme featured prayers, teachings and worship sessions centred on God’s faithfulness and the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with Him.

     

    Participants expressed renewed commitment to praying for the nation and its leaders, while also pledging to contribute positively to societal development.

    (NAN)

  • Ede Gets new Balogun Adinni as Muslim Community Bestow Honour on Alhaji Muftau Oluwadare 

     

    Ede Gets new Balogun Adinni as Muslim
    By Kazeem Olabisi (Imam Ailaka)
       Amid pomp and pageantry, the Ede Muslim community today, bestowed the title of Balogun Adeen of Ede Land on Alhaji Miftau Oyeleke Oluwadare.

    The turbaning ceremony conducted at Oja -Timi Central Mosque, in conferment of Islamic Chieftaincy titles and Award of Excellence & #500 Million fund raising for the construction of Ede Islamic centre .

    The ceremony, under the supervision of Ede Muslim council, with the support of other eminent Ulamahs, lived up to the expectation, drawing a sense of unity and renewed hope among worshipers and the wider community.

    Alhaji Oluwadare is widely recognized as a devout Muslim, accomplished and distinguished career officer from being director in different ministries and later, permanent secretary in the Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs.

    His emergence has been met with optimism with many espresing confidence in his capacity to uphold spiritual and communal responsibilities of the office.

    Speaking at the occasion, the chief Imam of Ede Land, sheikh Mos’ud Husany  Akajewole sermonised on having good intention in the act of charity and philantrpism, quoting verses from holy Quran.

    He advised the gathering to always seek the gains of the hereafter in the act of charity, rather than seeking to gain popularity through meaningless and unnecessary spendings.

    The chief Imam also offered prayers for divine guidance, sound health and enduring wisdom for the new Balogun Adeen and others and others as he assumed this significant role in service to faith and community.

    Responding, the newly turbaned Baba Adeen, appreciated the using community that gave him the title, adding that whoever takes the mantle of leadership should know the burden of responsibilities.

    ” I’m humble and elated to be so privileged to be given this responsibity to serve Almighty ALLAH and humanity in general.

    .on his plans for the Muslim community, he said he would continue to serve humanity, adding that as a muslim, that is the essence of of life.

    ” We have to continue to contribute to the development of religion because we all hope for the rewards only from ALLAH and to be granted AL- JANAH, he concluded.

  • Lekki Port, China collaborate on capacity building initiative

    L-R: Deputy Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mattew Oloyede; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing; Director, Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Margaret Ogbonnah, and Deputy General Counsel, Lekki Port, Opeyemi Emmanuel-Olubake during the Knowledge Sharing Session in collaboration between Lekki Port and Chinese Consulate in Nigeria, held at Lekki Port, on Friday in Lagos

     

    Lekki Port, China collaborate on capacity building initiative

    Lagos, April 11, 2026, The Lekki Deep Sea Port has partnered with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria to strengthen human capital development through an international training programme in China.

    The management of Lekki Port disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos.

    It said the initiative was designed to enhance technical capacity, improve operational efficiency and expose staff to global best practices in port management.

    According to the management, selected members of staff participated in the training programme in China, where they were exposed to advanced port infrastructure and modern logistics systems.

    It added that the training also focused on innovation-driven processes and the integration of technology in port operations.

    The port management said a knowledge-sharing session was held on April 10 to enable participants to share their experiences and lessons from the programme.

    It noted that the session provided an opportunity for knowledge transfer and institutional learning within the organisation.

    Speaking at the session, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, commended the Chinese Consulate for supporting the initiative.

    Qiang said the training had significantly enhanced the exposure and capacity of the port’s workforce.

    “At Lekki Port, collaboration is at the core of our business model, and we will continue to promote initiatives that strengthen our operations and global outlook,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Consul General of China in Nigeria, Ms Yan Yuqing, said the programme underscored China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.

    Yuqing said the initiative was aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and institutional partnership.

    She described the participants as ambassadors of China-Nigeria relations, adding that they were expected to apply the knowledge gained to support development in their organisations.

    Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing; Director, Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Margaret Ogbonnah, and Deputy General Counsel, Lekki Port, Opeyemi Emmanuel-Olubake during the Knowledge Sharing Session in collaboration between Lekki Port and Chinese Consulate in Nigeria, held at Lekki Port, on Friday in Lagos

    A participant, Mr Matthew Oloyede, said the programme provided valuable exposure to global best practices in port operations.

    Oloyede added that the knowledge acquired would be applied to improve efficiency, strengthen teamwork and enhance service delivery at the port.

  • Customs intercepts N1.05bn tramadol, pharmaceuticals in Edo

    Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’, Comptroller Bashir Balogun
    A picture of some of the Intercepted drugs at Edo

     

    Customs intercepts N1.05bn tramadol, pharmaceuticals in Edo

    Lagos, April 11, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products valued at about N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.

     

    The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was made through intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations.

    A picture of some of the tramadol Intercepted in Edo

    He explained that operatives intercepted a truck conveying the contraband items.

    According to him, the driver attempted to evade arrest when flagged down but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

     

    Balogun said a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.

     

    He said the seized items had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.05 billion.

     

    The controller said the operation underscored the service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances.

     

    He noted that substances such as tramadol and codeine contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities across the country.

    A picture of some of the tramadol Intercepted in Edo

    Balogun warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.

    A picture of some of the Intercepted drugs in Edo

    He added that the seized consignment remained in custody, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.

     

  • 2027: No Vacancy in Lion Building as  Nnamani, Nwobodo, Awkunanaw Clan Endorse Gov. Mbah

    2027: No Vacancy in Lion Building as  Nnamani, Nwobodo, Awkunanaw Clan Endorse Gov. Mbah

    2027: No Vacancy in Lion Building as  Nnamani, Nwobodo, Awkunanaw Clan Endorse Gov. Mbah

     

    The people of Awkunanaw clan, cutting across several communities in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu State, have endorsed the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a second term in office come 2027.

     

    The people, who trooped out en masse at the Civic Centre, Akpasha, for a mega rally in support of Mbah on Saturday, also presented him with an Ofo (symbol of authority and justice).

     

    They noted that he had set a record in less than three years that would be difficult for anyone to break in eight years.

     

    They advised any son or daughter of the Awkunanaw clan – Akegbe Ugwu, Obuofia, Amechi, Amodu, Obeagu, Umueze, Akwuke, and Ugwuaji – interested in the state’s governorship seat to perish the thought until the office rotates to Enugu East Senatorial Zone again.

     

     

    Akegbe Ugwu, Obuofia, Amechi, Amodu, Obeagu, Umueze, Akwuke, and Ugwu
    Articulating the stand of the mammoth crowd, elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, noted that Mbah had become a poster boy for subnational governance in Nigeria.

     

    “We want to make it clear that the people of Awkunanaw are solidly behind Peter Mbah to complete his second term. His good works in Enugu are earning him public acclaim throughout the country.

     

    “The high point of our coming here today is that we want to bequeath him with an Ofo, and it is rarely given. So, nobody in Nkanu land should use Governor Mbah’s remaining four years to play with us.

     

    “Again, if anyone feels he has an issue with him, we are going to settle it indoors as brothers. But the truth remains that we are not going to joke with his second term.

     

    “Besides, Awkunanaw does not go to fight and come back defeated. No! We go into a just fight we will win and be proud that we fought. He has, in barely three years, done what other governors could not do in eight years.

     

    “That is why we trooped out here en masse to show him explicit support. We are standing tall with him without hiding, and we are ready to defend him everywhere,” Nnamani declared.

     

     

    Corroborating Nnamani’s remarks, former governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo, said, as a forthright people, Awkunanaw clan, having presented the Ofo staff to Gov. Mbah, could not renege on their support for him.

     

    Nwobodo, who was represented by the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, declared that Mbah remained the best hands for the state come 2027.

     

    “The point is that we have given the Ofo to him, and it is not something you give to two individuals at the same time because our ancestors are also involved, and it is tantamount to endorsing two persons for the same office. So, Mbah is our governorship candidate come 2027,” he declared.

     

    The Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reiterated that Mbah had set Enugu as a benchmark for good governance, commending his revolutionary transportation strides across all sectors.

     

     

    Invoking their ancestors, the traditional rulers of the entire Awkunanaw clan in a process led by HRH Igwe Obi Igwesi, jointly presented an ofo to Mbah, declaring that any Awkunanaw son or daughter, who goes against Mbah’s re-election would be inviting the wrath of their forefathers.

     

    Speaking, Gov. Mbah fired back at the opposition, saying no one could diminish or distort the unprecedented achievements recorded by his administration in less than three years.

     

    “Three years ago, there were no Smart Schools and Type-2 Hospitals in all our political wards; the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, the Enugu United Palm Products Limited, and several other prized assets were still skeletal shells and moribund.

     

    “Three years ago, there was no Enugu Air; no state-of-the-art transport terminals; no CNG buses; and our dear capital city was not the conferencing hub that it has become today,” he stated.

     

     

    He warned the people of Awkunanaw and Nkanuland against selfish politicians sowing seeds of discord in desperate bids for power to feather their nests.

     

    “We must come together to resist forces of falsehood and division.

     

    “How can you claim to love Nkanu people and yet act in ways that hurt their interests? That tells you one thing: they are driven by selfish interests.

     

    “Besides, could they have recorded even a tiny fraction of what we have achieved so far?” he queried.

     

     

    Meanwhile, other Awkunanaw leaders at the event include Hon. U.S.A Igwesi, Amb. Gordi Agbo. Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, Hon. John Egbo, Dr. Amaka Ngene, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu, Igwe Dr. Greg Ugwu and other traditional rulers from within and outside the Awkunanaw clan.

     

    Also present were Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Hon. Ken Nyamah, Hon. Sam Ngene, Hon. Caleb Ani, among a host of those who spoke to endorse the governor.

     

    Other dignitaries present include Dr. Ben Nwoye, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike,
    Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, Barr. Victor Udeh, Hon. Eugene Odoh, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, host Council Chairman; Hon. John Ogbodo and many other Council Chairmen, among a host of others.

  • Jewish leader of UK’s Green Party calls to end trade, diplomatic ties with Israel

    Jewish leader of UK’s Green Party calls to end trade, diplomatic ties with Israel

     

    – Zack Polanski also said the United Kingdom should block the U.S. military from its airspace.

    –  Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks during the launch of the local election campaign in London, England.

    By Shira Li Bartov

    The Jewish leader of the United Kingdom’s Green Party has called on the government to sever trade and diplomatic ties with Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

    Zack Polanski made the comments during the first minutes of a speech on Thursday that launched the Green Party’s local election campaign in London. Polanski, who has led his left-populist party to major wins since taking over in September, hopes the Greens will benefit from protest votes against the Labour government in local elections on May 7.

    “It is outrageous that Israel are still enjoying diplomatic and trade privileges from the international community, and as a Green Party, we are calling on this government to make much more robust sanctions, to withdraw the UK-Israel trade agreement, and to end the genocide,” said Polanski.

    Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon killed over 250 people on Wednesday, marking the deadliest day of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, and threatening the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The Israeli army is fighting across southern Lebanon, and government officials have signaled that it plans to occupy the area.

    Polanski also said the United Kingdom should block the U.S. military from using U.K. airspace to ensure the U.K. has no involvement in strikes on Iran.

    “We still have U.K. soil and U.K. bases where U.S. bombers are flying over to Iran,” he said. “What we need to do is disentangle the U.K. military and the U.S. military, ban the U.S. from using our airspaces.”

    In a statement on Thursday, Polanski added that the British government “must suspend diplomatic ties and stop all arms sales to this increasingly rogue state.” He accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of being “too cowardly and complicit to condemn Israeli atrocities.”

    Polanski has said that he grew up in a “Zionist household” and attended King David, a Jewish school in Manchester. He said in an interview with the BBC that his views on Israel began to shift after he encountered Breaking the Silence, a group of Israeli veterans who say they are morally obligated to recount their experiences of military control over Palestinians. Polanski also said that the war in Gaza solidified his staunch criticism of Israel.

    Polanski is a member of Na’amod, an organization of British Jews who say they seek “to end our community’s support for Israel’s occupation and apartheid, and to mobilise it in the struggle for freedom, equality and justice for all Palestinians and Israelis.”

    Earlier this year, Polanski gave qualified support to a Green Party motion called “Zionism is racism,” saying he would back the resolution if its definition of “Zionism” was linked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and its actions in Gaza.

    The Jewish Greens, a subgroup within the party, urged their colleagues to vote against the motion. “This is not your run-of-the-mill motion opposing Israel’s actions (something that Jewish Greens would have no problem with), but something much more problematic that is likely to make Jews feel unwelcome in the Green Party,” the group said.

    The British outlet Jewish News reported that some of Polanski’s family members, including his mother, have expressed support for Israel on social media.

    The “Zionism is racism” motion failed to pass in March after internal disputes, though it remains on the table for a later vote.

    Polanski frequently speaks about his pride in being Jewish and says that pride led to his support for Palestinians. In a TikTok video last year, he said that being Jewish to him meant “standing against injustice” and “remembering our history.”

    “When I speak out for Palestinians, I don’t do it in spite of my Judaism,” said Polanski. “I do it because of it. Because ‘never again’ for one group of people must actually mean ‘never again’ for anyone.”

  • ENSIEC issues revised timetable for 2026 council elections, fixes elections for Sept. 26

    ENSIEC issues revised timetable for 2026 council elections, fixes elections for Sept. 26

    ENSIEC issues revised timetable for 2026 council elections, fixes elections for Sept. 26

     

    The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) on Friday released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.

     

    ENSIEC Executive Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu.

     

    Ngwu said the framework outlines activities leading to elections on Sept. 26 and re-run polls on Oct. 10.

     

    He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.

     

     

    “The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.

     

    He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on Aug. 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.

     

    According to him, party primaries will hold from Jan. 23 to May 26.

     

    “Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.

     

    He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19.

     

     

    “The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.

     

    Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on Aug. 31, while the official notice of poll comes on Sept. 11.

     

    He confirmed elections will hold on Sept. 26, with voting from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.

     

    “In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on Oct. 10,” he said.

     

    Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.

  • NAFDAC Stakeholders Laud Prof Adeyeye, says her Policy Initiatives Enhanced Local Drug Production, Quality and Safety

    NAFDAC Stakeholders Laud Prof Adeyeye, says her Policy Initiatives Enhanced Local Drug Production, Quality and Safety

     

    (NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Flowerbudnews: NAFDAC Stakeholders have commended Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, noting that her leadership has strengthened Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector through policy initiatives that promoted quality, safety, and local capacity development

    The encomiums were heaped on Prof. Adeyeye by the stakeholders during the commissioning of Sam Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Facility in Lagos.

    Stakeholders at the event noted that NAFDAC’s 5+5 Policy has been instrumental in driving increased local manufacturing, contributing to a rise in domestic pharmaceutical production.

    They further acknowledged that the Agency’s regulatory reforms and commitment to global best practices had enhanced investor confidence and supported industry growth.

    On her part. Prof. Adeyeye noted that the commissioning of the Sam Pharmaceuticals Ltd’s manufacturing facility is ”a significant milestone in advancing local pharmaceutical production in Nigeria.’

    The NAFDAC Boss reaffirmed her Agency’s commitment to fostering a robust and self-sufficient pharmaceutical sector.

    She said that NAFDAC would continue to work hard to , ensure the availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines for Nigerians.

    Prof. Adeyeye emphasised that sustained collaboration between regulators and industry players remained critical to achieving national drug security and improved healthcare outcomes.

     

  • FG secures 386 convictions out of 508 cases in mass terrorists’ trial

    FG secures 386 convictions out of 508 cases in mass terrorists’ trial

     

     

    The Federal Government has secured 386 convictions out of 508 cases against terrorists in a mass trial.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN who confirmed this to newsmen on Friday said that out of a total of 508 defendants brought to court, two were acquitted while eight were discharged.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial began on Tuesday in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The convicts were sentenced to various jail terms ranging from eight years to life imprisonment depending on the gravity of the charges against them.

    Fagbemi further explained that the batch of 112 suspects whose cases could not be attended to would be arraigned along with others in the next phase of the mass trial from June 15 to 18.

    He said that the mass trial and the imprisonment of the 386 terrorists would serve as a signal to criminals that Nigeria had no tolerance for heinous crimes.

    The minister commended the 10 judges of the court for sacrificing their Easter holiday to sit as special courts to handle the cases.

    He also said that international bodies including Amnesty International as well as the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), the National Human Rights Commission and some civil society organisations witnessed the proceedings to ensure that due process and transparency was followed.

    NAN reports that the trials are part of Phase nine in a series of mass prosecutions intended to tackle insecurity and bring terrorism suspects to justice after prolonged detention.

    The Federal Government maintained that prosecuting such cases was essential to weakening insurgent operations and restoring stability in the country.