Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • ATTENTION ALL

    Please note that Alhaji Biola Lawal’s phone has been hacked, hence, beware of fraudsters. Thank you

  • Police Day: CP Giwa pledges to uphold human rights, dignity of residents

    Police Day: CP Giwa pledges to uphold human rights, dignity of residents

    Police Day: CP Giwa pledges to uphold human rights, dignity of residents

     

    The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has pledged to uphold human rights and dignity of residents in all policing activities and operations within the state.

     

    Giwa said this on Wednesday in Enugu when Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and the Police Public Relations Officer of command carried out sensitisation on vital civic duties and obligations.

     

     

    The sensitisation, which is part of activities lined up for the celebration of the National Police Day 2026, centred on residents shunning election violence and related offences, and safe driving and compliance with traffic regulations.

     

    The commissioner appreciated the residents of the state for their cooperation during sensitisations, campaigns and other activities marking the National Police Day.

     

     

    He reassured the residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to serving them better.

     

    “In all we do, the command will uphold residents’ rights and dignity,” he assured.

     

     

    The sensitisation and interactive sessions were held simultaneously across Area Command Headquarters, motor parks, and bus stops within various police divisions in the command.

     

    Activities marking the police day would continue on April 2, with the commissioner presenting cheques to families of deceased personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

  • NSE INAUGURATES ENGR. PROF. ALICE OKE AS FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN, CHARGES ENGINEERS ON BLENDED LEARNING REVOLUTION

    NSE INAUGURATES ENGR. PROF. ALICE OKE AS FIRST FEMALE CHAIRMAN, CHARGES ENGINEERS ON BLENDED LEARNING REVOLUTION

    The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogbomoso Branch, on Tuesday inaugurated Engr. Prof. Alice Oluwafunke Oke, MNSE, MCPN, MNCS, MAPWEN, as its 6th Chairman and the first female to lead the branch since its establishment in 2015.

    The historic inauguration ceremony, held at The Hall, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, also featured the swearing-in of new executive committee members under the theme, “Blended Learning in Professional Education: Lessons for Engineering.”

    President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, F.ASCE, FAEngr., MFR, chaired the occasion, while the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, R. O. Rom Kalilu, served as Chief Host and was represented by the University Librarian, Prof. Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa. The Immediate Past Chairman (IPC) of the branch, Engr. Prof. Samson Olakunle Ojoawo, FNSE, hosted the event.

    In her inaugural address, Engr. Prof. Oke described her emergence as a divine assignment and pledged to provide impactful and inclusive leadership that would consolidate the achievements of her predecessors.

    “As I stand before you, having taken the oath of office as the 6th and first female Chairman, I reaffirm my acceptance of this responsibility with the utmost sense of duty and commitment,” she said.

    She outlined her administration’s strategic priorities to include alignment with the NSE national “RESET Agenda,” deepened collaboration with institutions and industries, strengthened technical meetings, increased branch visibility, aggressive membership drive, support for female and young engineers, and completion of the ongoing ultra-modern branch secretariat project.

    Prof. Oke appealed for sustained support toward the secretariat project under the “Operation Lay Ten Blocks” initiative, noting that Phase One had reached lintel level through donations from members and national officers.

    Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, Tayo Arulogun, identified limited institutional capacity, regulatory rigidity, and infrastructure deficits as the three major bottlenecks confronting professional education in Nigeria.

    He said thousands of qualified applicants are denied admission annually due to physical classroom limitations, while strict legacy regulatory frameworks and the high cost of laboratories and clinical facilities continue to restrict access.

    “Blended learning does not replace physical training; it complements it with digital tools, expanding access while preserving rigorous standards,” Arulogun stated.

    According to him, Nigeria faces critical shortages in key professions and must embrace systemic alignment among regulators, industries, universities and government to scale up professional training. He proposed hybrid models for engineering education, including online delivery of theoretical modules, regional practical hubs equipped with digital simulation tools, and strengthened industry placements in line with regulatory requirements.

    A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of awards on distinguished personalities in recognition of their exceptional contributions to engineering education, professional development and institutional leadership. Honoured at the event were the Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. R. O. Rom-Kalilu, ably represented by the University Librarian, Prof. Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa; Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, Pioneer and Former Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State; Engr. Ademola Agodo, FNSE, Managing Director of Protogy Global Services Limited and former Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; and Engr. Dawud A. Sulayman (JP), Principal Partner, Sulaymaniyyah Chambers, Maitama, Abuja.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Engr. Prof. Ojoawo reviewed the achievements of the outgoing executive, highlighting aggressive membership drives, over 90 percent consistency in monthly technical meetings, collaboration with the national body, community engagement, capacity building initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and sustained progress on the branch secretariat project.

    He described the inauguration as a transition “in grand style,” noting that the branch had built on the foundations laid by its founding leaders since July 15, 2015.

    The event also witnessed the inauguration of other executive members, including Engr. Prof. M.O. Aremu as General Secretary; Engr. Prof. R.O. Abolade as Vice Chairman; Engr. Prof. O.S. Olaniyan as Treasurer; Engr. Dr. M.O. Fajobi as Publicity Secretary; Engr. Dr. A.A. Sulayman as Financial Secretary; and Engr. S.O.A. Akinola as Technical Secretary, among others.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included Mr. Martins Akinola, Chairman of Brent Group; Engr. Prof. Zacchaeus K. Adeyemo, FNSE, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, LAUTECH; Engr. Dr. A. Peter Alamu, FNSE; and the Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy.

    Also present were Evang. Doyin Olayiwola and Engr. Prof. John O. Olajide as Fathers of the Day, and Engr. Prof. Tinuade Jolaade Afolabi as Mother of the Day.

    The ceremony underscored a defining moment for the NSE Ogbomoso Branch—popularly known as “The Valiant Branch”—as it combined leadership transition with a forward-looking discourse on reforming professional education through technology-driven innovation.

    With the inauguration of its first female chairman and a renewed commitment to strategic growth, the branch signaled its resolve to strengthen engineering practice and professional development in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

  • Easter: FRSC deploys 569 personnel, 10 vehicles for Special Patrol in Enugu

    Easter: FRSC deploys 569 personnel, 10 vehicles for Special Patrol in Enugu

    Easter: FRSC deploys 569 personnel, 10 vehicles for Special Patrol in Enugu

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 569 personnel for the Easter Special Patrol to ensure free flow of traffic within major roads in Enugu State.

    The Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

     

    Agbakoba noted that the personnel included: 309 regular and 260 special marshals.

     

    The sector commander said that the FRSC had made ready 10 vehicles to cover major road corridors within the state.

     

     

    According to him, the operational vehicles deployed included: seven patrol vans, one motor-bike, one tow truck and one intensive care medical ambulance.

     

    He said that the operation would last for 10 days; thus from April 1 to April 10; while FRSC personnel would work 24 hours on shift basis.

     

    “One positive development in this Easter is that the other lane of Ugwu-Onyeama axis of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway will be opened officially for traffic today by the Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi.

     

    “We anticipate that the latest development, which will make the two lanes functional, will eradicate traffic build-up and check accident around that axis of the expressway,” he said.

     

     

    Agbakoba, however, urged travellers to plan their journeys on time, leave early, exercise patience on the road as well as accommodate other road users.

     

    He called on commercial bus drivers to desist from human and goods over load, adding that FRSC officials would not tolerate such.

     

    “Commercial and private drivers should refrain from alcohol or any intoxicant in take before embarking on any journey in order to arrive their destinations peacefully and not to cause accident for positive behaved road users.

     

    “Everybody using the road should be careful and take things easy. Everybody will surely get to his or her destination peacefully.

     

    “FRSC wishes the residents of Enugu State and all Nigerians a safe and secured Easter festivities, celebrated with all loved ones, families and friends,” he added.

  • Navy hands over 3 Ghanian stowaways to immigration

    Navy hands over 3 Ghanian stowaways to immigration

     

    Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Commander, NNS BEECROFT.

     

     

    By Oladapo Udom

    Lagos:  The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Wednesday handed over three suspected Ghanian stowaways, rescued from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that the handover formed part of ongoing collaborative efforts between security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security.

    Adams-Aliu said this during the handing over of the stowaways which took place at NNS BEECROFT parade ground, Apapa, Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) describes a stowaway as a person who conceals himself aboard a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally to another country without authorisation.

    The commodore said that the NIS would be responsible for transferring the suspects to the Ghanaian Embassy after proper judicial procedures.

    “The suspects were discovered on Saturday, concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel, while the ship was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos.

    “They were safely evacuated from the compartment and conveyed to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling.

    “Initial findings identified the suspects as Armah Peter, 26; Amisah Daniel, 22, and Amoh Michael,25, all male nationals of Ghana,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu said that investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and engaged in fishing activities for about one year.

    “Further inquiry reveal that, with the aid of a canoe, they gained access to the rudder compartment of MT ANATOLIA with the intention of illegally travelling to Europe.

    “After several hours at sea, believing they had arrived at their intended destination, they alerted the vessel’s crew, leading to their detection and subsequent rescue,” he said.

    The commodore urged parents, guardians and authority figures within the society to advise their youths against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally.

    “As we can see today, this advice extends beyond Nigerian society to neighbouring countries in the West Coast of Africa,” he said.

    Adams-Aliu said that NNS BEECROFT, under his command, would continue to actualise the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.

    According to him, the mission is to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and the maintenance of internal stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Ex-trump Adviser, Bannon, Calls for Netanyahu son to be Deported from Miami, Sent to Iran War

    Ex-trump Adviser, Bannon, Calls for Netanyahu son to be Deported from Miami, Sent to Iran War

     

    ‘Where’s DHS when you need them? Get him back there. Put a uniform on him. Let’s have him in the first wave,’ says Steve Bannon

    Yasin Gungor

    ISTANBUL:  Steve Bannon, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump, has called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair Netanyahu to be expelled from the United States and sent to fight on the front lines as the two countries’ joint strikes on Iran continue.

    Speaking on right-wing streaming service “Real America’s Voice,” Bannon questioned why Yair was vacationing in Miami while the US-Israeli attacks on Iran were underway.

    “Netanyahu’s kid down in Miami, turf him out tomorrow,” he said, calling on the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to act.

    “Where’s DHS when you need them? Get him back there. Put a uniform on him. Let’s have him in the first wave,” Bannon added.

    Bannon also extended his criticism to princes from Gulf Arab states allied with Washington, arguing that they, too, should be expelled from cities like London and sent to fight in the Gulf as the US has indicated it might launch ground operations.

    Neither Yair nor his brother Avner have completed Israel’s mandatory military service, despite both being of age.

    Bannon served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first term and remains a prominent voice in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

    The US and Israel have conducted airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

    Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

  • WHEN A COUNTRY DECIDE TO DISCARD OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY AND EMBRACE 21st CENTURY ENERGY REALITY ( CNG VERSUS EV)

    WHEN A COUNTRY DECIDE TO DISCARD OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY AND EMBRACE 21st CENTURY ENERGY REALITY ( CNG VERSUS EV)

     

    The nation is now back to electric vehicles which I proposed when the CNG was introduced in 2025.

    Recall I pointed out that CNG was an outdated technology that gained traction during WW1 and that it will not fill Nigeria energy gap because of the numerous issues surrounding its use. To understand the context,

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) originates from underground natural gas reservoirs that is often found alongside petroleum deposits and consists mainly of methane.

    It was first experimented with as a vehicle fuel in the 1850s and gained traction during World War I. Today, it is extracted, processed, and compressed to 3,000-3,600 psi for fuel.

    Some of its drawbacks include the reduction in engine power particularly noticeable when driving on steep hills or when attempting to overtake on highways. For daily city commuting, the downsides are manageable, but they can be a significant for heavy-duty or long-distance applications.

    It must be noted that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) offers lower operating costs, but primary disadvantages include limited refueling infrastructure, significantly reduced trunk space for storage tanks, lower engine power (especially in converted vehicles), and higher initial setup costs.

    Additionally, CNG vehicles have a shorter driving range and may suffer from accelerated engine wear due to higher operating temperatures. While CNG lowers overall carbon emissions, the potential for VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and explosion hazards remain significant safety and health considerations.

    Studies frequently focus on the reduction of PAHs and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are carcinogenic in traffic-heavy environments when using CNG.

    In medical literature, “CNG” can also refer to the Collaborative Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Group, which is a staging system for cancer, not the fuel type. While EVs have higher initial costs and longer “refueling” times, their superior efficiency and lower maintenance make them more cost-effective over the long term.

    Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer superior advantages over CNG cars, primarily through lower running costs. EVs are roughly three to four times more efficient than internal combustion engines, meaning they require roughly half the energy to operate compared to gasoline cars highlights Yale Climate Connections. This is due to the fact that Electric vehicles (EVs) are highly efficient, converting roughly 77% of electrical energy from the grid into power at the wheels, far exceeding internal combustion engines. Efficiency is typically measured in miles per kWh (or kWh/100 miles) with top models achieving over 5 miles per kWh, and is influenced by speed, temperature, and regenerative braking. If we have embraced the technology in 2025, Nigeria would have been a leading force in Africa accessing most of the carbon credit and offset including climate financing globally. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE AND IT IS BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

    (

    (AVM RTD AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsi
    CONSULTANT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANALYST ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

    PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS)

     

    ₹1–2/km), minimal maintenance, and zero tailpipe emissions. EVs provide instant torque for smoother driving, more boot space, and better long-term savings. While CNG has widespread fueling, EVs are quieter and more efficient.

  • At NSE Ogbomoso Inauguration, Prof. Tayo Arulogun Unveils a Bold Blueprint for the Future of Professional Education

    At NSE Ogbomoso Inauguration, Prof. Tayo Arulogun Unveils a Bold Blueprint for the Future of Professional Education

    The atmosphere at The Hall, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, was charged with intellectual depth and visionary leadership as Engr. Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, delivered a landmark lecture at the Inauguration Ceremony of the 6th Chairman (First Female) of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogbomoso Branch (The Valiant Branch).

    Speaking on the compelling theme, “Blended Learning in Professional Education: Lessons for Engineering,” Prof. Arulogun presented not just a lecture—but a blueprint for Nigeria’s professional education revolution.

    Citation of the Guest Speaker
    Engr. Prof. Tayo Arulogun is a distinguished authority in higher education digital transformation and a nationally recognised expert in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from LAUTECH and completed postdoctoral studies at the Hasso-Plattner Institute for System Engineering, Germany.

    He also possesses specialised certifications in implementing and managing Open and Distance Learning from the National Open University of Nigeria, the University of London, and the Commonwealth of Learning.

    Recognised by the National Universities Commission as an ODL expert, Prof. Arulogun has continued to position Miva Open University at the forefront of technology-driven higher education—leveraging innovation to boost enrolment, strengthen academic delivery, and improve graduate outcomes.

    The Three Bottlenecks Limiting Nigeria’s Professional Growth
    In his address, Prof. Arulogun identified three major “constraint pillars” slowing Nigeria’s capacity to train professionals:

    1. Limited Institutional Capacity

    Thousands of qualified applicants are denied admission annually due to hard caps on physical classroom space. The demand for professional education far exceeds available infrastructure.

    2. Regulatory Rigidity

    Professional councils such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) enforce strict legacy standards that, while necessary for quality assurance, limit alternative and scalable training routes.

    3. Infrastructure Deficits

    Physical laboratories, moot courts, clinical facilities, and teaching hospitals require enormous capital investment and maintenance costs—creating expansion barriers.

    According to the Vice-Chancellor, these bottlenecks are not merely academic challenges; they are national development constraints.

    Blended Learning: A Strategic Opportunity

    Prof. Arulogun made a defining statement:

    “Blended learning is not a compromise; it is a frontier for innovation in professional education.”

    He explained that blended learning complements physical training with digital tools—VR/AR laboratories, AI tutors, telemedicine platforms, advanced simulations—thereby expanding access while preserving rigorous professional standards.

    For a nation of over 200 million people with critical shortages in doctors, engineers, and lawyers, the urgency is undeniable. Nigeria has fewer than 40,000 practising doctors for its vast population. Industrial projections require hundreds of thousands of engineers by 2030. Legal backlogs demand more trained lawyers.

    “The educational bottleneck is developmental,” he stressed.

    Structured Adoption Pathways Across Professions

    Demonstrating strategic clarity, Prof. Arulogun outlined practical models:

    Medicine

    Pre-clinical Years: Online anatomy and physiology supported by VR/AR simulations.

    Clinical Years: Physical hospital rotations with digital case portfolios.

    Enabler: Distributed partnerships with medical regulatory authorities.

    Engineering
    Theory Modules: Fully online delivery of mathematics, thermodynamics, and mechanics.

    Practical Labs: Regional hubs equipped with 3D printing, CAD systems, and simulation software.

    Industry Placements: Structured industrial attachments aligned with COREN requirements.

    Law

    Doctrinal Courses: Online delivery of core legal subjects.

    Practical Training: Regional moot courts and drafting centres.

    Integration: Regulatory-supervised transition into the Nigerian Law School framework.

    A Call for Systemic Alignment

    Prof. Arulogun concluded with a powerful charge:

    “The key is not technology alone. Regulators, industries, universities, and government must collaborate to build distributed, high-quality professional education.”

    His message resonated strongly at the historic inauguration of Engr. Prof. Alice Oluwafunke Oke as the first female Chairman of the NSE Ogbomoso Branch—an event chaired by Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and hosted within the distinguished academic environment of LAUTECH.

    Elevating Miva Open University’s National Profile

    Through his visionary leadership, Prof. Tayo Arulogun continues to project Miva Open University as a pioneering institution redefining access, excellence, and innovation in higher education.

    His lecture in Ogbomoso was more than an academic exercise—it was a strategic intervention in Nigeria’s educational future.

    As Nigeria seeks solutions to workforce shortages and professional stagnation, Prof. Arulogun stands at the forefront—championing a model that transforms constraints into opportunities and positions education as the engine of national progress.

    With leaders like Prof. Tayo Arulogun, the future of professional education in Nigeria is not just digital—it is transformative.

  • Security Operatives Foil Disruption of OYRLEA Crackdown on Illegal Trading

    Security Operatives Foil Disruption of OYRLEA Crackdown on Illegal Trading

     

    Security Operatives Foil Disruption of OYRLEA Crackdown on Illegal Trading

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order and safeguarding public spaces following a successful enforcement operation against illegal street trading across key locations in Ibadan.

     

    The operation, conducted on Tuesday, covered Gate, Molete and Challenge areas. It was led by the Chairman of the State Environmental Task Force, retired DCP Francis Ojomo, alongside the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode, Esq., with support from enforcement officers, the Nigeria Police Force and the Oyo State Amotekun Corps.

     

    During the exercise at Challenge, enforcement officers encountered resistance from suspected miscreants who attempted to obstruct lawful duties and incite disorder. Security operatives providing cover swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd and restoring calm without any reported casualties.

     

    The prompt response prevented a potential escalation and ensured the smooth continuation of the enforcement exercise.

     

    Four individuals were subsequently arraigned in court on charges bordering on obstruction of law enforcement officers and violation of environmental regulations.

     

    In a related development, enforcement officers impounded five cows being herded along the Molete expressway in violation of the state’s open grazing regulations.

     

    The Authority reiterated that enforcement of the ban on illegal street trading and open grazing remains lawful, continuous and non-negotiable. It warned that any attempt to interfere with officers carrying out their duties constitutes a criminal offence and will be prosecuted accordingly.

     

    Traders occupying unauthorised roadways and public corridors have been directed to vacate such locations immediately, while herders have been advised to keep livestock off major roads and expressways.

     

    The Authority further warned that individuals or groups who incite, obstruct, or attempt to hijack enforcement operations pose a threat to public safety and will face arrest and prosecution.

     

    OYRLEA urged residents to comply with regulations and cooperate fully with enforcement agencies in the interest of public order, safety and environmental sanitation.