Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Flybird underscores commitment to regional cooperation

    Flybird underscores commitment to regional cooperation

    By Itohan Laserian

    Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited has underscored its commitment to regional cooperation in the aviation industry with its participation in the recently concluded Aviation Africa Summit 2025, held in Kigali on September 4 to 5.

    Speaking after the summit, Dr. Tracy Wilson, General Manager of Flybird, noted: “Our participation at the Aviation Africa Summit reflects Flybird’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and positioning Africa as a strong force in global business aviation.

    “We were delighted to engage with partners and industry stakeholders on the future of aviation in the region.”

    Flybird continues to expand its footprint, with strategic initiatives focused on innovation, partnerships, and providing world-class aviation solutions to clients across Africa and internationally.

    Recall that the Aviation Africa Summit, one of the continent’s largest gatherings of aviation professionals, brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators from across Africa and beyond.

    Flybird’s exhibition stand drew significant attention as the company highlighted its aircraft management expertise, charter solutions, maintenance support, and expanding global partnerships.

    Flybird is a leading aircraft management and private jet charter company based in Abuja, Nigeria. The company offers tailored aviation solutions, including aircraft acquisition advisory, flight operations, Airraft Management, Maintenance services, and now, certified UAV/RPAS services.

  • AU, Nigeria sign MoU to address growing threat of terrorism

    AU, Nigeria sign MoU to address growing threat of terrorism

    New Desk

    The African Union (AU) Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria represented by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) of Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in combating terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

    The MoU establishes a strategic framework to enhance cooperation and coordination between the AU and the NCTC on counterterrorism efforts aligning national, regional continental strategies that will strengthen technical capacity and harmonise Nigeria’s counterterrorism polices with AU frameworks.

    The MoU was signed by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.

    The landmark agreement underscores the commitment of the African Union and Nigeria to address the growing threat of terrorism through coordinated strategies, capacity building, and information sharing.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Amb. Adeoye thanked Nigeria for being a key anchor state for counter-terrorism efforts across West Africa and the Sahel.

    He stated that “the region and beyond across the continent had greatly benefitted from the NCTC’s leadership and expertise, particularly the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, which have contributed to regional and continental security.”

    “The NCTC desire to partner with the African Union marks a significant step by Nigeria that is aligned with the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024,” Major General Garba Laka said.

    “By collaborating with the African Union, we intend to demonstrate Nigeria’s strategic commitment in combating terrorism and violent extremism through enhance regional capacities and strategies with continental frameworks to ensure peace and security across Africa, ” Laka said.

    The MOU, which takes effect today will be implemented by the African Union Counter-terrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

    The agreement focuses on aligning NCTC initiatives with African Union counterterrorism efforts, including supporting regional initiatives and task forces, such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

    Key cooperation areas include sharing information in real time, seconding NCTC experts to AUCTC, conducting joint research, and supporting victim recovery, deradicalization, and reintegration.

    A Joint Working Group will oversee the progress and implementation of the MOU.

  • IIF Awards to recognise leaders driving social, environmental impact- organisers

    IIF Awards to recognise leaders driving social, environmental impact- organisers

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) says its 2025 Annual Awards for impact investing will spotlight individuals and organisations driving social and environmental progress through innovative investment models.

    Ms Etemore Glover, Chief Executive Officer of IIF in a statement on Saturday, said the initiative had become a key platform for showcasing leaders who prove that entrepreneurship and finance could deliver both profit and positive change.

    Glover said the 7th edition of the awards would be presented on Nov. 6 at the foundation’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

    She said, “Over the years, these awards have spotlighted pioneers who demonstrate that capital can and must deliver more than financial returns.

    “By recognising these leaders, we aim to inspire others to embed impact into their business and investment strategies and strengthen Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a thriving impact economy.”

    According to her, nominations for the 2025 edition were open to Nigerian and West African changemakers until Sept. 30.

    She said, “Nominations are open to individuals and organisations across Nigeria and West Africa that can demonstrate measurable impact and a commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable growth.

    “Interested nominees should visit the IIF Awards website to review eligibility criteria and submit entries by September 30, 2025.”

    Glover said since inception, the IIF Annual Awards had celebrated bold visionaries, innovative enterprises, and resilient changemakers working across diverse sectors like: healthcare, education, agriculture, gender inclusion, and financial services.

    She noted that the 2024 awardees included Alitheia Capital Management, FAMASI Africa, and the Centre for Legal Support and Inmates Rehabilitation (CELSIR), all of whom were making tangible contributions to social progress.

    “IIF remains committed to eliminating barriers to impact investing by building an effective ecosystem that nurtures investment pipelines, unlocks private capital, and fosters sustainable impact,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • NASS declares support for NG-CARES programme

    NASS declares support for NG-CARES programme

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The National Assembly has reaffirmed its strong support for the Nigeria
    Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES)
    Programme.
    The Information and Communications Officer of NG-CARES, Malam Suleiman Odapu, in a statement, said Mr Abubakar Kusada, Chairman, House Committee on NG-CARES, declared the support during a stakeholder’s meeting held in Abuja.
    Kusada also described the programme as a lifeline for poor communities and a vital
    instrument for building resilience among vulnerable Nigerians.
    The lawmaker also reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment
    to supporting
    NG
    CARES, stressing that oversight visits to states will form
    part of the
    partnership between the Legislature and the Executive to deliver on poverty
    alleviation.
    He emphasised that “no community should be left out” in the
    ongoing efforts to cushion vulnerable households and businesses from
    economic shocks.
    According to him, NG-CARES is more than a programme, it is a lifeline. It is
    about families regaining their dignity, businesses
    reopening
    doors of
    opportunity and rebuilding communities for a sustainable
    future.
    ” NG-CARES
    stands as one of the most ambitious and people-focused initiatives, reaching
    households, businesses, and communities across the 36 states and the FCT, ” he said.

    The representive of World Bank, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, commended the
    legislature’s involvement, noting that it was an encouraging sign of ownership
    and sustainability.
    ” The legislature’s active participation gives confidence that
    NG-CARES will endure as a national instrument for poverty alleviation and
    resilience, even beyond donor support,” he stated.


    The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim
    Obaje, expressed appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,Tajudeen Abbas, for establishing the Committee on NG-CARES.
    He stated that the establishment of the committee was a step towards complementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
    According to him, the agenda emphasizes inchusive growth and development,
    especially for the poor and vulnerable.
    Present at the event were the Commissioners for Budget and
    Planning from Cross River, Kebbi, Sokot0, Gombe, Ebonyi, Bauchi and
    Nasarawa States.
    The NG-CARES programme is a World Bank-assisted programme designed to
    expand access to livelihood support and food securitv services, as well as
    grants for poor and vulnerable households.
    It is implemented across the 36 states and the FCT and it leverages existing government structures to deliver results for
    Communities in need. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • NIIRA 2025: Guinea Insurance shareholders approve capital raise

    NIIRA 2025: Guinea Insurance shareholders approve capital raise

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Guinea Insurance shareholders have approved a special resolution authorising the firm to raise additional capital in line with the recently signed Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025 (NIIRA 2025).

    The company announced this at its 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on Wednesday.

    Mr Temitope Borishade, Chairman of the Board, in a statement, said the approval would enable the company strengthen its capital base, meet new regulatory benchmarks, and expand its capacity to underwrite larger businesses

    Borishade said that the company had been able to grow its profit after tax as it had soared by 96 per cent to N936.55 million in 2024, up from N477.55 million in 2023.

    “Our 2024 results reflect not only the resilience of our business model but also the collective commitment of our stakeholders and workforce.

    “With shareholders now granting approval to raise capital in line with NIIRA 2025, the company is prepared to implement its carefully crafted recapitalisation plan.

    “This will enhance our ability to compete, scale operations, and seize opportunities to grow bigger and deliver greater value to all stakeholders,” he said.

    The AGM also ratified Borishade’s appointment as Chairman and confirmed Mrs Bernice Izilen Okosun, Mrs Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, and Dr Nkemakonam Chukwukaondinaka Okeke as directors.

    In line with corporate governance practice, Mr Samuel Onukwue was re-elected to the board following his retirement by rotation.

    Financial results presented to shareholders showed a 35.6 per cent increase in Gross Premium Written from N2.17 billion in 2023 to N2.94 billion in 2024.

    Insurance revenue rose by 36.6 per cent to N2.84 billion from N2.08 billion, while investment and other income grew by 76.4 per cent to N1.35 billion in 2024, from N765.20 million in 2023.

    The company’s profit before tax also rose sharply by 81 per cent from N499.21 million in 2023 to N904.41 million in 2024.

    Shareholders’ funds increased by 49.3 per cent from N3.49 billion in 2023 to N5.22 billion in 2024.

    The board and management assured shareholders of sustained growth through innovation, operational efficiency and customer-centric solutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • AXA Mansard launches call for applications to 2025 innovation exchange accelerator

    AXA Mansard launches call for applications to 2025 innovation exchange accelerator

    By Taiye Olayemi

    AXA Mansard Insurance says startups developing breakthrough insurance solutions in Nigeria would have the opportunity to scale their innovations through the 2025 edition of the AXA Mansard Innovation Exchange accelerator.

    The company disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos

    According to the statement, the 12-week programme was designed to discover, refine and grow solutions from startups at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to scale-up level.

    It said participants would test and validate their products within AXA Mansard’s live business ecosystem, while also gaining mentorship, access to industry experts, and hands-on learning through masterclasses, office hours and co-creation sessions.

    According to the company, the year 2025 edition will focus on three innovation areas: new insurance models and products, distribution to underserved groups, and underwriting and process efficiency.

    The statement said applications were open until Aug. 25, with five startups to be selected for the accelerator.

    The programme will close with a Demo Day on Nov. 6 to 7, where founders will present their solutions to AXA leaders, investors and other stakeholders.

    Mrs Ngozi Ola-Israel, Chief Financial Officer of AXA Mansard, said, “The innovation exchange programme demonstrates AXA Mansard’s commitment to building a thriving insurance ecosystem in Nigeria.

    “By collaborating with startups, we are not only solving real market challenges but also redefining the future of insurance.

    “The programme creates a platform for innovations that enhance customer value and drive industry-wide growth.”

    Ola-Israel noted that the programme would build on the success of previous cohorts that had supported startups such as Curacel, GeroCare, Clafiya, Chekker, LegitCar, MyItura, and Inocul8.

    She said this was able to help them refine their business models and scale across the industry.

    ‎She noted that interested innovators can apply through the AXA Mansard Innovation Exchange portal and submit their pitch decks to innovation@axamansard.com before the August 25 deadline.

  • NGX seeks global partnerships to boost market growth

    NGX seeks global partnerships to boost market growth

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has reaffirmed its determination to grow its market through product expansion, increased listings, and strategic global partnerships.

    Chairman of the NGX, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, disclosed this during an engagement with the Brazil Stock Exchange and Over-the-Counter Market (B3) in São Paulo on Sunday.

    Kwairanga, in a statement, noted that the NGX, established over 60 years ago, currently has more than 400 listed securities with capitalisation nearing N100 trillion.

    He admitted the figure remained modest compared with B3’s capitalisation, stressing that NGX would increase its numbers through collaborations with international exchanges and entrepreneurial investors.

    Kwairanga recalled that four years ago the NGX changed from a mutual company limited by guarantee to a profit-driven public entity owned by thousands of shareholders.

    He explained that the transition introduced fresh challenges in governance, regulation, technology, market expansion, and profitability, while also creating new growth opportunities.

    He praised B3’s century-long history and its success in modernising regulation and technology, which helped achieve a market capitalisation of about one trillion dollars with millions of investors.

    “We are confident we can learn from B3’s experience in building a vibrant online trading system, instituting world-class regulation, and driving growth in listings.

    “We therefore look forward to learning from you and partnering to advance rapidly,” Kwairanga said.

    He observed that Nigeria and Brazil share similarities in diverse populations, abundant resources, and economic potential, making cooperation between the two Exchanges mutually beneficial.

    Kwairanga stressed that in today’s competitive, borderless markets, partnerships and knowledge sharing are essential to sustaining growth.

    “We are here to share, learn, and collaborate, and we expect tremendous benefits on both sides from this visit,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • CIBN inducts 923 chartered bankers, 319 microfinance professionals

    CIBN inducts 923 chartered bankers, 319 microfinance professionals

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Saturday inducted 1,242 new members into its ranks of Chartered Bankers and Microfinance Certified Professionals at the 2025 Stream II induction ceremony in Lagos.

    The event, whi h has its theme as “The Smart Banker’s Compass: Innovate, Adapt, and Solve Like a Pro”, was described as a celebration of excellence, perseverance, and professional growth in Nigeria’s banking sector.

    Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, in his welcome address, said the inductees had demonstrated discipline, commitment, and resilience in meeting the rigorous standards of the profession.

    Providing a breakdown, he disclosed that seven candidates were admitted through the Chartered Banker/MBA route, 816 through the regular route, 22 through the MSc/Chartered Banker route, and 78 via the SMP/AMP/Chartered Banker route.

    Olanrewaju noted that the record number reflected the industry’s growing emphasis on professionalism, ethical standards, and lifelong learning.

    He stressed that the chosen theme was timely, given the global shifts in banking.

    “True innovation extends far beyond digital tools. It is a transformative mindset that must permeate everything, from product design and process optimisation to how we build and sustain stakeholder trust,” he said.

    The CIBN president urged the new members to be exemplary professionals who will drive the future of banking and finance in Nigeria and beyond.

    Guest speaker at the ceremony, Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Managing Director of CreditRegistry, charged the inductees to embody the qualities of a “smart banker.”

    According to her, smart bankers are those who see beyond the numbers and serve not just their institutions, but also their customers, communities, and the wider economy.

    She emphasised the need for adaptability, resilience, and inclusivity, reminding the new professionals of President Bola Tinubu’s on trillion dollar economy target.

    “You, as finance leaders, should make this vision a reality by innovating, adapting, and solving challenges with courage,” she said.

    CIBN Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr Akin Morakinyo, highlighted that 1,270 professionals had been inducted earlier in the year, bringing the total for 2025 to 2,512, the highest annual figure in the institute’s history.

    This, he said, surpassed the 1,222 inducted in 2024.

    The ceremony also recognised excellence, with 12 inductees receiving awards for outstanding performance.

    Among the awardees were Ezekiel Ojo, best student in banking law and regulation; Grace Peter, best in ethics, corporate governance and professionalism; and Abdulazeez Babatunde, best in lending and credit management.

    Others included Semiu Asifat, best in evolution management and regulation of microfinance; Esther Awe, best graduating student in the microfinance certification programme; and Uchechukwu Ukelere and Adeniyi Abiodun, best in applied banking.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the induction underscores the institute’s commitment to strengthening professional standards and preparing a new generation of bankers for Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • NIIRA 2025 will enhance consumer protection, attract investment- Apampa

    NIIRA 2025 will enhance consumer protection, attract investment- Apampa

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Mr Moruf Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of NSIA Insurance, has described the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025) as signed by President Bola Tinubu as transformative.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Apampa expressed confidence in the Act, saying it would reposition the insurance sector for sustainable growth.

    He said the Act would enhance consumer protection by providing a Policyholder Protection Fund and setting strict timelines for claims settlement, with penalties for undue delays.

    Apampa noted that the law would attract local and foreign investments by creating a more stable, transparent and trustworthy regulatory environment for operators and investors.

    According to him, digitalisation would also be scaled up, as the Act encouraged adoption of technology across the insurance value chain, from licensing to claims processing.

    He said this would further boost efficiency and accessibility for policyholders.

    “The Act is a welcome development for an industry long plagued by low trust, poor awareness and weak uptake, with insurance penetration at only 0.4 per cent of GDP.

    “This new law will also strengthen financial stability by raising minimum capital requirements for insurance and reinsurance firms, creating a more resilient and solvent industry,” he said.

    Apampa described NIIRA 2025 as a long-awaited step towards a forward-looking, service-driven industry aligned with global best practices.

    He emphasised that its success would rely on strict enforcement, the capacity of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and the adaptability of market operators. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)