Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • RTEAN suspends its secretary-general over alleged misconduct

    RTEAN suspends its secretary-general over alleged misconduct

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary General with immediate effect.

    The association’s Deputy National President Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, and the general public that an Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at its National Secretariat.

    “The emergency meeting was in accordance with the Association’s constitution and commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in leadership.

    “It was presided over by the Deputy National President (Administration), Muhammad Abu Bakr Bishara, following due authorisation in accordance with the Association’s operational guidelines.”

    He said that during the meeting, the NEC deliberated extensively on matters concerning the conduct of the Secretary- General, Adeniyi.

    “After reviewing available reports and hearing submissions from relevant parties, the council resolved that Mr Adeneyi’s actions constituted misconduct and a breach of trust.

    “In line with the Association’s constitutional provisions, and in the best interest of preserving the credibility and unity of the organisation, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary-General with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.”

    Bishara further said that the NEC constituted a seven-member Investigative Committee to examine all allegations and circumstances surrounding the matter.

    He said that the committee is chaired by Dr Samuel Agbede, while Mr Adamu jalaluddeen as secretary and is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations within two months.

    Bishara assured all members of the association and the public of its unwavering commitment to due process, fairness, and justice in handling the matter.

    He added that the association remains focused on its primary mission of promoting the welfare of its members and advancing the growth of the road transport sector in Nigeria.

    In a swift reaction, Mr Adeniyi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied the allegations, adding that he has not been served with any letter of suspension on alleged misconduct.

    He said, ” I am the National Secretary-General of the Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and till this moment as I’m speaking with you I have not been served with any letter of suspension whatsoever.

    “The fact of the matter is that there was a case between us and before the judgement, I advised that we should reconcile and send our terms of settlement to the court as consent judgement.

    “And my people refused and when they refused the Appeal Court proceeded and when the verdict of the appeal court came they lost the case.

    “When they lost the case I tried to reach out to the other parties so that the reconciliation effort I made before can be use to reconcile the parties, so that all of us can work together.

    “Even if we win or we lose, we are all members. It is all about interest and we should be able to work together, ” he said.

    He, however, said that about four or five days ago, the Deputy President of the association in charge of administration, met him in the office and dragged him out of the office.

    “The following day I went they said that I have no access to the office. That is all that I know. I don’t even know my offense and nobody has called me either through the electronic or print system or served me with any letter of suspension.

    “All I know is that they denied me access to my office, ” Adeyini. (NAN)

  • 2027: Nasarawa youths urges Silas Agara to join governorship race

    2027: Nasarawa youths urges Silas Agara to join governorship race

    The Nasarawa Patriotic Youth Alliance (NPYA), a pro-democracy group, has called on the Director-General of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Silas Agara, to join the 2027 governorship race in the state.

    The State Coordinator of the group, Malam Abubakar Hamza, made the call during its Local Government town hall meeting and grassroot engagement, held in Lafia, the state capital.

    Hamza commended Mr Agara’s leadership and policies that resonate with the people

    ” The people of Nasarawa State, from 13 Local Government areas and the grassroots, during our town hall meeting, unanimously agree and humbly request you to consider running for the office of Governor Nasarawa State during the 2027 general election.

    ” During these town hall meetings and political engagement with our people at the local government and grassroots level across the state, the entire people agreed and accepted to adopt you as their candidate for Governor in Nasarawa State.

    ” While acknowledging your leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to our state’s development which echoes with our believe and ideology, and we believe you have the potential to bring positive change we so much desire.”

    Hamza said that the Youth of Nasarawa believe Mr Silas Agara is the ideal candidate to occupy the governorship seat in 2027 due to his impressive credentials in governance, leadership, and community service.

    ” As a pragmatic leader who has served Nasarawa State and Nigeria since 2003, we all believe you posses the necessary qualities to lead the state to greater heights.

    ” As a role model for the youth in Nasarawa State, they acknowledge your remarkable legacy on championing youth empowerment initiatives, placing many young people in leadership positions, providing economic empowerment, and facilitating higher educational attainment.

    ” The people of Nasarawa recognised your record as an astute administrator which is evident in your significant contributions to the successes of various administrations in in the state.

    ” Mr Agara served as Commissioner, Special Adviser, and Deputy Governor under former governor Abdullahi Adamu (2003-2007), Aliyu Akwe Doma (2007-2009) and Umaru Tanko Al-makura (2011-2019). ”

    The youth leader also said that the people also recognised the landmark impact Agara made in the sporting sector of the state and the nation.

    ” As the current Chairman of the National League one, National President Karate Federation of Nigeria, Vice President Union of African Karate Federation (UAKF) which are the key enablers in promoting grassroots and national sports development.

    ” You have achieved so much that it can hardly be overlooked. Your approach to politics and governance is devoid of ethnic and religious considerations, demonstrated by your fair distribution of resources and empowerment across all boards, faiths, and creeds. ”

    He said that as a successful entrepreneur who understand the importance of investments in agriculture, real estate, and hospitality, Agara expertise could drive economic growth in Nasarawa which the people are highly optimistic about.

    ” These initiatives and policies demonstrate your potential as a preferred candidate for Governor of Nasarawa as echoed by the entire people of the state.

    ” We believe in your impressive credentials and achievements. We, the Nasarawa Patriotic Youths Alliance (NAPYA) especially the citizens at the grassroots level appeal to you to join the Nasarawa governorship race in 2027.

    ” We believe in Silas Ali Agara for Governor in 2027,” he said. (NAN)

  • EUDR Deadline: Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade

    EUDR Deadline: Nigeria, EU chart path for sustainable cocoa trade

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Cocoa Industry have pledged to accelerate efforts to meet the European Union’s December 2025 deadline for compliance with its deforestation-free regulation (EUDR).

    This, according to them, is with a view to safeguard the nation’s cocoa exports and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the pledge at a Roundtable on EUDR Compliance, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential villa, in Abuja.

    The roundtable was convened by the Office of the Vice-President in partnership with EU representatives, cocoa-producing states, and private sector stakeholders.

    It explored financing options, institutional coordination, and technology-driven solutions to ensure that Nigeria’s cocoa remains competitive in global markets and to protect the nation’s forests.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described cocoa as a strategic lever in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

    He revealed that cocoa exports surged by 606 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, rising from N171 billion in the previous year to N1.2 trillion, accounting for 29 per cent of agricultural exports and 5.6 per cent of total non-oil exports.

    “Cocoa is no longer just a commodity. It is a vital contributor to our economic transformation and a driver of our green economy agenda,” Uzoma said.

    He said that the EUDR compliance, which requires proof of deforestation-free supply chains, aligns with Nigeria’s climate goals and opens opportunities for traceability innovations, climate-smart farming, and local processing.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria has the capacity to meet the EU’s standards since many exporters are already compliant.

    Represented by Deputy Director of Cocoa, Ajayi Olutobaba, the minister emphasized the need for a harmonised national traceability and sustainability system managed by a government agency to ensure data sovereignty and ease of verification.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the compliance push was both a challenge and a transformative opportunity for Africa’s fourth-largest cocoa exporter.

    With the EU accounting for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, she stressed that meeting EUDR requirements is an economic, environmental, and developmental imperative.

    “Compliance is not optional. It is about Nigeria first, ensuring our land is used sustainably, supporting our farmers and investors, and hitting our $1 trillion economy target under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

    The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Zissimos Vergos, emphasised the need for the repositioning of Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.

    “The conclusion of this meeting is that the National Cocoa Board should go out there to bring a trophy to Nigeria from repositioning Nigeria as a global competitor in the cocoa sector.”

    Also, Dr Taiwo Osho, Sustainability Manager at Tulip Cocoa Processes Ltd., called for urgent government action to clearly demarcate protected areas to prevent farming in restricted zones.

    He said confusion over boundaries, low productivity, and access to farmland remained a pressing challenge in spite of the renewed interest in cocoa production.(NAN)

  • Sovereign Trust Insurance urges government support for effective implementation of NIIRA 2025

    Sovereign Trust Insurance urges government support for effective implementation of NIIRA 2025

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has urged the Federal Government to provide continued support and improved patronage to the insurance industry to ensure the successful implementation of the newly signed Insurance Reform Act 2025.

    Mr Segun Bankole, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications and Investors Relations of the company, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Bankole commended President Tinubu for assenting to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill (NIIRA).

    He described it as a bold step toward strengthening the financial services sector and accelerating the country’s journey toward a one-trillion dollar economy.

    NAN reports that the Insurance Reform Act 2025, signed into law on Aug. 5, introduces key provisions, including stringent capital requirements aimed at improving the financial strength of insurance companies.

    Bankole said that while the reform was timely and necessary, it must be complemented by active government involvement and increased patronage from public institutions and individuals.

    He noted that although recapitalisation would strengthen the industry, operators might struggle to survive if there was no increase in demand for insurance services.

    Bankole warned that if local insurance firms were compelled to borrow or undergo mergers to meet new capital thresholds without adequate market support, it could strain their operations.

    “With the new Act, recapitalisation is now enabled, which is commendable.

    “However, if not properly managed, there is a risk that foreign players with stronger currencies could dominate the sector.

    “If companies are forced to borrow to increase their capital base or they go into mergers and acquisitions, what happens if at the end of this, insurance patronage still remains low?” he asked.

    According to him, the government needs to further ensure seamless implementation of the Act by encouraging insurance patronage.

    “In other climes where insurance thrives, it is a part of everyday life. In Nigeria, low purchasing power has relegated insurance to the background for many citizens,” he added.

    Bankole called for sustained public enlightenment and government-backed initiatives to encourage wider adoption of insurance among Nigerians.

    “The reform is a welcome development, but the government must follow through with support to ensure the industry does not only survive but flourishes,” he said.

  • Almond Awards urges insurance industry to embrace new reform act

    Almond Awards urges insurance industry to embrace new reform act

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Ms Prisca Soares, Chairman of the Almond Insurance Industry Awards Panel of Judges, has urged stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace the reforms outlined in the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

    Soares spoke at a news conference unveiling nominees for the 2025 Almond Insurance Industry Awards on Wednesday in Lagos.
    She said that the reforms were necessary for the survival and long-term growth of the sector.

    President Bola Tinubu signed the NIIRA into law on Tuesday.

    Soares described the current period as critical for the industry, and added that while the changes introduced by the new law might be difficult, they were necessary for repositioning the sector.

    “We have a very challenging situation right now, and a lot needs to be done to ensure the survival of the insurance industry.

    Some of the changes that need to be made may be painful, but they are necessary,” she said.

    Soares urged insurance operators to streamline their business models, identify their core areas of focus, and align capital investment accordingly, rather than spreading resources thin.

    “Every company must determine its core line of business. That clarity helps in deciding the capital requirements and allows for greater focus. Running into everything at once is no longer optional.

    “Even from the sidelines, it was clear this was coming. I believe operators have been bracing themselves for it, and I do not foresee widespread casualties.

    “The future of the industry looks bright if we all work together and take the bull by the horns.”

    Regarding the 2025 Almond Awards, Soares announced that the voting process had begun and would close on Sept. 5 to allow the panel time for final processing.

    She said this year’s edition recorded an increase in participation, with 914 nominations received, compared to 392 in 2024, representing a 79.94 per cent increase.

    “This sharp increase is a testament to the growing recognition and prestige of the Almond Awards within and outside the insurance industry,” she said.

    To further strengthen transparency and reduce duplicate voting, Soares revealed that a One-Time Password (OTP) system would be implemented for this year’s voting process.

    She said some nominations were not considered due to non-compliance with the laid-down criteria.

    She encouraged nominees to mobilise their clients and the general public to vote via the official website: www.almondinsuranceindustryawards.com.

    According to her, both companies and individuals are entitled to only one vote per category.

    Soares explained that the winners in each category would be determined through a combination of 10 per cent public votes, 10 per cent judges’ decisions, and 80 per cent data provided by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

    Also, speaking at the event, Prof. Olajide Fadun, Consultant and Manager of the awards website, unveiled the nominees across the various categories and outlined the voting procedure for eligible participants.

    He said that veteran Nollywood actor, Segun Arinze, would host the awards night scheduled for Nov. 7 in Lagos.

    In her remarks, Chief Jean Chiazor-Anishere, a member of the awards panel of judges, described the Almond Awards as a platform that had contributed to raising insurance awareness and deepening penetration in Nigeria.

    She added that the awards had helped many insurance firms improve the quality of their services.

  • Coronation Infrastructure Fund plans listing on Nigerian Exchange

    Coronation Infrastructure Fund plans listing on Nigerian Exchange

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Coronation Asset Management Ltd, a subsidiary of Coronation Group, is set to list the Coronation Infrastructure Fund (CIF) on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

    Aigbovboise Aig-Imoukhuede, Coronation Asset Management’s Chief Executive Officer, in a statement on Tuesday, said CIF would list 87.9 million units at N100 per unit, representing the proceeds from its successful Series I raise.

    Aig-Imoukhuede said that the milestone followed strong investors’interest at launch, with CIF already earning recognition as Nigeria’s Best Performing Maiden Infrastructure Fund by Gazet International Awards.

    According to him, the listing will enhance visibility, transparency, and accessibility to institutional and retail investors, enabling broader participation in long-term infrastructure development.

    He further described the development as a bold move that followed the Fund’s record-setting debut as Nigeria’s highest-ever Series I capital raise for a local infrastructure fund, with ₦8.79 billion secured from institutional and retail investors.

    “The Coronation Infrastructure Fund is not only a strategic investment tool; it is a nation-building mechanism.

    “This listing on the NGX creates the access and liquidity required to enable Nigerian investors to participate in the structural transformation of the economy,” he said.

    Aig-Imoukhuede noted that CIF invests across key priority sectors—including transportation, real estate, utilities, social infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy—to ensure diversification and deliver measurable economic value.

    “The Fund has already distributed over N1.7 billion in dividends across two income distribution cycles, underscoring its performance and reliability as an infrastructure-focused product.

    “CIF delivers more than yield; it offers transparency, liquidity through the exchange listing, and consistent market engagement through quarterly infrastructure newsletters that deepen investor education,” he said.

    Also, Mayowa Ikotun, Head, CIF at Coronation Asset Management, added that “Infrastructure is the bedrock of inclusive economic growth.

    “With CIF, we are deploying capital with intention, targeting high-impact projects that deliver long-term returns while solving real developmental challenges.”

    CIF is a purpose-built financial product designed to channel long-term capital into Nigeria’s most pressing infrastructure needs while offering investors access to steady income and capital appreciation.

  • Heirs insurance launches inaugural creators fellowship, partners influencers to drive literacy

    Heirs insurance launches inaugural creators fellowship, partners influencers to drive literacy

    By Taiye Olayemi

    As part of its bold plan to simplify insurance education and boost insurance literacy, Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance group, has announced the first cohort of its inaugural Creators Fellowship.

    The first-of-its-kind social impact initiative was created to drive insurance education and financial literacy across Nigeria.

    The cohort features two outstanding digital storytellers who will serve as Heirs Insurance Fellows: Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air), a radio personality and content creator known for his humor-infused, community-driven content; and Oluwadamilola Bello (Dammy B), a vibrant lifestyle content creator converting everyday experiences into powerful life lessons.

    Through the Heirs Insurance Creators Fellows, the insurance group will work directly with content creators as trusted educators and advocates, empowering them to use storytelling, creativity, and cultural insight to simplify complex insurance ideas for everyday people.

    The Fellowship will drive a nationwide push to make financial education more accessible, especially to young Nigerians navigating career, family, and personal growth in a digitally driven world.

    The Chief Marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group, Ifesinachi Okpagu, commented on the announcement, “We are excited to work with Joseph and Oluwadamilola, both known for their astuteness and shared approach to simplifying complex concepts.

    Through this initiative, we are partnering with both Fellows to normalise conversations around financial preparedness and promote insurance as a tool for financial stability and growth, as well as peace of mind.

    We are confident that this initiative will not only educate Nigerians, but it will do so in ways that are relevant, relatable, and impactful.”

    Heirs Insurance Fellow, Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air) commented, “I have always believed in the power of storytelling to drive real change and being part of the Heirs Insurance Creators Fellowship aligns perfectly with that.

    This Fellowship is an opportunity to use my voice to make finance and insurance feel real, relatable, and necessary for everyday Nigerians.”

    In addition, Oluwadamilola Bello (Dammy B) added: “As a pioneer creator in the Heirs Insurance Creators’ Fellowship, I see this as a meaningful opportunity to use storytelling and creativity to break down finance and insurance in ways that truly matter, especially for business owners.

    Protection is a key part of growth, and I am proud to be a part of this.”

    Heirs Insurance Creators Fellowship builds on the Group’s ongoing mission to make insurance simple, accessible, and relevant for all.

    Since inception, Heirs Insurance Group has championed innovation in the sector through bold, education-focused initiatives designed to spark awareness and reshape public perception of insurance. In 2024, the Group launched The Underwriters, Africa’s first insurance-themed web series, and continues to engage young minds through initiatives like the Heirs Insurance Essay Championship, which connects students and their families to the fundamentals of financial literacy.

  • AXA Mansard CFO, Ola-Israel bags “CFO of the Year” award

    AXA Mansard CFO, Ola-Israel bags “CFO of the Year” award

    By Taiye Olayemi

    AXA Mansard’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ngozi Ola-Israel, has been named CFO of the Year by the Women Tabloid Awards.

    The Women Tabloid Awards celebrate trailblazing women who are redefining success and challenging stereotypes across industries and geographies.

    Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance in a statement, said that the recognition of Ola-Israel was another testament to the remarkable role she and her team had continued to play in the company’s success.

    Adebisi said this was in spite the challenges of the dynamic operating environment.

    She said, “On behalf of the board and management, I congratulate our dear CFO. This is a well-deserved recognition.

    “Under her leadership, we have achieved sustained financial growth, strengthened our market positioning, and enhanced corporate governance.

    “Her visionary leadership was instrumental in the successful implementation of IFRS 17, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and global best practices.”

    Reacting to the award, Ola-Israel expressed her gratitude to Women Tabloid for the honour.

    She praised the organisers for going above and beyond to spotlight the incredible work and impact of women across sectors.

    “My emergence as the 2025 CFO of the Year is further proof of AXA’s commitment to inclusive protection and to creating an environment where people are empowered to care and dare.

    “I am incredibly grateful for the people I work with. Their collaboration and dedication have shaped this journey, culminating in this award.

    “Recognition like this only happens when you’re surrounded by people who challenge you to be your best and support you through it all.

    “This honour will fuel my resolve to continue giving my best, mentoring others, and creating opportunities that elevate women, the finance profession, and impactful leadership,” she said.

    With over a decade of dedicated service at AXA Mansard, Ngozi Ola-Israel began her journey as Group Head of Financial Control and rose to the position of CFO in 2017.

    Under her leadership, the company surpassed its 2024 revenue targets by 32 per cent and recorded a nearly 50 per cent increase in share price.

    She also served as Chief Data Officer from 2019 to 2024, leading enterprise-wide data transformation and strategy.

    Her influence extends to board-level roles as a Non-Executive Director at AXA Mansard Investments and APD, where she contributes to governance and performance oversight.

    Ola-Israel has led several transformative initiatives, including the development of KPI and premium financing dashboards, a car valuation model that improved claims integrity, a remote vehicle inspection tool, and a comprehensive value chain analysis that enhanced operational efficiency and customer experience.

    Beyond finance, she is a passionate mentor and advocate for gender equity. She founded the Finance Community at AXA Mansard to promote continuous learning and mentor aspiring women board members through WIMBIZ.

    She also plays a key role in AXA Mansard’s sustainability agenda, embedding ESG strategies into operations and strategic planning.

    She was recognised as one of the Top 50 CFOs in Africa in 2024 and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Board.

  • Desert Encroachment: NAGGW flag-off 2025 tree planting campaign in Yobe

    Desert Encroachment: NAGGW flag-off 2025 tree planting campaign in Yobe

    By Ahmed Abba

    The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has intensified afforestation efforts in the 11 frontline states in continuation of activities marking its 10th anniversary in reversing desertification and restoring degraded lands in the North.

    The Director General/CEO of the NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, MFR, made this known on Sunday at Maimalari community in Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe while inaugurating a large-scale tree planting campaign.

    He said the benefiting states include: Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, with each state expected to receive no fewer than 800,000 seedlings.

    “We are here to introduce a new and modern method of tree planting for you to adopt and apply in your farms and homes in order to combat desertification,” he said.

    He explained that the agency would provide five million improved varieties of date palm and another five million assorted seedlings for distribution across the 11 frontline states threatened by desert encroachment.

    He urged the communities to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival beyond the planting stage.

    “Each date palm tree can yield up to 100kg of fruits annually. This project is not just about protecting the environment, but also empowering communities economically,” he added.

    In his remarks, Gov, Mai Mala of Yobe commended the agency’s efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting environmental restoration.

    Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa said the issue of desertification needed more commitment and action.

    He described the collaboration between Yobe and the NAGGW as a decade-long partnership that has yielded visible results in land reclamation and sustainable land use.

    Also speaking, the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, described the campaign as timely, pointing out that communities in northern Yobe were severely affected by advancing sand dunes from the Sahara desert.

    “The Sahara is fast approaching. The only way to stop this desert encroachment is by planting trees,” the royal father said.

    He urged members of the community to take responsibility for the trees planted in their areas, especially by ensuring adequate watering after the rainy season using boreholes.

    The emir warned against the felling of trees, stressing that such acts would be met with strict sanctions.

    “If you cannot plant, do not cut. Anyone who cuts down trees will face the law.

    “In my emirate, we prosecute offenders, and I recommend the same for other communities,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAGGW was established as Nigeria’s response to the African Union’s Great Green Wall initiative, aimed at halting the southward expansion of the Sahara through afforestation, land rehabilitation, and community mobilisation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng