Flowerbud News

Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

  • Gov. Dikko Radda leads delegation to China for agricultural revolution

    Gov. Dikko Radda leads delegation to China for agricultural revolution

    In a bid to revolutionize agriculture in Katsina State, Governor Dr. Dikko Umar Radda led a delegation to China to seal partnerships with leading agricultural equipment manufacturers.

    The visit, facilitated by Mr. Xu Xianrui, Managing Director of Woerka Nigeria Company Limited, and Ambassador Bernard Oshi of Ben 10 Equipment Inc., aimed to empower farmers and ensure food security in the state.

    Ambassador Bernard Oshi, speaking to journalists about the visit, believes Governor Radda means well for the good people of Katsina State by first of all choosing to work with very competent partners on this life-changing projects.

    Ambassador Oshi remarked that Mr. Xu Xianrui, currently the General Manager of Jinan Zhongnihaihe and Managing Director of Woerka Nigeria Company Ltd and with over 10 years of dedication to the equipment and farming tractor business in Nigeria, has established himself as a key player in the industry.

    He added that Mr. Xianrui, through his leadership, has integrated the best brands of Chinese equipment, ensuring a wide range of high-quality products for Nigerian customers with warehouses strategically located across Nigeria.

    Consequently, this pedigree, Ambassador Oshi said, has positioned Mr. Xianrui to provide technical support and spare parts supply to customers, ensuring seamless after-sales service.


    During the trip, the delegation visited Shandong Min Sheng Group, an agricultural and mining equipment manufacturing giant, and LOVOL, the operators of Weichai Lovol Heavy Industries.

    They also inspected Solar Panels companies, Power Tillers, and Solar Water Pump and Agricultural Implements manufacturing firms.

    The governor’s vision is to increase efficiency, precision, and output for farmers, while reducing drudgery and improving income.

    To achieve this, he has ordered the immediate supply of 400 farming tractors and 4,000 agricultural water pumps.

    Additional equipment to be procured includes Power Tillers, Mini Tractors with Mounted Implements, Rice Planter & Rice Transplanter Machines, Multi Crops Planters, Multi Crop Thrashers, Rice Millers, Rice Screening Machines, Rice Per-boilers, Rice Dis-stoners, Manure Broadcasters, Corn Stock Grinders, Fertilizer Applicators, Mobile Soil Testers, Plant Disease Screening & Direction Machines, and their accessories.

    Governor Radda’s efforts aim to curb banditry and terrorism by engaging youths in gainful employment. His administration’s focus on agriculture is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and security.

    Speaking about Governor Radda’s stewardship in Katsina State, Ambassador Bernard Oshi of Ben 10 Equipment said Dr. Radda’s verifiable records of achievement and accomplishments as a governor are there for everyone to see quoting the governor as saying “I am just getting started”, as he sets his visionary sight on achieving greater goals for his people.

    “The governor’s commitment to his people’s welfare and development is evident in his achievements and vision for a better Katsina State” Ambassador Oshi concluded.

  • RCCG to donate academic materials to 2000 less privileged children

    RCCG to donate academic materials to 2000 less privileged children

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Rose of Sharon parish, Ikeja, is to distribute academic materials to no fewer than 2000 children ahead of the September school resumption.

    Pastor Chichi Obiagwu, Head of the women ministry in the parish who disclosed this in a statement, said the distribution programme was conceived in 2016, by the women’s fellowship of the parish, known as “Oaks of Righteousness”.

    Obiagwu said the kind gesture was targeted at the less privileged  children of members of the parish, the immediate community in Ikeja GRA and the neighbourhood community in Shogunle.

    According to her, the committee setup to organise the year’s programme had been mandated with the task of catering for 1,000 to 2,000 children, as the distribution holds Aug. 31, at the church premises

    “Items to be provided include: school bags, water bottles, food flasks, exercise boosks, note books, pens, pencils, mathematical sets and socks amongst others.

    “The past editions recorded huge success and last year in particular was highly impactful where indigent families who heard about the programme turned up in huge numbers and filled the church premises as early as 6:30.a.m, waiting to receive these items.

    “It was a delight to the church and most rewarding to support the children of our neighbouring community in this regard.

    The cleric said following the experience in 2023, the decision was made to increase the number of children to be catered for.

    She expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity afforded the parish to support the less privileged  children.

    She also appreciated the members of the church for rising up to the occasion and donating generously toward the items required which would make the programme a huge success.

    “This will go a long way to relieve the financial burden of parents who would have had to provide these items for their children, something which a good number of them would not have been able to afford,” she said.

    Also, Pastor Emeka Obiagwu,  Pastor in charge of the parish said that the ROS back to school initiative will continue to sit alongside many other programmes under the CSR umbrella of the RCCG, Rose of Sharon pariah and by extension RCCG Lagos Province 35, region 20.

    Obiagwu who also doubles as the Assistant Pastor in charge of RCCG Lagos Province 35 for CSR said that the parish had a fully equipped CSR Centre in Ikeja where over 5 major courses were offered routinely.

    He said this catered for all who were willing to embrace change and learn new skills for economic empowerment.

    According to him, the centre had produced close to 500 people right from inception in 2018.

  • World Travel Market: Minister supports NANTA to market Nigeria’s tourism assets

    World Travel Market: Minister supports NANTA to market Nigeria’s tourism assets

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Mrs Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism, has promised to support the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) in marketing Nigeria at the forthcoming edition of the World Travel Market (WTM).

    The minister made the pledge when the NANTA team visited her office in Abuja, on Tuesday to solicit her support.

    The WTM, known as the most famous tourism and travel trade exposition, is slated to hold in November in Excel, London.

    In a statement, Ade-John expressed excitement about the selfless determination and commitment of NANTA to showcase Nigeria to the world.

    She noted that the agencies deserved the support of all Nigerians, particularly the state governments.

    Speaking on government’s intervention in marketing Nigeria as a choice tourism destination, the minister hinted that the ministries of culture and tourism had recently collaborated to approach all 36 state governments.

    She said the aim of their collaboration was for the state governments to join the advocacy campaign to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural tourism resources to the world.

    “We are upbeat about supporting your association and look forward to being at the WTM.

    “NANTA has shown capacity and technical knowhow to stay ahead of this noble gesture.

    “And as government, the minister of culture and myself have met and agreed to support institutions such as yours to project this campaign.

    “This is part of government’s intention to provide direction for the private sector to create jobs and gain knowledge of how to welcome and satisfy visitors to Nigeria,” she said.

    The minister further explained that she needed the support of NANTA and the organised Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) to turn around the nation’s tourism fortunes.

    “By mid-September, we shall unveil the tourism policy, listen to the private sector’s operational ecosystem and discuss data and statistics ethos.

    “This will help us plan, motivate, and inspire a reward ecosystem for private sector visibility and ownership of the sector.

    “Our noble role is to offer guidance and assistance where necessary and ensure discipline so as to mobilise the informal sector and formal economy to improve our services, products and offerings.” she said.

    The minister expressed concern at the extreme bickering and animosity among practitioners, saying it was distracting.

    She added that these practices could ambush the progressive efforts made by both the public and private sectors, to have an organised bankable cultural tourism economy.

    Ade-John, however, prayed for sanity and collaboration in the industry.

    “I will work hard to enthrone harmony and togetherness. I don’t like to pull any official pressure.

    “I would like to be out there, working than sitting down here and receiving visitors and talking. We must work together, and I must confess that the media, even though critical of our activities, are veritable partners.

    “We shall work with the Nigerian tourism media, this is not negotiable, but they must be patient with us,” she stated.

    On visa issue, the minister said the issue was receiving attention from the interior minister, and very soon, the change will be visible.

    She assured that Nigeria would return to winning ways soon, but urged all Nigerians to support government’s efforts to create an atmosphere that was acceptable and welcoming to both Nigerians and visitors.

    “I believe in the power of our domestic tourism, getting Nigerians to love Nigeria, visit each other and appreciate our rich sociocultural diversity.

    “NANTA is big and huge, and I am sure together, we can make Nigerian culture and tourism trade great and very attractive,” she said.

    Speaking earlier, NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, said NANTA was Nigerian cultural tourism-centric and would do its best to be good ambassadors of the country within and outside its shores.

    Folami noted that the association had taken it upon itself to market and promote Nigeria at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

    He said that this was a project the association had done successfully in the past two years, committing huge funds and energy.

    “It is a heavy burden for us, but we felt we must help our country in times of need to help tell the stories of our rich cultural and historical diversities, and we have no regret doing it because we believe in the Nigeria Project.

    “NANTA expects the government to support the drive to bring Nigerian cultural tourism to the market place of global tourism and travel business.

    “We honestly received some encouragement from the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in the past.

    “But we want to have a bigger Nigerian project at WTM and we have done it successfully in the past two years.

    “During that period, the Nigerian students community in the United Kingdom turned out to support our initiative. We wish that government should be part of the marketing and promotion movement.

    “This would help attract not only visitors traffic but also critical investment to the country.” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Fed. Poly Nasarawa: Concerns over Dr. Hauwa’s candidacy baseless, hypocritical – Group

    Fed. Poly Nasarawa: Concerns over Dr. Hauwa’s candidacy baseless, hypocritical – Group

    News Desk

    A group under the auspices of Nasarawa Development Foundation has described the concerned raised by some staff of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, over the shortlisting of Dr. Hauwa Mohammed for the substantive Rector position of the institution as baseless and hypocritical.

    Mr Idris Musa Audi, stated this while addressing newsmen on behalf of the group on Tuesday in Keffi, Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The rejoinder title “A response to the stakeholders concerns” with a sub title “He who lives in a glass house should not throw stones or hide or throw stones at others.”

    According to Audi, the recent statement by one Dr. Abdullahi Baba Makama and Dr. Halidu Ahmed Umar of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa published recently on Education Monitor News expressing concerns about the shortlisting of Dr. Hauwa T. Muhammad for the substantive Rector position are both misguided and baseless.

    He added that their claims about Dr. Muhammad’s discipline being irrelevant to the Polytechnic Sector are unfounded.

    ” Both Dr. Makama and Dr. Halidu were wrongly employed as Lecturer II without Msc nor PhD. & and conference papers as required by law. Therefore, they have defective & erroneous entry qualifications.

    ” Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa came in as Rector while their area of discipline were not available in the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa”;. And that even Khalid came in with a Degree in Economics while the Polytechnic does even have economic as a department.”

    He noted that English language is a fundamental subject that is taught in all polytechnics, adding that it was essential for effective communications and academic success.

    “They have forgotten that when Dr. Abdul Bulama became Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, there was no Science Laboratory Technology Department.

    ” Similarly, when Dr Salami became Rector, there was no Banking and Finance Department and when Dr Bugaji became Rector of the institution, there was no Chemical Engineering Technology Department.

    ” Also, the immediate passed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Idah and Yaba Tech all read English. Therefore, the role of a Rector involves overseeing the entire institution, not just a specific department,” he said.

    He insisted that the stakeholders’ concerns about Dr. Muhammad’s candidacy are baseless and hypocritical and their own transgressions and double standards undermine their credibility.

    “It is imperative for the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, and the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, to support the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa and disregard the unfounded allegations.

    He also empahaised the need for ethe Minister and the Executive Secretary of NBTE to focus on selecting a qualified and capable Rector who can lead the institution to greater heights.

  • Banditry: MACBAN condemns killing of Sokoto traditional ruler

    Banditry: MACBAN condemns killing of Sokoto traditional ruler

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the abduction, torture and brutal killing of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa, Sabon Local Government, Sokoto State.

    The National Secretary of MACBAN, Malam Bello Aliyu-Gotomo, made the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Aliyu-Gotomo said the killing of the traditional ruler was not only traumatic but it symbolised the barbarity of the perpetrators.

    According to him, there is no justification for the activities of these murderous gangs.

    ” MACBAN condoles the Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, family of the slain Emir as well as the entire people of the state.

    ” We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to ramp up the fight against banditry and kidnapping ravaging some states in the North-West.

    ” The criminality in these areas has been allowed to fester for too long making it difficult for the daily activities of people living there.”

    He called on all of the states within the North-West to rethink their strategies in dealing with the insecurity that had uprooted millions of rural people from their homes.

    ” On behalf of all our members across the country, we pray for the souls of Sarkin Gobir to rest in perfect peace and Aljanna firdausi be his final abode.

    ” May the Almighty Allah give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss.

    ”We pray and hope that the perpetrators will be exposed immediately and dealt with decisively.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Art exhibition showcasing Nigerian beauty debuts Oct. 4

    Art exhibition showcasing Nigerian beauty debuts Oct. 4

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Julius Iyighiojie, Chief Executive Officer, LVI Art Gallery and Cultural Nexus, says all is set to unveil an art exhibition to showcase Nigeria’s beauty.

    Iyighiojie, an Art Collector and convener of the exhibition, disclosed this during a news conference in Lagos on Thursday.

    He said the exhibition, starting from Oct. 4 in Lagos. would enlighten Nigerians and the global community on the unique beauty and tourism potential the nation was endowed with.

    He noted that the exhibition, with the theme:”The Hand that Creates the Masterpiece”, would have emerging artists produce paintings that explored the theme as well as the beauty of Nigeria.

    He said that the exhibition, which would be in three phases- from October, November to December, would have no fewer than 60 emerging artists participate, 20 for each month.

    According to him, this is his own way of assisting the artists to gain personal visibility as well as for their works.

    “Nigeria has all it takes to be big in tourism; this is an exhibition that is meant to expose people to the beauty of Nigeria.

    “The exhibition would run as a live demonstration of artists engaging in painting on acrylic while the exhibition of those paintings would also run concurrently.

    “This is my way of deliberately promoting the young artists who have no means to hold exhibitions and it is also planned to achieve my desire of showcasing the beauty of Nigeria to spur tourism.

    “The October session will run from 4th to 6th, November edition will hold from 1st to 3rd while the December session will run from 6th to 8th.

    “Within the three days for each month, the artists are meant to produce a maximum of three paintings that will explore the theme for the exhibition,” he said.

    According to Iyighiojie, Nigerian visual artists with Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Higher National Diploma (HND), B.A or M.A in arts and designs are eligible to indicate interest in participating in the exhibition.

    He said all paintings would be done on acrylic because of its environmental friendly nature and quickness to getting dry.

    According to him, a catalogue of the art works created within the three months would be produced for the purpose of documentation and it would be distributed to museums and ministries for proper promotion.

    “All art work are to be produced and completed at the exhibition arena and each artist is to produce 3 art works within the exhibition period.

    “This will be a regular practice going forward. I want to see Nigerian emerging artists coming out of obscurity to fame.

    “We are going to ensure that the works produced are sold during the exhibition and the artists will have the opportunity to continue to exhibit their works in my gallery, even after the exhibition period,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Culturati rebrands to redefine Africa’s image

    Culturati rebrands to redefine Africa’s image

    By Taiye Olayemi and Aderonke Ojediran

    Culturati, a platform for the promotion of arts, culture and tourism, has rebranded to “Culturati Africa” to redefine the image of Africa and project the continent as a choice tourism hub.

    Mr Idris Aregbe, former Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa, said this during a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

    Aregbe who was represented by Mrs Olufunke Adu, Co-founder Tantacom Experiential projects Ltd. said the move was to reposition the image of the African continent.

    He also announced Ms Dolamu Badejo as the new Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa.

    “It is with excitement that we introduce Ms Dolamu Badejo as the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Africa.

    “Dolamu Badejo brings a wealth of cumulative experiences, certifications and contributions spanning over 15 years in various core areas.

    “Badejo’s track records reflect her excellence, depths and breadth of knowledge as well the multi-tier approach our organisation is positioned for in her 18th year of operations and onwards.

    “Together with our community, we welcome very warmly Dolamu Badejo to our group as the CEO,” he said.

    Aregbe said that Badejo would bring vast repository of cumulative experiences and visionary approach to lead the brand into a new era.

    He described the new era as a “Journey Beyond Borders.”

    Aregbe said the annual Culturati Africa programme had been renamed Culturella Festival as part of the transformation.

    He noted that the 2024 edition of the festival would be on the brand’s 18 years legacy.

    Aregbe said the festival was aimed at showcasing Africa’s rich culture and heritage through arts, crafts, cultural displays, gastronomy, tourism, fashion, film and entertainment.

    In her response, Badejo said: “I am elated to respond to the announcement made earlier today regarding my appointment as the new CEO of Culturati Africa.

    “I will like to thank the Chairman for his investment of confidence in my capabilities to step into his big shoes, take onward his brainchild after 17 years and lead from his vision.”

    Badejo said she had been actively committed to setting up a structure, identifying relevant opportunities for growth and establishing a framework for sustainability since assumption of duty 10 weeks ago.

    She noted that Culturati Africa’s annual arts and culture event would be known as “Culturella Festival”.

    She said the 2024 edition would be redirected to function as a research centre, meant to tell African stories in the positive way.

    She harped on the need to intensify effort in telling African stories.

    Badejo urged the media, government agencies, research institutions and all stakeholders to engage in relaying positive narratives of Africa, to spur tourism growth.

    “We want to see how our stories can be relayed right from our future to the past to change Africa’s image.

    “I am counting on the shoulders of giants and pillars across industry sectors, our very loyal stakeholders, new investors and the support of the culture, arts stakeholders communities to collectively join in the vision of re-imagining the Africa of our dreams.

    “We should ensure a return to cultural awareness and sound values and to re-build the fractured pieces and stories of our continent from a healed and renewed narrative. We can together fill our cracks with gold.

    “I look forward to your tangible collaborations and extension of needed support,” she said.

    Earlier, Mr John Fadejola, Head of Brands Tantacom Experiential Projects Ltd., a communications partner with Culturati Africa, said the 18th edition of the annual Culturella Arts and Culture Festival would hold from Dec. 6 to 8.

    Fadejola who unveiled the pre-event activities ahead of the festival said there would be fashion soiree to showcase the beauty of African fabrics.

    He added that individuals who have contributed to the growth of the continent would be honoured at the Culturati African personalities in October.

    “The first and the second day of the Culturella Festival will feature market place and exhibitions.

    “For the third day, we will have cultural parade, arts and crafts market, fashion show, awards and gala night as well as a closing concert. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • Adamawa Govt. trains information officers, gifts mobile devices

    Adamawa Govt. trains information officers, gifts mobile devices

    By Talatu Maiwada

    The Adamawa Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA-AF) has trained 21 information officers across the state to enhance effective reporting on educational activities and emergencies.

    The officers, drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), also received mobile devices to facilitate their work.

    Dr Umar Pella, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, disclosed this at a two-day workshop for the information officers in Yola on Thursday.

    Pella represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aisha Umar, stated that the training aimed to improve the communication skills of the officers.

    “The government is determined to build a future for the next generation through education.

    “Education is life; education is everything, and the governor is working tirelessly to create an environment where every child has an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Pella said.

    The commissioner urged participants to utilise the devices effectively in reporting relevant information on education activities and emergencies requiring immediate intervention.

    Mr Micheal Medugu, State Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), explained that the training aimed to create synergy among information officers for better service delivery in education.


    He said it also aimed to equip officers to receive and cover events in schools and transmit the information to local governments and the state.

    “The officers from the 21 LGAs and relevant ministries were trained and equipped to monitor events in their respective areas and report appropriately to the relevant quarters at all levels of government.

    “They are to report information on educational activities and emergency situations such as floods, communal clashes, outbreaks, or any other disaster for immediate action.”

    Ms Oluwabunmi Anani, the workshop facilitator, commended the state government for the initiative.

    She emphasised that effective communication is key to successful planning and implementation of projects in organisations.

    Mr Vincent Baldeino, a participant and information officer for Song LGA, appreciated the government for the training and device.

    He said the training and the device would enhance his capacity to deliver on the job and communicate effectively and accurately on happenings in his LGA.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BESDA-AF, Transforming Education System at State Level (TESS), and Global Partnership for Education (GPE 11) are World Bank-funded programmes aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Adamawa.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Your elevation to SAN is a source of pride for Yobe – Lawan

    Your elevation to SAN is a source of pride for Yobe – Lawan

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has urged Mr Baba Dalah, a new Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to use his expertise in promoting justice and upholding the rule of law.

    Lawan, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, made the call in a congratulatory letter to Dalah, on Sunday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, recently approved the elevation of 87 legal practitioners to the Inner Bar.

    Hajo Bello, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of LPPC, made the announcement in a statement in Abuja.

    She explained that the SAN rank was awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession, who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics.

    According to her, Dalah and Monday Ubani were among the notable names out of the 87 that got the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    While reacting to Dalah’s elevation, Lawan implored him to strengthen democratic institutions.

    Lawan said, ” I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    ” This remarkable achievement is in recognition of your unparalleled legal brilliance and your commitment to the advancement of the legal profession in our country.

    ” It has also attest to your exceptional contributions to the development and interpretation of Nigerian law.

    ” Your astute legal mind and strict adherence to ethical standards have earned you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and the judiciary.”

    Lawan expressed the ability of Mr Dalah to continue to distinguish himself by being a role model to aspiring lawyers and young professionals alike.

    ” Your elevation to this exalted position is a source of pride for Yobe State and our nation as whole.

    ” As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, you have a significant role to play in shaping the legal landscape of Nigeria.

    ” Your experience and expertise will be invaluable in promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening our democratic
    institutions.”

    ” I wish you all the best in your future endeavours as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. May you continue to excel and contribute positively to the Nigerian legal system.”

    Dalah was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1988, and now the Principal Partner of Bahama Chambers, Baba Dala & Co., Guzape, Abuja.

    The successful legal practitioner and grounded politician was a member of the 2023 APC National Screening Committee. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)