Flowerbud News

Author: Jimoh Babatunde

  • Defence Minister Badaru Attends Screening of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs

    Defence Minister Badaru Attends Screening of Newly Appointed Service Chiefs

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, on Wednesday, attended the screening of the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    The screening exercise followed the nominations earlier forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in accordance with constitutional provisions guiding the appointment and confirmation of the nation’s top military leadership.

    The nominees include the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen O. O. Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke.

    Presiding over the plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended the nominees for their professionalism, competence, and distinguished service records, noting that their appointments were a testament to their dedication and merit within the Armed Forces.

    Following the Senate session, the Minister of Defence and the nominees proceeded to the House of Representatives Complex, where they appeared before the House Committee on Defence, chaired by Hon. Babajimi Benson, for further legislative screening.

    Also present at the exercise were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen E. A. P. Undiandeye, senior military officers, family members, friends of the nominees, and other distinguished guests.

    The screening marked a significant step toward the confirmation of the newly appointed Service Chiefs, who are expected to play key roles in advancing the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and defence operations across the country.

  • FTAN South East Strengthens Ties with Anambra Government, Pledges Tourism Synergy

    FTAN South East Strengthens Ties with Anambra Government, Pledges Tourism Synergy

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), South East Zone, has called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to drive tourism growth across the region.

    This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Anambra State, in Awka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

    Leading the delegation, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of FTAN and Chairman, FTAN South East, said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnerships and aligning with the Soludo administration’s tourism agenda.

    “Ours is to ensure mutual cooperation between public and private practitioners,” Mr. Ugwu stated. “FTAN stands to project and protect the interests of private operators while promoting inclusive growth in the tourism sector.”

    He noted that FTAN is working to create platforms where investors can easily identify viable opportunities within the tourism value chain. The association, he said, will also partner with the state to document tourist sites, events, and cultural heritage assets — ensuring better visibility and access to reliable tourism data.

    Mr. Ugwu praised the Soludo administration’s focus on security and infrastructure, stressing that “a safe environment is the foundation for a thriving tourism industry.” He also described the launch of the Anambra Fun City as “a step in the right direction” and expressed optimism that more investment-friendly policies would follow.

    He added that the South East remains the most visited region in Nigeria during festive seasons, noting, “No other part of Africa experiences such massive homecoming as Alaigbo.”

    As part of the outcomes of the visit, FTAN and the Anambra State Government agreed to host a South East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum on November 4, 2025 —

    Awka Session: Golden Tulip Agulu Lake Resort, 10:00 a.m.

    Onitsha Session: NITDA/Oba Ji Centre, 3:00 p.m.

    *Commissioner’s Remarks*

    In his response, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism welcomed FTAN’s visit and applauded the group’s effort to bridge the public-private gap in the sector.

    He outlined the state’s key achievements under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, including:

    Mapping of five priority tourist sites for immediate development;

    Launch of Solution Fun City;

    Improved state security; and

    Introduction of an annual tourism and culture event calendar.

    “Statistics is very important. We’ll involve the Bureau of Statistics to enhance data management,” the Commissioner said, referencing upcoming events such as the 100-year anniversary of Igwe Orizu, which is now part of the ‘Onwa December’ calendar.

    He added that Anambra has witnessed remarkable transformation in recent years — with better roads, improved nightlife, and more events now hosted locally. “People who used to host traditional marriages and festivals in Lagos or Abuja are now proudly celebrating them at home,” he noted.

    Encouraging FTAN’s involvement, the Commissioner said:

    “Practitioners should support government by guiding investors with their experience and professionalism. Ogbunike Cave, Owelle Ezukala Cave and Waterfalls, and Agulu Lake are ready for investment. I can boldly say that Anambra is working again.”

    About FTAN

    The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) is the umbrella body of over 23 government-approved private tourism associations in Nigeria. It serves as the collective voice of the tourism industry, promoting sustainable development, professional standards, and strong public-private collaboration nationwide.

  • Defence Minister Badaru Receives Newly Appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs — Advancing Unity, Leadership and Strategic Direction

    Defence Minister Badaru Receives Newly Appointed Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs — Advancing Unity, Leadership and Strategic Direction

    The Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, today, received the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff and the 3 Service Chiefs during their maiden courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

    In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen OO Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen W Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal SK Aneke.

    The visit underscores the Minister’s commitment to building a cohesive defence leadership anchored on trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
    It also kickstarts a renewed drive toward a unified strategy and decisive action in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national interests under the guidance of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • Tarzan Balogun urges greater government support for tourism practitioners

    Tarzan Balogun urges greater government support for tourism practitioners

    Lagos — The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, has called on the Federal Government to extend greater support to tourism practitioners, especially those operating along the nation’s waterways, to enhance the growth of the tourism economy.
    Balogun, a pioneer in Nigeria’s water-based tourism sector and Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, made the appeal in Lagos when a delegation from the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) visited him to present a letter of nomination for an industry recognition award.
    While commending the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to develop inland waterways and improve safety standards, Balogun stressed that genuine industry players need stronger institutional backing to thrive.
    “If government truly wants to grow the tourism and marine sectors, existing operators should be supported and encouraged, not sidelined,” he said. “We cannot build a sustainable tourism industry by discouraging those who have invested years of work and resources in it.”
    He lamented that bureaucracy and personal interests among some civil servants continue to stifle progress in the sector, warning that such attitudes discourage private investment and innovation.
    Balogun praised the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for initiatives aimed at improving safety, including the recent distribution of 42,000 free life jackets to boat operators.
    “You cannot enter Tarzan boats without a life jacket. Beyond the government’s support, I have personally procured additional safety equipment for passengers. ATBOWATON was the first association to enforce compulsory use of life jackets at its jetties,” he noted.
    He also urged operators to complement government’s efforts by adhering strictly to safety rules, adding that public confidence in water transport and marine tourism depends on consistent safety standards.
    Balogun recalled his advocacy for a dedicated fuel station for boat operators on Nigeria’s waterways, which he proposed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that such facilities are essential for tourism transport efficiency.
    Presenting the award nomination, ANJET President, Mr. Okorie Uguru, described Balogun as a tourism ambassador whose leadership has enhanced safety awareness and professionalism in water-based tourism.
    Veteran travel journalist, Frank Meke, also lauded Balogun’s contributions, describing him as “an institution whose passion and consistency have shaped the story of marine tourism in Nigeria.”

  • NIHOTOUR, FAAN illuminate Abuja Airport with “Service in Motion”

    The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), brought sparkle and excitement to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with a surprise “Service in Motion” flash mob to commemorate this year’s Customer Service Week.
    The lively activation, featuring NIHOTOUR trainees and FAAN personnel, transformed the terminal into a colorful display of rhythm, culture, and energy — thrilling travelers and staff who joined in celebrating Nigeria’s spirit of hospitality.
    The initiative honored frontline professionals who embody the nation’s enduring values of warmth, respect, and resilience in their daily service.
    “We are redefining what service means in Nigeria,” said Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR.
    “Service is not just a duty — it is a culture, a rhythm, and an identity. This flash mob symbolizes how deeply hospitality lives in our people.”
    Videos of the event quickly went viral, earning praise for “bringing joy and humanity back to public institutions.”
    The Abuja activation aligns with the Federal Ministry of Tourism’s service transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope Vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which promotes innovation, youth inclusion, and excellence in public service.
    FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended NIHOTOUR’s creativity and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving passenger experience, noting that “service with a smile remains the best form of national branding.”

  • NIHOTOUR, FAAN illuminate Abuja Airport with “Service in Motion”

    NIHOTOUR, FAAN illuminate Abuja Airport with “Service in Motion”

    The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), brought sparkle and excitement to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with a surprise “Service in Motion” flash mob to commemorate this year’s Customer Service Week.
    The lively activation, featuring NIHOTOUR trainees and FAAN personnel, transformed the terminal into a colorful display of rhythm, culture, and energy — thrilling travelers and staff who joined in celebrating Nigeria’s spirit of hospitality.
    The initiative honored frontline professionals who embody the nation’s enduring values of warmth, respect, and resilience in their daily service.
    “We are redefining what service means in Nigeria,” said Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR.
    “Service is not just a duty — it is a culture, a rhythm, and an identity. This flash mob symbolizes how deeply hospitality lives in our people.”
    Videos of the event quickly went viral, earning praise for “bringing joy and humanity back to public institutions.”
    The Abuja activation aligns with the Federal Ministry of Tourism’s service transformation agenda under the Renewed Hope Vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which promotes innovation, youth inclusion, and excellence in public service.
    FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended NIHOTOUR’s creativity and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to improving passenger experience, noting that “service with a smile remains the best form of national branding.”

  • ATPN Leadership Tussle Splits Association

    ATPN Leadership Tussle Splits Association

    The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), one of the country’s oldest umbrella bodies for tourism professionals, has been thrown into turmoil following a bitter leadership dispute that has left stakeholders divided and uncertain about the association’s future.
    On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Governing Council of ATPN announced the suspension of its President, Prince Adetunji Femi Fadina, over what it described as “grave infractions” of the association’s constitution. In his place, the council named First Deputy President, Mr. Ayo Arokoyo, as Acting President — a move it insists followed due process and constitutional provisions.

    The Council’s Case
    According to the Governing Council, Fadina was formally queried and asked to defend himself against allegations that remain undisclosed to the public. His responses, the council said, were “unsatisfactory.” A disciplinary panel has since been constituted to further interrogate the issues and make recommendations.
    To consolidate its position, the council issued a public disclaimer warning government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and the general public not to transact any business with Fadina in the name of ATPN. It further mandated Arokoyo to begin long-delayed processes, including the inauguration of standing committees seen as critical to the association’s reform agenda.
    “I pledge to uphold the tenets of our constitution and govern inclusively,” Arokoyo said in a brief remark after his appointment, promising stability during what is clearly a sensitive transition.

    NEC Fights Back
    But within 24 hours, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ATPN hit back strongly, dismissing the suspension as “misleading, unconstitutional, and null and void.” The NEC declared unequivocally that Fadina remains the “duly elected and authentic President” of the association.
    In its counter-statement, the NEC argued that the Board of Trustees (BoT) — which it accused of engineering the suspension — has no constitutional authority to remove or appoint the president. “Such authority resides squarely within the constitutional processes of the National Executive Council and the General Assembly,” the NEC said, calling the announcement of an Acting President an affront to due process and the will of members.
    The statement was scathing: “Tourism in Nigeria deserves clarity, not confusion. It deserves service, not selfishness. And it deserves leaders chosen by practitioners, not imposed by intrigue.”

    The Legal Angle
    Adding fuel to the debate, legal practitioner Wale Ojo-Lanre waded in, describing the suspension as “ultra vires, illegal, and utterly null and void.” He argued that under both association law and the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the BoT serves only as a custodian of assets, not as an executive body with powers to suspend an elected officer.
    “If indeed the President has erred, there exists a clear, lawful procedure for discipline,” Ojo-Lanre explained. “Any deviation from this procedure amounts to illegality, nullity, and executive recklessness.”

    Implications for Tourism
    The crisis comes at a delicate moment for Nigeria’s tourism sector, which is struggling to reposition itself amid global competition, domestic insecurity, and chronic underfunding. ATPN, under Fadina, had been reviving after years of inactivity, with efforts at expanding membership, restructuring state chapters, and pushing for stronger engagement with government.
    Now, with rival factions each claiming legitimacy, industry observers fear that the association’s credibility could be undermined just when it needs to speak with one voice on policy, investment, and marketing.
    For stakeholders — from travel agents to tour operators, hoteliers, and culture promoters — the confusion poses risks. Which leadership should they recognize? Whose directives should they follow? And can ATPN maintain unity in the face of such public division?

    The Road Ahead
    What happens next may hinge on the disciplinary panel’s findings and, more decisively, on the courts if the NEC follows through on its threat of legal action. Until then, the tourism community is left watching as the battle for the soul of ATPN plays out in press releases, counter-statements, and public opinion.
    What is clear is that Nigerian tourism — a sector long seeking clarity, investment, and leadership — can ill afford internal battles. As one stakeholder put it, “This is the time for ATPN to unite and lead, not fight itself.”

  • FTAN South East VP Calls for Sustainable Transformation of Tourism on World Tourism Day

    FTAN South East VP Calls for Sustainable Transformation of Tourism on World Tourism Day

    As the world marked World Tourism Day 2025 on Saturday under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the Vice President, South East of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Ugwu Wilson Uche, has called for renewed commitment to repositioning tourism as a driver of economic growth and cultural preservation in Nigeria.

    In a press statement, Uche noted that tourism should no longer be viewed merely as leisure but as a catalyst for development, cultural preservation, and societal renewal. He emphasized that the global theme aligns with FTAN’s Tourism Transformation Mandate, championed by the association’s President, Dr. Aliyu Badaki, which advocates inclusiveness, innovation, and sustainability across the sector.

    “For us in Nigeria, and particularly in the South East, the call to sustainable transformation is both urgent and timely. Alaigbo is blessed with rich culture, diverse heritage, and natural endowments, but its greatest asset remains its resilient and hospitable people,” Uche said.

    He outlined his vision to reposition tourism in the South East to global standards, aiming to make the region a thriving hub for visitors. According to him, sustainable practices in tourism can unlock opportunities for job creation, youth empowerment, investment attraction, and regional branding while safeguarding cultural values and the environment.

    The FTAN South East Vice President stressed the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, and host communities in achieving this vision. He highlighted the need for infrastructure development, forward-looking policies, and equitable sharing of tourism benefits at the grassroots level.

    “As the world reflects on this year’s theme, we must embrace the mandate to transform tourism into a pathway of prosperity, sustainability, and resilience—for Alaigbo, for Nigeria, and for Africa,” he added.

  • Tourism at the Core: Permanent Secretary Flags NTDA as Key Driver of Nigeria’s Creative Economy

    Tourism at the Core: Permanent Secretary Flags NTDA as Key Driver of Nigeria’s Creative Economy

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, on Wednesday paid a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Abuja. He was accompanied by Directors from the Ministry.

    In his remarks, Dr. Muhammad noted that the visit was long overdue, emphasizing that NTDA is the first agency he is officially visiting since assuming office. He described the Authority as a core and strategic institution within the ministry’s ecosystem.

    “NTDA is vital to this sector. Everything we do—whether in art, music, culture, or creativity—culminates in tourism. Your mandate is clear, and the success of Nigeria’s tourism sector hinges on NTDA’s ability to deliver on it. We must work together to make Nigeria the next leading tourist destination,” he stated.

    The Permanent Secretary underscored the importance of collaboration rather than competition among sister agencies, adding that overlapping functions should be seen as strengths rather than challenges. He urged the Authority to identify low-hanging fruits, set priorities, and drive initiatives that would showcase Nigeria’s rich tourism potential both locally and internationally.

    Dr. Muhammad further emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity, from the Sahara fringes to the mangroves of the south, offers immense opportunities for tourism development. He encouraged NTDA to leverage public-private partnerships (PPP) and innovative financing, stressing that lack of government funding should not be a barrier to success.

    Responding, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, NTDA, Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary for his encouragement and support.

    “We need to do more than what we are doing, and from what you said, Sir, indeed tourism can fund Nigeria’s Economy”Mr. Ovie noted.

    He further outlined some of the Authority’s recent strides, including:
    • Ongoing finalization of regulations to strengthen the implementation of the NTDA Act.
    • Digitilization of accreditation processes for Hospitality and Tourism Establishments (HTEs), with grading and classification also being transitioned to an online platform.
    • Partnerships with ECOWAS and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria on national tourism standards.
    • Promotion of the Tour Nigeria brand across festivals, exhibitions, and seminars to deepen domestic tourism.
    • Plans to operationalize provisions of the NTDA Act such as the Tourism Departure Levy and the Tourism Development Fund in collaboration with FAAN, Immigration, and other stakeholders.
    • Establishment of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to market Nigeria as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
    • Strengthening of the National Travel Bureau (NTB) to package and promote tours effectively.
    • Improved tourism data collection through digital dashboards, in line with CBN and UN requirements.
    • Partnership with the LetsGoNigeria App, a one-stop shop for tourism information covering attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more across all 36 states and the FCT.

    “Our accreditation process has gone online. HTEs can now register their businesses from anywhere in the world. We are also working on a digital platform for grading and classification in collaboration with stakeholders, and the Tour Nigeria brand continues to drive domestic tourism,” Mr. Ovie added.

    He assured the Permanent Secretary that NTDA remains committed to delivering on its mandate, promoting the Tour Nigeria brand, and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive tourist destination.