Flowerbud News

Author: Jimoh Babatunde

  • Osun Mourns Chief Imam of Ansaruldeen Society, Ede, Sheikh Ibrahim Adekilekun

    Osun Mourns Chief Imam of Ansaruldeen Society, Ede, Sheikh Ibrahim Adekilekun

    The remains of the late Chief Imam of Ansaruldeen Society, Ede, Osun State, Alhaji Ibrahim Alabi Adekilekun, were laid to rest on Monday, with tributes pouring in for his immense contributions to the growth of Islam and education.

    In a condolence message, the Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, described the late cleric as “a man of exceptional piety, humility, and wisdom whose leadership brought spiritual guidance, unity, and peace to the Muslim Ummah in Ede and Osun State at large.”

    Akinleye added: “I received with deep shock and sadness the news of the passing of Sheikh Ibrahim Adekilekun. His death is a huge loss not only to the Muslim Ummah in Ede but to the entire Osun State. Through his sermons, lifestyle, and leadership, he taught generations the true essence of Islam — devotion, moral uprightness, and service to humanity. His life was a shining example of unity and tolerance, values we must all continue to uphold in his memory. I pray Almighty Allah to grant his soul Al-Jannah Firdaus and give his family, followers, and community the fortitude to bear the pain of his departure.”

    Similarly, the Old Students’ Association of Ede Muslim Grammar School, Ede, in its condolence message, highlighted the late Imam’s pivotal role in the school’s development.

    Its National President, Barr. Olatunde Bello, said: “As one of the founding fathers of our alma mater, Alhaji Adekilekun played a critical role in ensuring the school’s registration with the State Government. His wisdom, guidance, and mentorship will be deeply missed by the management, old students, Board of Governors, PTA, and students of Ede Muslim Grammar School. We submit to Allah’s will and express gratitude for Baba’s life well-lived. Our heartfelt condolences go to the Ansaruldeen community in Nigeria, Osun State, and Ede town, the Ede Muslim community, and the Adekilekun dynasty. May Allah console the bereaved family, especially those who are alumni of Ede Muslim Grammar School.”

    Sheikh Adekilekun, who passed away on Sunday, is remembered as a symbol of faith, humility, and scholarship whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in Ede and beyond.

  • Ex-tourism minister Ogbuewu, Bode-Thomas, Runsewe, others for honour at ANJET conference, awards

    More than 18 years after he presided over affairs at the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism and Culture, former minister Ambassador Franklin Nchita Ogbuewu will be among the award recipients at the 2025 ANJET Conference and Award. The event is expected to be held at Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers on Thursday, October 23.

    Other personalities to be honoured at the award include: Otunba Segun Runsewe, former Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC); Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas-a very active voice in the tourism space in the 90’s and early 2000, Mr. Jemi Alade, Nigeria’s foremost tour operator; Tarzan Balogun, pioneer tourism-boat operator; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, ex-FTAN president, foremost Destination Cross River and Experience Ibom promoter through his Remlords Group; Mr. Trevor Ward, CEO of W Hospitality, international consultant on Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry.

    Also top international and local hospitality brands that have contributed to the growth of the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry will be honoured. They include: Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers, Eko Hotel and Suites, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos Airport Hotel, Premier Hotel Ibadan, La Campagne Tropicana Resort, Ikegun Lagos, and Festival Hotel Festac Lagos (former Durbar Hotel).

    Speaking at the conference and awards, ANJET President Okorie Uguru said. “This year’s conference and award is to celebrate resilience, excellence and positive contributions to the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry in Nigeria.

    “Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers came into the Nigerian hospitality space when many international brands were still skeptical about the country. The brand helped to build Nigeria as a business and leisure destination, for the brand to still be waxing strong after 40 years, calls for celebration.

    “All the hotels and resort we are honouring have stood the test of time and passed through difficult times, but are still standing. We know a hotel like Premier Hotel Ibadan is reinventing itself through physical upgrades of facilities. That is why we are honouring it.”

    Among the awardees that have received their notification letter is Mr. Jemi Alade, Nigeria’s foremost tour operator. Alade expressed happiness for the award and said he was elated to be remembered after so many years.

  • African Development Bank, Republic of Congo sign MOU for hosting of 2026 Annual Meetings

    The African Development Bank Group and the Republic of Congo have signed a memorandum of understanding on the hosting and organization of the Bank’s 2026 Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place in May next year.

    Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, attended the signing ceremony as along with other members of the Congolese government.

    Ludovic Ngatsé, Congo’s Minister of the Economy, Planning, Statistics, and Regional Integration, who also serves as Bank Group Governor for the country signed the MOU in Brazzaville where the 2026 Annual Meetings will take place. Vincent O. Nmehielle, Bank Group Secretary General signed on the institution’s behalf. The 2026 Annual Meetings will be the 61st for the African Development Bank and the 51st for the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional lending arm for low-income African countries.

    The 2026 Meetings will be the first to be held under the chairmanship of Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, who was elected as head of the Bank Group on 29 May 2025.

    A Bank delegation has been meeting with the government of Congo since 11 September for discussions on the meetings. The signing represents an important milestone in the preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings programme and reflects a shared understanding and commitment to work toward the Meetings’ success across key areas including logistics, security, hospitality, language services, accommodation, transportation, ICT, and statutory meetings.

    Minister Ngatse said: “This first mission to prepare for the 61st Annual Meetings of the Bank Group was both useful and fruitful. Useful, because it allowed the parties to exchange views on the organizational frameworks established on both sides, with a view to setting up dedicated institutional structures; and fruitful, because it enabled all of us not only to grasp the scope of our commitments, but also to gain a clearer understanding of the various tasks entrusted to us.”

    “By signing this memorandum of understanding, the Government of the Republic of Congo commits to providing the goods and services necessary for the effective organization and smooth running of the Annual Meetings, in accordance with the Bank’s procurement rules and procedures,” Nmehielle said. “The Bank will also strive to ensure that quality standards of the Annual Meetings are maintained at all times, through ongoing dialogue with the host country.”

    The African Development Bank delegation and the government of Congo also formalized the first discussion document of the preparatory mission, which sets out the work to be carried out by the Congolese authorities to ensure smooth organization and optimal experience for all stakeholders attending the 2026 Meetings.

    The Annual Meetings are a statutory event of the Bank Group that enable the Bank’s Board of Governors and management to take stock of the past year and adopt strategic resolutions to help accelerate the development of the African continent.

    They attract more than 3000 participants each year, including AfDB governors and directors, development partners, philanthropists, researchers, private sector actors, civil society representatives, media, as well as the institution’s management teams and staff.

    Annual Meetings are held in member countries on a rotating basis. The Republic of Congo has hosted the Annual Meetings once before, in 1984.

    Cooperation between the Bank Group and the Republic of Congo dates from 1972. Since then, the institution has approved projects and programmes in the Republic with cumulative value of $1.27 billion.

    As of 30 June 2025, the Bank Group’s active portfolio in the country comprised nine sovereign operations with a total commitment of approximately $223.3 million spread across the transport, agriculture, finance, energy, and water & sanitation

  • Bolanle Austen-Peters To Deliver Keynote on Nollywoods Future at NFVCB Digital Content Conference

    Bolanle Austen-Peters To Deliver Keynote on Nollywoods Future at NFVCB Digital Content Conference

     

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) have announced that the internationally acclaimed theatre and film powerhouse, Bolanle Austen-Peters, will deliver the keynote address at the 5th Edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigerian Digital Content Regulatory Conference (PAO NDCRC), scheduled to hold on November 18th and 19th, 2025, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

     

    To be held under the theme, From Volume to Value: Future of Nollywood in the Digital Age, this years edition of the PAO NDCRC conference will interrogate the next growth frontier for Nigerias vibrant film and creative content industry, focusing on scaling up quality, deepening value creation, and strengthening sustainability in a digital-first world. The trailblazing theatre and film amazon who is popularly called BAP is expected to lead conversations around how Nollywood can shift gears from sheer output to sustainable value creation in the digital era. BAPs keynote which is on the theme of the conference is expected to set the stage for two power-packed days of panels and conversations with stakeholders, industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, creatives, academics, and investors across Nigerias creative economy.

     

    Described roundly as Queen of Nigerian Theatre and a visionary filmmaker, Bolanle Austen-Peters has consistently set new benchmarks for storytelling excellence and global cultural diplomacy. Founder of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, the celebrated stage and screen amazon has staged iconic productions like Saro the Musical and Fela & the Kalakuta Queens, while also producing acclaimed feature films including The Bling Lagosians, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Her works have toured internationally, earning her recognition for pushing the boundaries of African storytelling and spotlighting Nigerias rich heritage on the global stage.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Executive Director of the NFVCB Dr. Shaibu Husseini said: “BAP is a natural choice for this years keynote. She embodies the perfect blend of artistic excellence, innovation, and business acumen that Nollywood must embrace in the digital age. Her remarkable contributions to theatre and film demonstrate the kind of value-driven storytelling that this years conference theme champions. We are confident her keynote will inspire bold thinking and set the right tone for the future of our industry.

     

    The PAO NDCRC has, since inception, established itself as the foremost national platform for shaping conversations on film, content regulation, and the digital future of Nollywood. Last year, the 4th Edition, also held in Lagos in November 2024. It featured celebrated media and film mogul Mo Abudu as the Keynote Speaker, further cementing the conference as a gathering place for the brightest minds and most influential voices in the creative sector.

  • FTAN President Lauds Wavecrest College of Hospitality on Groundbreaking Skills Enterprise Centre

    FTAN President Lauds Wavecrest College of Hospitality on Groundbreaking Skills Enterprise Centre

    The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Dr. Aliyu Badaki, has commended the management of Wavecrest College of Hospitality for its visionary step in establishing the Wavecrest Hospitality Skills and Enterprise Development Centre of Excellence (HSEDCE).

     

    Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Badaki described Wavecrest College as a pride of Nigeria’s hospitality industry, noting that the institution has consistently bridged the manpower gap by producing skilled professionals for the sector.

     

    Founded in 1972 by the Women’s Board Educational Cooperation Society (WB-ECS), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering Nigerian women through education and economic opportunities, Wavecrest College has remained a beacon of hospitality training. Over the years, it has equipped more than 3,000 young women, particularly from underserved communities, with industry-relevant skills, paving the way for self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and professional excellence.

     

    The College recently secured a grant from the AUDA-NEPAD and KfW-sponsored Skills for Africa Initiative (SIFA) to expand its facilities. The project involves the construction and equipping of an ultra-modern training centre designed to empower women with National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certification.

     

    According to the management, the new Centre—approved in 2023—marks a turning point in Wavecrest’s mission to reach more communities and transform more lives. Following due process, Telisol Limited emerged as the contractor and officially took possession of the project site on July 14.

     

    The groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated as a milestone in Wavecrest’s journey of skill development and empowerment. Once completed, the Wavecrest HSEDCE is projected to directly benefit over 3,000 women within its first three to five years. More than 60% are expected to establish their own businesses, while others will contribute to Nigeria’s rapidly growing hospitality workforce—uplifting families, strengthening communities, and driving national growth.

  • Nkereweum Onung Appointed Advisor to AITEC World

    Nkereweum Onung Appointed Advisor to AITEC World

    Mr. Nkereweum Onung, immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), has been appointed Special Advisor to the Africa International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World).

    AITEC World is a new Africa-focused tourism and economic body dedicated to connecting the continent to global opportunities through strategic partnerships and sustainable advocacy for tourism-driven trade and economic growth.

    In a letter of appointment dated August 25, Ambassador Dine Bouriama, President of the Council, described Onung as an invaluable asset to the organization. He highlighted Onung’s vast industry experience, strong network, and deep knowledge of Africa’s tourism and trade landscape as critical to advancing AITEC World’s mission of delivering transformative impact across the continent and beyond.

    “We are confident that your service in this advisory capacity will inspire innovation, strengthen our advocacy for tourism-led economic growth, and contribute significantly to AITEC World’s vision for a united, prosperous, and competitive global tourism community,” Ambassador Bouriama affirmed.

    Beyond his new international role, Nkereweum Onung also serves as Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Culture and Tourism. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) and the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

  • BADARU CALLS FOR DIALOGUE , CONSULTATION AS PILLARS OF REGIONAL PEACE

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called for dialogue and consultation as pillars of regional peace.

    He made rhe call while delivering the keynote lecture at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and

    Mati Ali, PA ( Media & Publicity) to the Minister, said the Minister spoke under the session theme: “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development,” the Minister said that building Regional Peace through dialogue and consultation are most effective instruments for preventing conflict and sustaining regional security.

    Addressing defence and security leaders, policymakers, diplomats and academics from more than 100 countries, the Minister argued that constructive engagement and inclusive processes are fundamental to lasting peace. He stated, “Dialogue succeeds where confrontation fails. It is the foundation on which lasting security is built.”

    Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, the Badaru highlighted the country’s role in regional and domestic peacebuilding, including:

     • Leadership in ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia;

     • Contributions to the Multinational Joint Task Force operations against Boko Haram;

     • Domestic initiatives such as the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta and Operation Safe Corridor.

    He emphasised that even the most complex crises can be resolved when dialogue is paired with inclusion, legitimacy and sustained engagement.

    Linking his remarks to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister reaffirmed that Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and proactive international engagement underpin its contributions to regional and global peace. He noted that domestic reform and multilateral cooperation are mutually reinforcing paths to security, stability and development.

    In conclusion, the Hon minister called on global partners to embrace dialogue, consultation and collaboration as shared responsibilities in upholding international order and advancing peaceful development.

  • Runsewe to Host Valedictory Celebration in Honour of FTAN President, Nkereweum Onung

    Runsewe to Host Valedictory Celebration in Honour of FTAN President, Nkereweum Onung

     

     

    Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism administrator and former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has inaugurated a committee to organise a valedictory party in honour of Mr. Nkereweum Onung, the outgoing President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).

     

    Mr. Onung is set to bow out of office on July 31, 2025, after completing two impactful terms as FTAN President. His tenure is widely celebrated for fostering strong collaborations between industry stakeholders, government institutions, and private sector players.

     

    During his leadership, Nigeria re-established its presence on the global tourism stage, particularly through participation at the World Travel Market in London. His term also witnessed significant institutional shifts, including the brief creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism—later remerged with Culture—reflecting the federal government’s renewed recognition of culture as the bedrock of Nigeria’s tourism sector.

     

    Nkereweum Onung currently serves as the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Culture and Tourism. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and a BOT member of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

     

    Describing Onung as a resilient leader and visionary, Otunba Runsewe praised his exceptional ability to manage diverse interests within the tourism ecosystem.

     

    “Nkereweum Onung deserves our appreciation and honour,” Runsewe said. “If you understand how complex it is to manage Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector and its many operators, you’ll agree that Onung’s leadership in keeping FTAN united through challenging times is remarkable. That’s why I have decided to personally organise a night of praise and honour for this humble and outstanding gentleman.”

     

    The valedictory celebration will hold during the FTAN Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Abuja between July 28 and 31, 2025.

     

    To lead the planning of the event, Otunba Runsewe has appointed Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), as Chairperson. Also named as a member of the committee is Mr. Frank Meke, a renowned cultural tourism journalist and CEO of *Creative Naija*, a leading cultural tourism-focused radio show.

     

    In her acceptance, Mrs. Akporiaye—who also heads the FTAN 2025 AGM Planning Committee—pledged to deliver a befitting event in honour of Mr. Onung. She also expressed gratitude to Otunba Runsewe for his unwavering commitment to the growth, unity, and recognition of the private sector in the Nigerian tourism industry.

  • Go beyond conventional tourism models—Glocient boss

    Go beyond conventional tourism models—Glocient boss

     

     

    Glocient Showcases “Hospitality with Heart” at the 68th UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa Conference

    Abuja, Nigeria | June 2025 — Glocient Hospitality Limited took centre stage on Day Two of the 68th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) Conference which just concluded in Abuja, presenting a bold vision for the future of tourism in Africa one that is rooted in empowerment, sustainability, and innovation.

    Delivering a presentation titled “Hospitality with Heart: Creating Tourism Spaces that Empower Communities and Celebrate Nature through Innovation,” Glocient’s General Manager, Mr. Sharafa Balogun, called on African hospitality leaders to go beyond conventional tourism models and embrace a more intentional, impact-driven approach.

    “Tourism must do more than entertain, it must enrich,” said Mr. Balogun. “At Glocient, we are committed to creating experiences that are not only memorable for guests, but meaningful for the communities and environments that host them.”

    Drawing from the revitalization of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti State, Nigeria, Mr. Balogun highlighted how Glocient is integrating youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and ecological education into the guest experience. At Ikogosi, local youths are trained and employed in key hospitality roles, while women make up 60% of the workforce a testament to the company’s focus on inclusive growth.

    The presentation also unveiled an ambitious four-phase innovation project at Ikogosi: the development of an AI-powered educational chatbot designed to offer real-time, culturally contextual information about the site’s botanical heritage. The project, currently in its second phase, aims to blend technology with tradition and turn the resort into an immersive learning environment where guests connect deeply with nature.

    As conversations and collaborations at the CAF Conference continue to reshape Africa’s tourism narrative, Glocient remains proud to be part of a movement that places people, planet, and purpose at the heart of hospitality.