Flowerbud News

Author: Jimoh Babatunde

  • OAU Shuts Down for Three Weeks Over Student Protests

    OAU Shuts Down for Three Weeks Over Student Protests

    Authorities at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have directed students to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break following escalating protests on campus.
    The decision, approved by the university’s Senate, takes immediate effect and requires all students to vacate their halls of residence.
    In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the management said the move became necessary after demonstrations against a newly introduced transportation system degenerated into unrest.
    According to the statement, protesting students obstructed major access roads within and around the campus and allegedly harassed other road users, raising concerns over safety and public order.
    The university noted that despite efforts by authorities to engage the students and appeal for calm, the situation persisted, posing risks to members of the university community and the general public.
    “To restore order, ensure safety, and create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue, Senate has directed that students proceed on a three-week mid-semester break,” the statement read.
    Management said it would use the period to consult with relevant stakeholders and address the grievances raised by students, with the aim of restoring normal academic activities.
    Parents and guardians have been advised to make necessary arrangements for their wards, while students were urged to remain law-abiding and use the break responsibly.
    The university reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare and maintaining a peaceful and conducive learning environment, adding that further updates would be communicated in due course.

  • Adeleke’s Quiet Revolution: Why Osun Should Stay the Course

    Adeleke’s Quiet Revolution: Why Osun Should Stay the Course

    Akano Kolobo

    In a political climate often defined by noise rather than substance, Governor Ademola Adeleke is steadily carving a different path—one grounded in governance, empathy, and tangible results.
    His recent unscheduled visit to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital may appear routine on the surface, but it speaks volumes about leadership style. This was not a staged inspection or a ceremonial appearance; it was a direct engagement with health workers and patients—those who experience government policies in real time. In a state where citizens have long yearned for responsive leadership, such gestures matter.
    More importantly, the visit produced a concrete outcome: the long-overdue conversion of casual hospital workers into permanent staff. For over a decade, these workers laboured under uncertainty. Today, they have dignity, job security, and renewed hope. That single decision captures the essence of governance—putting people first.
    Yet, governance in Osun has not been without resistance. Political distractions and power tussles are nothing new, especially in a state with a vibrant and competitive political landscape. Allegations of attempts to frustrate the administration, including issues around local government funds, highlight the challenges facing the current government. But rather than getting bogged down, Adeleke’s administration appears focused on delivery.
    This is where the conversation about re-election becomes critical.
    Elections should not merely be contests of personalities or party structures; they should be referendums on performance. By that measure, Adeleke is building a compelling case. From workers’ welfare to institutional strengthening, his approach signals a government that understands its priorities.
    Critics will, as expected, raise concerns and question motives. That is the nature of democracy. However, the electorate must ask a simple question: Is Osun moving forward? If the answer leans toward yes—as recent actions suggest—then continuity becomes not just an option, but a necessity.
    Governor Adeleke’s style may not fit the traditional mould of political leadership, but it is increasingly clear that effectiveness matters more than optics. In a time when many Nigerians are disillusioned with governance, Osun has an opportunity to reinforce a different narrative—one where leadership listens, acts, and delivers.
    As the next election cycle approaches, the people of Osun will decide. But if governance is to be judged by impact rather than rhetoric, then the argument for giving Ademola Adeleke another mandate is one that deserves serious consideration.
    If you want it sharper, more aggressive, or tailored for a newspaper like Vanguard or Punch, I can refine the tone further.

    By Akano Kolobo
    Apena compound
    Ede

  • Selling Seats, Grounding Trust: The Cost of Air Peace’s Fuel-Induced Delays

    Selling Seats, Grounding Trust: The Cost of Air Peace’s Fuel-Induced Delays

    There is a difference between turbulence and avoidable disruption. What passengers experienced on Saturday, delays stretching beyond four hours on Air Peace flights due to jet fuel shortages,falls squarely in the latter category. It raises a question that should unsettle both operators and regulators: why sell tickets for flights you are not reasonably certain you can operate?
    To be clear, Nigeria’s aviation sector does not exist in a vacuum. The recurring scarcity and price volatility of aviation turbine kerosene (Jet A1) are real. Supply chains are fragile, foreign exchange constraints persist, and logistics, from importation to distribution, can break down with little notice. Airlines are not solely to blame for these systemic failures.
    But passengers are not responsible for them either.
    When an airline publishes a schedule and opens its inventory for sale, it is making a promise, implicit but powerful, that it has the operational capacity, including fuel, crew, and aircraft, to deliver that service. Selling tickets in the face of known or reasonably foreseeable fuel constraints shifts risk from the operator to the customer. It converts passengers into unwilling insurers of the airline’s uncertainty.
    This is not just an inconvenience; it is a breach of trust.
    In many jurisdictions, consumer protection rules require airlines to provide timely information, meaningful compensation, and, crucially, to avoid selling flights they cannot operate. Nigeria has its own framework under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which mandates passenger rights including care during delays and compensation in certain circumstances. Yet enforcement often lags behind the lived reality at airport terminals, where stranded passengers are left to negotiate refunds, rebooking, or basic updates.
    The reputational cost is significant. Air travel, more than most services, runs on confidence. Once passengers begin to factor in a four-hour “buffer” for domestic trips, the entire value proposition of flying, speed, reliability, predictability, erodes. Business travelers miss meetings. Families miss events. The broader economy absorbs the inefficiency.
    There is also a strategic contradiction at play. Nigerian airlines have, in recent years, expanded routes and frequencies in a bid to capture market share. But growth without resilience is brittle. Scheduling aggressively while fuel supply remains uncertain is a gamble that, when it fails, is paid for by passengers in lost time and frayed nerves.
    What, then, should change?
    First, airlines must align sales with verifiable capacity. If fuel supply is constrained, reduce frequencies preemptively rather than maintaining a full schedule on paper. It is better to cancel fewer flights early than to delay many flights late.
    Second, transparency must improve. Real-time, honest communication, before passengers leave for the airport, can mitigate anger and allow people to make alternative plans. Silence or vague announcements only deepen frustration.
    Third, compensation and care should be automatic, not discretionary. Refreshments, rebooking, and refunds should not require arguments at crowded counters. If delays exceed thresholds, the system should trigger remedies without passengers having to demand them.
    Finally, regulators must enforce existing rules with visible consequences. A framework without teeth invites non-compliance. Routine audits of schedule realism, fuel readiness, and passenger handling would send a clear signal that reliability is not optional.
    Air Peace, as one of the country’s most prominent carriers, has the opportunity to lead by example. Acknowledging the disruption, compensating affected passengers promptly, and adjusting future schedules to reflect operational realities would be a start.
    Airlines sell more than seats; they sell time. And time, once lost on a departure board, is the one thing no passenger can ever get back.

  • Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello Trial to May 6

    Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello Trial to May 6

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to May 6 and May 7, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
    Trial judge, Emeka Nwite, fixed the new dates to allow defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), conclude the cross-examination of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s 12th prosecution witness, Abdullahi Jamilu.
    During the hearing, the witness told the court that he made only one statement to the EFCC on May 10, 2022, which he relied upon to refresh his memory. Under cross-examination, he admitted that issues relating to Wales Oil and Gas, Forza Oil and Gas and Aleshua Services were not contained in Exhibit 46, his initial statement.
    Jamilu also confirmed that names listed in Exhibit 13 were not included in Exhibit 46 and that he was not the maker of Exhibit 13.
    Earlier, Justice Nwite dismissed the defence’s objection to the EFCC’s bid to re-present Exhibit 46, describing the objection as speculative and misconstrued.
    The witness further recalled giving similar testimony in a related matter before Obiora Egwuatu, involving defendants including Ali Bello, Abah Adaudu, Yakuba Siyaka Adabenege and Iyadi Sadat. He acknowledged that the transactions in both cases were essentially the same.
    Additional documents were tendered and admitted as Exhibit 47 without objection.
    Explaining his role in the transactions, Jamilu said he relied on colleagues to facilitate dollar transfers when his account could not directly process such payments. He added that instructions to transfer funds to the American International School Abuja were given by Abba Adaudu, and that all payments were successfully completed with receipts forwarded accordingly.
    However, he pointed out discrepancies in Exhibit 13, noting that some documents were not part of the records he submitted for the school fee payments.
    The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 6 and May 7, 2026, for continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.

  • ATBOWATON Seeks Safer Waterways, Partners Police In Lagos, Ogun

    AIG Zone 2, Jimoh Moshood with Tarzan Balogun during the visit

    The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has intensified efforts to strengthen security on Nigeria’s coastal waterways through renewed collaboration with police authorities in Lagos and Ogun States.

    This move was highlighted during a courtesy visit by executives of ATBOWATON to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, where both parties discussed strategies to combat kidnapping, sea piracy, and other criminal activities along the waterways.

    Speaking during the meeting, AIG Olohundare Jimoh commended the association for its proactive role in supporting security operations and expressed his willingness to work closely with stakeholders in the maritime transport sector.

    He stated that he would appreciate the association’s continued support in strengthening the management of security operations along the waterways, noting that collaboration between the police and industry operators remains critical to addressing crime along coastal routes.

    According to him, sustained synergy between the police and boat operators will significantly reduce criminal activities and improve public confidence in water transportation across the region.

    Earlier, the National President of ATBOWATON, Mr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, popularly known as De Boatman Tarzan, said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation with security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded in reducing criminal incidents on the waterways.

    Mr. Balogun, who is also the Managing Director of Tarzan Jetties and Maritime Enterprises, noted that criminal activities such as kidnapping and sea piracy were previously widespread but have significantly reduced due to improved security interventions.

    He explained that past incidents, including kidnappings involving passengers and expatriates, discouraged many people from using water transport, thereby affecting business operations and investor confidence.

    “This visit will create a very positive impact for our organisation. In the past, there were many criminal activities on the waterways, especially kidnapping and sea piracy, but the situation has improved significantly. With stronger support and equipment for Marine Police, we believe these crimes can be reduced further, if not completely eradicated,” he said.

    Mr. Balogun also assured the police of the association’s readiness to support security operations whenever necessary, particularly by providing boats and logistics support when required for patrols, rescue operations, and emergency responses.

    “Our operations cover major waterways across coastal communities, and whenever the police need support, especially boats for operations, we are always ready to assist within our capacity,” he added.

    He further revealed that members of the association have been sensitized to adopt the “See Something, Say Something” approach by promptly reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

    According to him, criminal elements do not operate within fixed timelines, as attacks can occur at any time of the day or night. He cited past incidents along the Lekki corridor as examples of the unpredictable nature of waterway crime, stressing the importance of vigilance and quick communication with security authorities.

    Representatives from state chapters of the association also spoke during the meeting, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between operators and security agencies.

    A representative from the Lagos State chapter noted that members have been consistently encouraged to comply with security guidelines and immediately alert authorities whenever suspicious activities are observed.

    He affirmed that this coordinated effort has strengthened intelligence gathering and contributed to the reduction of criminal activities along major waterways.

    Representatives present at the meeting included Hon. Laval Babatunde Saheed, Lagos State Chairman of ATBOWATON; Mr. Aroguade, Ogun State Chairman of ATBOWATON; and the National Secretary of ATBOWATON, Alhaji Kolade Adeshiyan, who represented the national leadership of the association.

    Resolution reached at the end of the deliberations were that the national executives addressed issues affecting the association at the national level, while the state chairmen focused on security and operational challenges specific to their respective states.

    The ATBOWATON leadership expressed confidence that strengthened collaboration with the police would restore public confidence in water transportation, attract more users to the waterways, and support the growth of tourism and marine transport businesses across Lagos and Ogun States.

    They equally emphasized that sustained partnership between law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders remains essential to ensuring safer waterways and promoting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal corridors.

  • Ekiti’s Creative Push Wins National Applause as NFVCB Backs Film Village Project

    L-R: Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy of Ekiti State and the Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini pose after the courtesy visit.

    The Executive Director/CEO of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has hailed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his bold investments in the state’s arts, culture, and creative economy, pledging the Board’s technical support for Ekiti’s emerging “film village” project.
    The commendation came during a courtesy visit by Ekiti State’s Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Ojo‑Bakare, to the NFVCB headquarters in Abuja. The two officials held wide‑ranging discussions on the state’s ongoing and planned initiatives to grow the film and creative industries as engines of development.
    Prof. Ojo‑Bakare highlighted the state government’s support for the epic historical film Kiriji: The Ekiti–Parapo War, produced by Lateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Adedimeji under their AL Notions Company. The movie, shot over four months across several locations in Ekiti, mobilised more than 12,000 people, including cast, crew, and service providers. The governor, he said, backed the project as a strategic move to boost tourism, create jobs, showcase the state’s landscapes, and preserve its cultural heritage.
    He also announced that the governor has approved the conversion of the main filming site into a permanent film village, already being developed as part of his broader Shared Prosperity Agenda. The project, combined with a new state endowment fund for the creative sector, is intended to deepen local talent development, attract further investment, and position Ekiti as a hub for cultural and creative enterprise.
    Dr. Husseini described the film village as a “transformative” initiative capable of positioning Ekiti as a preferred destination for film production and cultural tourism. He also praised the endowment fund, which offers production loans at a single‑digit interest rate of seven percent, repayable within up to 18 months, calling it a game‑changing intervention that will ease access to financing for creatives.
    The NFVCB chief further assured Ekiti of the Board’s readiness to provide technical and regulatory support for the film village and other audiovisual projects in the state. He reiterated NFVCB’s commitment to partnering with state governments to promote responsible storytelling, safeguard Nigeria’s cultural heritage, and unlock the economic potential of the film and creative industries.

  • Frank Meke Wins Outstanding Tourism Media Personality of the Year Award at ATICA Awards


    By Onyeka Ezike

    It was an evening marked by vibrant music and a rich display of Africa’s dynamic culture showcasing the tourism and hospitality sector, as Frank Meke, a veteran tourism journalist and founder, Cre8tive 9JA Radio, with over three decades of experience in promoting African travel and tourism industry to the world was honored with the Outstanding Tourism Media Personality of the year award at the Afrique Travel Industry Conference & Awards (ATICA) held in lagos last weekend. ATICA is a premier pan Africa Cultural tourism and travel platform dedicated to celebrating excellence, fostering partnerships, and shaping the future of travel and tourism across the African continent.

    Founded by Ambassador Emmanuel Ossai (Emios), ATICA aims to showcase the vast potential of Africa’s tourism and hospitality industries to the global travel market. With a vision for an Inter-African connection, connecting Africans and the world to the hug tourism potentials in the continent. The event was themed “Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potentials through Collaborations.

    In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Global Links and Chairman of the ATICA Board of Trustees, Pastor Mrs. Chinyere Umeasiegbu, popularly known as Pastor Chi, emphasized that ATICA represents a convergence of vision, purpose, and responsibility for the future of Africa’s tourism ecosystem.

    “The theme speaks directly to our current reality and what is required of us,” she stated. “Africa is abundantly blessed our culture, people, heritage, and landscapes. However, potential, no matter how vast, must be activated through collaboration.”

    Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Tourism as a Route Expansion Driver,” the Managing Director of Topaz Travels & Tours Limited, Mrs. Susan Akporaiye, highlighted the critical role of strategic partnerships in advancing Africa’s tourism future. A former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), she stressed the importance of policy direction and continental integration.

    Akporaiye advocated for a unified African identity on the global stage, noting her consistent practice of identifying simply as “African” at international engagements. She further underscored the need for visa liberalization across the continent, comparable to the Schengen model, to facilitate seamless travel for Africans.

    She also emphasized the importance of infrastructure development particularly rail, road, and maritime connectivity as well as the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Launched in 2018, SAATM aims to create a unified air transport market across Africa by liberalizing civil aviation, enhancing competition, and improving connectivity, thereby boosting intra-African trade and tourism in line with the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision.

    Reflecting on the future of the sector, Akporaiye noted that Africa’s diversity often perceived as a challenge should instead be embraced as a defining strength. She maintained that with determination and collective will, tourism could significantly contribute to economic growth across the continent.

    Also speaking at the event, the Head of Marketing for the Namibia Tourism Board, Charmaine Matheus, presented Namibia as a premier tourism destination, describing it as “the shining diamond of Africa.” She highlighted key attractions, including Etosha National Park, renowned for its accessibility and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five; Sossusvlei, famous for its striking red sand dunes, including the iconic “Big Daddy”; and the Fish River Canyon, Africa’s largest canyon and a major hiking destination.

    Matheus also spotlighted the Namib Desert, widely regarded as the world’s oldest desert, where the Atlantic Ocean meets vast arid landscapes. Visitors to Namibia, she noted, can also engage with indigenous communities and experience their unique cultural heritage.

    Providing additional context, she explained that Namibia, with a population of approximately three million people and a landmass of 824,292 square kilometres, ranks as the 34th largest country globally.

    The country enjoys around 300 days of sunshine annually, with a rainy season from January to June and a dry season from July to December. In 2024, Namibia recorded over 1.4 million tourist arrivals, with tourism remaining a major contributor to its economy.

    Among other honourees was His Excellency, Mr. Walde Ndevashiya, High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, with concurrent accreditation to Cameroon and Chad, and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS.

    The 2026 edition of ATICA was supported by key sponsors, including the Namibia High Commission to Nigeria and FlyPro, an AI-powered travel technology company that provides a comprehensive travel companion platform.

    The application enables users to check visa eligibility, understand entry requirements, store travel documents, generate AI-tailored itineraries, and connect with travel agents for bookings. Additional sponsors included Passport Monie, Bertab Journeys Limited, Between Travels & Tours Limited, and the Universal School of Aviation.

  • Osogbo Stadium: Case for Adeleke’s Second Term

    By Akano Kolobo
    As Osun State inches closer to the 2026 governorship election, voters will be confronted with the usual swirl of promises, rhetoric and political maneuvering. Yet, beyond the noise, elections are ultimately about evidence, what has been done, what is being built, and what direction a leader has set.
    In that regard, the ongoing remodelling of the Osogbo Township Stadium offers a compelling lens through which to assess the re-election bid of Ademola Adeleke.
    This is not just another construction project dressed up for political optics. The transformation of the stadium into a modern, multi-purpose sports complex reflects a broader philosophy of governance, one that recognizes infrastructure as a tool for human capital development, youth engagement, and economic stimulation.
    Expanding capacity, upgrading facilities to international standards, and integrating complementary amenities such as hostels and commercial spaces signal intent that goes beyond ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
    For a state like Osun, where a large percentage of the population is young, the implications are significant. A functional, world-class sports facility creates opportunities that extend far beyond football matches. It becomes a training ground for talent, a venue for competitions, and a platform for discovery.
    In a country where many athletes rise despite poor infrastructure, the provision of a conducive environment could be the difference between latent potential and global success.
    Critics may argue that stadiums do not automatically translate into medals or employment, and they would be right. Infrastructure alone is not enough. But it is an essential foundation. What distinguishes the current effort is its alignment with institutional reforms, including moves to strengthen sports administration and funding mechanisms in the state. If these structures are effectively implemented, the Osogbo stadium could anchor a sustainable sports ecosystem rather than stand as an isolated monument.
    There is also an economic dimension that should not be overlooked. Modern sports complexes attract events, stimulate local commerce, and create jobs, both directly and indirectly. From vendors and transport operators to hospitality businesses, the ripple effects can be substantial. In an era where subnational governments must think creatively about revenue generation, such investments are not misplaced.
    Politically, the project underscores a governance style that prioritizes visible, people-oriented development.
    It sends a message that public resources are being translated into tangible assets. For many voters, especially the youth, this matters. It offers something concrete to measure against campaign promises.
    Of course, the ultimate test lies ahead. Completion timelines must be met, standards must not be compromised, and, crucially, the facility must be actively utilized.
    A world-class stadium that sits idle would defeat its purpose. The sustainability of this vision will depend on consistent programming, partnerships, and maintenance.
    Even with these caveats, the direction is clear.
    The Osogbo stadium remodelling represents more than bricks and mortar, it is a statement about priorities. It suggests a government attempting to invest in the future, not just manage the present.
    As voters weigh their options, projects like this should form part of the conversation. Re-election is not about perfection; it is about progress and the credibility of a vision.
    On that score, Adeleke’s investment in sports infrastructure provides a persuasive argument that his administration deserves the opportunity to consolidate and complete what it has started.

    By Akano Kolobo
    Ile Apena
    Ede

  • NANTA Honours ANJET at 50th Anniversary AGM in Ibadan

    NANTA Honours ANJET at 50th Anniversary AGM in Ibadan

    The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has honoured the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) with a Special Recognition Award during its 50th anniversary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ibadan.
    NANTA said the award was in recognition of ANJET’s contributions to the growth and development of the association and the wider travel and tourism industry in Nigeria.
    Speaking while receiving the award, ANJET President, Okorie Uguru, expressed appreciation for the honour and congratulated NANTA on its golden jubilee celebration.
    “ANJET and NANTA have come a long way. The relationship spans over 30 years, and we consider ourselves part of the NANTA family,” Uguru said.
    He noted that past and present leaders of ANJET, including Tope-Awe, Frank Meke, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Andrew Okungbowa, Ikechi Uko and Jimoh Babatunde, among others, have played key roles in promoting NANTA’s activities over the years.
    Uguru pledged that ANJET would continue to support NANTA and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector.
    The three-day anniversary celebration featured a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, presentations on travel and tourism business, and culminated in the election of new national executives and a gala night.