Flowerbud News

Author: Felix Ajide

  • Economic Crunch: TETFUND trains 50 youth on broiler chicken production in Bauchi

    By Idris Ayinde

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Centre of Excellence for Integrated Farming System of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi has trained 50 women and youth on broiler chicken production in the state.

    Speaking during the flag off of the 5-day training on Tuesday, Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad, Director, TETFUND Centre of Excellence of the polytechnic, said that the training is aimed to help the trainees cope with the current economic conditions.

    Muhammad who called on the participants to pay closer attention to what would be taught, disclosed plans to expand the training for the benefit of youth across the northeast subregion.

    “Most of our youth in this region are job seekers and we want to see a situation where by we reform the job seekers to be job givers or employers of labour.

    “We look at what we can train them on that will give them quick return or generate income in a shorter period of time and that’s why we came up with broiler chicken production which within eight weeks, they can dispose their birds and bring another sets in,” he said.

    He urged the participants to make maximum use of the opportunity of the training which, he said, would greatly serve as a tangible means of livelihood for them.

    Similarly, Shamsu Abdu, Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication of the polytechnic, congratulated the centre for organising the training which he called corporate social responsibility of giving back to the society.

    According to him, youth empowerment is a crucial and important aspect of human development which is very important especially at this critical time when government jobs were limited and scarce.

    “It’s high time that we try to look inwards and understand some of our strengths, what we can do to make ourselves self -reliant and independent.

    “I believe that at the end of this programme, participants will learn the practical, theoretical knowledge and skills on how to be self-reliant and employers of labour,” said the HOD.

    Also speaking, Dr Musa Adamu, Bauchi state Coordinator of the World Bank assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, urged the youth in the Northeast subregion to take advantage of the Project towards contributing to the development of the livestock subsector in the country.

    Adamu said the project in Bauchi is focusing on key value chains of Sheep, Goat, Beef and Dairy production, hence the need for youth to take advantage of the opportunity towards contributing to the federal government’s livestock initiative.

    Declaring the training open, the Rector of the polytechnic, Alh. Sani Usman appreciated TETFUND for finding the institution worthy of establishing the only centre of excellence among polytechnics in the entire Northeast.

    Represented by Dr Dauda Ali, the Deputy Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, the Rector called for replication of such trainings for the benefit of youth in the entire Northeast subregion.

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  • N5.78bn Fraud Trial: EFCC Presents More Witnesses in Ex-Kwara Gov Ahmed’s Case

    The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 present more witnesses to proof a case of alleged N5,78billion involving the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu.

    At the resumed hearing of the case today, the sixth prosecution told Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin that the vouchers to borrow N1billion (One Billion Naira Only) were raised by SUBEB officials.

    The witness, Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola, who served as the Accountant-General of Kwara State between 2013 – 2019 had in his testimony on Friday, April 11, 2025, told the court that, the sum of N1billion being a matching grant from UBEC was borrowed by the Abdulfatah administration in 2015 to pay salaries of civil servants and pensioners.

    Ishola maintained that neither of the defendants authorized the vouchers or received any direct payments from the borrowed funds.

    His testimony corroborated the earlier testimony by Barrister Lanre Daibu, former SUBEB Chairman, who also confirmed receiving formal approval from the state government to access the UBEC matching grant for salary payments.

    Following cross-examination by defence counsels J.A. Mumini (SAN) and Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), representing Ahmed and Banu respectively, Ishola was discharged from the witness box.

    The prosecution then called its seventh witness (PW7), Stanley Ujilibo, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, who was part of the investigation team.

    Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Ujilibo narrated the sequence of events leading to the defendants’ prosecution. He told the court that the EFCC received a petition dated April 17, 2024, signed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Kwara State, Akande Idowu Ayoola, on behalf of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. The petition alleged diversion of UBEC funds allocated for educational infrastructure across the state’s 16 local government areas.

    To aid the investigation, the witness said that the EFCC wrote to UBEC requesting relevant documents and nominated personnel. In response, Hassan Abubakar, an Assistant Director at UBEC, provided action plans for the 2013–2015 fiscal years, detailing contractors’ names and project costs.

    Ujilibo explained that states are required to pay a 50% counterpart contribution to access UBEC matching grants, and that project proposals must be defended before a UBEC committee before release of funds.

    He added that the EFCC invited several key officials, including Lanre Daibu, SUBEB Director of Physical Planning Engr. Abdulsalam Olarewaju, former SUBEB Permanent Secretary Dr. Musa Dasuki, Accountant-General Ishola, and the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Benjamin Fatigun, all of whom made voluntary statements.

    The witness said the EFCC also obtained financial records from Polaris Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, which handled SUBEB accounts, to trace the flow and application of UBEC funds.

    Ujilibo testified that both defendants were invited and they volunteered statements in the presence of their lawyers, without any form of coercion. The court admitted their extra-judicial statements as exhibits, as there was no objection from the defence.

    Further hearing has been adjourned to October 16 and 17, 2025.
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  • Stakeholders laud Customs B’Odogwu platform upgrade

    Comptroller-General of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during the stakeholders meeting in Lagos on Monday

    Some maritime stakeholders in Lagos, including clearing agents, importers, and exporters, have expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Customs operational platform known as B’Odogwu.

    They gave their commendations at a Town Hall Meeting on B’Odogwu Clearance, held with stakeholders in Lagos on Monday.

    The meeting was with the theme: ‘Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement’.

    B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), integrates key functions such as declarations, risk management, duty calculation, permits, manifests, and cargo tracking into one system.

    President of Bonded Terminal Association , Mr Jerald Mbamara, said the platform was flexible and could be accessed through mobile phones and iPads.

    Mbamara noted that cargo tracking had improved with B’Odogwu, reducing both the time and cost of doing business compared to the former NICIS II system.

    A freight forwarder, Mr Olubiyi Ibrahim, said B’Odogwu allows users to view rotation numbers, enhancing transparency in cargo movements.

    A terminal operator, Mrs Olodunni Kareem of Lagos Free Trade Zone, suggested the inclusion of indigenous languages for broader accessibility.

    A banker from WEMA Bank, Mrs Princess Okezie, said the platform was fast, resolving former difficulties associated with accessing Form M.

    Okezie praised Customs officers for their commitment, prompt attention to issues, and overall responsiveness to customers’ concerns.

    She said the platform has improved accountability for both Customs and stakeholders, enhancing system integrity beyond previous platforms.

    Bankers from Fidelity, Eco Bank, and Zenith also affirmed that B’Odogwu enabled zero-defect transactions in their operations.

    In his keynote address, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the Federal Government signed a 20-year Concession Agreement with the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).

    Adeniyi said the Customs Service had adopted a world-class modernisation initiative, transforming B’Odogwu to support seamless trade facilitation.

    He explained that B’odogwu is a fully digital platform created to streamline operations, remove bottlenecks, and increase transparency in Nigeria’s trade system.

    He said the Town Hall meeting aimed to engage stakeholders, exchange ideas, and strengthen the cargo processing framework.

    Adeniyi thanked stakeholders for celebrating his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

    He stressed the importance of transparency, urging stakeholders to uphold international best practices in their dealings.

    He said meeting global standards would require significant technology investments and encouraged stakeholders to consult the Customs help desk when needed.

    Adeniyi stated that Customs aimed to make B’Odogwu a global benchmark within the next three years.

    He revealed that the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) had been upgraded to four per cent Free on Board (FoB).

    He said Customs would stop receiving seven per cent from the Federation Account and instead use four per cent from FOB charges.

    “One per cent from CISS will be removed; only 100 per cent of revenue will go to the Federation Account,” he explained.

    Deputy Comptroller of Trade Facilitation, Kikilomo Adeola, described B’Odogwu as a transparent system enhancing cargo clearance and reducing turnaround time.

    Adeola added that the system gives agencies real-time access, automates workflows, and improves data reliability.

    She said it empowers Customs officers, agents, and regulators to ensure faster clearance and higher revenue collection.

    Adeola noted that B’Odogwu promotes compliance with global trade standards and was officially launched on Oct. 23, 2024 at PTML Command.

    She said feedback revealed a few importers still faced challenges using the system, but these were manageable.

    Adeola urged stakeholders to overcome difficulties through education, engagement, and shared responsibility.

    In his closing remarks, Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, appreciated stakeholder participation and encouraged continued feedback on B’Odogwu.
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  • NUJ Urges South-South Governors to revive BRACED Commission

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F, have appealed to the South-South Governors to revive the BRACED Commission, re-dedicate themselves to regional development, and prioritise infrastructure projects, including building bridges to connect riverine communities within the geopolitical zone.

    They made this known in a communiqué issued at their Zonal Meeting on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo.

    The BRACED Commission comprises Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.

    They also raised concerns about the poor condition of road infrastructure in the South-South Zone, adding that they were not satisfied with the development.

    They, therefore, called on the Federal Government “to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality by completing all the Trunk A roads in the South-South States to reduce the cost of transportation of the people, goods, and services.

    The Zone noted with delight the increase in the monthly allocation to Local Government Councils and urged the council chairmen to go beyond the grading of community roads to the construction of Trunk C roads.

    The Zone also congratulated the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on its 25th anniversary.

    It acknowledged the modest achievements of the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led management through “the impactful Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative, which has brought significant benefits to rural communities.”

    It challenged the Commission to do more to justify the enormous resources meant to turn around the socio-economic condition of the people of the region.

    The Zone also charged the NDDC to foster collaborative efforts with the State Governors and expand its scope to include providing critical infrastructure projects, such as building bridges to connect communities across the region.

    The Zone called on the Federal Government to publish the report of the forensic audit of the NDDC, and stop what it called ‘the incessant sacking of the Board of the Commission’.

    To the people of the South-South, the Zone urged them to take ownership of the government’s facilities by protecting them against vandalism.

    The Zone passed a Vote of Confidence on the leadership of Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, and Zonal Secretary, Comrade Angese John, for their effective stewardship and for conducting peaceful and hitch-free elections in the State Councils in the Zone.

    The Zone also charged members of the Union in State Councils with pending elections to sustain the prevailing peace by adopting issue-based campaigns.

    The Zone also commended Tantita Security Services for building a befitting secretariat for the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel in the Delta State Council of the NUJ.

    It commended the Governors of the South-South for their numerous supports to their respective State Councils, and particularly thanked Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for supporting the hosting of the Zonal meeting, completion of the Auditorium Project, and donation of vehicles to the 11 members of the State Council of the union.

    The Zone commended the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and the Secretary, Comrade Dominic Akpan, for their impactful leadership and support to all the activities of Zone F.

    “Accordingly, the Zone passed a Vote of Confidence on them and nominated Comrade Etuk for appointment as a Trustee of Zone F, the communiqué added.

    The communiqué was signed by Comrade Opaka Dokubo
    VP, Zone F, Comrade Dominic Akpan Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, and Comrade Michael Abang, Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee.
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  • Planned Protest By Retired Police Officers Diversionary, Ill-Timed – PSC Chairman

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) says the planned protest by retired Police Officers across the nation over issues that are already receiving the attention of relevant government agencies is ill-advised, ill-timed, and diversionary.

    This was made known in a statement on Sunday by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.

    According to the statement, the Commission also views the planned protest “at a time there is almost a consensus that the state/condition of some retired Police Officers deserves immediate consideration and improvement is diversionary and in bad taste.”

    “The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) mni, has at several fora condemned the poor and discriminatory pension scheme for some categories of retired Officers and has called for a streamlined Police pension scheme.

    “DIG Argungu had also made several interventions in this direction and till date, had remained an advocate of a democratised Police Pension scheme.

    “The Commission believes that relevant Government Agencies are currently looking into the obvious disparity to bridge the gap. It advises that the affected Officers should consider the path of dialogue and continuous engagement rather than confrontation,” Ani stated.

    He said that the Commission had stated that it would at no time deviate from its determined efforts to ensure an improved welfare for Police Officers, senior or junior, and serving or retired.

    Ani stated, “It wishes to advise the drivers of this intended planned protest to review its intentions and return to the negotiating table in the interest of the existing peace in the country.

    “The Commission is of the strong belief that the nation can not afford this distraction at this time of our democratic journey.”
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  • Stop scapegoating Tinubu, stick to ethics of internal democracy, Group tells ADC

    Stop scapegoating Tinubu, stick to ethics of internal democracy, Group tells ADC

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    ‎The Democratic Front (TDF) has accused the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of resorting to blackmail
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    ‎This was after its interim national Chairman, David Mark, claimed that the President Bola Tinubu administration is using the courts to stop his party.
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    ‎In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group urged members of the new coalition to work on their internal issues rather than looking for whom to blame.
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    ‎”TDF has observed the consistent use of blackmail as a tool by leaders of ADC to conceal their political shortcomings, in their bid to present a formidable opposition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming general elections in 2027.
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    ‎”We recall with dismay that this same group of politicians had accused President Bola of being intolerant of opposition and scheming towards establishing a one-party state.
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    ‎”Not only was the accusation false, baseless and unfounded, but the same politicians have unwittingly confirmed the President’s tolerance of opposition and disposition towards multi-party democracy when they successfully launched and adopted ADC as their political party without any hindrance or interference.
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    ‎”Subsequent turn of events further confirmed that the accusation against Tinubu by members of the fragile political coalition, was a smokescreen to deflect public attention from their inability to transform a voluntary association of like minds into a political party, as they jettisoned the registration of All Democratic Alliance (ADA), to join an existing political party,” the group said.
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    ‎It also accused the coalition members of not doing their homework well before adopting ADC as a platform.
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    ‎”We have discovered that the Atiku-led coalition failed to conduct a proper check on the party’s legal status before they hurriedly joined. The sudden realisation that it was engrossed in a prolonged legal duel over its leadership, as it was at the time the party was adopted, is sending fears down the spines of Mark and his co-travellers.

    So it is not surprising that they have resorted to their usual traits of political scapegoating against the president in a bid to excuse their tardiness.
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    ‎”The decision to put 310 lawyers on standby confirms the fright and desperation currently rocking the party which informed the unwarranted insinuations against the Tinubu presidency.
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    ‎”We therefore find it rather disconcerting that Senator Mark, who had the privilege to preside over the Nigerian Senate, and also chaired the National Assembly for 8 years would opt to lead a political party that is in gross contravention of the constitutional principles and ethics of internal democracy in the selection or election of its leadership, “TDF added.
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    ‎The group advised the ADC leadership to conform to the stipulations of the Electoral Act and the Constitution rather than looking for those to blame for their inability to put their house in order.
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  • ‎Group Hails Tinubu For Exceptional Honour To Buhari In Death

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    ‎The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring the late President Muhammadu Buhari with a state burial.
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    ‎In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group said it was a befitting way to honour a nationalist.
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    ‎The statement read in part, ” We note that from the period late President Buhari took ill President Tinubu had maintained a close contact with the family. And as his demise was announced, the President also promptly dispatched a presidential delegation led by the vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima and the chief of staff to the president, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, to visit the family in London, and bring back the remains for a national burial.
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    ‎”We also note that President Tinubu personally received the remains of his predecessor with the compliments of a full presidential and military honour befitting a former president.
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    ‎” It is on record that the late president has in almost two decades dominated the political landscape of the country especially the northern part of the country where he maintained a 12 million followership until the merger of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigerians (ACN), a breakaway faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Nigerians Peoples Party (ANPP) which morphed into the current All Progressives Congress (APC).
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    ‎”We also acknowledge that Tinubu played a pivotal role in the merger and threw his weight behind Buhari’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate and eventually the winner of the 2015 presidential election.
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    ‎”From the foregoing, we can conveniently state that their friendship and political alliance have significantly impacted the country.
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    ‎”So we are really not surprised that at his death, President Tinubu displayed unlimited love and loyalty to the friendship as he rolled out the full compliments of the federal government to give Buhari a befitting burial.
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    ‎”We have no doubt that this gesture will linger in the memories of Nigerians for a long time.”
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    ‎The group also commend President Tinubu for the patriotic and leadership role he played in the national loss of former President Buhari.
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  • Customs intercepts fuel worth ₦58.36m at notorious flashpoints

    The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 35,535 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth ₦58.36 million, at several notorious smuggling flashpoints known for fuel diversion.

    Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the development during a news briefing held in Lagos at the weekend.

    The conference focused on petroleum product interceptions by Operation Whirlwind in Zone A.

    Adeniyi said the zone, acting on intelligence and a renewed mandate, intercepted 1,134 jerrycans (25/30 litres) and 33 drums of PMS totalling 35,535 litres.

    He was represented by Assistant Comptroller-General, Hussein Ejibunu, who said the seizures were made across flashpoints within Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Owode, Eree, and Obada Imeko.

    Accoto him, today, I’m pleased to announce a major breakthrough by Operation Whirlwind officers across Lagos and Ogun States.

    “Over the past two to three weeks, our officers have significantly countered PMS smuggling attempts aimed at illegal export to the Republic of Benin.

    “These products, hidden and prepared for illegal export, were seized alongside six vehicles used to convey the items.

    “The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of both the seized fuel and vehicles amounts to ₦58.36 million.”

    The comptroller-general said these seizures highlight the efficiency and precision of Customs’ anti-smuggling operations.

    He noted the development demonstrates Customs’ commitment to fighting economic sabotage and protecting national energy security.

    “The smuggling of PMS causes revenue losses and worsens pressures on the country’s fragile fuel supply chain.

    “At a time of energy distribution challenges, we cannot allow saboteurs to endanger national interest for personal gain,” he said.

    Adeniyi said these efforts reflect the service’s dedication to economic protection, asset security, and anti-smuggling enforcement.

    He added that surveillance and enforcement have been intensified in smuggling-prone areas across the country.

    He called on citizens, especially in border communities, to support Customs with timely and accurate intelligence on smuggling activities.

    Meanwhile, Adeniyi revealed that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A Ikeja, intercepted goods valued at N1.78 billion between June 3 and July 18.

    He also said Customs recovered N95.59 million in underpaid duties within the same period.

    Adeniyi gave breakdown of the major seizures during the period under review such as: 3,500 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg) each) equivalent to 6 trailer loads and 304kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp).

    “Other seizure Intercepted are 7,900 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – in 316 jerry cans of 25 liters each, 54 bags and 20 bales of used clothing, 41 sacks and bags of used footwear, 14 units of used (“Tokunbo”) vehicles, 148 pieces of used tyres, 42 used gas cylinders, 31 units of air conditioning systems and 95 cartons of frozen poultry products.

    “Other notable seizures include 1X40FT container with container number TRHU 83907321 fully loaded with used tyres, 1X20FT with container number ONEU241369 containing medicaments. Others are 2X40FT with containers numbers MSKU 4796036, MAEU 9205708, and one truck with container body conveying used fridges, foreign supermarket items and used clothes . All the containers were wrongly declared to invade duties,” Adeniyi said.

    Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures; six received administrative bail while three others were handed to security agencies.

    The Comptroller-General praised Operation Whirlwind, led by ACG Ejibunu, and FOU Zone A Comptroller Mohammad Shau’aib, for their exemplary service.

    He said beyond enforcement, the Unit ensures compliance with import and export laws.

    Adeniyi said Customs continues to investigate false declarations, correct under-valuations, and issue appropriate Demand Notices (DNs).

    He stressed the FOU’s vital role in facilitating trade while balancing security with economic development through intelligence-driven operations.

    The intercepted cannabis sativa was handed to NDLEA Deputy Commander for Assets and Finance, Nasir Bungudu.
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  • 50th Anniversary: UNILORIN Honours 65 Distinguished Alumni, Realises Over N600m Donations

    The University of Ilorin in continuation of its Golden Jubilee to showcase how far it has come as an institution of global excellence honoured 65 Distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to the university.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wahab Egbewole, SAN, speaking at the occasion on Wednesday, said the ceremony focuses on three categories of honourees, each selected for their remarkable contributions to the university and society at large

    According to him, 50 alumni were given the awards of Ambassadors of the University, 10 received Distinguished Alumni Awards and two recipients of the Award of Excellence.

    He said those given awards have demonstrated loyalty to the values of the University and have given back meaningfully whether through mentorship, resources or collaboration.

    Prof Egbewole said of the honourees were added in recognition of their extraordinary acts of generosity and support, reaffirming the saying that one good turn deserves another.

    The Vice-Chancellor described the event as more than just a celebration of milestones — but a deliberate call to collective action for the future of education in Nigeria.

    “We are honouring those who have chosen to walk this journey with us through mentorship, donations, and collaborations.

    “These individuals remind us that building a great institution is not the work of one person or one era, but a legacy passed across generations,” he said

    Notably, alumni from the 1984 Medical class, 1992 Agriculture class, and 2003 Accounting and Finance class also received special recognition.

    Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, a 1984 medical graduate, was applauded for sponsoring international conferences for 40 academic staff members through a donation worth N200 million.

    He also donated a Hilux van for campus security and played a key role in acquiring an Anatomage machine for the university’s medical training, while also donating N250 millions at the occasion.

    Another notable benefactor, Dr. Murthada Adeniji—an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University—donated a 90KVA solar system to power parts of the Unilorin campus, reducing its energy costs. He also provided a Hilux vehicle to ease university transportation and also donated N250 millions.

    Professor Egbewole said, “What makes these contributions remarkable is that they were made without solicitation. Their generosity reinforces our belief that the Unilorin vision resonates far and wide.”

    He appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such support, especially as the university prepares to launch legacy projects such as a Techno and Industrial Park and a Centre for Stem Cell Research.

    The Vice-Chancellor also called on the honourees to stay engaged as mentors and champions of innovation, saying “We are building the future, and we need you to help shape it — not only with your resources but with your experience and wisdom,” he added.

    In his keynote address, a legal luminary and philanthropist, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN), urged alumni to view giving back as both a moral responsibility and a spiritual imperative.

    “The heart of giving is the heartbeat of humanity. If you have walked these halls and benefitted from this institution, then your duty is clear—invest in its future.”

    Prof. Ali, citing global and Nigerian icons such as Rockefeller, Alfred Nobel, MKO Abiola, Aliko Dangote, and Tony Elumelu, reminded the audience that impactful giving is not defined by wealth, but by intention.

    “You don’t have to wait until you’re a billionaire. The true value of your gift lies in its sincerity and purpose,” he said, drawing from both Islamic and Christian scriptures.

    “The upper hand is better than the lower one, and God loves a cheerful giver, he added.

    He laid out seven reasons alumni must rise to the occasion: gratitude, empathy, legacy, sustainability, nation-building, good neighbourliness, and the promotion of collective good.

    “Our universities cannot depend solely on government subvention. If we want these institutions to thrive and compete globally, we must bridge the gap ourselves,” Ali said.

    Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Professor Abiodun Adeoye, described Unilorin as “a brand that has grown from a local dream into a global institution, producing leaders across 16 faculties and numerous industries.”

    He urged all stakeholders to take pride in the shared journey and commit to its continued success.

    “Sometimes, it is our doubters who push us to do more. Despite challenges, we have stood tall. Unilorin belongs to all of us, and together we must preserve its glory,” he said.

    Professor Olugbenga Mokuolu, Chairman of the UNILORIN 50th Anniversary Committee, announced that the main celebrations would hold from November 23 to 28, 2025, featuring activities such as a fundraising dinner, alumni colloquium, innovation showcases, and the launch of a N50 billion endowment fund.

    “We want our future to be as impactful as our past. This endowment is not just about money — it is about building systems, empowering students, and strengthening academic excellence,” MMokuolu added.

    On the list of the honourees are: Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, CEO and Registrar JAMB, Prof. Duro Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu, among others.
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