Flowerbud News

Author: Jaami-al khair

  • Kogi Govt will reclaim state’s forests from criminal elements, says Ododo

    Kogi Govt will reclaim state’s forests from criminal elements, says Ododo

    Forest
    By Opeyemi Gbemiro
    Lokoja, June 15, 2026.

    The Kogi Government will reclaim the state’s forests from criminal elements, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, has said.
    Ododo made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of the newly recruited Forest Guard trainees on Sunday in Lokoja
    ”There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state.
    ”We are determined to rid Kogi of criminal elements and we will deploy all lawful resources necessary to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors,” he said.
    The governor urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, patriotism and a strong commitment to service.
    ”The vast and largely unguarded forest areas in some parts of the state has become a major security challenge, providing hideouts for criminal groups and enabling attacks on innocent citizens.
    ”The recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a key component of the state’s security strategy is aimed at strengthening surveillance, denying criminals access to safe havens and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats.” he said.
    Ododo said that the initiative was part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu and it is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security institutions.
    He commended Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security and empowering states with innovative measures to tackle emerging security challenges.
    The governor also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his support and leadership in advancing security reforms across the country.
    Ododo further lauded the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi.
    He noted that the DSS was overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability.
    The governor stressed that while his administration was committed to expanding security manpower, it remained focused on ensuring that only individuals of proven character, integrity and loyalty were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.
    He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as a valuable addition to the state’s security architecture and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the task ahead.
    The visit to the training camp came a day after the governor inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to enhance the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.
    He reaffirmed that security remained a top priority of his administration and pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make the state safer and more conducive for investment and development.
    The governor assured residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts until all parts of the state were secured and citizens could pursue their lawful activities without fear.

  • Insecurity thrives where local governments are weak – Defence manufacturer

    Insecurity thrives where local governments are weak – Defence manufacturer

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 14, 2026.

    The Chairman/CEO of Equipment & Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL Nigeria), Mr Kola Balogun, says weak local government administration remains one of the major factors fueling insecurity and insurgency across Nigeria.

    Balogun stated this during the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of grassroots governance in addressing security challenges.

    According to him, insecurity often thrives in areas where citizens have little or no visible presence of government institutions and services.

    “One of the root causes of insecurity and insurgency is the disconnect between governance and the grassroots.

    “In many local government areas, citizens have little or no visible presence of government. Where government presence is weak, insecurity finds fertile ground,” he said.

    Balogun said strengthening local government administration would help address poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic conditions that often create opportunities for criminality.

    He noted that effective governance at the grassroots level could improve citizens’ confidence in government and contribute significantly to national security and development.

    “Strengthening local government administration is therefore critical to addressing insecurity.

    “Effective governance at the grassroots level can help reduce poverty, create opportunities and improve citizens’ confidence in the state,” he said.

    The EPAIL chairman urged governments at all levels to continue exploring ways of improving local governance and promoting competent leadership in local councils.

    He stressed that strong local government institutions remained essential for sustainable peace, security and economic development.

    “I believe we must continue to explore ways of improving local governance and encouraging competent leadership at the grassroots.

    “Strong local government institutions are essential to national security and development,” he said.

    Balogun also advocated a greater role for local governments in supporting community security initiatives through the procurement of locally manufactured security equipment.

    According to him, such measures will not only improve security at the community level but also stimulate indigenous manufacturing and economic growth.

    “In addition, local governments can play a major role in supporting community security initiatives by procuring locally produced protective equipment and other security-related tools.

    “Such actions would not only enhance security but also stimulate local manufacturing and economic growth,” he said.

    Balogun called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to build a self-reliant defence industry capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs.

    The conference has as its theme “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture”.

    It brought together top government and military officials, defence industries players, private security operators and youths from across the country to proffer solutions to the nation’s security challenges.

  • Landlord sues tenants over rent arrears, seeks ejectment

    Landlord sues tenants over rent arrears, seeks ejectment

    Ejectment

    By Christiana Nicholas

    Mararaba (Nasarawa), June 5, 2026.

    A landlord, Anthony Onyinwa, has dragged two tenants before a Senior District Court, Mararaba, over alleged non-payment of rent and refusal to vacate his property at Tudun Wada.

    The defendants were referred to in court as ‘Mr Mustapha’ and ‘Mrs Janet’, both residing at Tudun Wada, behind Royal Dream Hotel, Mararaba, Karu.

    Onyinwa told the court that he is the owner of the property located at Tudun Wada, behind Royal Dream Hotel, Mararaba.

    He said the defendants are tenants in his property, occupying one room each at the rate of N50,000 per annum.

    He claimed that the rent of the first defendant, Mustapha, expired on Jan. 1, 2026 and he is now in arrears of four months, amounting to N16,000.

    He also claimed that the rent of the second defendant, Janet, expired on Jan. 29, and she is now in arrears of three months amounting to N12,500.

    The plaintiff further averred that all efforts made for the defendants to vacate the premises proved abortive.

    He also stated that he served them a 7-day notice of the owner’s intention to recover possession, which they neglected.

    He is praying the court for an order of immediate vacant possession of the premises, N16,000 arrears payment of rent for Mustapha and N12,500 arrears payment for Janet.

    Also, an order of mesne profit of N4,200 each for wrongful occupation, and the sum of N50,000 as cost of action from each defendant.

    The Chief Magistrate, Hadiza Abdullahi, adjourned the matter until June 11, for cross examination.

  • NYSC corps members must obey social media laws, says D-G

    Social media

    By Justina Auta/Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, May 28, 2026 (FBN) The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says corps members are not exempt from Nigeria’s cyberbullying and social media laws during their mandatory national service year.

    Nafiu said this during an interview programme with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising that corps members remained subject to constitutional provisions and laws regulating online conduct.

    According to him, corps members remain citizens of Nigeria and are fully subject to provisions of the Constitution and other extant laws regulating online conduct, cyber activities and public behaviour nationwide.

    Nafiu explained that allegations of cyberbullying against corps members would be investigated and handled by relevant law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law, regardless of their status as serving corps members.

    He added that the NYSC was not mandated to provide legal representation for corps members involved in criminal or civil matters arising from social media activities and other online engagements.

    “The fact that they are corps members does not absolve them from being citizens bound by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “If someone says you cyberbullied him or her, the police will arrest you with your NYSC identity card and you will bear that responsibility.

    “I am not funded to provide legal representation for you in court.

    “What we do is engage the Legal Aid Council to monitor proceedings,” Nafiu said while explaining the scheme’s responsibilities.

    According to him, the Legal Aid Council can provide pro bono legal services for corps members where necessary, particularly in situations requiring legal support during investigations or proceedings before competent courts.

    Nafiu said the scheme had intensified sensitisation campaigns to educate corps members on responsible use of social media and digital communication platforms amid growing concerns over cyberbullying and online misconduct.

    “The rule of the game has changed. You cannot just go online calling out people because someone can accuse you of cyberbullying,” Nafiu warned corps members.

    He, however, noted that the NYSC had adjusted its communication strategies to reflect changing realities among younger Nigerians participating in the national service programme across different states and communities nationwide.

    Nafiu said the scheme was not opposed to content creation by corps members but encouraged responsible and lawful online engagement, particularly among younger Nigerians participating in the mandatory national service programme.

    “By the end of this year, we will be mobilising only ‘Generation Z’ graduates and we understand the environment they operate in.

    “We know this generation loves content creation and we are not against content, but there must be proper context and responsible engagement,”he said.

    Speaking on election duties, Nafiu described corps members’ participation as ad hoc staff as an important contribution to democratic governance and national development through support for credible electoral processes across Nigeria.

    “It is more noble to serve as election ad hoc staff than merely casting your ballot because you are facilitating credible elections for millions of Nigerians,” Nafiu said.

    He urged corps members to view election assignments as opportunities to contribute directly to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and governance processes through active participation in credible and transparent electoral activities.

    Nafiu also commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for donating mobile clinics to support the scheme’s medical outreach programmes aimed at improving healthcare delivery within underserved rural communities nationwide.

    According to him, the mobile clinics had improved healthcare delivery during outreach activities by providing facilities for scans, consultations and basic medical tests in underserved communities across Nigeria through the programme.

    “Those mobile clinics have consulting rooms and facilities for scans and tests that we previously referred beneficiaries elsewhere to conduct,” Nafiu explained while discussing improvements in healthcare outreach activities.

    He explained that the clinics were mainly deployed to underserved rural communities as part of ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare services and medical support for disadvantaged Nigerians across the federation.

    “The objective of our outreach is to reach the unreached and less-served rural dwellers with healthcare initiatives and medical support,” Nafiu said while discussing the goals of the NYSC healthcare outreach programme.

    Nafiu, however, said logistics challenges had limited deployment of the mobile clinics to distant states across the federation because transportation required specialised arrangements, technical support and additional operational funding nationwide for smooth movement.

    According to him, the clinics were currently stationed in Abuja because moving them over long distances required specialised transportation arrangements and additional operational costs beyond the scheme’s available logistical capacity and support.

    “We can conveniently move them to nearby states like Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger, but taking them to places like Lagos involves major logistics requirements,” Nafiu explained.

    He explained that transporting the mobile clinics to distant locations required the use of flatbed carriers and extensive technical support, making deployments to remote states difficult and financially demanding for the scheme.

    FBN reports that the NYSC, established in 1973, is a Federal Government scheme designed to promote national unity, integration and development through mandatory one-year national service by Nigerian graduates across Nigeria.

  • Team Nigeria bags 4 gold medal at senior Athletics Championships

    Team Nigeria bags 4 gold medal at senior Athletics Championships

    By Abdulrahman Yahaya

    Abuja, May 18, 2026, Team Nigeria won another gold medal on the final day of the Senior Athletics Championships in Accra Ghana, on Sunday night.

    The quartet of Esther Okon, Toheebat Jimoh, Jecinter Lawrence and Patient Okon-George ran a dominant race, clocking a time of 3:29.25 to secure gold medal in the 4×400m women relay.

    The ladies dominated from start to finish leading their opponents with an unreachable distance to secure team Nigeria’s fourth gold of the championships.

    The quartet led by veteran patient Okon-George won the race with a 30 metres distance ahead of other teams, leaving Ethiopia 2nd and Kenya in 3rd place.

    Team Nigeria had an impressive outing at the 24th Senior Athletics Championships in Accra Ghana, ending with 4 golds and 8 other medals.

  • Niger completes transportation of 2, 281 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

    Niger completes transportation of 2, 281 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

    Transportation

    By Abubakar Akote Yabagi

    Minna, May 18, 2026 (FBN) The Niger Government has completed the transportation of the 2,281 intending pilgrims from the 2026 Hajj.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Malam Yunusa Saidu-Ibrahim, the Director of Information and Public Relations Services, State Ministry of Information and Orientation on Monday.

    He said the intending pilgrims were transported from the Bola Tinubu International Airport, Minna.

    The intending pilgrims, drawn from the 25 Local Government Areas of the state, were transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in six scheduled flights coordinated by the Niger Pilgrims Welfare Board in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago, described the completion of the exercise as a reflection of effective partnership, proper management, hard work, commitment, and dedication demonstrated by the state government, the Pilgrims Welfare Board, and all agencies involved in the operation.

    He commended the 2026 Amirul Hajj and Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, for his leadership and guidance throughout the exercise.

    The government also commended the security agencies, the medical team, travel agencies, airline personnel, and airport officials for working tirelessly to ensure a smooth, orderly, and hitch-free operation.

  • Saudi Arabia deploys 22,000 staff and 88,000 waste units for Hajj

    Saudi Arabia deploys 22,000 staff and 88,000 waste units for Hajj

    Hajj

    By Kadiri Abdulrahman

    Makkah, May18,2026. Saudi authorities have announced the completion of extensive preparations for the Hajj season, deploying 22,000 workers, and 88,000 waste units.

    The deployment also includes smart technologies and operational systems aimed at improving safety, cleanliness and services for pilgrims across the holy sites.

    The preparations are part of an integrated operational plan overseen by multiple Saudi entities to enhance the experience of pilgrims arriving from around the world during the annual pilgrimage season.

    According to official statement, the huge deployment is to serve pilgrims around the clock.

    It said that over 13,000 cleaning workers had been assigned to maintain hygiene standards across the holy sites and surrounding areas.

    Authorities also announced the deployment of more than 88,000 waste units and 1,235 waste compactors as part of a broader waste-management system.

    They said that it was designed to maintain environmental cleanliness and reduce congestion in high-density areas.

    “The operational plan includes more than 3,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

    “This is to improve service efficiency, alongside 66 municipal service centres distributed across key locations,” they said.

    Saudi authorities said five permanent and mobile laboratories have also been activated to support food safety inspections and field monitoring operations.

    It said that more than 1.3 million samples were expected to be examined daily as part of preventive health and safety measures.

    “The preparations also feature several digital and smart initiatives under broader innovation and digital transformation programmes.

    “This includes mobile laboratories, automated street cleaning systems, smart traps, compacting waste containers and cold asphalt technologies,” they said.

    Meanwhile, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced it readiness for the season.

    The authority said that it had completed operational readiness plans for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque ahead of the Hajj season.

    It said that interactive guidance systems and digital maps had been activated, while field guidance teams have been equipped with instant translation devices to assist pilgrims from different nationalities.

    It said that service systems had also been expanded to include Zamzam water distribution, carpeting, transport carts and facility maintenance, alongside continuous mechanisms to measure pilgrim satisfaction and improve operational performance.

    “The entire system is being managed through an integrated operational model focused on efficiency and preventive maintenance.

    “It is supported by an engineering command and control centre tasked with monitoring performance and responding immediately to field situations during the Hajj season,” it said.

    It was reported that though the exact final total of worshippers will be officially tallied and released by the Saudi authorities, officials said around 1.8 million pilgrims will participate in the 2026 Hajj season.

    As of mid-May 2026, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that over 860,000 foreign pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom, with airlift operations ongoing.
  • NHRC seeks urgent actions to cushion economic hardship on workers

    NHRC seeks urgent actions to cushion economic hardship on workers

    Action

    By Edith Nwapi

    Abuja, May 1, 2026 (FBN) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called  on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive actions to cushion the devastating impact of rising cost of living.

    The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made this call in a statement to commemorate the International Workers’ Day.

    Ojukwu stressed that the recent increase in petrol prices has significantly intensified the burden on ordinary Nigerians, particularly workers who rely on daily commuting to earn a living.

    He noted that transportation costs have surged beyond the reach of many, eroding incomes, reducing productivity, and undermining the dignity of labour.

    He acknowledged the ongoing government efforts to address poverty in the context of global inflation.

    ” Such measures are yet to sufficiently ease the immediate and lived realities of Nigerians grappling with escalating costs of living.

    ” Transportation remains one of the most pressing challenges, with the absence of an efficient and affordable public transport system compounding the effects of fuel price increases.

    ” Without urgent intervention, millions of workers risk being pushed further into economic vulnerability” he said.

    The senior advocate also drew attention to persistent structural issues, including estimated electricity billing and metering challenges.

    He noted also,  the high cost of housing, inadequate healthcare coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme, and frequent industrial actions in the health sector driven by poor welfare conditions.

    These factors, Ojukwu said, continue to place immense strain on workers and their families.

    He also expressed concerns over wage disparities for workers performing similar roles, with a call for transparent and fair salary harmonisation.

    Ojukwu described delays in the payment of retirement benefits as unacceptable.

    ” This singular act deprives retirees of dignity and security after years of service.

    ” There is the need to expand affordable and reliable transportation options nationwide to directly relieve the burden on Nigerian workers.

    ” The current hardship occasioned by fuel price increases and inflation is not merely an economic issue but a human rights concern that demands urgent people-focused responses” he noted

    He therefore,  called on the federal government to intensify efforts by implementing practical and inclusive policies that will directly improve the living and working conditions of Nigerians.

    “As the nation marks the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the NHRC urged all levels of government to act swiftly and decisively to restore hope and dignity to Nigerian workers.

    ” Nigerian workers cannot continue to bear the weight of economic reforms without protection, their welfare, dignity, and rights must be placed at the center of national policy decisions” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that workers Day is celebrated annually on May 1.

    This  day is set-aside for the recognition of the sacrifices   of workers and advocate for better working conditions, solidarity, and justice.

  • Gov. Yahaya celebrates workers, promises improve welfare

    Gov. Yahaya celebrates workers, promises improve welfare

    Workers

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, May 1, 2026,

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commended workers for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

    Yahaya said this on Saturday in a message to mark the 2026 May Day celebration, by his media aide, Ismaila Misili.

    He described workers as the driving force of government and a key part of his administration’s vision for a more prosperous state.

    “Today, we honour the resilience, commitment and hard work of our workers. Your efforts remain the foundation of the progress we are seeing across the state,” he said.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fair pay and improve workers’ welfare, adding that Gombe was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage.

    The governor said the state government ensured regular payment of salaries, pensions and other entitlements in spite of economic challenges.

    “We are also working to clear all outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at both state and local government levels.

    “We have made steady progress in improving working conditions across public institutions. Our aim is to protect the health, dignity and productivity of every worker,” he said.

    Yahaya said that his administration has approved full implementation of the new national minimum wage for local government employees, including staff of the 11 local government councils, Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and primary healthcare workers with effect from May 2026.

    “This clears the remaining 43 per cent balance, bringing implementation to 100 per cent.”

    He assured that his administration would continue to place workers at the centre of its policies while promoting fairness, excellence and good governance.

    While commending the role of the organised labour in maintaining peace in the workplace, Yahaya described their cooperation as vital to the feat achieved.

    He urged workers to be committed in spite of the current economic challenges, and called for unity and shared responsibility.

    “Our workers are central to service delivery and economic growth. I urge you to stay dedicated, while we continue to ensure your efforts are recognised and fairly rewarded,” he said.