Flowerbud News

Author: Jaami-al khair

  • Police begin screening for constable recruitment in Jigawa

    Police begin screening for constable recruitment in Jigawa

    Screening

     

     

     

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, March 7, 2026 The Police command in Jigawa has concluded arrangements for physical and credentials screening of applicants seeking recruitment from the state.

     

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Shiisu Lawan, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Dutse.

     

    Lawan said the screening would hold from March 9 to April 18 at the Police State Headquarters, Dutse.

     

    He advised applicants to visit the recruitment portal https://npfapplication.psc.gov.ng to check their status and print required documents for presentation at the screening venue.

     

    Applicants are expected to appear strictly on the date stated on their invitation slips.

     

    “The Jigawa State Police Command informs applicants that physical and credentials screening for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force will begin on March 9, 2026,” he said.

     

    The screening, he added, would continue until April 18 at the Police State Headquarters, Dutse.

     

    “The dress code is white canvas shoes, white T-shirt, white shorts and white stockings,” Lawan said.

    He said applicants must present their application submission slip, physical screening form, invitation slip with table number, and credentials screening form.

     

    Other required documents include National Identity Number printout or card, O’Level certificates, and birth certificate or age declaration.

     

    Applicants must also provide local government or state of origin certificate, trade test result for specialists, guarantor’s form with passport photographs, and other relevant credentials.

     

    Lawan warned that candidates without required documents, proper dress, or those arriving outside scheduled dates would not participate.

     

    Quoting the state Commissioner of Police, Dahiru Muhammad, Lawan urged shortlisted applicants to remain orderly and follow the guidelines.

     

    “Muhammad emphasised that the recruitment process is completely free and urged the public to report anyone demanding money.

     

    “The command encourages applicants to cooperate fully with officials to ensure a smooth and successful screening exercise,” Lawan added.

  • Yusuf inaugurates 40 refurbished vehicles

    Yusuf inaugurates 40 refurbished vehicles

    Inauguration
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, Feb.24, 2026 ( FBN) Gov.
     Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated 40 refurbished vehicles belonging to the State Transport Company, as part of efforts to revitalise public transportation and improve mobility across the state.
    This is contained in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, in Kano on Tuesday.
    The Governor stated that the rehabilitation of the vehicles aligned with his administration’s agenda to strengthen public infrastructure, create jobs, and ease transportation challenges.
    He urged the members of staff to ensure the proper maintenance of the vehicles and discharge their duties with integrity, assuring continued investments in key sectors to drive development and improve citizens’ welfare.
    Yusuf emphasised the transportation sector’s role in economic development.
    The Managing Director of Kano Line, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi, appreciated the governor’s support, saying that the initiative would boost operations and expand the company’s coverage, currently spanning 24 states and some West African countries.
  • Kogi govt. vows to sanction Churches flouting security protocols

    Kogi govt. vows to sanction Churches flouting security protocols

    Security

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, Feb. 11, 2026 (FBN) The Kogi  Government says it will sanction  Churches found to be violating the state’s security protocols.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja,

    Fanwo said the government would sanction churches operating beyond 4:00 pm or in vulnerable locations without security clearance, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks by bandits.

    “The government  received intelligence of a plot to attack a church in Ijumu Local Government Area, and churches are being warned to comply with security directives to prevent attacks.

    “We have observed with deep concern that in spite of  clear security advisories, some churches still operate late into the night. This is unacceptable in the face of prevailing security challenges,” Fanwo said.

    Fanwo said security measures are in place to prevent the attack but the incident highlighted  the need for strict compliance with security directives.

    The commissioner said the decision prioritised safety, not faith.

    “Churches flouting the protocol pose  security risk. Security operatives will stop night services, focusing on prevention over emergency response.

    “We prevent crime, we don’t just respond to it,” he stated.

    He urged religious leaders to cooperate with security agencies, assuring residents of its commitment to safety and peace.

    In a related development, Fanwo said the troops of the Nigerian Army have overrun a terrorist enclave, recovering over 2,000 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition and a box of high-velocity grenades.

    Recovered Ammunition

    According to him, the operation, led by the Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army’, Brig. -Gen. Kasim Sidi, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the criminal network.

    The operation, dismantled a camp linked to kingpins Kachalla Ibrahim and Shu’aibu. The camp was destroyed, denying terrorists a staging ground.

    Neutralised bandits by troops of 12 Brigade in Kogi

    Kogi State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd), praised the military’s gallantry, saying terrorism won’t find sanctuary in Kogi .

    Fanwo gave an assurance that the state government is working with security agencies to end criminality, emphasising Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    “We are calling on religious leaders to cooperate fully with security agencies.

    “Our approach is not cowardice. We are mobilising security forces to overrun the criminals, and we are recording significant successes,” Fanwo said.

  • Tinubu appoints Amb. Ismail Yusuf as NAHCON chairman

    Tinubu appoints Amb. Ismail Yusuf as NAHCON chairman

    NAHCON
    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Abuja, Feb. 11, 2026 (FBN) President Bola Tinubu has nominated Amb. Ismail Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

    The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, in line with Section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Tinubu said he had written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Yusuf.

    The President said the nomination was to replace Prof. Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week after about 14 months in office.

    Yusuf is a career diplomat and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

  • Troops rescue abducted victims, dismantle illicit activities nationwide – Army

    Troops rescue abducted victims, dismantle illicit activities nationwide – Army

    Rescue
    By Sumaila Ogbaje
    Abuja, Feb. 8, 2026 (FBN) Troops of the Nigerian Army have in the last 24 hours recorded major operational successes across multiple theatres, rescuing kidnapped victims, arresting criminal suspects and dismantling illicit activities nationwide.

    A reliable military source told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA rescued four kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol at Yarsenta area in the North-West.

    The source said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted on Jan. 26 from Makera Village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and were safely recovered while wandering in the bush.

    The source added that troops had sustained aggressive patrols across Zamfara State, denying bandits freedom of action and reassuring local communities through continuous presence and intelligence-driven operations.

    According to the source, under Operation MESA, troops in Kogi, intercepted a surrendered bandit linked to notorious gang leaders, recovering a locally made gun and a mobile phone.

    In the South-South, the source disclosed that troops of the Joint Task Force arrested a suspected impostor attempting to gain access to a military formation, foiling a potential security breach.

    He said troops, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, also arrested four suspected drug peddlers in Delta, recovering quantities of cannabis and controlled substances.

    The source further revealed that troops destroyed an illegal crude oil refining site in Rivers, dismantling ovens, reservoirs and pipelines used for economic sabotage.

    He assured that the Nigerian army would continue coordinated operations to disrupt criminal networks, protect civilians and secure critical national assets.

  • FG begins free training for 10m Nigerians on financial inclusion, literacy

    FG begins free training for 10m Nigerians on financial inclusion, literacy

    Training
    By Salisu Sani-Idris
    Abuja, Feb. 3, 2026 (FBN) The Federal Government has began a free nationwide training for 10million Nigerians on financial inclusion and literacy.
    The News reports that the training is organised by the Office of the Vice-President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
    It is designed to equip Nigerians, particularly women and youths, with essential financial skills, investment knowledge, and digital competencies for sustainable wealth creation.
    Accordingly, the office of the vice-president, through the PreCEFI, signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six professional bodies to jointly design the programme, certification pathways, digital skills initiatives, and mentorship platforms.
    This is with a  view to  strengthening Nigeria’s financial and enterprise workforce.
    The professional bodies included the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS); and the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA).
    Others were the Chartered Risk Management Institute (CRMI) and Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE).
    The viice-president said that the signing of the MoU between the Federal Government and the six of Nigeria’s foremost professional bodies was more than a formal agreement.
    Shettima said Nigeria could reap bountifully from its demographic dividend, only if young Nigerians and women are equipped with the needed skills and ethical grounding required for a speedily progressing digital economy.
    ” It is a strategic national investment in capacity as infrastructure which is the human, institutional, and ethical foundations upon which inclusive growth must rest,” he stated
    Shettima added that the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which the PreCEFI was mandated to implement, recognises the fact that “financial inclusion is not achieved by access alone, but by competence, trust, and capability.”
    According to him, the nation cannot build a one-trillion-dollar economy on weak skills, fragmented standards, or disconnected professional ecosystems.
    Shettima said, ” This MoU therefore establishes a working framework to harness the collective expertise of ICAN, CIBN, CIS, CRMI, NICA, and NIIE to advance inclusion through capacity building, advocacy, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and support for small and medium practitioners.
    “It establishes a structured mechanism for joint training programmes, policy dialogue, digital skills development, and professional standards that align market practice with national inclusion goals.”
    Shettima said that capacity building was financial inclusion, however without accountants who understand MSME formalisation, credit administrators who can assess risk beyond collateral.
    He added, ” And bankers who embed consumer protection, risk professionals who anticipate digital threats, and innovators who translate ideas into enterprises, inclusion remains a slogan rather than a system.”
    The vice-president maintained that the training programme must prioritise young Nigerians and women.
    Shettima continued, ” Importantly, this collaboration prioritises women and youth inclusion and digital transformation, recognising that Nigeria’s demographic dividend will only materialise if young people are equipped with relevant skills and ethical grounding for a fast-evolving digital economy.”
    He charged the PreCEFI and the professional bodies not to treat the MoU as a mere document, but as a living platform for execution.
    “Accordingly, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu,GCFR, I hereby flag off the free training of 10 million Nigerians with priority for women and youth across the country,”  Shettima declared.
    Earlier, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Malam Haruna  Yahaya, commended Tinubu administration for its bold economic reforms.
    According to him, the reforms  has culminated in the inauguration of the financial inclusion free training programme for 10 million women and youths in Nigeria.
    He said the decision to embark on the project was prompted by visible improvements in the economy as a result of the gains of the Federal Government’s policy reforms.
    Yahaya assured the vice-president of their professional support in the realisation of set objectives, describing their involvement involvement in the project as an institutional honour.
    For his part, the Chief Executive Officer, WAWU Africa –  technical partners in the programme, Mr Emmanuel Lennox, assured of the company’s readiness to deliver on the project.
    He said, ” Particularly in providing the digital platform and overall enabling environment for its success. “
    Also, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen  Zauro, said said exclusion is not only by lack of access, but by limited skills, weak institutional capacity, and insufficient professional support.
    He said, “Consequently, financial inclusion is not achieved by infrastructure alone; it is achieved when people and institutions are equipped to use that infrastructure responsibly, productively, and sustainably.”
    The high point of the event was the signing of the MoU for the capacity building programme by the Federal Government and the six professional bodies.
  • AFCON 2025: Old guard endures as new stars rise in group-stage spotlight

    AFCON 2025: Old guard endures as new stars rise in group-stage spotlight

    The group stage of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has reaffirmed African football’s enduring balance between proven greatness and emerging ambition.

    Across six groups and 24 matches, decorated African Footballers of the Year and rising talents shaped results, lifted performances and fuelled debate over the continent’s next individual superstar.

    With 87 goals scored before the knockout rounds, established winners again delivered decisive moments, even as younger players announced themselves with authority and composure.

    For Senegal, Sadio Mané, African Footballer of the Year in 2019 and 2022, blended leadership with efficiency throughout the group stage.

    Mané’s goal, complemented by two strikes from Nicolas Jackson, helped the Teranga Lions  top Group D and underlined his lasting influence on the biggest stage.

    Algeria’s surge was inspired by Riyad Mahrez, the 2016 African Footballer of the Year, who dominated the group phase with authority.

    Mahrez scored three goals, including a brace against Sudan and a vital strike versus Burkina Faso, as the Desert Foxes cruised to first place in Group E.

    Egypt relied heavily on Mohamed Salah, African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, to steer them through tense group encounters.

    Salah struck twice, netting a dramatic late winner against Zimbabwe before scoring the decisive goal against South Africa to secure top spot in Group B.

    In spite of Gabon’s early exit, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, African Footballer of the Year in 2015, showed his predatory instincts remain sharp with a group-stage goal.

    Hosts Morocco welcomed back Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, who returned from injury on matchday three.

    Hakimi’s presence added defensive assurance and attacking thrust as the Atlas Lions negotiated a demanding group campaign.

    Nigeria’s challenge was driven by Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, whose influence was felt throughout the group stage.

    Lookman contributed two goals and two assists, including a match-winning display against Tunisia that earned him the Man of the Match award.

    The Super Eagles also drew strength from Victor Osimhen, African Footballer of the Year in 2023.

    Osimhen’s goal against Tunisia reinforced his reputation as a decisive performer in high-pressure situations.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking spark came from Amad Diallo, who scored twice during the group stage.

    Diallo’s pace, vision and composure were highlighted by a decisive winner against Mozambique that proved crucial to Ivorian progress.

    Cameroon found creativity and goals through Bryan Mbeumo, whose movement and finishing unsettled defences across the group phase.

    Nigeria’s midfield balance was quietly shaped by Raphael Onyedika, who dictated tempo and enabled smooth attacking transitions.

    As AFCON 2025 enters the knockout rounds, the group stage has set a compelling narrative of continuity and change.

    Former African Footballers of the Year — Mané, Mahrez, Salah, Aubameyang and Hakimi — continue to shape matches with authority and composure.

    Simultaneously, emerging talents such as Diallo, Mbeumo and Onyedika have signalled readiness to inherit the continental spotlight.

    The knockout phase will test whether experience or youthful momentum prevails — and may ultimately point toward Africa’s next Footballer of the Year.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo makes promise to Dominik Szoboszlai after leaving Liverpool star disappointed by shirt swap request

    Cristiano Ronaldo makes promise to Dominik Szoboszlai after leaving Liverpool star disappointed by shirt swap request

    12 September 2025.

    By Lawal Muh Jamiu.

    Cristiano Ronaldo has promised Dominik Szoboszlai to give him his shirt after the Liverpool midfielder missed out on swapping jerseys with his idol in Hungary’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Portugal. Szoboszlai, who has admired Ronaldo since childhood, was left disappointed after the Portugal captain had already given away his shirt but received a pledge instead.

    After the game, Szoboszlai approached Ronaldo to swap shirts, only to discover the Portugal star had already given his away. Despite the setback, the two captains shared a moment after the final whistle.

    Outside Portugal’s dressing room, Ronaldo reassured Szoboszlai he would still receive a shirt as per Portuguese outlet O Jogo. The Portugal captain was heard telling him: “I will give you one of mine from my home.” Szoboszlai, meanwhile, handed Ronaldo his own jersey as a sign of respect.

    The meeting was particularly significant for Szoboszlai, who once walked out as a mascot in 2009 when Hungary faced Portugal, with Ronaldo leading the team. Sixteen years later, the Liverpool star lined up against his childhood hero as Hungary’s captain. It underlined a full-circle moment in his career, despite the disappointing result.

    Ronaldo and Szoboszlai will cross paths again when Hungary travel to Lisbon for the reverse fixture next month. The Liverpool midfielder will be hoping his side can improve on their slow start to qualifying. For Ronaldo, another chance to inspire Portugal and keep their momentum going awaits.

  • CVR: INEC records over 2.5m online pre-registrants, 72,274 in-person

    CVR: INEC records over 2.5m online pre-registrants, 72,274 in-person

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, Sept. 3, 2025. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that over 2.5 million Nigerians have completed their online voter pre-registration since the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise began on Aug. 18.

    This is contained in an update on the online and in-person registration exercise released by Mr Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, after the regular meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Olumekun also said that no fewer than 72,274 citizens participated in the in-person registration within five days.

    He appreciated the positive response of citizens and the efforts of the organisations that had mobilised civic participation in the exercise.

    “The cumulative figure at the end of week two shows that 1,218,482 (48.12 per cent) are male and 1,313,580 (51.88 per cent) are female.

    “In terms of age and occupation, the majority – 1,602,484 (63.29 per cet)  are  between the ages of 18 and 34, while 647,528 (25.57 per cent) are students,” he said.

    For the in-person registration which began on Aug. 25, Olumekun said that as at Friday, Aug. 29, a total 72,274 citizens had either completed the pre-registration process or registered afresh within five days.

    He noted that out of the figure, 35,622 (49.29 per cent) were male and 36,652 (50.71 per cent) were female.

    “In terms of age and occupation, majority of them – 54,718 (75.71 per cent) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 30,953 (42.83 per cent) are students,” he said.

    Olumekun reiterated that the pre-registration figures was from the commission’s dedicated CVR portal.

    He said that the introduction of the pre-registration option in 2021 had enabled Nigerians to commence the online process from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day including weekends.

    He urged all online pre-registrants to appear physically to complete the process at INEC 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide where their fingerprints and facial biometric details would be captured, without which the online process would be invalid.

    “The Commission is aware that there are Nigerians who have no access to online facilities or those who prefer to register in-person.

    “Consequently, our staff have been deployed to attend to eligible citizens at the Commission’s 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide where they can simultaneously begin and complete their registration.

    “The centres are open from 9am – 3pm daily (Monday to Friday),” he said

    Olumekun said that the list and addresses of the centres had already been made public.

    He stated that the graphic details of the distribution of registrants for both online and in-person by state, gender, age, occupation and disability had been uploaded to INEC website and other official platforms for public information.