Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Dev’t: Etsu Nupe hosts colloquium on agriculture, unveils endowment fund

    Dev’t: Etsu Nupe hosts colloquium on agriculture, unveils endowment fund

    By Mohamed Baba Busu

    Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers,  on Saturday, in Abuja, organised a ‘Colloquium on Agriculture’ and an Endowment Fund Launching of the Etsu Yahaya Abubakar Foundation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day epochal event, which drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond, had its: “Food and the Nation’.

    Speaking at the historic national event, Abubakar expressed gratitude to Allah for making it possible for everyone to gather and emphasised his unwavering commitment to development, particularly in agriculture.

    The etsu nupe also aligned his foundation’s objectives with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing living standards, and
    fostering national development.

    He further commended partnerships between Silicon Valley Nigeria, NYSC, and the Niger Government on agricultural projects, highlighting the potential for transformative initiatives in the sector.

    Abubakar emphasised the importance of empowering youths through skills acquisition and employment opportunities, citing the NYSC’s SAED program as a vital initiative.

    On Niger’s development, the erudite and prolific traditional ruler expressed hope that the state’s development success would serve as a benchmark for replication across the country.

    Abubakar underscored his dedication to the growth and prosperity of his people, particularly in the areas of agriculture and youths empowerment.

    According to him, his foundation’s initiatives aim to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and economic development.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion , retired Col. Sani Bello, represented by retired by Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the etsu nupe, the Bida Emirate Council, and the entire Nupe Kingdom.

    The elder statesman highlighted his dual connection to Abubukar, citing both a personal relationship and a professional partnership through his company, Mainstream Energy Solution.

    Bello praised the etsu nupe’s dynamic leadership, extolling his relentless pursuit of his people’s welfare and establishment of developmental programs.

    Bello further commended Abubakar’s result-oriented approach, which had yielded significant benefits for the kingdom.

    He also assured the etsu nupe of his continued support, stating that he would remain an integral part of the bida emirate’s developmental initiatives.

    Bello  sought for tremendous foundation, emphasising its potential to benefit the less-privileged and provide opportunities for the youths.

    The chairman of the occasion also highlighted the foundation’s productive nature, which aims to provide food security not only to the Nupe Kingdom or Niger but also to Nigeria as a whole.

    He encouraged collective participation in the foundation’s endeavours, underscoring its potential to drive positive change.

    Bello opined, “This colloquium cannot come at a better time than now when Nigeria is in dire need of plausible solutions to the seemingly increasing food insecurity.

    “Therefore, the etsu nupe deserves a pat on the back for being part of the solutions to this formidable challenge, hence bolstering Nigeria’s food security.”

    NAN

  • Experts urge journalists to promote unity through development reporting Development

    Experts urge journalists to promote unity through development reporting Development

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Media and communication experts have called on journalists to adopt development-oriented reporting that promotes social cohesion and supports national development efforts.

    They made the call on Friday in Abuja at a capacity building workshop for public communication and media stakeholders, tagged “Promoting Effective Media Reportage through the Use of Social Cohesion Data”.

    The workshop was organised by Africa Polling Institute (API), with support from the Ford Foundation.

    Speaking on the topic “Reporting for Unity – Principles of Cohesion-Sensitive Journalism”, Dr Diego Okenyodo, Founder of Akweya TV, said communication lies at the heart of driving societal change.

    He emphasised that achieving change is a shared responsibility and urged journalists to embrace systems thinking and the principles of development journalism in their reporting.

    “Development journalism posits that the media should actively support efforts that improve citizens’ lives by focusing on issues of social, political, and economic development.

    “In social cohesion reporting, journalists must avoid conflict-sensitive language and counter divisive narratives because of their potential impact on national unity,” Okenyodo said.

    Dr Bell Ihua, Executive Director of API, said the workshop aimed to encourage journalists to use API’s research findings to inform their reporting and influence public discourse.

    He noted that although API has conducted nationwide social cohesion surveys since 2019, many key stakeholders remain unaware of the data or lack the tools to use them meaningfully in shaping policy and programmes.

    “That’s why we are engaging the media, to amplify these findings and ensure they’re included in policy planning and discourse,” Ihua said.

    “Social science helps us examine societal challenges and propose solutions. But without data, we cannot make informed, data-driven policy decisions. Gone are the days of intuition-based governance”.

    Ihua added that the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey will be inaugurated on July 3.

    Dr Soji Adeniyi, Executive Director of Africa Back to Basics and Vice Chair of API, said data should be used as a tool to counter negative stereotypes and support evidence-based narratives.

    “It’s time we start telling our own stories, based on our own realities. The government and NGOs must begin using reliable, homegrown data to drive decisions,” he said.

    “This data offers insight into what Nigerians are thinking and helps us match perceptions with realities to move the country forward”.

    Also speaking, Dr Obiora Chukwumba, a seasoned media professional, urged journalists to stand with the people and tell stories that inspire inclusion and national unity.

    In his session on storytelling and framing, he discussed practical techniques for crafting narratives that foster cohesion and discourage polarisation.

    He advised media professionals to prioritise responsible journalism, warning that divisive reporting threatens national peace and development.

    NAN

  • Group Hails Tinubu’s N60 Billion Intervention in Gombe Agro-Livestock Zone

    Group Hails Tinubu’s N60 Billion Intervention in Gombe Agro-Livestock Zone

    Flowerbud News/  The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic intervention in the livestock sector through the release of N60 billion to Gombe State for the establishment of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya, during the groundbreaking ceremony in Gombe, revealed that the Federal Government had committed a total of N120 billion to the project, with N60 billion already released to kick-start the first phase of implementation.

    In a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary Danjuma Sada, the Forum said the intervention underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, promoting rural industrialisation, and delivering on the core objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    It said: “The N60 billion released for this transformative project is not just a financial commitment—it is a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s agro-livestock economy.

    “We acknowledge that the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone will feature cutting-edge facilities including an ultramodern abattoir, international livestock market, fattening hubs, tannery and leather factory, a grain and livestock feed market, as well as an inland dry port to connect processed livestock and grain products to local and international markets.

    “When completed, the facility is expected to process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily —positioning Gombe as a key hub for modern livestock processing in Nigeria and West Africa.

    “We are convinced that when concluded, the facility would significantly reduce farmer-herder clashes and post-harvest losses, modernise meat processing, and eliminate unsafe animal transportation practices—while creating thousands of jobs and expanding Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.”

    The Forum also reminded Nigerians that, as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu created a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development to act as the driver in repositioning the livestock sector for national development.

    “The creation of this ministry, the Forum noted, is not just symbolic but strategic—signifying a strong political will to transform an often-overlooked sector into a major economic engine.

    “This is because under the leadership of Minister Idi Muktar Maiha, the Ministry has already designed several targeted projects aimed at ensuring maximum value from the administration’s livestock initiatives.

    “These include collaborations with foreign governments and international agribusiness concerns, strategic capacity-building programmes, and value chain expansion efforts.

    “All these show that the President demonstrated uncommon foresight in creating the Ministry of Livestock Development. This singular act shows his readiness to harness Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources for economic growth, rural transformation, and national prosperity,” the group added.

    The group commended the synergy between the Federal Government and the Gombe State Government, describing it as a model of cooperative governance capable of delivering sustainable impact across sectors.

    It also called on state governments, investors, and Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the untapped opportunities in the livestock value chain.

    “The livestock sector is full of untapped possibilities. With the right investment, Nigeria can become a continental hub for meat processing, dairy production, leather manufacturing, and feed milling. President Tinubu is laying the groundwork, and it is now up to stakeholders to key into this national vision.

    “For us, the project reflects the Tinubu administration’s resolve to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential and reposition the livestock sector as a driver of inclusive growth, rural development, and export diversification.

    “We are proud of the direction this administration is taking. This intervention is a clear signal that President Tinubu is not just promising transformation—he is delivering it,” the statement concluded.

  • Hijra: Etsu Nupe urges sustained prayers for peace, unity, progress

    Hijra: Etsu Nupe urges sustained prayers for peace, unity, progress

    Flowerbud News/ Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe in Niger, has urged the Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the preservation of peace, unity, and progress in the country.

    The Etsu Nupe, who is also the Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, stated this in his goodwill message to Muslim Ummah in commemoration of New Islamic Year (Muharram) 1447 on Thursday in Abuja

    The esteemed royal father emphasised the significance of the Islamic event, which he said, revitalised the values of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity, and peaceful coexistence.

    All these values, according to him, are exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

    The Etsu Nupe said the first day of Muharram commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s migration from his birthplace, Mecca, in search of a peaceful and accommodating environment to practice Islam.

    “It’s on this day that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embarked on the Hijrah from Mecca, his place of birth, to Medina, the ancestral home of his mother, in order to peacefully practice Islam.

    “This reminds us of the importance of embracing patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation, and compassion,” he said.

    The first class traditional ruler congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the new lunar calendar, Hijrah 1447, and urged everyone of them to reflect on the purpose of the day.

    Abubakar advised the Ummah to reflect with the hope that humanity would be guided by its lessons and significance in daily life and interactions with others.

    He stressed the need for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their belief.

    The chairman council of traditional rulers observed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and their continuous prayers for peace, unity, and progress were essential for the realisation of the dreams and aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.

    He expressed confidence that sustained prayers would enable the nation to overcome the challenges and threats to its peaceful coexistence.

    Etsu Nupe explained that the two major religions in the country preached peace and unity, “therefore, Nigerians should embrace these teachings instead of stirring up trouble.

    “Let us revive the teachings of the noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by spreading peace wherever we find ourselves.”

    The Etsu Nupe opined that as sincere Muslims, “we are supposed to follow all that the Prophet of Islam preaches and teaches.

    “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached peace, love, and unity, and as true followers of Islam, we should emulate the same principles in order to enjoy the blessings of God Almighty in this life and the hereafter.”

    Abubakar called on Nigerians to uphold virtues of tolerance and live in harmony with one another, regardless of religious, cultural, and ethnic differences.

    He emphasised that peace and unity were vital tools for national development, hence the need for Nigerians to strive hard to maintain them for the progress and development of the nation.

    NAN

  • N1.5trn BOA Recapitalization Will Guarantee Food Security In Nigeria – TMV

    N1.5trn BOA Recapitalization Will Guarantee Food Security In Nigeria – TMV

    Flowerbud News/ The Tinubu Media Volunteers have described the federal government’s recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with N1.5 trillion as revolutionary.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group noted that it is one of the several measures by the President Bola Tinubu administration to boost the agriculture sector.

    The statement reads: “We note that the Bank of Agriculture, as a specialised bank solely established to support agriculture in Nigeria, will now be in a better position to lend money to qualified farmers, and other agriculture–related ventures.

    “It is also noted that whereas the commercial banks are capitalised up to N500 billion, the Bank of Agriculture’s recapitalisation has been tripled.

    “This organic measure by the federal government is aimed at providing the bank with the enabling by the owners and shareholders to key into the agricultural revolution of the federal government.

    “There is no doubt that with sufficient funds now at the disposal of the bank, it will play a pivotal role in the avowed commitment of the President Tinubu administration to food security in the country. Definitely, it offers an opportunity for Nigerian farmers to be empowered and be more productive.

    “We also acknowledge that the recapitalisation goes a long way to reaffirm Nigeria’s role in transforming the ECOWAS regional food systems, and this was adequately encapsulated in President Bola Tinubu’s July 2023 declaration of a State of Emergency on food security.”

    The group also commended the commitment of the Tinubu administration to addressing food shortages in the country.

  • NAN MD’s late elder brother buried in Kano

    NAN MD’s late elder brother buried in Kano

    Flowerbud News/ Yusuf Lawal, the late elder brother to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, was on Wednesday buried in Kano according to Islamic rites.

    Late  Mr Lawal, 61, died on Wednesday after a protracted illness at his residence in Tudun-Wada Quarters of Nasarawa Local Government Area.
    The Janazah (funeral) prayer was conducted at the Tudun-Wada graveyard and was attended by NAN MD, family members, friends, and well-wishers, including members of the media community.
    The remains were later interred at the Tudun-Wada cemetery in accordance with Islamic injunctions.
    In a brief remark, Mr Ali expressed gratitude to all those who attended the funeral and prayed for the repose of his brother’s soul.
    He described his sibling as a fantastic individual who loved family and assumed a fatherly role after their parent’s death.
    “He was always there for the family and relatives and he was more like a friend,” the managing director said.
    Ali expressed deep sorrow, stating that his brother was a close confidant and partner, almost like a twin.
    “I feel exposed and alone due to his brother’s passing, especially since he represented the family while the I was away for my career.
    “I admire his my brother’s simple, frugal life and his dedication to family, including extended ties.
    “Everyone will eventually pass away and finds solace in the Quranic verse about death, ours it’s just a matter of time before we are reunited,” Ali said.
    Similarly, the eldest son of the deceased, Ahmad Yusuf, described his father as a good man.
    He explained that his father took very good care of them and he would continue to pray for him.
    Late Mr Yusuf is survived by one wife and six children.
    NAN
  • Niger Speaker laments killing of soldiers by bandits

    Niger Speaker laments killing of soldiers by bandits

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    The Speaker, Niger House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has described the killing of soldiers in Kwanan Dutse and Gulbin Boka communities of Mariga Local Government Area as barbaric, wicked, and inhumane.

    The tragic event occurred on Tuesday.

    The speaker, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Wednesday expressed sorrow over the death of the soldiers, who had long been providing security for the entire local government.

    Sarkindaji observed that the act represented a serious catastrophe not only for the military but also for the people of his constituency and the state as a whole.

    He said, “I received the news of the killing of these promising young officers with a heavy heart, who have kept my constituency safe for a long time now.

    “This singular attack is a significant setback for the farming communities in Mariga Local Government Area. My entire constituency is under siege.”

    The speaker pointed out that the attacks on the two military camps in the area had created a substantial challenge to the security situation in his constituency and the state at large.

    While observing that in spite of the government’s efforts to address the lingering troubling situation, Sarkindaji said, “these criminals have continued to unleash terror on the people.”

    The speaker stated that the attack on the military was a deliberate attempt to dislodge them from the communities, allowing bandits to have free access to the area for their criminal activities, including kidnapping, rape, murder, and cattle rustling.

    “The unfortunate reality is that these wicked and heartless elements come from neighboring states to carry out their attacks on communities within our state,” Sarkindaji decried.

    Expressing his deepest sympathy to the military regarding the unfortunate incident, the speaker urged them not to be discouraged in their mission to keep the entire state safe from criminals.

    He assured that the state government would continue to support the military and other security agencies to enable them discharge their mandate diligently.

    Sarkindaji called on the military to ensure that the perpetrators of such heinous acts were tracked down and brought to justice, urging, “they must not escape accountability for their nefarious actions.”

    NAN

  • Sule Lamido Wrong on Tinubu’s June 12 Role, haunted by his anti-democratic past – TDF

    Sule Lamido Wrong on Tinubu’s June 12 Role, haunted by his anti-democratic past – TDF

    Flowerbud News/ The Democratic Front (TDF) has lent its voice to the controversy raised by former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, over the role President Bola Tinubu allegedly played in issues surrounding the annulment of the June 12 presidential election of 1993.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the pro-democracy group argued that Lamido did not provide any convincing proof to back up his claim against the President.

    “We note that Lamido could not establish any factual evidence while narrating his falsified account of the June debacle when accusing President Tinubu of supporting the annulment of the June 12 election. He did nothing beyond mere speculation and gave conflicting testimonies in his Arise TV interview.

    “We therefore hasten to say that the former governor of Jigawa State exhibited traits of irresponsibility and selective amnesia, to have claimed that President Tinubu’s membership of the Senate that was addressed by the then military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1993, was enough evidence of his Tinubu’s support for the annulment of the election.

    “It is pertinent to recall that former military President Babangida undertook a wide range of consultations with prominent Nigerians in his desperate bid to douse the political impasse and tension that greeted the annulment of the election that was acclaimed to be the freest, fairest, and most credible in the country’s history.

    “We also remember that top among the notable personalities that were invited to meet with the then military President on the issue, were the late Sultan of Sokoto Ibrahim Dasuki, the late Oni of Ife Okunade Sijuade, the matriarch of the Awolowo family, late Hannah Awolowo, and the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji among several other Nigerians.

    “In our view, Lamido displayed a shallow knowledge of the historical circumstances that contrived the visit of the aforementioned personalities to the then military dictator, by scapegoating the late Alhaja Mogaji, the mother of President Tinubu, in a mischievous attempt to slander the President.

    “The role President Tinubu played in the struggle to actualise the popular mandate of MKO Abiola after the annulment was legendary and is of public knowledge. Tinubu was a major financier as well as an activist in the struggle to pressure the military junta to relinquish political power to Abiola. He was detained and also marked for elimination before he fled into exile,” the statement added.

    TDF wondered why Lamido’s position on President Tinubu’s role in the pro democracy struggle was different from that of active participants in the struggle.

    It said: “Prominent activists in the June 12 struggle, like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and Femi Falana (SAN), etc, have repeatedly paid glowing tribute and honour to Tinubu’s immense contributions and efforts to the democratic struggle, from exile. This undisputable pedigree of credit and recognition of his contributions to the June 12 struggle, more than anything, renders Sule Lamido’s accusations against the President, spurious, groundless, meritless, unfounded, and untenable.

    “Furthermore, The Democratic Front (TDF) finds it appropriate to assert that Sule Lamido’s grudge and bitterness against President Tinubu dates back to the 1991 governorship election in Jigawa State, in which he contested the SDP primary alongside Alh. Ali Sa’ad Birnin- Kudu, who was favoured by the late Gen. Shehu Yar’adua, the head of President Tinubu’s erstwhile political family.

    “Since his defeat in the SDP governorship primary in 1991, Lamido was alleged to have resolved to sabotage the defunct Social Democratic Party. As the party’s National Secretary, he aided the cancellation of presidential primaries that Yar’adua took part in and actively joined other compromised members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to support the annulment of Abiola’s presidential victory.

    “At a time, President Tinubu and other pro-democracy activists aligned with late Moshood Abiola against the annulment of the election, the compromised SDP leadership, which Sule Lamido was part of, connived with the military regime to frustrate Abiola’s attempts to mobilise against Babangida’s decision to annul the election.”

    The group insisted that it was Sule Lamido who could be accused of sabotaging Abiola, even as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.

  • President Tinubu’s Visit to Benue, Mark of True Leadership, Renewed Hope

    President Tinubu’s Visit to Benue, Mark of True Leadership, Renewed Hope

    Flowerbud News/ The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State as a gesture that exemplifies genuine statesmanship, compassion, and a deep commitment to national unity and security.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the group argued that the President’s presence on the ground sent a strong message of solidarity and responsibility.

    The statement reads: “For us, the visit was not merely symbolic—it has catalysed new levels of stakeholder engagement, community mobilisation, and a coordinated pushback against the forces threatening peace and coexistence in the state.

    “In a decisive move during his visit, President Tinubu directed all security agencies to arrest the perpetrators behind the killings in Benue and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

    “He emphasised that the government must protect its citizens and that justice must be swift and uncompromising. The President also urged the Benue State Government to establish a peace and reconciliation committee to help foster dialogue among communities and address longstanding grievances fueling the violence.

    “Contrary to politically motivated criticisms, President Tinubu has demonstrated emotional equity and responsiveness, offering comfort to victims and inspiring a collective resolve among local and national actors to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.

    “We urge critics to adopt a historical and objective perspective. The situation in Benue did not start today, and it will take honest dialogue, committed leadership, and long-term collaboration to rebuild trust and security.

    “We dare say that President Tinubu’s actions reflect a clear understanding of this reality, and his administration is already taking steps to strengthen community resilience and enhance security operations in the affected areas.”

    TSF added that it stood firmly behind the president and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands in the fight against terror and support national efforts at restoring peace, justice, and stability in Benue and beyond.