Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Makinde Dismisses Coalition Threat, Affirms Party’s Unity

    Makinde Dismisses Coalition Threat, Affirms Party’s Unity

    Makinde Dismisses Coalition Threat, Affirms Party’s Unity

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade

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    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an institution that cannot be threatened by talks of an emerging coalition.

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    He stated this after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus, where leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and commitment to its unity, stability, progress, and success.

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    The meeting, held at the South-West PDP Secretariat, Ibadan, was attended by key leaders, including former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

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    Gov. Makinde emphasised that the PDP in the South-West is united and undivided, and that the PDP has its own ways and means of dealing with issues and will come out stronger as the only credible political alternative for Nigerians.

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    “We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP.

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    “Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether PDP or APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that anytime they move from one party to the other, they have repented or they have something new to offer the people? These are salient questions.

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    “This Soji Adagunodo House is for the PDP South-West. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of PDP in the South-West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge?

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    “No, we will stay inside here and fix it to let the people know that we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart.

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    “So, a lot of people can say whatever they like, but in a party like the PDP, which is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. When we get to the point where we have to deal with such issues, I give you the assurance that we will,” Makinde said.

     

    The Caucus threw its weight behind the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and commended Governors Makinde and Ademola Adeleke (Osun State) for their roles in ensuring the stability and growth of the PDP.

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    The communiqué issued after the meeting which was read by the Southwest PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, highlighted several key points.

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    “The Caucus demands that the Federal Government immediately release the withheld Osun State Local Government Allocation. The withholding of the Osun State Local Government Allocation by the Federal Government is unconstitutional, unwarranted and a violation of the rights and wellbeing of the people of Osun State.

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    “The Caucus reechoes the declaration of Governor Makinde that the 2027 election will be between Nigerians and the APC, with Nigerians ultimately triumphing under the banner of the PDP.

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    “The Caucus urges Nigerians not to lose hope but remain resolute and continue to rally with the PDP as our Party leads the charge to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.”

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    Leaders in attendance at the meeting also include the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Dr Eddy Olafeso; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Dr Saka Balogun; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Barr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe; and Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, among others.(NAN)

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  • Oyo NES Encourages Residents to Leverage Service Sector, Digital Economy, Agriculture for Q3 Growth

    Oyo NES Encourages Residents to Leverage Service Sector, Digital Economy, Agriculture for Q3 Growth

    Oyo NES Encourages Residents to Leverage Service Sector, Digital Economy, Agriculture for Q3 Growth

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) has called on residents to capitalise on the anticipated economic upswing in the third quarter of 2025. According to economic projections, the state is expected to experience a robust service sector, digital economy growth, and agricultural boom.

    Experts predict a 3.4% real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, driven by the new domestic refinery and increased oil production. Inflation is expected to moderate, resulting in a relatively stable naira.

    According to Agusto & Co, inflation is expected to moderate in the third quarter, and would result in a relatively stable naira. It is also projected that there would be a robust service sector and potential for growth in the digital economy in the third quarter.

    In light of these projections, the Oyo NES Chairman, Dr. Alarudeen Aminu, urged residents to engage productively in key sectors.

    “The service sector, including finance, real estate, and trade, remains a major driver of our economy, we call on our youth and other economic agents to tap into the digital economy, which is expected to boom in this quarter,” he said.

    Dr. Aminu also encouraged residents to explore opportunities in agriculture, citing the state government’s significant investments in the sector.

    “With rapid growth in agriculture, we urge our youth and residents to look into this direction and optimize the benefits.

    “By leveraging these opportunities, residents can position themselves for success and contribute to the state’s economic growth,” he added.

  • Student-Teacher Altercation Turns Deadly Over Seized cap.

    Student-Teacher Altercation Turns Deadly Over Seized cap.

    Student-Teacher Altercation Turns Deadly Over Seized cap.

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade

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    ‎A tragic incident occurred at the UBE Oju Centre in Benue State’s Oju Local Government Area when a 16-year-old Junior Secondary School 3 student, Friday Ogamude, allegedly killed his teacher, Mr. Oyibe Oyibe, over a seized school cap.

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    ‎The confrontation began in May 2025 when Mr. Oyibe confiscated the student’s cap as a disciplinary measure. On Thursday, the student approached the 35-year-old teacher to demand the return of his cap, leading to a physical altercation.

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    ‎During the scuffle, the student struck the teacher, causing him to slump to the ground.

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    ‎Mr. Oyibe was rushed to Amara Hospital in Oju, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Oju for autopsy. The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

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    ‎The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing the act as “tragic and reprehensible.” The Command assured the public that a full investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.

  • Oseni mobilises for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Oseni mobilises for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

     

    Oseni mobilises for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    By Akeem Abas

    Mr Aderemi Oseni, House of Representatives member representing Ido/Ibarapa-East, has initiated strategic mobilisation efforts in Oyo State for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

    Oseni inaugurated the leaders of the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF) across the 33 local government areas of the state in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oseni declared ROCOF as non-political and non-religious, but a movement of change agents.

    He said the group’s six-point agenda includes delivering Oyo State to President Tinubu.

    “Our first agenda is delivering Oyo State for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. A new Nigeria is possible, and it is unfolding through President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

    “We must rally round the President. We must support and partner with Mr President in this transformative journey.”

    The lawmaker and governorship aspirant urged ROCOF members to mobilise grassroots support to restore APC’s leadership in Oyo by 2027.

    “A new Oyo State that works for all must emerge, and the next governor of Oyo State must be of the APC. Oyo State can not afford to remain in the opposition in 2027.

    “As we approach 2027, we can not afford to repeat the mistake of 2023. Our souls have seen the consequences of being on a political sideline.

    “Instead, we must harness the collective strength of ROCOF Assembly to ensure that we are not only supporting the right, credible,  and most generally acceptable candidate.

    “But also actively engage with our communities to vote massively for all the APC candidates at all levels.”

    ROCOF Director-General, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe encouraged leaders to form council-level structures for easier coordination and massive grassroots support.

    Aderibigbe said ROCOF was formed to realise the six-point agenda and support Remi Oseni’s political aspiration.

    “ROCOF is for genuity; ROCOF is people-friendly; ROCOF is focus; ROCOF is here to liberate the people of Oyo State.

    “If you are with us, please stay with us. If you don’t want to stay with us  please after today’s programme, tell us you don’t want to stay with us. All we want is 100 per cent loyalty.”

    NAN reports that the event was attended by  notable political leaders, APC members, and supporters of the lawmaker from the 33 local governments in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Oyo Health Commissioner highlights achievements at Inter-Ministerial Briefing

    Oyo Health Commissioner highlights achievements at Inter-Ministerial Briefing

    Oyo Health Commissioner highlights achievements at Inter-Ministerial Briefing

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, has listed the achievements of the Ministry of Health, including proactive health workforce expansion and elevated health access across the state.

    ‎Dr. Ajetunmobi made this announcement at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room during the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing.

    ‎She noted that the Gov Seyi Makinde administration has also improved the health sector by recruiting thousands of health professionals and improving their welfare to address medical brain drain.

    “We have reduction in neonatal mortality rate, infant mortality rate and under 5 years mortality rate.

    ‎”We also have renovations of our central medical diagnosis centers, upgraded of our primary healthcare to 10kva solar inverter system and recruitment of 332 healthcare workers at secondary healthcare facilities.

    ‎”Recruitment of 3,000 health workers at Primary healthcare board.

    ” We have increase in our internship quotas, we have more than 18,000 people reached during free health mission. We also have ongoing data analysis on cardiovascular risk for policy development,” Dr Ajetunmobi said

    Dr. Ajetunmobi attributed the state’s ability to retain medical professionals to Governor Makinde’s foresight in improving the welfare packages of health workers and implementing measures to make the sector attractive to professionals.

    This, she said, has helped to mitigate the impact of the “Japa syndrome” on the state’s healthcare system. (NAN)

  • Ibadan Circular Road :  Oyo Advisory Council Praises Gov Makinde’s Commitment to Legacy Road Project

    Ibadan Circular Road :  Oyo Advisory Council Praises Gov Makinde’s Commitment to Legacy Road Project

    Ibadan Circular Road :  Oyo Advisory Council Praises Gov Makinde’s Commitment to Legacy Road Project

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Advisory Council has commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in building quality road infrastructure that targets the state’s economic expansion agenda.

    The Council’s Chairman, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), made this commendation during an inspection tour of the ongoing 110-kilometer Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

    Ayorinde led members of the Council on the inspection tour, which was conducted by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Mojeed Mogbojubola. The team was impressed with the quality of work and the pace of the project, noting that it would be delivered on time.

    ‎Ayorinde described the Circular Road project as a legacy project that would ease traffic congestion within the Ibadan metropolis, stimulate economic growth, and open up the corridor for real estate development and hospitality businesses. He added that the project would also become an arterial road connecting the state to other states in the country.

    “We are very satisfied that this road will be delivered on time. The level of the work is very good.

    ‎”This is a legacy project. You can see that it was conceived by the previous administrations but it is being actualised by the current government. Before Governor Makinde came in, he promised to deliver on this project. We are happy with what we have seen.

    “As we speak, the project has opened up a new town. Also, it will decongest traffic in Ibadan. Most people travelling through Ibadan would not have to enter the city if they have nothing to do there. So, it is an economic impetus,” Ayorinde said

    ‎The Council Chairman noted that the project would have a significant economic impact, decongesting traffic in Ibadan and providing an economic impetus for the state. He advised the people of the state to complement the government’s efforts and make good use of the project when it is delivered.

    ‎Other members of the Advisory Council who participated in the inspection tour included Hon. (Chief) Babatunde Oduyoye, Alhaji Bashir Ajibade, Chief Adewale Atande (Alase), Hon. Abiola Ajaja, Dr. Aderemi Ayodele, Pastor Akinade Alamu, and Alhaji Rasak Gbadegesin.

  • OYSADA Boosts Agribusiness with N46.6bn Investments, Supports 46,000 Farmers

    OYSADA Boosts Agribusiness with N46.6bn Investments, Supports 46,000 Farmers

    OYSADA Boosts Agribusiness with N46.6bn Investments, Supports 46,000 Farmers

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, has announced that the state government has attracted N46.6 billion investments into agribusiness, supporting 46,000 smallholder farmers.

    Dr. Akande made this announcement at the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing in Ibadan, highlighting the state’s achievements in the agriculture and agribusiness sector.

    These include: accessing close to $170 million in agribusiness and international development funds, attracting 14 large processing companies to the state’s agribusiness space, developing agriculture enablers such as industrial hubs, roads, and rural security.

    Also Creating a framework for Livestock Value Chain and constructing a Livestock Transformation Centre, training 5,020 youths in agribusiness, with 1,000 set to benefit from a N1.5 billion support initiative

    Dr. Akande also highlighted the development of agribusiness hubs, including the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, which has attracted close to N17 billion investments from 14 new agribusiness companies. The hub has also integrated 8,200 smallholder farmers into its supply chain.

    ‎The OYSADA DG announced plans to construct another mega agribusiness hub in Ijaiye, which will feature over 40 industries. He also mentioned the construction of a produce wholesale market in Ijaiye, which will serve as a convergence point for agricultural produce from across the state.

    ‎Dr. Akande emphasised that the state’s focus on agribusiness will stimulate economic growth, stabilize food costs, and increase the state’s revenue.

    He noted that the partnership with France-based Rungis-Semmaris will culminate in the construction of the wholesale market, which will benefit the state’s farmers and economy.

    ‎Dr Akande attended the inter-ministerial briefing alongside the OYSADA Permanent Secretary, Mr Badmus Kolawole and Mr Kola Kazeem, State Coordinator, L-PRES.

  • Guinness World Record: I was inspired by Kaffy, says Solaru GWR

    Guinness World Record: I was inspired by Kaffy, says Solaru GWR

    Guinness World Record: I was inspired by Kaffy, says Solaru
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    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    Oluwatosin Solaru, who recently completed the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest dance marathon by an individual, has traced her inspiration to Kafayat Shefau, also known as Kaffy.

    Solaru told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday that when Kaffy and her team broke the record in 2006, she got inspired to be a record breaker.

    “Then, I thought it had to be arranged and organised by an organisation like Silverbird or those who did hers.

    “When Hilda Baci did hers last year, I met a friend who had also attempted a wash-a-thon, and I discovered it was something I could apply for; and it’s done,” she said.

    Solaru alleged that Nigerians hardly understand talent, let alone embrace talented people.

    “I had to do my part of making a clear statement that dance is beyond just a hobby,” she said.

    NAN recalls that Solaru commenced her GWR on June 22 and ended it on June 29 at the Nile Cinema, Royal Roots Mall, Ikota, Lagos.

    She added that, contrary to popular belief, not all dance categories with the GWR have the same title, explaining she applied for the longest dance marathon by an individual.

    “There was very little support prior to the event, but as soon as the second day of the attempt, we started seeing more support from home and online.

    “I am a professional actor and writer, a spoken words artist and an entrepreneur.

    “In a rough estimate, it costs N3.5 million to put together the GWR performance,” she said.

    The 30-year-old said she was considering collaborations with more dancers.

    “I’ll be starting with my alma mater; I would love to have a series of workshops and seminars with at least 30 schools in Ogun and 20 in Lagos,” she said.

    She said that her father was supportive from the beginning, as he had always shown interest in her career, while her mother was a little sceptical.

    NAN reports that the current GWR for the longest dance marathon by an individual is 127 hours, achieved by Srushti Jagtap, from India, in 2023.

    Jagtap danced for five days straight at Dayanand College in Latur, Maharashtra, India.

    Meanwhile, Solaru recorded 157 hours to beat the existing record, though still awaiting GWR ratification

  • OYCSDA Invests in 30 Communities with 60 New Micro-Projects.

    OYCSDA Invests in 30 Communities with 60 New Micro-Projects.

    OYCSDA Invests in 30 Communities with 60 New Micro-Projects.

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has disbursed funds to 30 communities across the state for various micro-projects.

    The projects, which are based on the communities’ felt needs, include school construction or renovation, community health center construction or renovation, erosion control, and provision of portable water.

    ‎In his keynote address at the Training and Disbursement of Funds ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs in Ibadan, the Chairman of OYCSDA, Hon. Abideen  Adeaga, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the funding of the micro-projects.

    ‎Adeaga said the projects would expand access to basic healthcare, education, good roads, and portable water, in line with the state’s roadmap to sustainable development.popular manifesto tagged ‘Oyo State Roadmap to Sustainable Development <span;>2023-2027<span;> (Omituntun-2.0).

    ‎”In line with the Governor’s strategic moves, OYCSDA is intervening in communities that prioritized culverts and line drainages for improved access roads, building or renovation of school buildings and community health centers, this way Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is creating employment, conducive teaching and learning environment, access to portable water to defeat waterborne diseases as well as improved access to health care services by all and sundry.

    “Permit me to recount that when the OYO-CARES took off officially in year 2022, the budget could only cover forty-eight communities, then the maximum grant to communities was #15million, but His Excellency has magnanimously increased it to #18million when inflation affected cost of materials.

    “Despite the intervention at the planned forty-eight communities, the Governor approved supplementary funds for implementation of micro-projects in Sixty-six communities, bringing it to a total of 114 communities benefiting from 256 micro-projects across the State.

    “In a surprising turn, Governor Makinde recently approved the release of more funds for intervention in additional thirty communities in a move to ensure more people and more communities have improved access to micro infrastructure services that improve their lives.”

    ‎The Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly,and also the Chairman, House Committee on Project Monitoring,  Rt. Hon. Abiodun  Fadeyi, urged the benefiting communities to ensure due diligence and probity during project execution, warning that the State’s anti-corruption agency would be monitoring the projects.

    ‎The Chairman of Agbedo Community Management Committee, Prof. Israel Adesiyan, appreciated OYCSDA for alleviating the conditions of various communities in Oyo State and prayed for the success of Governor Makinde’s administration.