Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Hotel registration: Oyo State partners association on sensitisation drive.

    Hotel registration: Oyo State partners association on sensitisation drive.

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    The Oyo State Government has started a sensitisation exercise to sanitise the hospitality sector by calling on hoteliers to register their facilities accordingly.

    The state government, via its Ministry of Culture and Tourism, put the exercise together in partnership with the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter.

    The exercise, scheduled to last two weeks in Ibadan, was flagged off by the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun.

    Olatubosun said the sensitisation teams would visit all hotels in Ibadan with letters expounding to owners the benefits of having their hotels registered.

    “They are all expected to come and register at the tourism board. After it is concluded here in Ibadan, the various teams will move to other zones in the state.

    “We will spend another three weeks to cover the other zones. All zones in the state will be covered in the next five weeks,” he said.

    He, however, appealed to hoteliers in the state to cooperate with them.

    “Aside from hoteliers doing the needful, the state government also wants to assist hoteliers in their businesses, so we can have a database that will make room for smooth planning and operations,” he said.

    The commissioner personally delivered letters to some hotels within the Bodija axis of Ibadan.

    Meanwhile, the state president of the association, Mr Ayodele Ogundele, supported the drive to have a database of all hotels in the state.

    This, he said, was very important for security reasons and pivotal for developmental reasons.

    “It is not possible to develop without having data, but really, how many jobs or industries can you enter without some form of registration?

    “Ordinarily, if you buy a tricycle, you can’t just put it on the road and start picking passengers without registering.

    “We are also trying to forestall any problem in the future, taking for instance what happened in the city of Ife some years back; we don’t want such in our state,” he said.

    The head hotelier in the state lamented the situation whereby people run the hospitality business without the knowledge of what it entails and the rules guiding the sector.

    “For instance, many hotels don’t know that they need to have a copy of a lodger’s Identify Card.

    “With the upsurge in Airbnb, apartments, and suites, there’s a need to take precautions.

    “Everyone is, actually, welcome onboard, but they must do all that’s needed to be in the business,” he said.

    According to him, the state is trying to create data for a directory to know how to assist in the future based on the income they are making from the hospitality business.

    “We all heard about how much was made in Lagos during the ‘Detty December’ and right now, all states are envious of that.

    “Now, Oyo State has hit the ground running, trying to prepare itself for the next Detty December.

    “Prior to this sensitisation, we have many hotels registering but never looking back.

    “We are emphasising that the registration is not just about money but also about dissemination of information because people pay for registration and never come back or leave a forwarding address.

    “We’ve had well over a thousand members who have registered, but not all attend meetings or get updates from the association.

    “Now, we want everyone on board, no matter how big or small your hotel is,” he said

  • Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    Makinde presents instruments of office to new Eleruwa.

    By Adewale Owoade

    Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has presented the staff and certificate of office to the newly appointed Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.

    Gov Makinde presented the instruments of office to the new Eleruwa at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Thursday.

    He noted that he was glad that the lingering issues that prevented the historical town from having a traditional ruler have finally been settled.

    The governor explained that his administration would continue to look for ways to advance the cause of development in each domain, stating that the importance of the traditional institution cannot be overemphasised.

    He equally clarified that Oba Adegbola was nominated by the kingmakers of Eruwa and that all his government did was to endorse the nomination.

    He said: “We are here today for a very important reason. This is an issue that has lingered since 2019, leaving Eruwa with no traditional ruler for over five years.

    “This administration came in May 2019 and we met the dispute surrounding the throne. We tried to appeal to everyone because Kabiyesi was Eleruwa for 21 years before November when we had that Supreme Court judgement and we had to obey the court order.

    “I took it upon myself to find out what the truth was and I learnt that the first judgement was delivered by the former Chief Judge, Mukthar Abimbola.

    “I called him and we sat down and I asked him to explain to me the cause of this matter. I asked, was it that Kabiyesi did not qualify or he did not come from the royal family? But he said Kabiyesi came from the royal family.

    “He said the issue they were having was whether he came from the female side but was supposed to come from another side. So, I concluded that we should keep looking for ways to solve the problem.

    “From that November 2019 up until this moment, I asked myself if Eruwa town had been better off and the answer is no. A town that does not have a governing head, things are always very difficult, because somebody must stand up and talk to the authorities.

    “Today, I am glad that the issue has finally been resolved.
    “As I have said in the past, our administration will not interfere in the decisions of our traditional institutions as long as due process is followed.

    “I can say that for any issue that has to do with the traditional institution, anybody that goes to court would only go and waste his time and efforts.

    “Not that people did not come to me to lobby. As a matter of fact, a very important personality in this state came to me and said it is his person they are pushing for the Eruwa stool. But I said I would look into it and do what my conscience says is right, as I know that I will explain this one day before my own Maker.

    “So, Kabiyesi was nominated by the kingmakers and all we have done is to endorse the nomination.

    “The importance of our traditional institution to our dear state cannot be overemphasised. They are closer to the people and they do a bit in governance especially as it concerns security.

    “They have also contributed so much to make this state safe. Also, in the preservation of our culture and tradition, they have played an important role.”

    In his response, the new Eleruwa, Oba Adegbola appreciated the state government, declaring that he would invite everyone with grievances with a view to settling all differences in the overall interest of Eruwa.

    He equally promised to bring about greater developments to the town and also cooperate with the state government and all traditional rulers in Ibarapaland and Oyo State to achieve the vision of securing the state.

    In attendance at the event were a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; representative of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Ladiran Akintola; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.

    Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; co-chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Asiwaju Olatunji Alao Fadairo; as well as wives of Oba Adegbola, Olori Caroline and Olori Oyefunke.

    Others were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties), Chief Mikhail Bayo Lawal and other government functionaries.

  • Peller Unveils LGI 2025 Strategic Roadmap, Reinforces Dedication to Empowering Youths

    Peller Unveils LGI 2025 Strategic Roadmap, Reinforces Dedication to Empowering Youths

    Peller Unveils LGI 2025 Strategic Roadmap, Reinforces Dedication to Empowering Youths

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Founder of the Lead Generation Initiative (LGI), Shina Peller, has expressed commitment to the development of youths in the country, emphasising the need for their active involvement in leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

     

    Speaking at the LGI Global Press Conference and Partnership Event in Abuja, Peller outlined the organisation’s renewed vision to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, leadership training, and access to justice.

     

    He recalled that LGI was founded on January 21, 2020, as a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to harness their creativity and aspirations for national development.

     

    “With Nigeria’s population projected to reach approximately 234.6 million by July 2025, and about 70% under the age of 30, there is an urgent need to channel this youthful energy into productive engagements,” he said, citing data from MacroTrends.

     

    Peller, a former member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, highlighted the impact of LGI’s Get Involved Leadership Training programs, which have so far empowered young leaders across various states.

     

    These include 420 participants from Oyo State, 394 from Osun, 254 from Bauchi, 326 from Niger, 227 from Kwara, and 138 from Gombe.

     

    Additionally, LGI partnered with the WE2GEDA Initiative to hold regional summits across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, engaging youths in Kano, Yola, Anambra, Uyo, Minna, and Lagos.

     

    Announcing a new phase of LGI’s commitment, Peller unveiled key partnerships with Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) for youth empowerment and Call a Lawyer NG to improve access to justice.

     

    He noted that these collaborations would provide startup support, legal assistance, and civic education to help young Nigerians overcome barriers to personal and professional growth.

     

    To strengthen its grassroots impact, the organization has also restructured its leadership and appointed 12 new regional coordinators.

     

    According to Peller, this move is aimed at ensuring inclusivity and fostering proactive community leadership among LGI members.

     

    As part of its 2025 Strategic Roadmap, LGI will host Regional Leadership Summits across the six geopolitical zones, creating a platform for young people to engage in national development discussions and take ownership of the country’s progress.

     

    “Mindful of the challenges our country faces today, the regional summits will provide opportunities for young people to stand up, stand firm, and take responsibility for the development of their communities and our nation,” Peller stated.

     

    He encouraged young Nigerians to visit LGI’s website, www.leadgennig.com, to register and participate in the movement, stressing the importance of youth involvement in shaping Nigeria’s future.

     

    “We invite all Nigerian youth to take a stand for your country, join us in pursuing social change, and be the change you aspire to see,” he urged.

     

    Peller concluded by expressing gratitude to LGI’s partners, stakeholders, and the media for their continued support in driving the organisation’s mission forward.

     

    President of AYE Organisation, Dr Summy Smart, represented by the Partners Relations Manager AYE Organisation, Atuzie Favour Tuzzi, said the African Young Entrepreneurs is an ecosystem that has over 25,000 entrepreneurs across Africa present in 20 countries in Africa as well.

     

    She said they were ready to work with LGI and create better impacts for Nigeria and the world at large.

     

    The event ended with a question-and-answer session, during which Peller reiterated LGI’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

  • Prophet Accused of Impregnating Married Woman, Husband Demands Compensation.

    Prophet Accused of Impregnating Married Woman, Husband Demands Compensation.

    Prophet Accused of Impregnating Married Woman, Husband Demands Compensation.

    By Adewale Owoade

    A Zimbabwean man, Nigel Furaijo, has taken a self-proclaimed prophet, Edson Chirimani, to court, accusing him of impregnating his wife, who later suffered a miscarriage.

    Furaijo is demanding reimbursement for the hospital bills and seeking justice for the alleged betrayal.

    Chirimani denies the accusations, claiming that Furaijo has been harassing him with threatening messages and visits to his home.

    The prophet insists that he does not know Furaijo’s wife and has done nothing wrong.

    The matter has escalated to the Harare Civil Court, where a peace order has been granted against Furaijo to prevent further harassment.

    However, Furaijo remains adamant that Chirimani should take responsibility for his actions.

    “I want my money back because I cannot pay bills for someone who can have sex with my wife,” Furaijo said.

    The case has sparked a heated dispute, with both parties refusing to back down. Chirimani maintains his innocence, while Furaijo demands accountability for the alleged affair.

  • Oyo Govt, UNICEF Unveil Innovative Health Insurance Scheme for Primary School Students.

    Oyo Govt, UNICEF Unveil Innovative Health Insurance Scheme for Primary School Students.

    Oyo Govt, UNICEF Unveil Innovative Health Insurance Scheme for Primary School Students.

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Oyo State Government and UNICEF launched a health insurance scheme for public primary school pupils. The scheme, supported by UNICEF, aims to improve access to quality healthcare for underprivileged children.

     

    Speaking at the event in Ibadan, the state Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal, urged Oyo State Health Insurance Agency,OYSHIA, to expand its efforts to capture more pupils across the state.

    He also praised UNICEF’s interventions and encouraged other organisations to follow suit.

    Also, the Executive Secretary of Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr. Sola Akande, said the scheme will initially cover 10,000 pupils.

    He noted that various health insurance schemes have already provided access to quality healthcare services for over 250,000 residents.

    “In effect, the purchasing power and quality of life of about 2.5 per cent of the residents of the state has improved through the activities of OYSHIA,” he said.

    UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, emphasised that affordable and quality healthcare is every child’s fundamental right.

    She praised the initiative for promoting universal health coverage and ensuring no child faces financial obstacles in accessing healthcare.

    “Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal; it’s a social and economic necessity.

    “When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the success of the nation.

    “At UNICEF, equity is our guiding principle, ensuring equal opportunities for every child. This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” she said.

    Other dignitaries, including the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr Nureni Adeniran, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, Mr Raji Oladimeji, commended the initiative and assured their support for its success.

     

     

     

     

  • Clampdown Looms for Unregistered Hotels, Tourism Agencies in Oyo State

    Clampdown Looms for Unregistered Hotels, Tourism Agencies in Oyo State

     

    Clampdown Looms for Unregistered Hotels, Tourism Agencies in Oyo State

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State government has announced plans to crack down on unregistered and illegal hotels, hospitality establishments, and tour agencies. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the announcement at a press conference.

    Olatunbosun stated further that the move aims to boost internal revenue and curb crimes at these establishments.

    The government is collaborating with security agencies and registered hotel owners to achieve this goal.

    He attributed the influx of businesses in the state to its quality infrastructure and security architecture.

    The process will begin next week with awareness campaigns across the state’s geo-political zones.

    Otunba Ayodele Ogundele, Chairman of the Hotelier Association of Oyo State, urged hotel owners to cooperate with the government, emphasising the need for professionalism, proper verification, and accountability from visitors.

    This move is expected to improve safety and security for citizens and businesses in the state.

  • Makinde Receives Report on Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, Promises Swift Action.

    Makinde Receives Report on Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, Promises Swift Action.

    Makinde Receives Report on Bodija Explosion Relief Fund, Promises Swift Action

    By Adewale Owoade

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has received the report of the Committee on Management/Disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund.

    The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, assured that the state government will look into the recommendations and implement them as appropriate.

    The committee’s report is divided into four volumes, covering the disbursement and management of the relief fund, framework for distribution of government financial support, breakdown of money apportioned to support affected persons, and a pictorial representation of damages recorded during the explosion.

    Lawal noted that the event leading to the committee’s setup was sad and avoidable, and the state government responded with emergency services and post-explosion support services.

    He emphasised the importance of security consciousness and alertness among residents.

    The committee proposed support for different categories of victims, including those who lost loved ones, buildings, vehicles, and other valuables.

    “So, on behalf of His Excellency, I want to assure that this report would be looked into quickly and the recommendations therein would be implemented.

    “We know that we do not have the luxury of further delay in implementation. We will put in all the efforts that will be required for quick implementation, so that victims of the explosion would be assuaged and assisted without further delay.

    Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, president of Bodija Estate Residents Association, clarified that the relief fund is a support and not compensation, but if implemented, it will assist the victims.

    He said: “We proposed support for different categories of people – for the families of those who lost their lives and those who lost buildings, vehicles and the rest. So, it varies.

    “We recommended different figures depending on what we perceived was the level of effect on each of these people.

    “Our expectations are that, like His Excellency said, the implementation will be expedited. We have done due diligence and what we are presenting will be ready to go.

    “We appreciate the expediency that made the state government agree that the Deputy Governor himself should stand in for the governor.

    “So, our expectation is that the implementation would be done with expediency.

    “On the relief fund, if what we recommended is implemented, there is no doubt that it would help. And don’t forget that it is called support. So, you can’t complain. If it was compensation, you can claim what you lost but this is a kind of support and it is what should be appreciated.

    “I know that for those who would receive, whatever they get is going to be well appreciated.

    “We have shown appreciation to our governor on the treatment of those who were affected during the incident. Our roads are now being done. If we are going to have development, there is going to be complaint.

    “We appreciate what the government has done so far.”

     

  • National Museum of Unity Hosts Dialogue on Traditional Music and Dance.

    National Museum of Unity Hosts Dialogue on Traditional Music and Dance.

    National Museum of Unity Hosts Dialogue on Traditional Music and Dance.

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    The Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Oriyomi Otuka, emphasised the importance of preserving Nigerian cultural heritage through a collaborative project with the French Institute for Research (IFRA-Nigeria).

    This project, known as the Alternative Nigeria Heritage FEF Project, aims to raise awareness about Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

    At a one-day dialogue tagged “Traditional Music and Dance” for schools in Oyo State, Otuka explained that the project seeks to reveal marginalised objects, attract more visitors to the museum, and encourage interaction with exhibits.

    This initiative transforms the museum into an inclusive and vibrant cultural center.

    The dialogue focused on fostering deepened knowledge of tangible and intangible cultural heritage through engaging conversations.

    Otuka highlighted that intangible cultural heritages, such as sports, crafts, festivals, drama, music, and dance, possess elements of material culture that serve as vehicles for their expressions.

    Among the over 2,500 collections of objects at the museum, there is a section dedicated to musical equipment, showcasing a variety of instruments from different groups in Nigeria.

    Otuka noted that music and dance share a unique relationship, with musical instruments serving as the basis for dance.

    Nigeria is home to a diverse array of dance forms, each reflective of its various cultures. Notable examples include the Minago dance from Plateau, the Udje dance practiced by the Urhobo people, and the Bata dance from Yoruba.

    Dr. Delphine Manetta, IFRA-Nigeria representative, commended the collaboration between the Museum of Unity of Ibadan and IFRA-Nigeria. She acknowledged the efforts of Otuka, Mrs. Christiana Alagbe, and Ms. Adejoke Rafiat Adetoro in organising the event.

    The event featured facilitators Dr. Olaolu Emmanuel Adekola, a specialist in African musicology, and Oluyomi Duro Ladipo, a multi-talented performing artist.

    Some of the schools present included The Polytechnic Ibadan, University of Ibadan, and Lead City University.

  • Don’t truncate democracy, Makinde warns APC at Osun LG chairmen swearing-in

    Don’t truncate democracy, Makinde warns APC at Osun LG chairmen swearing-in

    Don’t truncate democracy, Makinde warns APC at Osun LG chairmen swearing-in

    By Adewale Owoade

    Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to truncate democracy by resorting to self-help on Local Government Administration in Osun State.

    The governor gave this warning on Sunday, during the swearing-in of the 30 newly-elected Local Government Chairmen, stating that the APC should not exploit federal might to truncate democratic processes.

    He congratulated the newly-elected chairmen, charging them to deliver dividends of democracy to their people and justify the confidence reposed in them.

    Governor Makinde, who was in Osogbo with the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum chairman and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, said they were in attendance at the swearing-in event in solidarity with the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke.

    Makinde noted that the APC could have a court judgment, it should follow the due process to implement such judgment and not go through the backdoors or unlawful means, adding that lovers of democracy would not want a resort to violence, which made the South-West earn the appellation of ‘Wild Wild West’ in the past.

    He said: “Let me congratulate the newly-minted chairmen and chairpersons of all the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.

    “Don’t forget the promises you made to the people during your campaign. This is an opportunity for you to deliver to the people at the grassroots level. My prayer is that with the support of your governor and the state government, you will deliver.

    “For some of you, this will be your stepping stone to higher positions, because the reward for hard work is more work.

    “The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and I decided to come here to witness this momentous occasion and to show solidarity with the government and the people of Osun State.

    “Recently, we were in Lagos for the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting. We had PDP and APC governors from the South-West in attendance.

    “We came together in the interest of our zone to tackle those problems that are common to us and our expectation is that we would have the support all the way to the top, because the essence of governance is to deliver the goods to the people in our various states and zones.

    “So, when events started unfolding here in Osun State to the extent that lives were lost, we felt that we should come around and sound a note of warning.

    “We are all students of history and we know what the South-West Region went through that made people tag it ‘Wild Wild West’ back then and we do not want that again.

    “We just want to peacefully deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. So, nobody should resort to self-help. Even if you have a court judgment, there is a process; let the process go through.

    “You cannot say that because you have the so-called federal might, you want to truncate the process. This is a federal arrangement.”