Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Inter-house Sports Competition, a viable platform for child development, talent hunt – Stakeholders

    Inter-house Sports Competition, a viable platform for child development, talent hunt – Stakeholders

    Inter-house Sports Competition, a viable platform for child development, talent hunt – Stakeholders

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    The importance of blending sporting activities with classroom learning for children has been identified as a viable tool in ensuring that students are properly developed in all aspects.

    Highlighting the benefits of integrating sporting activities into school curriculum, the Head Mistress, Scared Heart Catholic Private School Ibadan, Rev. Sr. Vivian Iribhogbe, said that school sports also avails the nation the opportunity for talent hunting.

    Iribhogbe spoke during 32nd Inter-House Sports Competition of the school held at the school playing ground in Ibadan.

    She described sports as important aspect of every being’s life that helps in improving human health as well as teaching life good qualities like discipline, hard work, patience, respect and teamwork.

    “As a school, we strive to ensure that our pupils attain the afore-mentioned skills by participating in extra-curricular activities throughout the year.

    “We should not dwell in the winning and losing aspects of sports, instead we must intimate pupils to participate more in gaining experience and attaining a better sense of sportsmanship.

    “This year’s event provides us with one such opportunity to learn and teach these qualities while practicing and taking part, “she said.

    Also speaking, the Priest in charge of Christ the King Catholic Church Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajewole, noted that education has to be whole, encompassing sports and classroom learning.

    “Learning is not about classroom alone, some of the great sport stars started from school inter- house sports competition.

    “Involvement of pupils in sports will also create more friendship and increase the spirit competition among students, “he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Olayinka Ayinde, represented by his wife, Mrs Oluwamayowa Ayinde said that sporting activities give the child all round development, which includes, cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains.

    “Besides, sports keep the child busy, this takes away idleness and prevents them from engaging social vices and other harmful events,’’ she said.

    A parent, Mrs Olubunmi Ogundeji, commended the school for identifying sports as integral part of learning process for grooming students for glorious future.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that blue house came first with 298 points.

    Yellow house was first runner-up with 287 while green and red houses took third and fourth positions with 281 and 263 points respectively.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

  • Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    Oyo State Government Vows to Crack Down on Crimes, Assures Residents of Security.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Government has pledged to take a tough stance on crimes and criminalities, reassuring residents of adequate security and safety.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, retired CP Fatai Owoseni, gave the assurance while briefing journalists after a security stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Owoseni explained that the meeting aimed to review and revamp security strategies, strengthen measures to combat banditry and criminality in Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and parts of Ibadan.

    “Just like we have always said, when it comes to the issue of security, you periodically review your strategy.

    “In the course of reviewing the security situation, we discovered that we have renewed attacks around Oyo Township, Ogbomoso, parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa as well as at the outskirts of Ibadan.

    “Heads of security agencies held a meeting yesterday to look at what we are not doing right and the need for us to restrategise so that we won’t rest on our oars.

    “Concluding the meeting, we found out that there is a need to engage our people — society approach.

    “Today, we had an opportunity to meet with stakeholders — Chairmen of the local government in Oyo axis and the Honourable members representing the axis in the House of Assembly; the elders from Oyo including some traditional stakeholders.

    “We are also exploring every possibility of synergy with Kwara State, just like we have been doing with Ogun State.

    “We want the people to know that we have what it takes to prevent all acts of criminalities. And we also have what it takes to respond effectively.

    “I want to use this opportunity to tell our people that there is no cause for alarm. The Service Commanders in Oyo State are rejigging their strategy to strengthen their collaborative efforts to ensure that we are able to put a stop to all that is happening.

    Owoseni commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s security architecture, noting its positive impact on the state’s economy and businesses.

    He urged residents to be security-conscious and report suspicious activities using the toll-free Emergency Number 615.

    The meeting, attended by service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional leaders, and community leaders, was part of a strategic decision to revamp security efforts in the state .(NAN)

  • Makinde Gifts Outgoing Oyo Police Commissioner Sonubi a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

    Makinde Gifts Outgoing Oyo Police Commissioner Sonubi a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

    Makinde Gifts Outgoing Oyo Police Commissioner Sonubi a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

    By Adewale Owoade

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has lauded the retiring Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Ayodele Sonubi, for his sense of dedication and diligence.

    The governor gave this commendation on at the Eleyele Police Command, Ibadan, where he presented a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to the CP through his Executive Assistant on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd).

    The CP, who assumed duty in Oyo State on June 16, 2024, will retire in a couple of weeks.

    In his response, Sonubi appreciated Governor Makinde for the honour done to him, saying “this is a big honour and I don’t know what I have done to merit this. But I know it has pleased God and His Excellency to appreciate me.

    “I pray that the Lord, who has been with him and has been upholding Oyo State for him to provide good leadership for us, will always be there for him.

    “The legacy is already in place in the state and it will forever live after him and I wish him greater heights.
    “We have also learnt from his leadership and we know he is not just a governor; he is a leader and builder of people.

    “I appreciate him for affecting my life positively at this crucial time. Where would I have got something like this? It pays to be dedicated and understand the people you are working with.

    ” No effort is a waste. People see you, they study you and have records of what you are doing. And, at the appropriate time, God knows how to use someone like His Excellency to reward an individual like me.”

    Sonubi equally commended the governor for always supporting security agencies in the state by providing everything needed for them to discharge their duties.

    “When we look at the security situation in Nigeria, all of us who are security agents try to always put in our best. But what normally aids us to achieve more is the support we get from stakeholders and he has never failed us in providing all that is needed in the discharge of our duty,” he added.

  • Valentine: AWLA, Padded Life Foundation Promote Sexual Rights Awareness, Menstrual Hygiene Among Oyo Students

    Valentine: AWLA, Padded Life Foundation Promote Sexual Rights Awareness, Menstrual Hygiene Among Oyo Students

    Valentine: AWLA, Padded Life Foundation Promote Sexual Rights Awareness, Menstrual Hygiene Among Oyo Students.

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    The African Women Lawyers Association(AWLA), Nigeria, Oyo state chapter in conjunction with a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO), Padded Life Foundation have charged girls to exercise their rights by speaking up against any form of sexual abuse and exploitation.

    The group made the call during a Valentine’s Day sexual health talk organized for students of St. Anne’s School Ibadan in commemoration of the year 2025 St. Valentine Day.

    The sexual health talk, which was in collaboration with Seminary-St Anne’s School Old Girls Association(SSASOGA), was aimed at educating the girls on their rights concerning their body system and how to protect them.

    In her remarks at the event, the Coordinator of AWLA Nig. in Oyo state, Mrs. Adebimpe Alex-Ndukwe, noted that the valentine sexual health talk was organised to sensitise students on their sexual reproductive rights.

    “We want them to know that they have rights over their body and organs, and also have the right to decide what anybody can do with their body.

    “We are also here to educate and let them know that our doors are open for the girls that are victims of any form of sexual abuse or molestation for counseling and possible prosecution of the offender free of charge.

    “Not just them alone, even for anybody around who is passing through such abuse. Part of our objectives is to promote and protect the interest of children and women, “she said.

    She charged the students to have the reorientation about valentine and its meaning.

    “Nowadays, when youths hear the word “valentine” the first thing that comes to mind is sex or romantic relationship.

    “This is abuse of the real meaning of the word “valentine”, love is more stronger and deeper in meaning than sexual relationships. They must share love in better ways rather than sleeping with boys or doing other things that are not healthy for their body,” she said.

    Also, a representative of Padded Life Foundation, Oluwatimilehin Sotonade, noted that the NGO in conjunction with AWLA Nigeria embarked on valentine outreach to properly sensitise the students on true meaning of love and to distribute sanitary pads to the girls so as to improve their menstrual hygiene.

    “At the Padded Life Foundation, we help school girls with sanitary pads across the state to improve their menstrual health, build their confidence and encourage them, “she said.

    She advised the students to focus on their studies and strive to add values to themselves. Sotonade also urged the students not to be deceived by boyfriends that valentine is all about sex or romantic relationship.

    Similarly, the President of the SSASOGA, Mrs Funmi Kehinde, said that the annual St. Anne’s valentine programme was a way of engaging and rescuing the students from falling victims of negative valentine celebration.

    “It is a sexual health talk programme that features dance competition, quiz, chorography, lectures, drama and other educational activities for the girls to enjoy themselves under supervision.

    “It is our way of celebrating motherhood to the girls and being a good example that they should emulate, “she said.

    On her part, the School Principal, Mrs Moradehun Olatunji, commended the SSASOGA and other partners for organizing the educative valentine talk.

    She noted that the programme would further shape the future of the girls and help them to become a better version of themselves.

    Reflecting on the programme, a Senior School three(SS3) student, Mariam Oluwatimilehin Bikobaku, noted that the programme has enlightened the participants on good menstrual hygiene and proper way to celebrate valentine.

  • Let service, humility be your guiding principles, Makinde urges corps members

    Let service, humility be your guiding principles, Makinde urges corps members

    Let service, humility be your guiding principles, Makinde urges corps members

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged corps members to let service and humility be their guiding principles while serving in the state.

    Makinde stated this on Tuesday at the NYSC Camp in Iseyin during the closing of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course for corps members deployed to the state.

    The governor, represented by the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, urged the corps members to make use of the lessons and the skills acquired during the camp programmme.

    He promised that the government would not relent in its efforts at addressing corps members’ welfare needs and ensuring their safety.

    Makinde urged them to pay special attention to the development of their host communities by identifying viable projects that would positively impact the lives of the people.

    “It is important to inform you once again that you have nothing to fear as the people of Oyo State are loving, peaceful and very hospitable.

    “So, I want you to be rest assured that you will find the environment right to live and work in,” he said.

    Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Abel Odoba, appealed to employers to provide the corps members with basic needs such as accommodation and transportation or allowances in lieu.

    “The welfare of corps members is of the utmost priority to us. We are, therefore, appealing to employers to provide them with the basic needs.

    “The orientation course has added tremendous value to the lives of this set of young graduates mobilised to Oyo State.

    “Nevertheless, as young people just leaving the free world of tertiary institutions, they are likely to, occasionally, present youthful exuberance, at such moments, it is our responsibility, especially the corps’ employers and guardians, to correct them.

    “We also own it as our responsibility to commend them when they show leadership traits,” he said.

    He charged the corps members to always respect the traditions and culture of their host communities.

  • Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Ruling House in Eruwa town has insisted on rotational arrangements and distance itself from any attempts to hijack the right of Olaribikusi Ruling House to produce the next Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo State.

    The Ruling House said such actions would be tantamount to cheating their brethren (Laribikusi) and creating bad blood between the two ruling houses which has been the sole producer of Eleruwa.

    A letter written to governor Makinde and signed by Prince Abolanle Akeem, Prince Adedokun Amos, Prince Adejumobi Olugbade, Prince Afolabi Abimbola, Prince Oloyede Raji, Princess Bosede Oyebola, Prince Kolawole Olaniyan, Prince Adejumobi Olukunle urged the governor to prevail on those seeking to destabilize rotational process between the two royal houses and impose their anointed candidate from Akalakoyi to rescind their decision.

    The Akalakoyi called on governor Makinde to ensure that the selection process of the new Eleruwa is fair, transparent, and in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    He letter reads, “We, the members of Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, write to bring to your attention on the ongoing Eleruwa Kingship tussle in Eruwa land, Ibarapa East Local Government Area State.

    “As stakeholders in this matter, we deem it necessary to provide clarification and guidance on the proper interpretation of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    “As you may be aware, the Eleruwa Kingship is rotational between the two ruling houses: Akalakoyi and Laribikusi. Following the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi, it was the turn of Olaribikusi to produce the successor.

    “However, the selection of Oba
    Samuel Adegbola from Olaribikusi was challenged in court and ultimately led to his dethronement on November 29, 2019, due to his ineligibility to be the Eleruwa.

    “The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the new Eleruwa should be selected from Laribikusi House, as it is still their turn. This decision is in line with the Yoruba adage, “ti Oba kan o ba ku, omiran kii je,” which emphasizes the importance of respecting the rotational order of the kingship.

    “As you may be aware, your government has already initiated the process for selecting a new Eleruwa through the Afobaje, in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    “We believe that it is essential to respect the rotational order of the kingship and allow Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa.

    “Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will take the necessary steps to ensure that justice, transparency, and fairness prevail in the selection of the next Eleruwa.”

    Meanwhile, representatives of the Laribikusi family while featuring on a popular radio program in Ibadan (Dende Oro) to discuss the ongoing crisis surrounding the throne of Eleruwa provided insight into the Eleruwa Chieftancy declaration of 1957/58, which recognises only two royal families – Laribikusi and Akalako – as eligible to ascend the throne.

    The Laribikusi family representatives who appeared on the program included Prince Mukaila Adejumo, Prince Azeez Olabode, Prince Mike Oke, Prince Ijaola Olabode and Alhaji Hazim Bello among others.

    According to them, “Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, who reigned as Eleruwa until his death in 1994, was a member of the Akalako family. His successor, Oba Samuel Adegbola, was removed by the Supreme Court on November 29, 2019, for allegedly reigning illegally.”

    They explained that the nomination process coordinated by the Ibarapa East LG Chairman, Hon Akeem Arogundade does not follow due process and not transparent as no 14 days deadline as stipulated by law was given as claimed either written or verbal before rumor of taking it to the other ruling house.

    Therefore, they are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Makinde to come to their aid so that the right thing be done and they won’t be denied of their heritage

  • RAIN SUMMIT 1.0; Tinubu Administration Doubles Down on Digital Transformation to Tackle Youth Unemployment

    RAIN SUMMIT 1.0; Tinubu Administration Doubles Down on Digital Transformation to Tackle Youth Unemployment

         

    RAIN SUMMIT 1.0; Tinubu Administration Doubles Down on Digital Transformation to Tackle Youth Unemployment

     

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

     

    The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to digital transformation as a catalyst for youth empowerment.

     

     

    Speaking at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0 in Ibadan, Tijani emphasised the importance of technology in driving national development.

     

     

    Tijani noted that Nigeria’s future prosperity hinges on its ability to harness technology, rather than relying solely on government efforts.

     

     

    He encouraged the country’s talented and creative individuals to translate digital transformation into economic opportunities.

     

     

    The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s impressive investment in the telecommunications sector, which is the highest on the continent.

     

    “Because of the future that will see, we will not do things that are just popular, we will do things that set our nation on the path of prosperity.

     

    “One thing I want to recognise is that the future we see as a country is not going to be possible if we outsource the work to government only.

     

    “There is no nation on earth that can actually develop without investing in the foundation of technology because technology is responsible for development.

     

    “While the government is doing that, we need the talented and creative ones among us that will translate this into economic opportunities.

     

     

    “Investment in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria is the highest on the continent.”

     

    Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his Special Assistant on ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande, echoed Tijani’s sentiments, emphasising ongoing efforts to boost digital literacy and equip young people with essential skills for the evolving job market.

     

     

    Rep. Aderemi Oseni praised the Tinubu administration’s innovative strides, particularly in technological advancement.

     

    “I want to tell you the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is really on course in the area of technological advancement.

     

    “I want to equally reconfirm that what the government is investing in the area of technology is something that we are all proud of as members of the National Assembly.”

     

     

    The convener of the summit, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, called on the government to introduce robotics to universities, highlighting the need for technical lecturers to handle this field.

     

    “The Nigerian government needs to allow Robotics in universities.

     

    “If the universities are complaining that there are no technical people to handle this, that is why we are showcasing the capacity of Nigerian youths.

     

    “Maybe there is going to be a policy shift; rather than have academic lecturers for the purpose of robotics, we might engage technical lecturers to handle this.

     

    “We are hoping for that policy shift in the education system in Nigeria and also we want to emphasise that the Nigerian tech community can handle big projects and so we are showcasing quite a number of solutions at today’s exhibition.”

     

    Awards were given to Minister of Communications,  the mother of the convener, Justice Ayoola, and many others.

  • Renowned Neurologist Warns of Looming Brain Health Crisis in Nigeria

    Renowned Neurologist Warns of Looming Brain Health Crisis in Nigeria

    Renowned Neurologist Warns of Looming Brain Health Crisis in Nigeria

    By Adewale Owoade

    A Consultant Neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has sounded the alarm on a looming brain health crisis in Nigeria.

    According to Farombi, the country is projected to experience three times its current burden of brain disorders by 2030.

    Farombi revealed that hypertension and diabetes, which affect one in four and one in six persons in Nigeria, respectively, are major drivers of neurological conditions.

    She warned that the country will witness a significant increase in neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, headache, insomnia, depression, and mental health diseases in the next five years.

    Farombi made these remarks during the commissioning of her neuro-critical and neuro-rehabilitation service hospital in Ibadan, called Brain Centre.

    The hospital is designed to provide cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, and impactful research for patients with neurological disorders.

    The Brain Centre founder described the facility as a “beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence” committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders.

    She emphasized the need for government support to enact policies that will retain Nigeria’s best medical talents.

    The commissioning ceremony was attended by prominent Nigerians, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Olatunde Farombi; the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori; and Senator Sharafadeen Alli.

    In her keynote address, Dr. Ilori described the hospital as a “game-changer” that will bridge a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system. She praised the facility’s capability to address brain health for all Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV.

    Senator Alli, who was represented by Dr. Saka Adewunmi, commended the Brain Centre as a testament to collective efforts to bring world-class healthcare services to Ibadan. He urged the facility to serve as a model for innovative healthcare solutions in Nigeria and beyond.

  • Gov. Makinde Bereaved as Brother Passes Away

    Gov. Makinde Bereaved as Brother Passes Away

    Gov. Makinde Bereaved as Brother Passes Away

    By Adewale Owoade

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lost his eldest brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde, who passed away at the age of 65.

    According to a statement by Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, Engineer Sunday Makinde’s sudden death occurred at his Ibadan residence at 3:20 am on Friday, January 24, 2025.

    The late Engineer Sunday Makinde is survived by his siblings, including Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as children and grandchildren.

    This loss comes as a sad reminder of the governor’s previous experience with bereavement, having lost his mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, in 2020.