Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Poultry Association Boss Assures Nigerians of Product Availability this Christmas.

    Poultry Association Boss Assures Nigerians of Product Availability this Christmas.

    Poultry Association Boss Assures Nigerians of Product Availability this Christmas.

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The National President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Chief Ichie Sunday Ezeobiora, wishes Nigerians a Merry Christmas and assures them of available poultry products despite challenges faced by farmers.

    Ezeobiora, also CEO of Sunchi Integrated Farms, credits the resilience of farmers in maintaining food production.

    He notes that table eggs, chicken, and turkey meat remain the cheapest animal protein options for Nigerians.

    “Despite the increasing cost of our basic raw materials, we have ensured that your table eggs, chicken, and turkey meat are available to every Nigerian this period of celebrations.

    “They remain the cheapest animal protein available to Nigerians, and special thanks to our dogged farmers for their resilience in ensuring continued food production.”

    The Poultry Association boss extends festive greetings and best wishes for a productive 2025.

  • Makinde Urges Alayande University to Foster Global Research and Innovation

    Makinde Urges Alayande University to Foster Global Research and Innovation

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has tasked the Vice Chancellor and Council of the Alayande University of Education to strive for excellence and make the institution a global leader in research, innovation, and development.

     

    Makinde made the call during the second Foundation Day celebrations of the university, which held at the University Lecture Theatre, Oyo.

     

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said his administration attached special attention to education and would, therefore, continue to advance the educational landscape in the state.

     

    He said the government would continue to work and collaborate with the university to make it a model for others to emulate.

     

    Gov Makinde emphasised the importance of the university’s role in shaping the future of education in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. He encouraged the university community to work together to achieve this vision.

     

    This charge is in line with Makinde’s commitment to education and development in Oyo State.

     

    He urged the university leadership to continue raising  the bar of education and the state government would continue to partner the university to attain global ranking.

     

    Makinde said: ‘’I recognise the challenges that can come with setting a University of this calibre in motion, but I assure you that our government will continue to stand by this Institution, providing necessary support to overcome these challenges and achieve greater heights.

     

    “I want to seize this medium to call on all stakeholders–staff, students, parents and the private sectors to please, work and collaborate with us in our efforts in making this University a model for others to emulate.

     

    ‘’As we mark this special occasion, let us not only celebrate the successes of the past two years but also look ahead with renewed determination and optimism to raise the standard of the Institution.

     

    “Let us envision a future where Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo is global leader in educational research, innovation and development. I use this opportunity to challenge the authority of the University to come with policies and frameworks that can help our educational systems at all levels’’.

     

    The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, whose message was delivered by the Co-ordinating Director of the ministry, Mrs. Christiana Bolaji, lauded the efforts of the university leadership in putting the institution on the right footing.

     

    In his address, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Prof. Ayoade Ogunkunle, lauded Governor Makinde’s supports  for the institution.  Ogunkunle, however, urged Makinde to increase funding for the university.

     

    ‘’Your Excellency, I must acknowledge your moral and financial support to the university. You approved the take-off grant of one billion naira for our institution and some of the funds has been released to us. We believe that if the remaining  amount can be released, it will further improve the quality of infrastructure and services rendered by our university’’, he said.

     

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, in his address titled: ‘’Building ,Not from Scratch’’, expressed gratitude to God for the strength, and Governor Seyi Makinde for the generational gift of the school and noble responsibility bestowed on him.

     

    Olaniyan also paid glowing tributes to  the past leaders of the legacy institutions that metamorphosed into Emmanuel Alayande University of Education.

     

    Commending   Makinde’s strides,  the vice chancellor stressed the need for more funding for the university to meet its obligations.

     

    The VC said: ‘’Providing university education requires a lot of funding. While we acknowledge the huge investments made by our Visitor, we are like Oliver Twist, asking for more.

     

    “As a newly upgraded institution, there is a need for new structures, additional staff, and improvements to facilities such as the health centre, library, and laboratories.

     

    “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our Governor and Visitor to the University for the commitment and funding of tertiary institutions in Oyo state,

     

    “Emmanuel Alayande has benefitted immensely from this support. Within  the last one year, more than 2.5 billion naira had been used to pay the salary of the workers of the institution.

     

    “In addition to this, the government approved  a take-off grant of one  billion naira for the institution. A proportion of the take-off grant had been released and had been judiciously used.

     

    “The university inherited the outstanding debts of about 1.8 billion naira incurred by the defunct College of Education. The management had started offsetting some of the debt.

     

    “The State government had also started repaying some of the outstanding salary bill. We are restructuring the financial status of the university by blocking leakages, stopping wastage and utilising a credible and transparency financial procedure’’.

     

    The professor also joined the Pro-chancellor in  calling  for the construction of  a pedestrian bridge over the Ogbomoso-Oyo Highway to ensure  safety and security of students and staff.

     

    He also reeled out efforts of the university in shoring up its revenue.

     

    Olaniyan said: ‘’In order to increase our IGR, we have restructured all our business ventures to make them profitable. All the businesses of the University are presently being registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

     

    “The process has already started, and we hope to complete the process soonest. The approved name is EAUED Ventures Limited. In addition, The University decided to have a Commercial farm unit.

     

    “Two acres of oil palm was approved to be the pilot scheme for the unit. Two-acre (268) oil palms seedlings had been planted by the Agriculture Education department to kickstart the initiative’’.

     

    He thanked all benefactors of the university.

     

    In his lecture, titled: ‘’Educating Educators for the Future of Education, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Prof. Iyiola Tella, said teachers at all levels must prepare for future education.

     

    The DVC spoke on behalf of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adesola Ajayi.

     

    He said: ‘’Technology has disrupted virtually every aspect of human lives. We must ensure that our educators are thoroughly educated. We are now in the digital age of learning.

     

    “Teachers need to be ahead of students if they must remain relevant and retain their influence.  If we don’t evolve with what is happening, schools will soon become unnecessary.

     

    “Anyone who cannot use technological devices will be done away with. We must embrace continuous education. Whoever who does not upgrade him or herself digitally will become irrelevant’’.

     

    One of the highlights of the ceremony was the scholarship awards to to students by the alumni of the legacy institution. Also, an outstanding staff member was given an award.

     

    Present at the programme included Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, principal officers of the university, past provosts, senior academics from other higher institutions, the Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin was represented by Olufemi Fowokanmi;  and a host of others.

  • NUP elects new executives in Oyo State

    NUP elects new executives in Oyo State

    NUP elects new executives in Oyo State

     

    By Suleiman Shehu

     

    The Oyo State Government on Friday in Ibadan reiterated its commitment to pay all the arrears of pensioners’ gratuities in the state before it ends its tenure in 2027.

     

    Mr Bayo Titilola-Sodo, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Labour Matters, stated this at the inauguration of newly elected executives of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council.

     

    Titilola-Sodo, who commended the union for organising a successful election and supporting the Seyi Makinde-led administration, said the state would continue to prioritise pensioners’ welfare.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the new executives were elected at the union’s 2024 delegates conference, held at its secretariat, Agbarigo, Ibadan.

     

    NAN reports the positions of the chairman, treasurer, auditor, trustees I and II and 13 ex-officio members were unopposed.

     

    However, the only office contested for, between Mr Frances Ogunlowo and Mr Joseph Oladipo, was that of the vice chairman.

     

    The Returning Officer of the election, Mr Bunmi Ogunkolade, thereafter, declared Oladipo as the winner with 163 votes to Ogunlowo’s 11 votes.

     

    Ogunkolade, representing the national body of NUP, announced Pastor James Osuntade as the Chairman; Mr Olusegun Olubiyi as the Treasurer and Mr Kolawole Ayodabo as Trustee I.

     

    Other officials are Mr Adeniyi Olojede as Trustee II and Mrs Aderonke Maboreje as the Auditor.

     

    The returning officer later administered an oath of office to all the newly elected officers.

     

    In his acceptance speech, Osuntade pleaded for the support of all members and executives, promising to work hard in collaboration with the executives to address the union’s demands.

     

    Earlier, the immediate past chairman, Chief Isiaka Abolade, thanked God for a successful tenure and appreciated all members and executives for their unalloyed support and commitment to his administration.

     

    Abolade said his eight-year tenure recorded numerous success stories such as the inauguration of the Pensioners’ House, Pensioners’ Radio Station and Pensioners’ Hospital among others.

     

    While commending the state governor for the prompt payment of pensions, he urged him to yield to other demands of the union which include ongoing negotiation of minimum wage and pensions.

     

    The state NUP Secretary, Dr Olusegun Abatan, said the state government had met about 65 per cent of their demands, such as the payment of arrears of workers forcefully retired in 2002.

     

    Abatan, however, solicited financial support for the new Pensioners’ Hospital, inaugurated on Dec.4 for it to discharge its services optimally.

     

    “Our hospital needs an ambulance and solar urgently,” Abatan said.

     

    NAN reports the new executives will pioneer the affairs of the council for the next four years.

  • Agric Experts Protest GMOs, Citing Health Risks

    Agric Experts Protest GMOs, Citing Health Risks

    Agric Experts Protest GMOs, Citing Health Risks.

    By Adewale Owoade

    A rally was staged in Ibadan, Oyo State, by pro-organic and agroecologists to protest against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which they believe pose a threat to human health.

    The event was organised by GMO Free Nigeria in collaboration with the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN).

    Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa, leader of the group and professor of Soil Fertility at the University of Ibadan, emphasised that GMOs are detrimental to human health, citing research that links GMO consumption to diseases like cancer, organ failure, and hormonal failure.

    The group submitted a petition to the Oyo State House of Assembly, rejecting the approved genetically modified beans, cotton, and maize.

    They also expressed concerns about toxic herbicides like Roundup, which have been approved by government agencies.

    Adeoluwa argued that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt organic and safe food technologies, leveraging indigenous seeds, preservation methods, and materials.

    He encouraged Nigerians to embrace compost, manure, and indigenous technologies that promote healthy living.

    Dr. Mojisola Oyewole, a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, and other protesters, including Oluwafemi Adebayo and Chief Moshood Salimonu, echoed Adeoluwa’s sentiments, emphasising the need to prioritize health and nutrition over GMOs.

    While some argue that GMOs can improve crop production and security, others raise concerns about their impact on human health and the environment.

    The debate surrounding GMOs continues, with experts and stakeholders weighing in on the potential benefits and risks.

  • Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

    Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

    Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Light Moon Football Academy, on Sunday defeated Vision Football Academy Ibadan, 6-5, in penalty shootouts, to win the maiden edition of an under 18 football scouting tournament in Ibadan.

     

    The football tournament which was organised by ScoutPro Sports Academy Limited, had the aim to discover and support young football talents across grassroots football teams and academies in Nigeria.

     

     

    The final entered penalty shootouts after regulated minutes of exciting skills display with 1-1 draw.

     

     

    Kamal Olojede opened the scoreline at 16th minute with a sublime strike to give Vision Football Academy an early lead against Light Moon Football Academy.

     

    Aro Ajibowu’s 56th minute equaliser helped Light Moon Football Academy to get an important goal to regain their morale in the final match.

     

    Speaking on the tournament, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Scoutpro Sports Academy Limited, Edward Agbaje, said that the goal of the tournament was to identify and recruit top young talents for potential opportunities to play abroad, particularly in Europe.

     

    Agbaje added that the academy also aims to establish the tournament as a regular event across other states so as to provide opportunities for youth players to showcase their skills and gain international exposure.

     

    “If they are successful abroad some of them will definitely come back home to invest their resources in Nigeria which will bring more development to our economy.

     

     

    “Also, sports and security are kind of interwoven because when kids are engaged in sports, most vices will be eradicated, “he said.

     

    He urged the government to revitalise decaying sports facilities and encourage school sports including Principals Cup and other school competitions that would lead to early discovery of raw sports talents.

     

    Agbaje called on both government and other stakeholders to invest more in sports development noting that sport has power to unite the country irrespective of tribe, religion or colour of the citizens.

     

    Speaking also, the Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC) goalkeeper trainer, said that the tournament came at the right time when young talents in football and other areas of sports that unite the country need support.

     

     

    He noted that a great percentage of great players all over the world and generations of past legends, were products of grassroots sports development programmes.

     

    It would recalled that Champion Galaxy FC beat World Football Academy 3- 2 in the third-place playoff of the tournament that featured four teams.

     

    It would be also recalled that Champion Galaxy FC lost to Light Moon FA while fourth position World Football Academy also lost to Vision Football Academy through penalty shootouts at the preliminary stages of the tournament on Saturday.

     

  • Peter Obi charges youths to build a better Nigeria

    Peter Obi charges youths to build a better Nigeria

    Peter Obi charges youths to build a better Nigeria

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Labour Party flagbearer in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr Peter Obi, has charged graduating students of Dominican University to be part of the change the nation needs.

     

    Obi, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the university, gave the charge at the 3rd and 4th convocation ceremony of the university, held at the school premises in Ibadan.

     

    “Go out in helping in building a better Nigeria, go out in building a well united, productive country, the country people can be proud of, the country that has all it takes to be a great country.

     

    “Nigeria is one of the counties in the world that knows what to do to be prosperous but refuses to do it, that is what we want you to change.

     

    “Go out and be part of that change, and I assure you that you will live in a better world than we live in today.”

     

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Jacinta Opara, said the school was celebrating the dedication and resilience of the faculty and staff, who worked tirelessly to shape minds.

     

    “Today, we gather to celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates but also the mission, vision and legacy of Dominican University that brings us together in the spirit of knowledge, community and transformation.”

     

    Delivering the convocation lecture titled, “The Future Starts Today”, Dr Paul Ilona, said that the forces shaping Nigeria today are complex and challenging making everyone feel unfulfilled and looking to the future for succour.

     

    Highlight of the ceremony was the donation of 50 million naira to the school by Obi, as part of his commitment to advancing education, demonstrating his belief in education as the cornerstone of societal progress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Gov Makinde Hosts Amotekun Commanders in Ibadan

    Gov Makinde Hosts Amotekun Commanders in Ibadan

    Gov Makinde Hosts Amotekun Commanders in Ibadan

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, met with the Commanders of the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.

     

    The governor met with the Amotekun Commanders Forum in his office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for a quarterly review of the operations of the outfit and how to improve its operational efficiency.

     

    Chairman of the Forum and Commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting, said the Amotekun Commanders had quarterly security meetings, rotated among member states.

     

    He said the Commanders had a useful discussion with Governor Makinde, having earlier deliberated among themselves on the security situation across the South-West.

     

    Adeleye noted that there would be synergy among the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies across the states before, during and after the yuletide with a view to continuing to secure lives and property in the South-West Zone.

     

    He appreciated Governor Makinde and the people of the zone for their support over the years, saying: “What we had today is a courtesy visit on Governor ‘Seyi Makinde. Amotekun Commanders in the South-West have a security meeting, which is usually rotated among member states.

     

    “Yesterday and today happened to be the turn of Oyo State and we had deeply deliberated on the security situation not only of Oyo State but across the Southwestern states.

     

    “The Commanders of the Amotekun in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti are all here with me and we held useful discussions with the governor and we know that this will translate to security of lives and property in the South-West.

     

    “On the yuletide, there is serious synergy among Amotekun Commanders and all other security agencies. We all collaborate towards ensuring that our end-of-the-year patrol is sustained and guarantees security for commuters and residents.

     

    “We want to thank the Host Governor for this end of the year meeting. We also thank our people from the South-West for the support they have given us so far. We know and we appreciate the support we enjoy and we will continue to strive to enhance the security situation, such that the people can now sleep with their two eyes closed.”

     

    Other Commanders in attendance at the meeting were Brigadier-General Adedigba Alade, rtd (Ogun State); Brigadier-General Ibukun Adewa, rtd, (Ekiti); CSP Isaac Omoyele, rtd (Osun) and the host Commander, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, rtd (Oyo).

  • Prof. Adedoja Mourns Renowned Ibadan Cleric, Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello.

    Prof. Adedoja Mourns Renowned Ibadan Cleric, Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello.

    Prof. Adedoja Mourns Renowned Ibadan Cleric, Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello.

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, has expressed shock and sadness over the passing of prominent Ibadan cleric, Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello.

     

    In a statement released in Ibadan, Prof. Adedoja, also a former Dean of Education at Bayero University Kano, commiserated with the Sheikh’s family, loved ones and the Muslim community. He praised Sheikh Bello’s courage, forthrightness and patriotism, setting exemplary standards.

     

    “I’ve lost a friend, brother and guardian,” Prof. Adedoja said. “Our shared Islamic upbringing forged a strong bond between my late parents and Sheikh Bello, dating back to our Ansar Udeen Islamic Society membership in Kano since the 60s.”

     

    He recalled Sheikh Bello’s compassion for the common man and philanthropic efforts. “May Allah accept him in aljanatul firdaus and strengthen his family, loved ones and the Muslim community.”

  • Makinde inaugurates first phase of 11-megawatt Ibadan Hybrid Power

    Makinde inaugurates first phase of 11-megawatt Ibadan Hybrid Power

    Makinde inaugurates first phase of 11-megawatt Ibadan Hybrid Power

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the first phase of the 11-megawatt Ibadan Hybrid Power (IBHP), at the Power House, Secretariat, Ibadan.

     

    The first phase of the project, a 5MW integrated power plant, consisting of 1MW solar power and 4MW natural gas, will provide electricity to the Secretariat and its environs.

     

    Makinde, at the groundbreaking of IBHP on December 11, 2021, said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to address the energy deficit in Oyo State by creating a conducive environment for power investors.

     

    “We are here today to make history as we commission this first phase of a project that I believe is pivotal to the future development in our dear state.

     

    “This is what we have been doing in Oyo State for the past five and a half years. This power project plant is 100 per cent private investment.

     

    “Truly there are better days ahead for the Oyo State economy; we are seeking more investors in the energy sector to meet the energy deficit in the state.

     

    “There is market for that and this is demonstration that you have a serious and responsible government in Oyo State that would continue to provide enabling environment for business to thrive.”

     

    In his remarks the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Seun Ashamu, described the initiative as a reflection of Makinde’s vision for energy self-sufficiency in the state.

     

    “The transition to gas means that we have taken serious and tangible steps towards reducing carbon emissions in Oyo State as we put an end to the use of dirty fossil fuel generators.

     

    “It is of importance that Oyo State is one of the six states in Nigeria that have, or are in the process of transiting electricity regulator as sub national government.”

     

    Also in his presentation, the Managing Director/Co-Chief Executive Officer, Elektron Energy Limited, Mr Tola Talabi, lauded the state government for partnering with the company.

     

    “Oyo State Government has really set itself apart among the states in Nigeria by being one of the first to enact a state electricity act.

     

    “Oyo State has set the pace to drive investment into the power sector.”

     

    The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi.

     

    Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.

     

    Also in attendance were Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu; notable businessman and elder statesman, Chief Bode Amoo.

     

    Chairman and co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero; Mama Elizabeth Akinyele.

     

     

    Others were; former  PDP chieftains; Local Government chairmen, service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and labour union leaders, among other dignitaries. (NAN)

    (www.nannews.ng)