Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • NPC begins 2024 Verbal, Social Autopsy Survey in Oyo State

    NPC begins 2024 Verbal, Social Autopsy Survey in Oyo State

    NPC begins 2024 Verbal, Social Autopsy Survey in Oyo State

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    The 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study has begun in Oyo State across the 33 local government areas and will continue till Dec. 15.

     

    Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), said VASA is a research to collate data on the causes and contributory factors for deaths of children under five years.

     

    “It will also uncover the reasons for deaths in women of reproductive age.

     

    “The 2024 edition of VASA study is the third to be conducted by NPC.  The first study was conducted in 2014, while the second was in 2019.

     

    “Notably, the aspect of the study on mortality among women of reproductive age is being included for the first time in 2024.

     

    “This is to assist policy makers with reliable data to plan and formulate policies for the health sector in relation to maternal and child health in Nigeria

    .

    “Oyo State, specifically, the study seeks to unravel patterns of care-seeking and interventions received as related to deaths in children less than five years of age and women of reproductive age, along with qualitative narratives of factors associated with these patterns.

     

    Oyetunji commended Oyo State Government for the initiative and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding.

     

    Similarly, VASA Coordinator of the Study in charge of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, Alhaja Samiat Lawal, said the study is a follow-up to the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in some households.

     

    “The mortality has improved greatly in the Southwest, the VASA study is an upshot of the NDHS that we did and ended in May, this year (2024).

     

    “We are going to be visiting those households where we have reported fatal incidences of neonate death, child death and maternal mortality death.”

     

    Mr Olayide Adebayo, the State Director, NPC, Oyo State, said that VASA is designed to provide deep insights into the circumstances surrounding deaths in communities, particularly those that occur outside health facilities.

     

    “Let us work together to ensure the success of this programme, as I believe it would transform our health system and improve the lives of countless individuals in Oyo State and Nigeria.”

     

    Oyo State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr Gbolahan Abbas, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, urged the VASA team to ensure that all grounds are covered.

     

    “We know some deaths occur outside the hospital; the verbal autopsy will help get some insights into the causes of such deaths. The goal is to eradicate deaths, especially among pregnant women.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • National Museum of Unity, IFRA-Nigeria trains students on pottery making

    National Museum of Unity, IFRA-Nigeria trains students on pottery making

    National Museum of Unity, IFRA-Nigeria trains students on pottery making

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    To encourage interest in pottery making in schools, the Museum of Unity in partnership with the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria) on Tuesday organised a one-day Artistic Workshop on Pottery Making.

    Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, the Curator National Museum of Unity said that the wokshop is to showcase the rich traditions of pottery-making to the younger generation.

    Otuka said that the art of pottery is one of humanity’s oldest creative expressions, connecting us to our past.

    “While allowing us to mold the present and imagine the future. Beyond its artistic beauty, pottery has functional, cultural, and economic significance.

    “ It tells stories of communities, preserves heritage, and serves as a medium for creativity and innovation,” she said.

    Otuka said that the workshop is hands-on, offering participants the unique opportunity to not only observe but to actively engage in the craft.

    “ They experienced the entire process from molding clay with your hands to creating your own artistic pieces.

    “This practical approach allows one to fully immerse yourselves in the art form, enriching your understanding and appreciation of pottery,’ she said.

    The Curator, however, urged the students to make adequate use of the invaluable chance to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application.

    “The skills and insights you gain here today may inspire new ideas for your academic projects, entrepreneurial ventures, or artistic pursuits.

    “Deepen your appreciation for pottery and discover new ways to express your creativity.

    “Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single step, and for some of you, that first step begins today with your hands in the clay.

    “At the National Museum of Unity, our mission goes beyond preserving artifacts; we aim to foster a living connection to culture and heritage.

    “Workshops like this play a crucial role in fulfilling that mission by nurturing talent, inspiring innovation, and preserving traditional crafts for future generations,” she said.

    She appreciated IFRA Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting arts and culture in Nigeria.

    “Their sponsorship of this workshop exemplifies their dedication to empowering communities through education and creativity,” she said.

    Dr Delphine Manetta, IFRA-Nigeria representative said that they are a research institution, and sometimes they get involved in projects for enlightenment and empowerment.

    Manetta said that Mrs Adetunde Adetoro made the workshop realistic.

    “ She’s a student of University of Ibadan and she enriched the project. She worked on some of the objects at the museum and brought them back to life.

    `She made the objects speak and talk to us while just looking at them. We are geared at promoting new dialogue around these heritages, which is a norm around the Nigerian populace.

    “Today’s pottery workshop was an abstract idea in the beginning, and I’m glad it came to pass. The young ones are learning from someone with vast knowledge of pottery, and that’s a very good way to impact knowledge.

    “He made he young ones learn and know about the neglected heritage, which is pottery,’ she said.

    A 16- year old Lekan Fatai of Samfort Group of Schools said he’s conversant with pottery as he used red clay to mold things.

    Fatai said that he does molding for fun and has no plans to make money from it.

    “ What I just made us a cup that had cover and an handle. It was fun doing this and I intend making many more things,’ ‘ he said.

    A 16- year old, Favour Okiye of Ibadan Grammar School said she’s not been doing pottery works but she’s happy to be a participant of the workshop.

    Okiye said that today was her first day of making something with clay.

    “ I love artworks today is my first time in a pottery class and I’m happy to have my hands on clay.

    “ I made a chair, tea cup that has handle and throw pillows . I hope henceforth I will be happy to lay my hands on clay so as ro make more things,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 students from both primary, secondary and higher institutions attend the workshop.

    Some of the schools are : Amazing Grace Model School and College, Ibadan Grammar School, Glorious Kings and Queens College, Samford Group Of Schools, University Of Ibadan, The Polytechnic Ibadan and Leadcity University.

    NAN reports that Akinkunmi Oyelere a ceramist popularly known as AkinPotter trained the participants. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

  • American Government Honours UfitFly Boss

    American Government Honours UfitFly Boss

    American Government Honours UfitFly Boss

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Thee office of the President of the United States of America, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has given a ‘Lifetime Achiever Merit Award’ to the MD/CEO of the Nigerian leading destination management company, Ufitfly, Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede.

    Ogunkeyede, who is presently on a working tour to the United States of America and Canada, has been recognised and honoured because of his distinguished volunteer services at the White House Washington.

    A shield and certificate signed by President Joseph R. Biden that was presented to the UfitFly boss read thus: “With grateful recognition, AmerCorps and the office of the President of the United States honours Ajibola Ogunkeyede with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.”

    The America Lifetime Achiever Merit Award is for volunteer service, which is actually called the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA).

    It was established in 2003 by the President’s Council, on Service and Civic Participation to recognise and honour volunteers who have made a significant impact in their communities.

    The PVSA is managed by AmeriCorps and Points of Light, and certifying organisations like RiseHer Network and The Mary Powell Foundation can nominate recipients for the award.

  • Agribusiness will create thousands of jobs for Ibarapa youths — Makinde

    Agribusiness will create thousands of jobs for Ibarapa youths — Makinde

     

    Agribusiness will create thousands of jobs for Ibarapa youths — Makinde

    By Adewale Owoade

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrade of moribund 3,250 hectares Eruwa Farm Settlement to an Agribusiness Industrial Hub.

    He equally expressed confidence that the new Agribusiness Hub in Eruwa will be a success story like the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, adding that his administration will complete the Ido-Eruwa Road within the next one year.

     

    “So, I want to say to the people of Ibarapaland that you should be ready, because Ibarapaland is now on the agriculture map.

     

    “We are quite happy and, as for me, I feel fulfilled that this journey to develop this farm estate is getting done.

     

    “I am happy to be joined on this journey by development partners and the private sector. Some of the people seated here today have committed to bringing their money to invest in this environment.

     

    “My people in Ibarapa, what you can do for me is to make the investors feel welcome. Support them and they will create jobs for our youths.”

     

    Speaking earlier, the Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, Dr Debo Akande, said that the Eruwa Agribusiness Hub is expected to be a 40million-dollar public-private development investment that will change the agricultural landscape of Eruwa, Ibarapa and Oyo State.

     

    “This facility will include a crop and livestock production centre, 15-20 processing centres, a state-of-the-art agribusiness training centre, a mechanisation and equipment leasing centre.

     

    “An early-generation seed production centre and the icing on the cake will be an eco-resort centre that will put Eruwa on the world map.

     

    In his special remarks, the Director-General, Nigeria, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Abdul Kamara, lauded Makinde for resuscitating moribund farm settlements and assured that the AfDB would give maximum support to the speedy execution of the project.

     

    In their separate goodwill messages, the Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of AfDB, Prof. Banji Oyeleran-Oyeyinka; the Olu of Igbooro, Oba Olajide Titiloye; and the chairman, Eruwa Council of Elders, Chief Joseph Peluola, severally appreciated Makinde for seeing the future of agriculture sector and making the project a reality.

     

    They urged the governor to equally enhance microfinance banks to give financial support to more farmers.

     

    The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded Makinde’s drive, noting that the Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub would be his legacy project.

    He charged residents of the area to cooperate with the contractors for the success of the project. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Oyo Gaming Board engages stakeholders on innovation, consumer safety

    Oyo Gaming Board engages stakeholders on innovation, consumer safety

    Oyo Gaming Board engages stakeholders on innovation, consumer safety

     

    By Adewale Owoade

    Stakeholders in the gaming industry in Oyo State have been urged to collaborate more with the state government, regulators and consumer rights groups to bring about more innovations and consumer safety within the sector.

    The Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board made this call at the 6th edition of the Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum tagged “Boom or Burst,” which was organised by the Board.

    At the event, which had in attendance critical stakeholders in the gaming industry, the government advocated for a need to create a balanced approach that would foster growth without compromising the safety and well-being of players.

    Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Hakeem.Salami, called for a robust framework that would guarantee innovations while also safeguarding the consumers in the gaming sector.

    He charged all stakeholders to work effectively with the state government to provide this framework, adding that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, remains open to ideas that will culminate into the expansion of the state’s economy in line with the vision under Omituntun 2.0: Roadmap for Sustainable Development of Oyo State, 2023-2027.

    The state government pledged to work with all relevant bodies to implement frameworks that will address concerns in the gaming sector, while it also promised to continue to support the growth of the local gaming sector.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General, Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Mr. Olajide Boladuro, explained the important need for collaboration among stakeholders involved in the gaming ecosystem.

    Boladuro, who appreciated the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state, lauded the administration’s commitment towards ensuring fairness and strict compliance to gaming regulations as well as the creation of a level-playing field for investors and players.

    He equally noted that innovation in the gaming industry remained crucial to driving the state’s economy forward, adding, however, that such innovation could not come at the expense of consumer protection.

    He said: “As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our citizens, particularly young people, are protected from potential harm while still enjoying the benefits of this vibrant industry.

    “We’re here today because it’s our 6th stakeholders’ forum. This is a yearly event that we do, which brings our operators together and basically all the stakeholders in the entire industry for them to come and deliberate and give us their own perspectives on how we’re doing. The platform is also to share ideas because the gaming industry has evolved.

    “So, we titled this year’s edition ‘Boom or Burst’ in the sense that the way things are evolving technologically and a whole lot of other ways, is it helping the industry or bursting it? That’s how we came up with this year’s theme.

    “So, we want to engage our stakeholders in the industry in lotto, sports betting, and online betting platforms, to understand how this is being impactful on their businesses and also the regulators as well,” Boladuro said.

    The meeting was attended by industry leaders, game developers, consumer rights advocates and regulatory bodies, with discussions held on several key initiatives to strike a balance between progress and safety, which include stronger age verification system, transparency, data privacy and security, and addiction prevention mechanisms, among others.

    In their separate remarks during a panel session, stakeholders welcomed the government’s initiative.
    They, however, cautioned that regulatory measures should not stifle creativity or innovation, adding that it was essential that regulations should not be so restrictive as to hamper the creativity of developers.

    They also encouraged a partnership approach, where government, industry and consumers will collaborate so as to ensure that the industry protects both players and the integrity of the gaming ecosystem.

  • Oyo State Government breaks down 2025 Budget Proposal

    Oyo State Government breaks down 2025 Budget Proposal

    Oyo State Government breaks down 2025 Budget Proposal

    By Adewale Owoade.

    Oyo State Government has given a breakdown and highlights of the 2025 Budget Proposal presented by Gov. Seyi Makinde to the House of Assembly.

    The Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, gave the breakdown and highlights, at a media parley, held in the conference room of the Ministry of Finance, Oyo State Secretariat.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that on November 13, 2024, Gov. Makinde presented a 2025 budget estimate of N678,086,767,332.18, tagged: “Budget of Stabilisation”, to the State House of Assembly with infrastructure development and education getting the most share.

    Babatunde said that the analysis was necessary to make adequate projections so that the state would not have an under-performed or over-performed budget.

    According to him the state government is going to implement a budget that will bring a multiplier effect into the economy and also bring substantial returns to the economy, culminating into improved welfare for residents of the state.

    “We want to implement the budget to allow private sectors to flourish, by creating a conducive business environment.

    “Government remains mindful of the need to provide social safeness to cushion the impact of the reform measures to the vulnerable segment of the population.

    “And that is actually what is bringing about the second phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER).

    “We’ve been able to prepare for any form of external shock or internal dynamics in the proposed 2025 Budget.

    “Government has presented the budget to the house of assembly, we expect an early passage from our legislative so that we can start the implementation”, Babatunde stated.

    Present at the budget analysis were the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Budget, Alhaji Gafar Bello.

    Special Adviser, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke; Senior Special Assistant on Economic Planning, Mr Kehinde Ogunsanya; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Planning, Directors, representative of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and representatives of Civil Society Organisations.(NAN)

  • UNICEF, OYORUWASSA seek collective action against open defecation

    UNICEF, OYORUWASSA seek collective action against open defecation

     

    UNICEF, OYORUWASSA seek collective action against open defecation

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), on Tuesday, called for collective action and partnerships to tackle the growing challenge of open defecation.

    The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan to mark the 2024 World Toilet Day.

    The theme of the day is “Toilet: A Place of Peace”.

    Speaking at the event, the UNICEF WASH Manager, Jolly Ann Maulit, said that the theme underlined the reality that open defecation remained a risk for billions of people worldwide.

    According to her, it has a direct impact on health, education, and poverty alleviation outcomes.

    “World Toilet Day is more than just an observance; it’s a global call to action. According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index, Nigeria is third among 163 countries where children are most vulnerable to climate-related risks and hazards.

    “This is so because Sanitation facilities that are not climate resilient break down quickly and are not usually rehabilitated on time, leading to people resorting to open defecation.

    “We need government political commitment, budget releases, partnerships with the private sector, philanthropists and NGOs, social mobilisation, and youth involvement in hygiene and sanitation promotion to end open defecation in Oyo State, “she said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of RUWASSA, Mr Babalola Afobaje, said that the agency would continue to take proactive actions through the support of government and UNICEF to ensure availability of water and toilet at every strategic location in the state.

    He added that special attention had been placed on public places such markets, motor parks and worship centres.

    “Through the support of state government and UNICEF, some local governments are becoming open defecation free, “he said.

    The guest lecturer, Prof. Elizabeth Oloruntoba, Department of Health Sciences, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, said that excreta contains pathogens responsible for many diseases.

    She warned that when faeces of infected person gets into the environment it could go through routes like water, flies and handshakes to cause problem for another person.

    She called on government, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work together by ensuring that people had access to quality sanitation.

    On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr Ademola Aderinto, expressed confidence in achieving the state’s target of becoming open defecation-free by 2028, citing recent progress in sanitation efforts.

    The event featured decoration of state WASH ambassadors, champions, advocates and presentation of award certificates to winning schools in WASH competitions.

     

  • IWD: Makinde charges women to keep breaking barriers

    IWD: Makinde charges women to keep breaking barriers

    By Adewale Owoade

    Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunomini Makinde, has charged women in the state to keep breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating a world where women are empowered in every sense of the word.

    She stated this at an event held to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, held at Daylan Events Centre, Sango-Eleyele Road, Ibadan.

    Delivering her address on the theme: “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress,” Mrs Makinde noted that women must be committed to a future where women’s rights, equality, and leadership are fully prioritised in every sphere of life.

    She stressed that the journey for equality is never a destination but a life-long process.

    She implored women in the state to continue to support Governor Makinde’s visionary government in order for him to achieve his vision as captured in the Roadmap for Sustainable Development of Oyo State.

    She said: “This year’s theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, not only beckons on us to acknowledge the strides women have made but also urges us to commit to a future where women’s rights, equality, and leadership are fully prioritised in every sphere of life.

    “Distinguished guests and adorable women, we live in a world where women are still fighting for equal pay, for leadership roles, for freedom from violence, and for access to education and healthcare, notwithstanding the progress made, barriers remain, and many women continue to face systemic challenges that hinder their opportunities and potentials, this is why our mission—today and every day—must be one of empowerment.

    “Empowerment is not just about opportunity; it’s about access. To truly empower women, we must create environments where they can thrive—where they have access to the resources, education, and support systems they need to succeed.

    “Empowerment means dismantling the societal structures that have held women back and rebuilding a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the ability to shape her own future.

    “Empowerment is about breaking down stereotypes and biases such as female genital mutilation/ cuttings, widowhood practices, among others. The future of our world depends on unleashing the full potential of women, allowing them to dream without limits, act without fear, and lead without hesitation.

    “My fellow compatriots, let us reinforce solidarity and unity as we celebrate today. Let’s remember that empowerment is not a solo journey—it’s a collective one. Each victory for one woman is a victory for all women.

    “We must continue to lift each other up, to create networks of support that foster growth, confidence, and success. When women support each other, they form an unbreakable bond that can weather any storm and face any challenge.

    “Today, as we stand united in the spirit of progress; let us reflect on how far we have come and how much further we can go. Let us celebrate those women who have inspired us, whether personally or globally and let us commit to being the change-makers, the advocates, and the leaders who will pave the way for future generations of women.

    “To the women here today and to women around the world: I vehemently declare that you are powerful, you are indispensable, you are worthy of every opportunity, every recognition, and every chance to shine.

    “The world needs your voices, your vision and your leadership. So, let’s keep breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating a world where women are empowered in every sense of the word.”

    Earlier in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, reassured women of more government support and empowerment through the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

    She enjoined them to continue to deliver on their role as home-makers and nurturing their children to become great in life.

    While stressing the importance of women, the Commissioner said, “The woman’s role is multi-faceted, they are God’s special creation made for procreation. The woman as a mother at home is a role model, a peace -maker who is involved in decision making processes and many more. Hence, we stand tall to say, ‘no woman, no life.’ Women as catalyst for change should say no to women subjugation.”

    In their separate goodwill messages, former speaker the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; wife of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin, Chief judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Olusola Adetujoye and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bose Adedibu, appreciated the unwavering support women in the state are enjoying under Governor Makinde’s administration.

    They acknowledged various challenges women are facing, calling on governments at all levels to invest in women and girls in order to unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for the womenfolk.

  • Ondo Election 2024: APC, PDP disagree on conduct

    Ondo Election 2024: APC, PDP disagree on conduct

    Ondo Election 2024: APC, PDP disagree on conduct

     

    By Segun Giwa/Ayodeji Alabi/Adewale Owoade

     

    The Governorship Election in Ondo State has been peaceful so far.

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials arrived early in some of the polling units visited while in some units, voters were still expecting them.

    The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), the incumbent governor,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, voted at Ward IV, Unit 5 in Obenla, Ilaje Local Government at 8:52 am.

    Aiyedatiwa, after casting his vote, commended INEC for making the process seamless, the voters for organising themselves in a peaceful manner, and security agencies for maintaining law and order.

     

    “I passed through all the processes and it is okay. The turnout is encouraging, and I want to believe that the same situation will be for other locations in the state.

     

    “It has been peaceful here; I want to believe it will be peaceful in other locations.

     

    “I want to commend the security agencies. They are heavily deployed to prevent any situation and I believe people will comport themselves, we are peaceful people.

     

    “Ondo State has been adjudged as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and we have been having our elections in a peaceful environment and this very one will not be different.”

     

    He urged INEC to ensure that the process is free, fair and credible.

     

    Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who voted at Idumado Ward 2, Unit 4, Kiribo in Ese-Odo LGA, said the process was not perfect.

    “You can see it yourself. The system is not perfect. Things are not working. It took more than 10 minutes to capture me; there are a lot of complaints here and there.”  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)