Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Sen. Alli empowers constituents with skill enhancement kits

    Sen. Alli empowers constituents with skill enhancement kits

          

    Sen. Alli empowers constituents with skill enhancement kits
    By Adewale Owoade
    In continuation of his poverty alleviation initiatives, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has empowered numerous constituents in Ibadan with various skill enhancement kits.
    Palmtops, grinders, cameras, printers, makeup kits, gas cylinders, cookers, medical kits containing electronic blood pressure meters, blood glucose meters and thermometers were some of the items provided.
    The Oyo South Senatorial Chairman of APC, Mojeed Olaoya, commended Alli for his continued commitment to the uplift of his constituents.
    “Sen. Alli is a grassroots man, a politician who knows what his people want. Less than two months at the National Assembly, he started with empowerment.
    “Hardly will anyone know he is a first-term lawmaker. I have witnessed many of his empowerment programmes, and they touch the grassroots people, those who need it.
    “My advice for the beneficiaries is to make good use of these skill-enhancement and life-supporting kits. We really appreciate him.”
    Oyo State APC Women Leader, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, lauded the senator’s efforts, emphasising the inclusion of women in the empowerment scheme for lasting financial independence.
    “He has done so many programmes, and I thank God for his life. He will do more than this if he has the chance.
    “We pray that God protects him from all evil. Beneficiaries should not sell the kits but see it as a great empowerment.”
    An APC Chieftain, Kehinde Subair, praised the senator’s strategic approach to empowerment, stating that it would significantly impact the local economy.
    “I really appreciate him. We have been having elected officers, and his approach is different. With all he has been doing, I am sure reward is coming.
    “He has done many things. We need to appreciate him and thank him.”
    Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the senator, promising to use the tools to enhance their work and improve their livelihoods.
    Mustapha Olatunde, from Tapa in Ibarapa North Local Government, described Alli as a pacesetting lawmaker committed to his constituents’ welfare.
    “Sen. Alli has continuously made the life and well-being of his constituents a first priority. He is doing great things and I wish him a successful tenure in office.”
    Also, Mrs Temilade Olufowoki, from Ibadan South-East Local Government, expressed appreciation for the senator’s efforts, praying for continued blessings.
    “Sen. Alli has been doing a lot for us. We appreciate him and thank God for all.”
    This latest empowerment initiative highlights Sen. Alli’s dedication to fostering growth and economic development in Oyo South Senatorial District. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
  • Hardship: Lawmaker urges Nigerians to give Tinubu more time

    Hardship: Lawmaker urges Nigerians to give Tinubu more time

    Hardship: Lawmaker urges Nigerians to give Tinubu more time

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu more time to fix the challenges bedevilling the country.

     

    Oseni, who is currently representing the Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber said this during a thank-you visit to All Progressive Congress (APC) party, at the party’s Secretariat in Ibadan.

     

    He reassured Nigerians that the cost of essential commodities including food items will be reduced to normal, with the administration’s declaration of a state of emergency on all federal roads across the country.

     

    He said the project is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

     

    “Tinubu is not the cause of the challenges we are currently facing including bad roads across the nation, the challenges go beyond the current administration.

     

    “Tinubu is trying to ensure that all problems created by previous administrations are resolved.

     

    “Nigerians will soon begin to feel the impact of this government, the prices of food commodities will be reduced to normal prices as soon as our roads which are currently in a deplorable state are fixed.

     

    Speaking on the purpose of his visit to the APC Secretariat, Oseni said, he came to condole with the party, over the demise of it’s state chairman, late Isaac Omodewu.

     

    “I’m here to condole with our party over the demise of our chairman, late Isaac Omodewu, and also to say thank you to our party faithfuls for their support toward my  emergence.

     

    “I’m also here to brainstorm with the party on how the party will regain power in the state come 2027.

     

    “I’m urging members of our party to join hands as stakeholders and foster unity, I’m also calling on all the executives of the party to come up with a blue print that will return our noble party to power in 2027.” Oseni said.

     

    In his remarks, the acting state Chairman of the party, Alhaji Olayide Abas thanked Oseni for visiting the party’s Secretariat, and for the positive impact on the lives of his constituents.

     

    Highlight of the event included the donation of N10million operational allowance to the party’s Secretariat, by the lawmaker. (NAN)

  • Makinde inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers

    Makinde inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers

    Makinde inaugurates 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated 480 Amotekun Forest Rangers, promising that his government will continue to give priority attention to the security of residents of the state.

    Makinde, at the passing-out parade of the rangers, disclosed plans to establish airstrips in Igbeti and Otu towns, with aircraft security gadgets to enhance surveillance in the state.

    “Since assuming office in 2019, we have continued to invest heavily to secure Oyo State by supporting our security agencies to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.

    “We recognised that there was more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry and other illegal activities in our forests.

    “This is what led to the initiative to establish Forest Rangers as a sub-unit of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, with about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today.

    “These rangers are to work within the forests in their local government areas alongside other stakeholders and other community groups.

    “Their task is to secure our farmers and other people engaged in commercial activities and to preserve our natural resources in our forests to prevent illegal activities.

    “These additional Oyo Amotekun recruits passing out today will increase the number of Amotekun to 2,500 corps members.

    “Let me once again restate our commitment to providing all that is required to ensure that Oyo Amotekun can deliver on their mandate; we will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grant to ensure smooth operations.”

    Earlier in his address, the Commandant, Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of officers and providing adequate equipment and logistics since the establishment of the agency.

    The event had in attendance former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), Mr Seye Oyeleye; top government functionaries, service commanders, local government chairmen, traditional rulers and religious leaders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • IGR: Society urges government at all levels to look into arts

    IGR: Society urges government at all levels to look into arts

    IGR: Society urges government at all levels to look into arts

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    A Professional Art Society, Gessomate has declared that arts in Nigeria has progressed over the years in several new aspects spinning up, unlike it was in the 80s.

    The society, made the declaration at an exhibition held at Alliance Francaise, Iyaganku, Ibadan, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, tagged, “Mind Searching A Commemorative Art Exhibition.”

    Ellis Oyekola, Founder, Centre For African Art and Designs, in his speech at the event, affirmed that arts in Nigeria has advanced positively over the years.

    Oyekola said, “I finished in the university in 1985. Arts is now out of its rudimentary stage; it now involves technology, and ICT has further exposed it globally.

    “Arts is blossoming in Nigeria, and the youths are making good use of it and ICT, with its graphic section these days don’t use their hands to draw like in my days, but rather use the computer.

    “Arts has evolved and will keep evolving.”

    He noted that government has a lot to do in terms of arts and should gear up and start taking arts seriously, especially in secondary schools.

    “Our teachers do not teach arts anymore, instead, they teach music and drama. I personally took it upon myself to offer free training to the young ones interested in arts at my centre.

    “I am giving back to the society what the society has given me,”he said

    The Head of Department, Arts, Design and Printing Technology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr Felix Egunjobi, expressed optimism that more values would be placed on works of arts.

    He advised government at all levels to know that arts is one of the ways of generating revenue, saying there are many arts that are domicile in our strengths.

    Mr Abiola Olugbile; President, Gessomate Professional Society, said that they are celebrating arts, friendship and bound that has kept the artists together in the past 25 years of promoting arts in the country.

    He decried the patronage of arts, saying it has not been encouraging, while arts is life, good, make people show things and reflects our tradition, culture and gives to indepth thinking.

    “Arts is large and government can explore all areas of arts for more revenue,” he said

  • Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Anderson Bankole, the Chairman of African Para Table Tennis Commission, has that Wahid Oshodi’s election as President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) means a lot for Nigeria.

    Bankole on telephone interview from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, said that Oshodi’s presidency means so much for further development of table tennis in Nigeria.

    “Oshodi is more than qualified to hold the position, because he’s a seasoned sports administrator who has served in several capacities over the years and knows his onions.

    “His records as a past President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) can’t be over-emphasised.

    “He helped in repositioning table tennis in the country and the country’s players have been attending several competitions.

    “He was also the Commissioner for Sports in Lagos at the time and he used his office to help support table tennis.

    “I am sure without doubt that Oshodi will make more remarkable landmarks in Nigerian table tennis history with this,” the former Commissioner of Police said.

    “He knows what the country’s table tennis players and administrators need to further improve the sport, and I believe in his capabilities that he’ll look into them,” he added.

    NAN reports that Oshodi emerged as President on Tuesday during the 2024 ATTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Oshodi’s victory marks a significant milestone as he becomes the second Nigerian to ever hold this prestigious position.

    He followed in the footsteps of Segun George as a former president of the ATTF.

    With a distinguished background in sports administration, Oshodi has previously served as the Executive Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

    Also, he was the Deputy President of the ATTF.

    His leadership experience also extends to being the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA)

  • Oyo CSDA Funds Another 132 Micro-Projects in 66 Communities

    Oyo CSDA Funds Another 132 Micro-Projects in 66 Communities

    Oyo CSDA Funds Another 132 Micro-Projects in 66 Communities

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA) has disbursed funds for the implementation of another 132 micro-projects across sixty-six communities in Oyo State.

    This was disclosed at a training programme organised by the agency on Monday at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, where focus was directed at project implementation procedures, aimed at bolstering resilience and economic recovery.

    In his keynote address, the Board Chairman of OYCSDA, Hon. Abideen Adeaga, expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support in approving the collaboration programme with the World Bank and the Federal Government to achieve the gains of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme in Oyo State.

    The NG-CARES initiative, domesticated as OYO-CARES, according to Adeaga, seeks to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable population, unemployed youths, small businesses and farmers.

    He highlighted the program’s significant interventions across 66 communities, marking a historical milestone in the State’s community development efforts.

    He also acknowledged the Governor’s recent decision to increase project funding from ₦15 million to ₦18 million due to rising costs, ensuring that community-driven micro-infrastructure projects in areas like healthcare, education, water, and erosion control are successfully completed.

    These efforts, according to the Chairman, are tailored towards eradicating the out-of-school children crisis by construction and renovation of schools with furniture and toilets, mitigate the effects of erosion on communities through intervention in culverts construction, as well as construction and renovation of community health centers and provision of motorised boreholes for the people in the various communities.

    “This gesture from our Governor for approving the disbursement of funds to sixty-six communities across the State is unprecedented, so that OYCSDA would embark on such massive micro-projects.

    “It is also noteworthy to State that the Governor approved the review of each Community Development Plan (CDP) from #15million to #18million, so as to take care of the economic realities of the day.

    “All these are tailored towards total eradication of the out-of-school children syndrome in our State, eradication of water-borne diseases and to guide against untoward occurrences caused by erosion in these communities,” he added.

    The General Manager of OYCSDA, Mr. Jelili Salau, emphasised the training’s dual purpose of building the capacity of CPMCs and initiating the disbursement of funds to kick-start community projects.

    He applauded the Governor’s foresight in approving funds for 66 concurrent projects and underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders for the program’s success.

    The NG-CARES initiative, as stated by Salau, designed, using a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, empowers communities to identify, plan, implement and manage their own micro-projects, with OYCSDA ensuring quality standards, supervision, and effective financing throughout the process.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by the former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moroof Atilola, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Projects Intervention, Hon. Tiamiyu Suraju, a former Permanent Secretary and General Manager of OYCSDA, Alhaji Busari Olalekan, Engr. Abisola Adabanija, a member of the OYCSDA board, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola as well as the representative of the OYO-CARES Coordinating Unit among others.

  • Empowerment: Rep. Oseni donates equipment worth N250m to artisans in Oyo State

    Empowerment: Rep. Oseni donates equipment worth N250m to artisans in Oyo State

    Empowerment: Rep. Oseni donates equipment worth N250m to artisans in Oyo State

     

    By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

     

    Mr Aderemi Oseni, Member, House of Representative (APC) representing Ido/ Ibarapa – East of Oyo State, has donated equipment worth N250million to members of Blacksmith, Welder, Iron benders and Metal Technicians (BWIAN) Oyo chapter.

     

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event took place at Bembo Games Village, Apata, Ibadan.

     

    The empowerment programme  and presentation of award certificate as Governor – General of BWIAN in Oyo state to Oseni was done by the governor of the association Mr  Munirudeen Adegoke.

     

    The event was to commemorate one year in office of BWIAN Executives in Oyo State.

     

    Oseni, presented the equipment including grinders, generators worth N100 million to different members of the association.

     

    He also launched a N50million cash for the establishment of a Cooperative Society for members of the association among other things.

     

    Oseni said the donations were borne out of his zeal to ease the sufferings of the people of Oyo state as a result of high poverty rates.

     

    ” It is an effort to see how we can turn so many of our youths to employers of labour in their choosing careers.

    ” To see how we could support them, because many of them after their training don’t have the capacity to purchase equipment for themselves to practice what they trained for over the years.

     

    ” It’s for us to see how we turn a lot of our  people to wealthy people in the environment we find ourselves, particularly BWIAN as an association, also a trade which is an aspect of structural engineering.

     

    “The award they gave me triggered me to support them to be able to practice and become employers of labour in the  environment they find themselves.”

     

    Mr Munirudeen Adegoke, BWIAN’s governor,  thanked Rep Oseni for the gesture and used the event to appeal to other political office holders in elective positions in Oyo state to emulate Oseni in giving back to the electorates.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • 2024 Igbo Ora Twins Festival: Oyo targets another UNESCO cultural heritage designation

    2024 Igbo Ora Twins Festival: Oyo targets another UNESCO cultural heritage designation

    2024 Igbo Ora Twins Festival: Oyo targets another UNESCO cultural heritage designation
    By Adewale Owoade
    Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has expressed the hope that in line with his administration’s zeal to expand the state’s economy through tourism, the Igbo Ora Festival of Twins and Multiple Births will be promoted to gain world acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage.
    Gov. Makinde stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the annual World Twins Festival, themed; “Twinning for Love, Unity and National Economic Reorientation,” held at the Methodist Grammar School, Igbo Ora.
    Makinde said that his government would continue to promote the festival because of its uniqueness and importance to Ibarapaland and Oyo State in general.
    He added that his government would also accelerate efforts on developing necessary infrastructure to support the drive, stating that the government would double its efforts to ensure that the ongoing rehabilitation of Ido/Eruwa road is completed.
    Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, pledged his government’s continuous support for the festival to attract more investors, stating that this would be achieved through improvement of facilities and creation of an enabling environment needed for tourism to thrive in the state.
    The event was organised by the Igbo Ora Community Foundation and Ibarapa Central Local Government in conjunction with Oyo State Government and the Twins World Creation Intercontinental.
    Governor Makinde said: “What we are doing today is something that is worth celebrating. You can see that we have a lot of people who came here from far and wide for this event.
    “Research has shown that 10 per cent of births in Igbo Ora are twins. We should ask ourselves why it is like that. But if we know that such is what God has blessed this town with, we are supposed to  guard that uniqueness jealously.
    “We should also know that twins are special children from God. It is the same foods they eat here that are being eaten in other places but they have their uniqueness of multiple births in Ibarapaland.
    “The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism has said a lot about this event and I want to tell you that Oyo State government is making efforts to upgrade the celebration of this event to UNESCO standard, which will make people come all the way from America, Asia and other continents of the world. So, the arrangement is ongoing.”
    Speaking further, the governor charged parents of twins and multiple births to guide and take care of them well towards attaining their goals in life, while he also encouraged the immediate community to embrace and celebrate the festival by creating a permanent venue that would serve as a monument for the important festival.
    “Also, we have to, as parents of twins, guide them well towards attaining their goals in life.
    “I also want to encourage this community, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to look for a parcel of land that will serve as a venue for this celebration subsequently. They will come and inspect and the government will give necessary support so that we won’t continue to make use of a field.
    “Part of what will add to the colour of this celebration is to have good roads that lead to the venue of the event, which would encourage those coming for the event to have a smooth experience on their way.
    “We are working on the Ido-Eruwa Road. I passed the route and I paid attention to the current state of the road. I can assure you that we will redouble our efforts to ensure that the road is fixed quickly,” the governor added.
    In his address, the chairman on the occasion and Member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Adigun, said “the annual festival does not only showcase the premium placed on culture and tradition by the Oyo State Government but also shows the values and the uniqueness of Igbo Ora Community in the state and all over the African continent.”
    He lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts in putting the festival on the global map, thereby attracting tourists and investors to develop the economy of the state.
    Also in his address, the Olu of Igbo Ora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye, appreciated Governor Makinde for promoting the twins festival as a platform for tourism and an avenue for the expansion of the state’s economy.
    Oyo State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the festival is unique, as it has incorporated twins from all the geopolitical zones in the state, with the target of entering the Guinness Book of World Records and also being enlisted by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
    He added that the festival has promoted culture and tourism in the state, urging residents of Ibarapaland to embrace the festival and accommodate all the states in Nigeria.
    In their speech, the Twins Festival Consultants, Ambassador Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye, also appreciated Governor Makinde for being a lover and promoter of creative and innovative cultural adventures and tourism.
    Giving the vote of thanks, the Member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Dr Anthony Adepoju, expressed optimism that the twins festival would soon be on the global map to attract more investors to boost the economy of the state.
    Highlights of the event include unveiling of twins’ statue at Igbotikale Roundabout; Igbo Ora Twins’ Parade; Twins’ Talent Show and Twins’ Appellation, among others.
    The event had in attendance traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and top government functionaries, among others.
  • Association President says stakeholders’ synergy needed in digitalisation of Nigeria’s education sector.

    Association President says stakeholders’ synergy needed in digitalisation of Nigeria’s education sector.

    Association President says stakeholders’ synergy needed in digitalisation of Nigeria’s education sector.

     

    By Suleiman Shehu

     

    Mr Okpeta Oyehkire, President of Abadina College Old Students’ Association, has called for synergy between all stakeholders in the digitalisation of the Nigerian education sector for the country’s development.

     

    Oyehkire made the call during the eighth annual lecture and awards ceremony to commemorate the school’s 47th anniversary on Friday in Ibadan.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was “Providing A Holistic and Qualitative Education Hinged on Integrity and Excellence”.

     

    Oyehkire said the world nowadays has kept on evolving technologically and technological innovation has been making the difference in the ways people live in the world of today.

     

    He said the education sector in Nigeria must not be left behind and must embrace this digital era for the future of the country and its citizens.

    “We must ensure the education sector in Nigeria and the South-West region is digitalised.

     

    “So, the old students’ association, government and other stakeholders have a critical role to play to ensure this,” the association president said.

     

    He pledged the commitment of the association to improving the learning and teaching conditions of teachers and students of Abadina College as well as the state of education in general.

    Also speaking, the Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, said people who were extremely rich in the world made it through computer knowledge.

     

    Olowofela, who was a former Oyo State Commissioner for Education, called on Nigerians to celebrate hardwork and excellence in innovation and creativity.

     

    “With information and communication technology (ICT) these days, there is hardly nothing you can not do to become wealthy.

     

    “You can sell products or be an entrepreneur, and not by all these things about rituals, which is a waste of time.

     

    “I want to appeal to governments, especially in the South-West, to allow the teaching of ICT in schools from the basic level for pupils and students to have enough background on it and use it rightly,” he said.

    Also, a former chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof.Olusoji Adejumo, said education in Nigeria must be holistic, especially at the basic level, to produce knowledgeable students.

     

    “This can only be done when there is synergy between the policy-makers, teachers, students and parents, working together to ensure Artificial Intelligence (AI) and providing the enabling environment and resources,” he said.

     

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of cash awards to the best teachers in both the senior and junior schools, the school anthem’s composer and best students in various subjects.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)