Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Easter: Imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ – clerics urge Christians, politicians

    Easter: Imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ – clerics urge Christians, politicians

    Easter: Imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ – clerics urge Christians, politicians

     

    By Seyi Ogunwomoju-Oduneye

     

    The Presiding Pastor of Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church, Ibadan, Pastor Gbade Ojo, has urged Christians and politicians to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of sacrifice and humility.

     

    Ojo made the call while speaking with journalists on the significance of Easter, a Christian holiday commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     

    He said Easter to Christians was about humility and sacrifice, noting that the Lord Jesus Christ came to the world to sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.

     

    He also charged politicians to fulfill their campaign promises and live sacrificial lives for the people.

     

    “The greatest lesson of Easter is about humility and a life of sacrifice.

     

    “Jesus sacrificed himself for us. For our salvation he endured our pains, he bore our sins, so that is the essence of Easter

    .

    “Easter is not about eating rice, wearing new clothes; the celebration is to appreciate the Lord Jesus that He sacrificed for us.

     

    “Our political leaders should begin to learn how to sacrifice,” Ojo said.

     

    In the same vein, Prophet Timothy Arabambi, the General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Reformation Land (Ile-Atunse), said that Christians should be holy just as Jesus Christ.

     

    “They can do better. Christ died for us and people in government are to serve us, and if they serve us good we also serve them.

     

    “If the government can tackle the menace of the kidnappers and have a better security of lives and property, we will have a better economy,” Arabambi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     

  • Hon. Peller Urges Nigerians To Choose Love Over Hatred.

    Hon. Peller Urges Nigerians To Choose Love Over Hatred.

     


    Hon. Peller Urges Nigerians To Choose Love Over Hatred.

    By Adewale Owoade

    Honourable Shina Peller, a member of the House of Representatives at the ninth Assembly, has urged Nigerians to choose love over hatred, peace over violence and good over evil in the spirit of Easter.

    The Ayedero of Yorubaland, made this call on Sunday while congratulating Christians on the occasion of the 2024 Easter celebration.

    Peller, the former lawmaker stated further, that Easter symbolises victory over loss, forgiveness over malice, love over hatred, gain over pain, joy over sadness, peace over violence as well as good over evil.

    Furthermore, the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician urged all to embrace all the good things that Jesus Christ represented which he said include peace, love, humility, forgiveness, tolerance, patience and charity.

    In the same vein, he enjoined everyone to reach out to the needy, rekindle the hope of the hopeless and touch lives positively in whatever way they can during and after Easter.

    The statement read in full:

    “Happy Easter to my Christian friends and fans both at home and in the diaspora. To God be the glory for witnessing the moment.

    “Easter symbolizes victory over loss, forgiveness over sin, love over hatred, gain over pain, hope over hopelessness, joy over distress, belief over disbelief, peace over violence and good over evil. So, as you celebrate, I urge you all to embrace all the good things that Easter represents as true followers of Jesus Christ (Peace be unto him).

    “In addition, always remember that Jesus Christ, who was the main reason for Easter celebration, represented and preached peace throughout his lifetime. His act of humility, forgiveness, tolerance, charity, patience and love for humanity knew no bound and should be emulated by all, irrespective of our religious status.

    “Importantly, in whatever way we can, let’s spread love around, reach out to the needy, put smiles on the faces of the depressed, rekindle the hope of the hopeless, and touch lives positively during this Easter celebration and even after. May God make it possible for us. Amen.

    “Once again, I wish everyone of you a fantastic Easter celebration and May we witness many more on earth. Amen.”

  • Ramadan: Cleric advises Nigerians to live together in peace

    Ramadan: Cleric advises Nigerians to live together in peace

    Ramadan: Cleric advises Nigerians to live together in peace

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    An Islamic Cleric, Sheik Jamiu Sanusi, has urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another and be patient with leaders at all levels.

     

    Sanusi, popularly known as Amin Olohun, said this while speaking as a guest lecturer at a Ramadan Lecture organised by Hon. Shina Peller, at the Palace of Aseyin of Iseyin, Iseyin, Oyo State.

    “We have to be patient, this country is ours. The only way to change our country is for all of us to change for good.

     

    “To change Nigeria, Nigerians must change, but whatsoever we are doing in this life we should take God first.

     

    “For the spirit of Ramadan, all hands must be on deck to help one another, to share the goodness, faithfulness, love and truthfulness.

     

    “If we can share all these, hopefully Nigeria will be a better place. Humanity comes first, humanity even comes before religion.

     

    “If everybody can stand and say let love lead, because all religions preach love, this is Ramadan, month of love, month of sacrifice, month of cooperation, month of dedication.

     

    “As a Muslim, I urge everybody, let us help each other, let us be faithful to this country and ourselves,” Sanusi said.

     

    Speaking, the Chief Host/Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I, the Aseyin of Iseyin, advised all Nigerians to preach peace.

    “I will advise everybody to preach peace in our communities, in Oyo State, peace in Nigeria in general; we all need peace,” Oba Oyebola said.

     

    Also, the organiser of the Ramadan lecture, Hon. Shina Peller, urged Nigerians to be considerate and leave judgement for God.

    “For you to understand life, don’t do unto others what you cannot take and don’t judge, leave all judgements to Almighty Allah.

     

    “God has promised us that there will be judgement and He is the Judge of all judges, so don’t judge anybody, whatever anybody is doing, leave them for God,” Peller emphasised.

     

    Present at the event were the Chief Imam of Lekki, Imam Abdulhafiz Owoyemi as guest of honour, politicians, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Livestock Production: Oyo State model gets high rating

    Livestock Production: Oyo State model gets high rating

     

    Livestock Production: Oyo State model gets high rating

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The National Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Sanusi Abubakar, has commended the commitment and delivery of livestock production in Oyo State.

     

    Abubakar rated the state high at a 3-day livestock production stakeholders’ engagement by the World Bank Task Team and the National Coordinating Office on the L-PRES Support Mission to Oyo State.

    The event targeted the implementation of a $500 million World Bank Project by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to improve productivity, commercialisation and resilience of livestock value chain.

    The coordinator said the Governor of the State, Seyi Makinde, has created a conducive environment for investors in livestock production.

     

    Stakeholders were later taken to a livestock production hub at Fashola Farm Oyo to assess the state government’s commitment in dairy and beef production.

    They were hosted by the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr Debo Akande, and the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr Kola Kazeem.

     

    Abubakar, while speaking with journalists at Fashola Farm Settlement in Oyo Town, said Oyo State is one of those states that have keyed into the project.

     

    He said some places have been earmarked as Livestock Service Centre and the project can further enhance Fashola Farm to move it forward.

     

    “We are here in Ibadan, Oyo State, in continuation of our implementation support mission, we went to some states like Bauchi, Gombe and Enugu and we are here in Oyo State to wrap-up the event.

     

    “We have the mandate of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyiari, to hasten up the implementation of this livestock programme in Nigeria, that is why we are going round for the implementation mission.

     

    “We are here in Fashola Farm, a renowned place for livestock breeding and commercialisation of the livestock value chain that has been here since 1968 and we are impressed with what is happening here.

     

    “We went to sites where they are training stakeholders on artificial insemination, livestock and pasture centres and are impressed with what is happening here.

     

    “Thankfully, Oyo State is one of the states that is participating in this project and we are here to see how we can support the state.

     

    “The aim of the project is to improve productivity and commercialisation of livestock value chain.

     

    “If you improve productivity and commercialisation, certainly the citizens will get more money and will also help in our nutrition; you cannot do nutrition without livestock,” Abubakar said.

    Also, L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Kazeem, said the mission of the project implementation team is to lend support to Oyo State in livestock production and development.

     

    He disclosed that other agric hubs are currently being established at Ijaye for Ibadan Zone, Eruwa, Ibarapa Zone and others at Oke-ogun and Ogbomoso Zones.

     

    “We have a team from about 16 states of the country who were in the state to witness what the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has been doing in terms of agricultural production and agribusiness development in the state.

     

    “Fashola Farms is a signature project for Oyo State and for other states to emulate.

     

    “When we talk of livestock centres, you cannot find this kind of facility and arrangement that we have in Fashola Agribusiness Hub in any other place.

     

    “That is why everybody here is fascinated with what they have seen,” Kazeem said.

     

    In his remarks, Akande who is also the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, said the state has enormous potential in livestock production.

     

    “L-Pres is prepared to support the efforts of the state government to bring foremost acknowledgement of livestock rearing value chain, not just for cattle but also for poultry, piggery and other livestock sectors in the state.

     

    “This we believe, in short, mid and long term, is going to create a major impact on our agricultural value chain especially in the livestock area.

     

    “We will listen to our farmers, we want to understand where their challenges are and through that understanding we would be able to respond to it.

     

    “One good example is what you saw today when we were meeting with all those cooperative farmers that are telling us about the challenges they have on artificial insemination.

     

    “This is part of what L-PRES will be doing as well,” Akande said.

     

    The programme had in attendance World Bank representatives, a representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and the Executive Director/CEO Development Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Ijeoma Ozulumba.

     

    Also in attendance were the state project coordinators in all the beneficiary states as well as stakeholders in the livestock production sector.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the L-PRES, with the support of the World Bank, will create the enabling environment, including provision of infrastructure, for investors in the livestock value chain in Oyo State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • 3SC Wallops Akwa United To Maintain Impressive Run

    3SC Wallops Akwa United To Maintain Impressive Run

    3SC Wallops Akwa United To Maintain Impressive Run

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has defeated the former champions, Akwa United of Uyo, in a Matchday 24 fixture, by 3-0 ,on Sunday, at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan to extend their unbeaten streak to four games.

    The Oluyole Warriors took the lead in the 15th minute of the game, by Victor Ehibe , with a powerful shot, after being set up by Christian Pyagbara.

    Three minutes later, the goal provider, Pyagbara turned to a scorer himself as he nodded in Monday Gideon’s corner kick to double the lead for the Oluyole Warriors.

    At the start of the second half, the 3SC coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, in search of more goals, introduced the duo of Daddy Abdulrahman and Abdullahi Lawal, and later Adams Agba’a Mustapha and Kayode Oke while Ayodeji Bamidele came in in the last five of the 90 minutes.

    Substitute, Abdullahi Lawal put an icing on the cake for the Oluyole Warriors in the 86th with a blistering free kick, which goalkeeper Jean Efala had no answer to, after Kayode Oke was fouled.

     

     

     

    Speaking at the post – match press conference, Coach Ogunbote said that his lads knew what is at stake and that is why they put in their best in to the game.

    He also thanked the fans for always supporting the Oluyole Warriors against all odds.

     

    Also speaking, the coach of Akwa United, Umar Abdullahi said his lads lost the match due to fatigue, and that the game his team won against Eyimba FC, definitely made Shooting Stars to really prepare for his team.

    He stated further that the Oluyole Warriors put in more than 100% performance against his team in today’s match.

     

    3SC now moved up to 9th position on the table, with 34 points from 24 matches.

    For the midweek match, 3SC will be traveling on Monday, March 11, to Gombe, to slug it out with the Doma United, for the midweek clash, at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, for the Matchday 25 fixture.

     

     

  • Ramadan: Makinde calls for increased prayers, good neighbourliness

    Ramadan: Makinde calls for increased prayers, good neighbourliness

     


    Ramadan: Makinde calls for increased prayers, good neighbourliness

    By Adewale Owoade

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the world on the commencement of the month of Ramadan 1445.

    Makinde, who described the holy month as a blessed month in which Allah rewards the worship of the Muslim Ummah, charged Muslims to increase their prayers for the country and the state.

    Governor Makinde called for increased prayers for the country amid the economic hardship facing the people, noting that though leaders have been doing everything to turn the situation around, prayers are of greater essence at this time.

    He equally charged Muslims around the world to demonstrate the lessons of love, kindness and good neighbourliness as taught by Prophet Mohammed, admonishing those who have enough to remember their neighbours, as more people are going through hard times.

    According to the governor, his administration had been doing everything possible to mitigate the effects of the economic hardship and it will not relent until life becomes better for all residents of the state.

    He said: “I felicitate my Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the commencement of the month of Ramadan 1445.

    “This is another opportunity offered to us by Allah (SWT) to serve Him and seek His face and I will encourage all and sundry to make good use of the opportunity as always.

    “I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear State and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen.

    “We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God.

    “I also want to charge my Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness.

    “It is my prayer that Allah SWT will reward your acts of worship and accept it as Ibadah.”

  • Special Needs Expert Calls For World Free Discrimination Against Woman

    Special Needs Expert Calls For World Free Discrimination Against Woman

     

    Special Needs Expert Calls For World Free Discrimination Against Woman

    By Seyi Oduneye – Ogunwomoju

    A Primary and Special Needs expert, Mrs Folaranmi Esan, has called for a world free of biases, stereotypes, and discrimination against women.

     

    Esan said this at the International Women’s Day celebration, IWD, with the theme: Invest In Women Accelerated Progress, held at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.

     

    Esan stated further that this would make for a world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive for women to thrive.

     

    “A world where difference is valued and celebrated. As women together, we can forge women’s equality.

    “Investing in women is not only a moral imperative. When we invest in women, we accelerate progress on multiple fronts.

    “In economic growth, women make significant contributions to the economy when empowered.

    “Diverse perspectives drive innovation. By supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders, we bring fresh ideas to the table, leading to more creative solutions and advancements across industries’’.

    According to Esan, closing the gender gaps is essential as investing in women is crucial for achieving gender equality.

    “Closing gender gaps in education, employment, and leadership positions not only promotes fairness and social justice but also unlocks vast untapped potential for global progress,” she said.

    Esan added that investing in women wasn’t just the right thing to do, but was also the smart thing to do.

    “ By empowering women economically, socially, and politically, we can accelerate progress towards a more equitable and prosperous world for all,” she added.

    In her remarks, the Curator of National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, said that the 2024 IWD theme was apt to posit that women are catalysts to development.

    Otuka stressed the need to promote as well as invest in women with a view to accelerating the progress of society.

    “Women’s positive contributions to human race in the past, present and in the near future are worth amplifying.

    “ This is to project the pious estate as well as accord them with respect, statutory rights, and privileges which they deserve.

    “Let’s remember and put on record notable contributions of women to the development of the world economy and their inalienable rights despite all odds,” she said.

    The curator added that the role of women in the history of the world could not be overemphasised.

    That apart from being homemakers, and backbone to their husbands, they are also great support for the family, which, of course, is the basic unit of society.

    “This underscores the fact that we are to be cherished, cared for, protected by all, and honored by our gender counterparts for our beauty, integrity, agility, and divinely ascribed virtues.

    “Therefore, any form of abuse, dishonor, misrepresentation, and misplaced priority must be properly addressed and redressed without looking back,” she said.

  • Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

    Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

     

    Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has donated 28 eighteen-seater buses to the students of federal, state, indigenous and special education institutions in Oyo State.

     

    The event took place at the Governor’s Office Car Park, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

     

    Makinde, while giving out the buses, said his government is sensitive to what the students are passing through and that his administration will always do its best for the state.

     

    “We are passing through a very difficult situation, a challenging period as a country and yourself, you are probably passing through a lot more challenging situation.

    “But I have good news for you and the good news is that this tough and challenging period will soon pass.

     

    “For us as an administration, we will always do our best for our state.

     

    “Let me wish the student bodies well and I want you to know that we are sensitive to what you are passing through.

     

    “Let me say this, just this morning, I signed off on the scholarship and bursary for 2024, and have asked them to make it online so that it will be first come first served and that the process will have integrity and is seamless.

     

    “For me personally, I am restoring my own personal scholarship scheme, I stopped it when I became the governor, but now I’ve seen the need because government alone cannot do everything, cannot give enough.

     

    “Once again, I want to charge you to cooperate with the leadership in your various institutions,” Makinde said.

     

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, commended Makinde for always supporting the students and setting a precedence for good governance.

    In their separate remarks, Secretary, Student Union Caretaker Committee, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Happiness Makinde, and Southwest Coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Students, John Alao, said Gov. Makinde is a pillar of hope for the Nigerian students.

     

    They pledged that the buses will be used effectively.

     

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal; Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; commissioners and other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ongoing in Oyo State — NPC

    Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ongoing in Oyo State — NPC

    Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ongoing in Oyo State — NPC

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    The National Population Commission (NPC) says 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is ongoing in Oyo State.

     

    The NPC Federal Commissioner, Oyo State, Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji, said NPC had over three decades spearheaded the implementation of the NDHS in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and key partners.

     

    Oyetunji, who was represented by Mr Akin Oyetunde, the NPC Oyo State Director, disclosed this at a news briefing in Ibadan.

     

    The commissioner emphasised that the data collected and analysed would not merely be numerical values; they would represent the health, aspirations and challenges of communities.

     

    He also thanked the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF and WHO for their contributions.

    “This survey has been instrumental in providing invaluable insights that inform evidence-based policies, enhance public health interventions and contribute to the broader development agenda of our nation.

     

    “Together, we have elevated this survey from a research initiative to a cornerstone of dependable demographic and health metrics for Nigeria.

     

    “I express my gratitude for your commitment and dedication to this cause.

     

    “Together, we are setting the stage for positive change and I am confident that the data we gather will guide us toward a healthier and more prosperous future,” Oyetunji said.

     

    For his part, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, NDHS 2023/2024, Mr Rotimi Ilelaboye, said that the survey comes up every five years.

     

    He explained that the last one was in 2018, and the one being conducted is the 8th edition of the exercise.

     

    “The objective of this exercise is to update, to gather information about the population and the health situation in the country.

     

    “This health situation is about indicators like reproduction, Malaria, Female Genital Mutilation, HIV and others.

     

    “That is what we are trying to gather information on and at the end of the day when we have gathered the information, it will be useful for the government to plan for the health sector,” Ilelaboye said.

     

    In her goodwill message, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs Olukemi Afolayan, said that globally, NDHS is very important for national development.

     

    “The survey is important for women’s health, children and men’s health.

     

    “To have good national planning on health, we must have correct data.

     

    “I want to commend NPC and I want to plead with gentlemen of the press and other stakeholders to please support NPC in this exercise,” Afolayan said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)