Flowerbud News

Author: Wale Owoade

  • Force Headquarters wins 14th Biennial Police Games

    Force Headquarters wins 14th Biennial Police Games

     

     

    Force Headquarters wins 14th Biennial Police Games

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    The Force Headquarters Team has emerged the overall winner of the 14th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) held in Ibadan.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 17 Zonal Commands and Force Headquarters participated in track, field and indoor events during the eight-day games tagged “Oluyole 2024”.

     

    Team Force Headquarters clinched 196 medals consisting of 96 Gold, 40 Silver and 60 Bronze to emerge overall champions.

     

    They were followed closely by Zone 2 which is made up of Lagos and Ogun Commands with 212 medals, made up of 90 Gold, 55 Silver and 67 Bronze.

     

    Third on the medals table was Zone 11, with headquarters in Osogbo, with a total of 151 medals comprising 56 Gold, 50 Silver and 45 Bronze.

     

    The games, which was held from Feb. 24 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, featured football, swimming, boxing, table tennis, lawn tennis, mixed martial arts, among other events.

     

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, while reflecting on the games, said the participants showcased impressive athletic skills, unwavering commitment and a strong competitive spirit.

     

    He added that the athletes not only competed for glory but also exemplified the values of professionalism, integrity and service during the games.

     

    “On this occasion, I am honoured to extend my deepest gratitude to all the participants, coaches, organisers and supporters who contributed to the success of Oluyole 2024.

     

    “Your passion and commitment have not only made this event a spectacle of sporting excellence but also reinforced the essential role of sports in fostering unity, discipline and mutual respect within our police force and beyond.

     

    “As we close this chapter of the Biennial Police Games, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged and the moments of triumph and resilience.

     

    “Let the fellowship and mutual respect developed during these games resonate in our daily lives and work within the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

     

    Also, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, while declaring the games closed, said the competition resonated round the imperative for unity, development and cohesion in Nigeria.

     

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Bayo Lawal, said the hospitality industry in the state benefited immensely during the games.

     

    He added that the games brought together people from different parts of the country, united for excellence, prosperity and progress. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Hon.Peller Joins PDP, Cites Makinde’s leadership qualities

    Hon.Peller Joins PDP, Cites Makinde’s leadership qualities

    I joined PDP because of Makinde’s leadership qualities – Peller

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    A former House of Representatives member, Hon. Shina Peller, says his decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was based on Gov. Seyi Makinde’s performance in Oyo State.

     

    Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju /Kajola Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the Ninth National Assembly, said this when he led many members of Accord Party in Oyo North Senatorial District to PDP.

     

    The event took place at Ojude Oba in Iseyin, Oyo State.

     

    Gov. Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, formally received Peller and other Accord Party members, and assured them of equal treatment and a level playing field in the party.

    While handing over the flag of PDP to Peller, Gov. Makinde said that PDP would give the defectors the chance to blend with the party, so they can join hands to move it forward.

     

    Speaking to journalists after the event, Peller said the decision of the members of the Accord Party in the senatorial district to defect to the ruling PDP was based on the good works of Makinde in the state.

     

    “I have learnt my lessons; life is divided into three parts, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

     

    “There is nothing you can do about the past, just to learn your lessons, but we need to move forward.

     

    “We see the PDP in Oyo State, especially Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration. Gov. Makinde has made PDP a bride to behold because of the great work he is doing.

     

    “I believe there is no leadership when there is no vision.

     

    “Gov. Makinde is a visionary leader, he has a vision and this is the reason we have decided that it is time to collaborate with him and make Oyo State move forward.

     

    “I’m a progressive but have come to realise that you need power to progress; I’m in PDP to find power,” Peller said.

    Also, the Special Adviser to Gov. Makinde on Federal Consistency Matters, Dare Adeleke, said Peller was not a stranger and is very much welcome to the party.

     

    The dignitaries at the event were PDP South-West Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Kunmi Mustafa and Co-Chairman of the state’s Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun.

     

    Others were the current member of the House of Representatives, representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Abayomi Oyedeji; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi, and Oyo State Deputy Chairman of the party, Hon. James Olukunle.

     

    Senator Gbenga Babalola, Elder Wole Oyelese and Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate in 2023, Olajide Adediran (Jandor) also graced the occasion among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

    NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

     

    NTA reporter, Ayomikun Ajibola emerges new Oyo SWAN Chairman

    By Adewale Owoade

    Ayomiku Ajibola, a reporter with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has emerged Chairman of the Sport Writers’ Association of Nigeria(SWAN) Oyo State Chapter

    Ajibola emerged chairman in the SWAN election held on Wednesday in Ibadan, having polled 36 votes to defeat his opponent from News Agency of Nigeria, Aderemi Koleosho, who polled 7 votes.

    Ajibola, in his victory speech, said everybody is a winner and hope to collaborate with all in the pursuit of the association’s collective goals.

    He promised to work assiduously to uphold the values and standard of SWAN towards moving the association forward in the state.

    Ajibola said; “ I must acknowledge the incredible work of my fellow candidates. Your commitment to excellence and dedication to the craft of sports journalism have inspired me to continually strive for greatness.

    “I am honored to stand alongside such talented individuals, and I look forward to collaborating with each of you in the pursuit of our collective goals.

    “Together, we will continue to elevate the standards of sports journalism and celebrate the magic of sports with the world.

    Other members of the newly elected executives are Vice-Chairman, Gbenga Olugbodi; Secretary, Boluwaji Ogunmola;
    Assistant Secretary, Annabel Enahoro and Financial Secretar, Olawale Olaniyan.

  • Honourable Shina Peller To Join PDP

    Honourable Shina Peller To Join PDP

     

    Honourable Shina Peller To Join PDP

    By Adewale Owoade

    Honourable Shina Peller, a former lawmaker, will be joining Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in a mega rally.

     

    The mega rally is slated for Thursday 29th of February 2024, at Ojúde Ọba, Iseyin in Oyo State.

     

    According to the statement signed by the Ag. Publicity Secretary, Oyo State PDP, Micheal Ogunsina, where he said Governor Seyi Makinde has made the PDP in Oyo State a bride to behold and his good works as the Governor of Oyo State has been the unique selling point for the party

     

    He stated further that Hon. Shina Peller will be a real asset to the party and that his decamping into PDP, will make the party stronger, and that his decamping is the first of many this season.

    Ogunsina encouraged all the Party members in Oyo North to turn up massively for the rally and receive Hon. Shina Peller in the PDP Way.

    Hon. Peller, the Oke Ogun-born businessman cum politician, will be the first BIG FISH, that will be decamping to the ruling party in Oyo State, after the 2023 general election.

  • We must pull together to solve our problem, Makinde tells Nigerians

    We must pull together to solve our problem, Makinde tells Nigerians

     

    We must pull together to solve our problem, Makinde  tells Nigerians

     

    By Adewale Owoade

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for calm amid protests against economic hardship in the country, stating that the difficult times being experienced by Nigerians will soon pass.

    Makinde, who declared his support for the protesters calling for an end to hardship and hunger being experienced by the people, however, warned that the protests must be peaceful and constructive in order to achieve the desired result.

    Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, while addressing members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who converged on Total Garden Roundabout in Ibadan.

    Makinde said it was time for the country as a whole to come together and address the challenges and problems facing it, adding that it is, indeed, a trying period for Nigerians.

    The governor compared the present situation with what obtained in 1989, during the days of the Structural Adjustment Programme, saying that reforms always come with consequent challenges but it has become imperative for all Nigerians to work together.

    The governor also warned against generalisation that states had been doing nothing to ease the hardship, stating that Oyo State Government had been paying wage awards to workers and pensioners in the state since October 2023.

    He added that the state government only recently extended the payment of the wage award by another six months to allow for the conclusion of discussions on a new minimum wage.

    He said: “My message to the protesters and people of Oyo State is to simply let them know that this is a trying period for our country. It is not the time for divisive activities. We have to pull together and confront the challenges that we are faced with.

    “Usually, when you are going through a period where you are trying to reform a system, there will be challenges. We saw it in 1989 during the Structural Adjustment Programme. We had riots but, at the end of the day, we still all came together to solve our problem.

    “I told the NLC president that this is not the time for lies and propaganda. No one can say that no state is paying wage awards, as we have been paying it to our workers and pensioners since October 2023.

    “Even, I have extended it by another six months to give us the opportunity to sit down and negotiate the minimum wage and the adjustment that will come with it.”

    Assuring the protesters that he would deliver their message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Makinde appealed for calmness from the protesters.

    “I know there is hunger and anger in the land, but the solution is still for us to pull together.”

  • Let’s Develop Our Export Market to Attract Foreign exchange says Makinde

    Let’s Develop Our Export Market to Attract Foreign exchange says Makinde

        

    Let’s Develop Our Export Market to Attract Foreign exchange says Makinde

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appealed to Nigerians to shun trading blames and collectively develop the country’s export market to attract foreign exchange and end the hardship currently being experienced in the country.

     

    Makinde stated this while declaring open the Oyo State International Trade Fair, known as “EXPOYO 2024,” in  Ibadan.

     

    The theme of the trade fair is “Showcasing the Economic Potential of Oyo State Through Agriculture, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises”.

     

    According to the governor, shifting focus to export instead of import is one way to achieve the desired repair of the country’s economy.

    “This is a very tough period for us as a country. Economically, things are not going the way we want but this is not the time to give up. It is the time to look at opportunities, because opportunities are always lurking in the corner when there are challenges.

     

    “For us in Oyo State, we are not giving up. I can see notable industrialists here. It is about time we changed our orientation. People will talk about what we produce in Nigeria and showcase the economic potential of Oyo State.

     

    “We are not interested only in things that we will consume locally in Oyo State. Export substitution means you are looking at only your own market. Export orientation means we want to produce here and sell to the world and earn the necessary foreign exchange.

     

    “For us here, it is a challenge for OYCCIMA and the industrialists in our midst. We must develop our export market and attract foreigners so that in the years to come, this exhibition will become truly international.

     

    “It is not acceptable to me or to any of us here that a state, which is 120km away from here, is generating over N65 billion every month in IGR and we are struggling to generate four billion naira monthly,” Makinde said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, said Governor Makinde has been expanding the economy of Oyo State by working in concert with the players in the private sector and leveraging the state’s potential to move the state forward.

     

    “It will only be right to say that the Oyo State government has taken another giant stride in the rejuvenation of our dear state economy through exhibiting our area of potentialities to the entire world.

     

    “A lot of opportunities are bound in the state as we can all see today that leveraging on our potential in the state will exist in moving the state and the entire country forward,” Ojo said.

     

    Also in his address, the President, Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Daniel Gbadero, appreciated Governor Makinde for his exceptional economic transformation agenda and his support towards the success of the “EXPOYO 2024.”

     

    “It has been quite sometime since we have a trade fair in Oyo state, we must give kudos to Gov Seyi Makinde, who as his part of economy transformation agenda for the state has graciously chosen to support Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA) to organise the 2024 EXPOYO Trade fair,” Gbadero said.

     

    The governor and his entourage later inspected the trade fair exhibition ground.

     

    The event had in attendance Top government officials, political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, political appointees among others. (NAN)

  • Makinde refutes Akpabio’s claim of N30bn for food security

    Makinde refutes Akpabio’s claim of N30bn for food security

       

    Makinde refutes Akpabio’s claim of N30bn for food security

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has refuted claims by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that the 36 governors got the sum of N30billion each to address food security in their various states.

     

    Makinde stated this during the commissioning of the newly-renovated multi-billion naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji, SAN, at Justice Oluwakayode Ariwoola Peace Park, Iseyin in Oyo State.

     

    Akpabio, had on Tuesday during plenary, said that all the 36 governors in Nigeria got N30billion each to address food scarcity and economic hardship.

     

    He stated further that the said money was disbursed by the Federal Government through Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

     

    Makinde, while reacting to Akpabio’s claim, urged the Federal Government not to politicise the situation at hand, but rather put in more efforts to tackle the current hardship Nigerians are battling with.

    “Let me say it clearly, for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30billion being  given for food security to the states, and I stand to be challenged.

     

    “We’ve been transparent about everything we are doing here in Oyo State and this is time for us to pull together as a nation and solve the problems we are facing.

     

    “It is not a time for blame game and propaganda; hunger, anger are real and as leaders we must address it.”

     

    Furthermore, Makinde commended the Christian body for being part of the commissioning, hailing the religious harmony in Oyo State as exemplary.

     

    “What we have demonstrated by the presence of the Christian community is that in Oyo State we are one, anybody that wants to cause disharmony between us should go elsewhere because it will not work,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, appreciated Makinde for always being there for the people of Oyo State.

     

    He also called for togetherness to solve the problem facing the nation.

     

    “I appreciate him for speaking in a passionate tone and that is how a leader should speak to his people to let them know he cares for them.

     

    “Seyi, don’t worry, we are with you and will keep on praying for you. We will keep on supporting you because you are on the right track, we keep on supporting you.

     

    “I’m very pleased to see the representative of CAN in Oyo here, and they gave a very beautiful speech, we should replicate this, we are one big family with different religious beliefs.

     

    “Let’s continue to work in peace because without peace we cannot develop, we must come together, find a solution to our problem,” Abubakar said.

    Earlier, the facilitator of the Iseyin Central Mosque, Raji, appreciated the governor for his presence, urging citizens of the country to continue to pray for their leaders and to pray to God to lessen the burden of the people.

     

    “As citizens, no matter the challenges we are facing, let us be praying for our leaders. If you curse your leaders, you will have the effect more than they will feel it.

     

    “I appeal to us, let us always pray for them, even when we notice difficulties, pray to God to ease the burden for them,” Raji said.

     

    The event had in attendance the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, National Assembly members and top government functionaries from Oyo State as well as Oke Ogun Traditional Council members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Late Wigwe’s Business Partner in Dubious Move to Acquire Wigwe’s Share of Access Bank

    Late Wigwe’s Business Partner in Dubious Move to Acquire Wigwe’s Share of Access Bank

    Late Wigwe’s Business Partner in Dubious Move to Acquire Wigwe’s Share of Access Bank

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the business partner of Late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc., is making frantic efforts at all means to acquire Late Wigwe’s shares of Access Bank.

     

    Aig-Imoukhuede is the Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation; Founder, Coronation Group & Affiliates; Founder, Tengen Family Office; Former General Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank.

     

    Aig-Imokhuede has commenced a process to sideline the late Wigwe’s family, and in particular, the younger brother of the deceased, (name withheld), through proxies in the family in order to acquire his former partner’s share of Access Bank.

     

    This is, as the bodies haven’t even been returned to Nigeria and the funerals planned.

     

    Our sources within the family reported that clandestine meetings were held outside of the family, including control of the bodies by Aig-Imoukhuede’s wife, Madam Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, who traveled to the United States to ensure that their family controls the bodies.

     

    The family has further been frustrated by the photographed visits by a long list of personalities that should’ve been done privately, all to showcase Aig-Imoukhuede.  Those not aware didn’t see the progression of guests from the parents’ house to Aig-Imoukhuede’s office.

     

    Family members continue to express fears for the lives of the innocent young children who would’ve been protected by family members.

    Late Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank, who hailed from Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State, died on Friday, February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America, alongside his wife, Chizoba; son, Chizi; and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).

     

    All six people onboard were confirmed dead.

     

    He is survived by an 89-year-old father, Shyngle Wigwe; Mother, Stella; and three children, Tochi, Hannah and David.

  • Reliance on FAAC No Longer Sustainable For Economic Growth – Gov. Mbah

    Reliance on FAAC No Longer Sustainable For Economic Growth – Gov. Mbah

        

    Reliance on FAAC No Longer Sustainable For Economic Growth – Gov. Mbah

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says reliance by state governments on the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), for economic growth is no longer sustainable.

     

    Mba said this when he joined his Oyo State counterpart, Gov. Seyi Makinde, to officially commissioned a 12.5km Challenge- Odo Ona-Elewe-Elebu-Apata dualised road project under Ido Local Government Area.

     

    Mba lauded Gov. Makinde for his brand of decisive and progressive governance in the collective interest of the people.

    “For me this is not just an event to mark the cutting of a ribbon, it is a bold testament to the governor’s quest of leaving lasting legacies to humanity and that is what we are witnessing today.

     

    “I want to salute you my brother, for your brand of decisiveness and progressiveness, which underscores what our great party, PDP, represent in governance.

     

    “Which is essentially thinking about the people knowing that governance is all about the people not about narrow interest but about collective interest of the people

     

    “Reliant on FAAC as a way of economic growth is no longer sustainable, it is hardly able to intervene in the critical sector of any state economy.

     

    “Which means that as governors, we must think outside the box, we must create alternative financing modules to be able to execute project such as the one we are commissioning today.

     

    “We can only grow our economy as state by attracting private sector investment, and that is what this road represents.

     

    “Because one of the key indicators of the ease of doing business is provision of infrastructure, making it easy for people to move from one point to the other, and that is what we are witnessing today,” Mba said

    Gov. Makinde in his address said that the greatness of the nation was a collective responsibility and all must work together to get Nigeria working again.

     

    “To make Nigeria great is our collective responsibility and we all must work together to get Nigeria working again.

     

    “I urge our people to remain open, the tough time will soon be over,” he said.

     

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration towards improving the well-being of the people of Oyo regardless of the multifaceted challenges occasioned by the current state of the nation’s economy.

     

    Makinde renamed the commissioned road Theophilus Akinyele Way.

     

    “When this economic crisis started, we gave wage award to the workers for six months, I wanted that time to be able to sort out between the government and the workers, what the minimum wage should be.

     

    “We have not been able to achieve that and I will announce today that the wage award would be extended by another six months,” Makinde said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Dahud Sangodoyin, thanked Gov. Makinde for his vision and support towards completion of the project.

     

    He said the 12.5km road project was started in 2008 under the late former governor Alao Akala and was consequently neglected by the late Abiola Ajimobi’s led government before Gov. Seyi Makinde revisited it and awarded it to KOPEK Construction Limited.

     

    The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of the State, Mr Bayo Lawal; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

     

    Others include chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), traditional rulers and religious leaders. (NAN)