Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Civil Defense Day: NSCDC Commandant tasks personnel on rededication to duty, environmental safety 

    Civil Defense Day: NSCDC Commandant tasks personnel on rededication to duty, environmental safety 

     

    The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, has tasked officers and men of the Corps on rededication to duty, environmental safety and professionalism.

     

    Willie gave the task on Monday during NSCDC Enugu State Command commemoration of the World Civil Defence Day 2026; with the theme: “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”.

     

    He urged all NSCDC personnel to ensure they pursue the mandate of the Corp with renewed vigor it demands, while protecting the environment and safety of all in it.

     

    The commandant said, “As members of the NSCDC, we must remain steadfast in our mandate to protect Nigerians, secure critical national assets, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.

     

    “We recognise that the management of environmental risk is now a central component of civil protection, requiring enhanced early warning systems, cooperation across agencies, and resilient communities ready to withstand crises.”

     

    Willie also lauded the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, for reappointing the Commandant-General (C-G) of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, for another five years.

     

    He said, “It is gratifying that our C-G, who have uplifted the standard and level of professionalism, with other big dreams of further uplift of the Corps, is supported with a renewed appointment.

     

    “The C-G over the last five years have made the Corp to increase its capacity and shown that the Corps is ready to handle additional national assignments – safe school, agro-rangers, mine marshal and recently VIP protection duties.

     

    “I pray God Almighty to continue to protect and give him more wisdom to continue to uplift the NSCDC and ensure better security of Nigerians as NSCDC remains the only security agency closer to citizens at their various localities.”

     

     

    Speaking, a member of Civil Defense Community Partnership Network, Mr Nnachi Ude, applauded the commandant for outstanding successes recorded after he expanded the Corps’ area commands, divisional offices and operations in the state.

     

    In a goodwill message: the Chairperson, Civil Defense Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Enugu State Chapter, Dr Josephine Willie, appreciated all NSCDC personnel, while calling on Nigerians to continue to build resilient communities and promote culture of safety.

     

    “CDOWA recognises your (NSCDC personnel) tireless efforts in promoting disaster prevention, protection of critical national assets, preparedness against any form of vandalism and prompt responses to any criminal activity etc.

     

    “Your dedication saves lives and protects communities,” Willie, who was represented by the CDOWA State Coordinator, Mrs Loveth Chime, said.

     

    The International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) has earmarked every March 1 as Civil Defense Day. A Day set aside to discuss and take action on all activities that promote civil (public) safety and protection.

  • Yusuf inaugurates 40 refurbished vehicles

    Yusuf inaugurates 40 refurbished vehicles

    Inauguration
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, Feb.24, 2026 ( FBN) Gov.
     Abba Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated 40 refurbished vehicles belonging to the State Transport Company, as part of efforts to revitalise public transportation and improve mobility across the state.
    This is contained in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, in Kano on Tuesday.
    The Governor stated that the rehabilitation of the vehicles aligned with his administration’s agenda to strengthen public infrastructure, create jobs, and ease transportation challenges.
    He urged the members of staff to ensure the proper maintenance of the vehicles and discharge their duties with integrity, assuring continued investments in key sectors to drive development and improve citizens’ welfare.
    Yusuf emphasised the transportation sector’s role in economic development.
    The Managing Director of Kano Line, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi, appreciated the governor’s support, saying that the initiative would boost operations and expand the company’s coverage, currently spanning 24 states and some West African countries.
  • Group distributes Ramadan package to 200 aged, indigents in Ilorin

    Group distributes Ramadan package to 200 aged, indigents in Ilorin

    Group distributes Ramadan package to 200 aged, indigents in Ilorin

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

     

    An Islamic Non Governmental Organisation, Sisters of Jannah (SOJ), Ilorin Zone, has distributed 200 packs of foodstuffs to the aged and indigents in Ilorin.

    The distribution which took place on Sunday in Ilorin was done around Osere, Sango, Stadium road and Taiwo isale.

    Coordinator of Ilorin Zone, Mrs Mistura Afolabi said that the essence of the programme was to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the holy month of Ramadan.

    She said it was meant to support those that are fasting but couldn’t get to break their fast as they wish.

    ”Like we always do, we believe this month is a month that everyone should be happy by having what to break their fast with.

    ”So, out of the little we have as members and from contributions from donors, we deemed it fit to focus on the aged this year, because they cannot work to earn anymore,” Mrs Afolabi said

    The coordinator added that the programme was also meant to create awareness about the association and what it stands for.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke on the condition of anonymity appreciated the gesture and offered prayers for members of the association and their donors.

     

    Some of the foodstufs packed include rice, garri, millet, beans and salt

    Flowerbudnews reports that SOJ is a support charitable organisation focused on the islamic values of fairness, service to others and community building

  • Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

    Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

     

    Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

     

    A broadcaster and Founder of Jagaban Communications, Mr. Samuel Adenitan, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against excessive reliance on foreign alliances in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that national sovereignty must remain paramount.

     

     

    Adenitan gave the advice on Sunday in Ibadan at the 2026 Ramadan lecture organised by Jagaban TV, with the theme “Encouraging Ethical Governance and Personal Accountability in Both Public and Private Sectors.”

     

     

    The Executive Director of Jagaban Communications acknowledged that international partnerships could be useful in combating insecurity but warned that global powers often prioritise their own national interests.

     

     

    According to him, Nigeria must engage foreign nations strategically and cautiously, especially in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention, to avoid compromising its independence.

     

     

    “Nigeria must engage global powers strategically and carefully, particularly in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention.

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    ‎”Global powers naturally pursue their national interests. Therefore, our engagements must always be guided by national interest, strategic diplomacy, and long-term sustainability, he said

     

    Adenitan also called on United States President Donald Trump to exercise restraint in interfering in the internal affairs of other countries in the pursuit of global influence and dominance.

     

     

    He further urged President Tinubu to embrace inclusive leadership by listening to criticism, noting that dissent should not be interpreted as hostility.

    “Criticism is not an attack; it is a mechanism of accountability,” Adenitan said.

     

     

    “Constructive criticism, even from within one’s own political party, is healthy for governance.

     

     

    “It acts as a system of checks and balances. A government that listens grows stronger, and a leader who listens becomes wiser.”

     

     

    The broadcaster also advocated the integration of digital voting transmission and modern technology into Nigeria’s electoral process to enhance transparency, reduce manipulation, and minimise human interference.

     

     

    In a separate lecture, the Founder of Safaudeen Islamic Organisation, Alhaji Sabit Olagoke, urged Nigerians to critically examine the background and character of those they elect into leadership positions.

     

     

    Olagoke observed that many Nigerians vote for candidates they know little about, only for such leaders to reveal questionable character after assuming office.

    Speaking on the topic “Integrity and Leadership: Lessons from the Prophets,” he described Nigeria’s leadership selection process as fundamentally flawed, contributing significantly to the nation’s socio-political challenges.

     

     

    “Our process of selecting leaders is fundamentally flawed,” he said.

     

     

    “Until we revisit and reform this process, we may never be able to produce leaders capable of effectively managing and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    “God Will Bless Him”, Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    As Muslims and Christians simultaneously observe periods of fasting and prayer, many faithful see this sacred season as a time for introspection, spiritual renewal, and the strengthening of their relationship with God. While Catholic Christians around the world commenced the Lenten fast on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Muslims continue their season of devotion and prayer, creating a shared atmosphere of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion across faith lines.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, this spirit of unity is being translated into practical action through a daily break-fast initiative organised by the Legit Foundation. Since 2015, the programme has provided meals to fasting individuals, offering both nourishment and encouragement during spiritually significant periods.

    The initiative is led by Hon. Francis Bartholomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca. What began over a decade ago primarily as support for Muslims observing Ramadan has gradually evolved into an inclusive outreach that now also accommodates Christians observing Lent. Over the years, the effort has grown into a community tradition that reflects interfaith solidarity and social responsibility.

    Each evening, residents from different religious backgrounds gather to break their fast together in an atmosphere marked by warmth, dignity, and mutual respect. The daily gathering has become more than a feeding programme; it serves as a platform for strengthening communal bonds and promoting peaceful coexistence.

    Beneficiaries describe the initiative as a source of relief, particularly for the less privileged who may struggle to provide adequate meals during fasting periods. For many, the programme ensures that no one observes their fast in isolation or hardship.

    “OmoBarca is feeding everybody irrespective of whether they are Christian or Muslim during this fasting period. Everybody comes here to break their fast,” said Deborah Okunbo, one of the beneficiaries.

    Another participant, Lukmon Kareem, shared his long-standing connection to the programme. “I have been coming here to break fast since 2015, and I am still here today for Ramadan,” he said, underscoring the initiative’s consistency and impact over the years.

    For Joy Amaka, the outreach carries both spiritual and emotional significance. “God will bless OmoBarca and bless everyone that is fasting in this period,” she said, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

    According to OmoBarca, the objective of the initiative is straightforward: to give back to the community, extend support to those in need, and foster unity beyond religious differences. He emphasises that fasting and prayer are deeply spiritual exercises, and acts of charity during such periods reinforce the moral teachings shared by both Christianity and Islam.

    Beyond providing daily meals, the outreach also extends assistance to vulnerable groups within the constituency, including the visually impaired and other underserved members of the community. This broader support underscores a guiding principle of the programme — that compassion transcends religious identity.

    As Muslims and Christians continue their respective spiritual observances, the daily break-fast gathering in Ajeromi-Ifelodun stands as a practical demonstration of coexistence and shared humanity. In a diverse society where differences often dominate headlines, the initiative offers a reminder that generosity and empathy can unite communities in meaningful and lasting ways.

  • Ndarani SAN salutes Gov. Umaru-Bago on his birthday, lauds his transformative leadership

    Ndarani SAN salutes Gov. Umaru-Bago on his birthday, lauds his transformative leadership

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    A legal luminary, Alhaji Muhammad Ndarani (SAN), the APC Senatorial Aspirant for Niger South Senatorial District, has congratulated Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger on the occasion of his birthday.

    Ndarani who is also the Hukunchi Nupe and Kasan Hausaland, in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna, described Gov Umaru-Bago as a visionary and transformative leader whose commitment to agricultural revolution, infrastructural development and youth empowerment had repositioned the state for sustainable growth.

    The learned silk said the governor’s passion for grassroots development and inclusive governance had continued to inspire confidence among the people.

    According to him, the birthday anniversary provides an opportunity for the people of the state to celebrate a leader whose resilience and innovative approach to governance are yielding positive results across critical sectors.

    Ndarani commended the governor’s initiatives in mechanised farming, land reforms, infrastructure expansion, education revitalisation and security enhancement.

    He described the initiatives as strategic steps toward building a modern, economically viable and self-reliant state.

    “Your dedication to transforming Niger State into a hub of agricultural excellence and industrial development is admirable and inspiring.

    “Your leadership reflects foresight, inclusivity and an unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.

    Hukunchi Nupe also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and sound health for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state.

    He reaffirmed his support for policies and programmes aimed at promoting unity, progress and prosperity in the state, and urged residents to sustain their support for the administration.

    The senatorial aspirant wished the governor a joyful birthday celebration and many more years of service to the state and the nation.

  • Church Delivers Bride ‘To Satan’ Over Alleged Refusal of Sex

    Church Delivers Bride ‘To Satan’ Over Alleged Refusal of Sex

    ‎Church Delivers Bride ‘To Satan’ Over Alleged Refusal of Sex
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade
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    ‎An Abuja-based church, Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, has expelled a newly married woman, Oyiza, from its congregation for allegedly refusing to consummate her marriage with her husband, Isaac.
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    ‎The couple, who resided in Ibadan, Oyo State, were joined in matrimony on September 6, 2025, after completing traditional rites in Okene, Kogi State, and a court wedding in Ibadan.
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    ‎However, shortly after the ceremony, the marriage reportedly ran into crisis as the bride resisted her husband’s attempts at intimacy, insisting that she did not love him. She was said to have accused her mother of coercing her into the union.
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    ‎Saturday PUNCH gathered that repeated efforts by both families and church leaders to resolve the dispute failed, as the bride allegedly remained adamant.
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    ‎In a video posted on the church’s YouTube channel in February, the International Director of the movement, Pastor Paul Rika, announced her expulsion after five months of mediation.
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    ‎During the announcement, the cleric described her as a “demon,” declared that she must be punished and accused her of spiritism. He urged members to pray for her “destruction,” alleging that she had brought shame to the assembly.
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    ‎“So, we have delivered her to Satan. We have expelled, excommunicated her. You want to bring shame — what do you mean that you don’t love Isaac?” he said.
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    ‎The cleric also referenced past cultural practices in which reluctant brides were compelled to go to their husbands’ homes.
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    ‎Speaking in the video, Isaac described the marriage as suffocating.
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    ‎“If I came back from work and sat at the dining table, she would say no. I was not even free until I bathed and changed my clothes. It was a struggle,” he said.
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    ‎“In the kitchen, if she was cooking and I returned home tired, she would ask me to join her because I promised to assist her. Everything felt like I was in a cage.”
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    ‎Isaac said he made several efforts to show love and affection but claimed his wife did not reciprocate.
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    ‎Oyiza was not present in church to respond to the allegations levelled against her.
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    ‎A marriage counsellor, Sunday Anani, who commented on the development, said societal pressure often forces individuals into marriages they are not emotionally prepared for.
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    ‎“Society does not let some people be free. It is time for you to get married. Some would rather not touch the concept of marriage at all, but society forces them into it,” he said.
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    ‎Anani noted that sexual trauma or previous abuse could also contribute to resistance to intimacy.
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    ‎“Sex is emotional before it becomes physical. Without a heart connection, it is difficult, especially in marriage, for intimacy to happen,” he said.
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    ‎“If someone has experienced sexual assault or near-rape in the past and has not healed from that trauma, it can make it difficult to open up to a partner.”
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    ‎He also questioned the decision to proceed with the marriage despite prior reservations.
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    ‎“If a woman has already told you she does not want sex, why go ahead to marry her?” he asked.
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  • Court Judgment: Ogui-Nike Stakeholders Insist Ngwo Has No Territorial Claim In Enugu North LG

    Court Judgment: Ogui-Nike Stakeholders Insist Ngwo Has No Territorial Claim In Enugu North LG

    Court Judgment: Ogui-Nike Stakeholders Insist Ngwo Has No Territorial Claim In Enugu North LG
    The Ogui-Nike Stakeholders have Affirmed Court Decision that no part of Ngwo Community extends to Enugu North Local Government Area (LGA) or Nkanu Land in general.
    The stakeholders gave the affirmation in a meeting held at Lyon De Gold Hotel and Resort, Enugu.
    Addressing the stakeholders, the Convener of the meeting and a Traditional Chief from Ogui-Nike, Dr Samuel Ngwu, reminded his people (the stakeholders) that “we can no longer be intimidated after the clear cut judiciary pronouncement”.
    Ngwu, who is a Fellow American College of Physicians and former Enugu State Commissioner for Health, said: “Ogui-Nike birth rights are not negotiable and cannot be compromised”.
    He advised the stakeholders of the need to hire a Constitutional Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to collaborate with Ogui-Nike legal luminaries and lawyers to advance this judiciary win for Ogui-Nike into the political arena of Enugu State.
    “There is a need to constitute a Sub-Committee with our indigenous legal luminaries and lawyers as well as elders knowledgeable on political and public affairs.
    “Set-up a legal fund to advance for our rights in our motherland.
    “This is a generational pursuit, which is all about our children and other generations to come,” he said.
    It would be recalled that in a judgment delivered on Dec.16, 2025, by Justice C. O. Ajah (PhD) held that the creation of Ukwuna Autonomous Community lacked a lawful foundation, as there was no legally recognised autonomous community known as Enugu-Ngwo within Enugu North Local Government Area from which Ukwuna could validly emerge.
    The suit, marked No. E/642/2024, was instituted by the recognised autonomous communities of Ogui-Nike and Umunevo Ogui-Nike, who sought judicial interpretation of the applicable laws regulating the creation and recognition of autonomous communities in Enugu State.
    In his ruling, Justice Ajah examined the Enugu State Autonomous Communities (Recognition) Law, Cap 41, Laws of Enugu State, 2004, and noted that the Schedule to the Law recognises only two autonomous communities within Enugu North Local Government Area —Ogui-Nike and Umunevo Ogui-Nike.
    The court held that no evidence, either oral or documentary, was presented to establish the existence of any other autonomous community legally recognised within Enugu North Local Government Area as of May 25, 2023, when Ukwuna Autonomous Community was created.
    Justice Ajah stated that the court’s determination was limited to the issue of compliance with due process and statutory requirements, noting that the originating summons before the court sought clarification on the legality of the creation and recognition of Ukwuna Autonomous Community within the affected local government area.
    The court further clarified that while there are indigenous groups and settlements associated with Ngwo within Enugu North Local Government Area, such settlements have not been recognised by law as autonomous communities under the applicable statutory framework.
    Consequently, the court declared the creation and recognition of Ukwuna Autonomous Community within Enugu North Local Government Area null and void for lack of statutory backing.
    The court also granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents or privies, from further recognising or treating Ukwuna Autonomous Community—or any similar entity—as a legally recognised autonomous community within Enugu North Local Government Area, except in accordance with the provisions of the law.
  • Oyo Police Neutralise Two, Intensify Manhunt After Foiled Attack

    Oyo Police Neutralise Two, Intensify Manhunt After Foiled Attack

    Oyo Police Neutralise Two, Intensify Manhunt After Foiled Attack

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade
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    ‎The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a planned deadly attack on Elebe Village in the Aleniboro area via Irawo Mine, neutralising two suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation.
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    ‎The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday.
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    ‎According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence from a good Samaritan who alerted security operatives to the presence of about 10 armed men suspected to be bandits hiding in a farm settlement within Elebe Village.
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    ‎The suspects were reportedly armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns and cut-to-size locally made pistols, and were allegedly planning to launch an attack on the community under the cover of darkness.
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    ‎Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Tede Division briefed the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who immediately ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the area.
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    ‎Police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Agbekoya group and local hunters in Aleniboro, stormed the hideout. On sighting the advancing team, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.
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    ‎Two of the suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
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    ‎A reinforcement patrol team later combed the surrounding bush and recovered one cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno button phones and a bottle containing a suspected mixed drink.
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    ‎The police said the area has been secured, while intensive bush-combing and surveillance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and eliminate any residual threat to Elebe Village and neighbouring communities.
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    ‎The Commissioner of Police commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his continued support and provision of operational logistics to enhance the Command’s response to security threats.
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    ‎The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against criminality.
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