Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Oba Ladoja Pledges to Serve Ibadan People, collaborate with government at all levels

    Oba Ladoja Pledges to Serve Ibadan People, collaborate with government at all levels

    ‎Oba Ladoja Pledges to Serve Ibadan People, collaborate with government at all levels

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    ‎By Adewale Owoade

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    ‎The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has pledged to serve Ibadanland and its people with the rest of his life.

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    ‎The monarch made this commitment during a thanksgiving ceremony held at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, after his coronation.

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    ‎Oba Ladoja expressed his desire to collaborate with government at all levels, described his new role as a leadership position, emphasising his commitment to ensuring peace and development in the ancient city.

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    “We are all governing Ibadan, I’m just the coordinator, you people are the small Olubadan, I’m the big Olubadan.

     

    “Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support, I’m now king of all religion, Ibadan is a fertile land, it shall continue to be well with Ibadan.”

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    Oba Ladoja however thanked Ibadan people and well-wishers for their support.

     

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    The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne, describing it as a divine mandate.

     

    ‎ According to him, Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace and his enthronement is divine mandate which entrusted him to peace, unity and progress of Ibadan people.

     

    ‎He commended the monarch for commencing his reign with an act of thanksgiving and pledged the church’s support and prayers.

     

    “Oba Ladoja has set forth a shining light example of interfaith goodwill and mutual respect which will long endure as a legacy of his reign.”

     

    Abegunrin said the church and Christian community in Ibadanland commended Ladoja as a father, leader and custodian of Ibadan heritage, pledging the church continue prayers and support as the church look forward in collaborating with the monarch in promoting justice, peace, and common good for all residents of Ibadan.

     

    He however prayed that God will bless Oba Ladoja with continue good health, wisdom from above and divine guardians to rule with justice, compassion and courage.

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    Amb.  Bolowei Ogoba, the Executive Chairman of Bolowei’s World, described Oba Ladoja as a very humble man, that Ibadanland will enjoy is reign.

    Also, Amb. Dr Samantha Simone, Distinguished Ambassador of the African Union, said Oba Ladoja will bring peace and unity to Ibadan, that he is a beacon of hope.

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    ‎Well-wishers expect Oba Ladoja to bring about significant development to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria, building on his experience in politics and community service.‎

     

    The event was attended by the Olubadan-in-council, family of the monarch, Iyalode’s, and well-wishers.

  • Gender disparities in leadership, technology constitute barriers to inclusive growth — APWEN

    Gender disparities in leadership, technology constitute barriers to inclusive growth — APWEN

    Gender disparities in leadership, technology constitute barriers to inclusive growth — APWEN

     

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

     

    The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has identified gender disparities in field of technology and leadership as barriers to inclusive growth in Nigeria.

     

    This, among others, were part of observations highlighted in a communique issued at the end of 2025 APWEN International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Ibadan.

     

    Prof. Chinenye Anyadike, Chairman of the Communique Committee, who signed the document made available to newsmen on Friday, said that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector had continued to face declining productivity, reduced competitiveness, and weak global integration.

     

    The body also decried the skills gaps, inadequate infrastructure, and financing constraints, which it said have continued to limit industrial growth.

     

    It also raised concerns about high production costs, reliance on imported components, and weak local capacity, noting that these challenges had perpetually hinder competitiveness.

     

    APWEN noted that weak government–academia–industry synergy undermines recruitment, training, re-training, and mentorship of young engineers in Nigeria, while cybersecurity vulnerabilities had posed threats to digital manufacturing technologies.

     

    It, however, said that indigenous innovations, renewable energy tools, digital solutions, and youth-led entrepreneurship models have promising future with potential for scaling Nigeria’s technological development.

     

    The conference recommended that the federal government should collaborate with APWEN to develop policies and implement frameworks that would support the revitalisation of Nigeria’s manufacturing industries.

     

    APWEN recommended that Federal Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Economy and other related MDAs through Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) should encourage the adoption of AI, automation, robotics, IoT, and additive manufacturing to drive sustainable growth.

     

    According to the communique, the conference featured multiple peer-review papers, which explored renewable energy integration, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and additive manufacturing technologies.

     

    It also showcased AI-driven predictive maintenance models, IoT-enabled industrial systems, and indigenous material development and provided case studies demonstrating the feasibility of localized, low-cost, and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

     

    The conference also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between researchers and industries to translate findings into practical applications.

     

    From the conference keynote addresses, panels discussions, and deliberations, participants learned that engineering innovation remained central to Nigeria’s re-industrialisation, with Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies offering transformative opportunities.

     

    Participants were urged to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in engineering to create stronger, more innovative teams and are critical to breaking barriers for women and youth.

     

    Among other key learning points at the conference include, emergence of cybersecurity as a significant challenge for modern digital manufacturing which must be addressed proactively.

  • UNIPGC Special Envoy commends Anambra Ministry for protecting women’s, children’s rights

    UNIPGC Special Envoy commends Anambra Ministry for protecting women’s, children’s rights

    UNIPGC Special Envoy commends Anambra Ministry for protecting women’s, children’s rights

    Amb. Uzoamaka Ezedioranma, the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) Special Envoy on Social Welfare and Poverty Eradication, has applauded Anambra Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare for its efforts in safeguarding rights of women and children.

    Ezedioranma, who also doubles as the State Director of Investigation,  International Human Rights Observatory (IHRO-AFARICA), gave the commendation in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Tuesday.

    She praised the sterling qualities of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Anambra, Hon. Ify Obinabo, for being forthright and focused on making the difference for all children and women in the state.

    The special envoy noted that fighting for the rights of children and women aligned with UNIPGC’s objectives to foster sustainable peace, good governance and poverty eradication within communities.

    “UNIPGC and IHRO commend Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo, for giving women and vulnerable groups a sense of belonging in Anambra State.

    “Obinabo has brought her expertise, passion and energy to the fight to reduce child sales and trafficking; Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other inhuman treatment of women who are subjected to undue negative and retrogressive cultural practices.

    “We have being closely monitoring Obinabo’s exemplary work and unwavering dedication to the welfare of women and children in Anambra State and by extension the larger society.

     “Her efforts have made her a leading figure in women’s affairs across the country, setting a standard other commissioners in-charge of children and women affairs aspire to achieve,” the special envoy said.

    According to her, Obinabo’s work remained vital for the advancement of women’s rights and social welfare in Nigeria.

    She called on all stakeholders and the media to support Obinabo and her ministry in their tirelessly efforts for the betterment of the society.

    “Let us stand together in support for all those who contribute to the welfare of our communities and society at large,” she added.

  • ‎Fubara, lawmakers’ position vindicate President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration-TMSG

    ‎Fubara, lawmakers’ position vindicate President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration-TMSG

    ‎Fubara, lawmakers’ position vindicate President Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration-TMS

     

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    ‎The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the newfound harmony between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s House of Assembly as a vindication of President Bola Tinubu’s timely proclamation of the now-ended six-month emergency rule in the state.
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    ‎In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG noted that public assurances by the Governor and the lawmakers of a good working relationship are a far cry from their previous hard-line positions.
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    It said: ‎”We have noticed how some political elements, including those qualified to be regarded as elder statesmen, had dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of an end to the six months of emergency rule in Rivers State as nothing to celebrate.
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    ‎”It is, however, a good development that the governor and members of the House of Assembly, whose actions led to the presidential proclamation, appear to have now seen things from a different perspective.
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    ‎”From what the lawmakers said when they resumed plenary to Governor Fubara’s broadcast, it is crystal clear that there is a new spirit of harmony and conviviality between the two once-feuding parties that hitherto could not see eye-to-eye thereby grounding peace, order and governance in the state.
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    ‎”This new development, for us, is a far cry from the politically toxic situation that compelled President Tinubu to declare s state of emergency. It is a major pushback from the tipping moment of looming crisis when both parties held on to their entrenched positions despite a court ruling.
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    ‎”So it beggars belief that opposition elements, including a former Vice President who should know, claimed that there was no basis for the declaration of emergency rule in a state holding a chunk of the country’s oil infrastructure.
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    ‎”We invite Nigerians to note how Governor Fubara, in the course of the state-wide broadcast, acknowledged President Tinubu’s noble role in successfully brokering a peace process which led to all the parties accepting to bury the hatchet in the interest of the good people of the oil-rich state.
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    ‎”The implication of that comment is that it was within the period of the emergency rule that peace was brokered contrary to the position of those who insisted that there was no basis for the Presidential proclamation.
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    ‎”We however express hope that, as the governor said, hard lessons have been learnt and that all the parties would put the politics behind them to ensure that peace and stability truly return to Rivers State”
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    ‎The group also urged all the political stakeholders who were fanning the crisis to allow peace to reign in the state.
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  • Nigeria, China deepen ties at joint independence, national day celebration

    Nigeria, China deepen ties at joint independence, national day celebration

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Nigeria and China on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to stronger ties as both nations jointly marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and China’s 76th National Day.

    The colourful celebration, which also coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural groups and students in Lagos.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Mr Jaafaru Yakubu, hailed China’s Consul General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, for elevating bilateral relations.

    He described her as “a true friend of Nigeria,” praising her role in facilitating business partnerships, scholarships for students and cultural exchanges strengthening people-to-people ties.

    Yakubu also lauded Dr Eric Ni, Chairman of the China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association, for championing business collaboration that created jobs, encouraged technology transfer and supported community development.

    “Chinese companies in Nigeria have not only contributed to infrastructure development but also prioritised local content and sustainable growth,” Yakubu said.

    He urged deeper collaboration in renewable energy, the digital economy, healthcare and agriculture, while calling on China to expand educational opportunities for Nigerian and Chinese students.

    Representing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Simon Omo-Ezomo said cooperation with China aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He noted that the agenda prioritises industrialisation, diversification and job creation, offering Nigeria and China a platform to achieve shared prosperity through mutual economic engagement.

    Ni encouraged the Chinese community to contribute positively to Nigeria’s development while celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries.

    “This unique convergence represents the harmony between China and Nigeria, two nations with rich histories, bright futures and growing friendship,” he said.

    The event featured vibrant cultural performances by the Hauxing Arts Troupe, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Overseas Chinese performers and other groups. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Local entrepreneurs bag N600m deal at Nigeria international lighting exhibition

    Local entrepreneurs bag N600m deal at Nigeria international lighting exhibition

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The 2025 Nigeria International Lighting Exhibition has ended in Lagos, with on-site transactions exceeding N600 million and fresh commitments to deepen China-Africa cooperation in lighting and energy.

    The exhibition, with the theme ‘Zero-Carbon Lighting: Supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition Goals,’ was held from Wednesday, Sept. 17 to Friday, Sept. 19 in Lagos.

    Ms Lisa Lin Xueying, General Manager of Zhongshan Company Ltd., organisers of the expo, said the exhibition attracted over 100 global enterprises alongside several local firms.

    She said over 3,000 professional attendees witnessed the signing of landmark agreements between local and foreign companies during the two-day event.

    According to her, VellMax and Solar-Sunbest Integrated Services Ltd signed an intent order valued at N100 million.

    She added that MXS Home, Buchi Lighting, Great Future, Cieto Lighting, De Solid Vision and De King entered long-term partnerships estimated at N500 million annually.

    Describing the outcome as phenomenal, Xueying said it had positioned Nigeria as a hub for Africa’s lighting industry.

    She noted that the development had transformed China-Africa lighting cooperation “from blueprint to reality.”

    “The deals signed with local entrepreneurs will further open Nigeria’s lighting and energy sector,” she said.

    Xueying stated that the West Africa-exclusive exhibition set records in commercial value, technological empowerment, knowledge sharing, and innovation over the past three days.

    She revealed that more than 20 exhibitors showcased products ranging from smart lighting solutions to off-grid photovoltaic systems, highlighting technology’s role in lighting up Africa.

    According to her, ten thematic forums were held on tax policies, professional standards, and investment opportunities, guiding firms planning operations in Nigeria.

    She expressed gratitude to exhibitors, describing the event as “a beacon for Africa, lighting up Lagos with technological innovation.”

    Looking ahead, Xueying announced plans to establish the Africa Lighting Industry Alliance and the China-Africa Technology Transfer Centre in 2026.

    She added that the 2026 edition of the exhibition would hold in Lagos from Sept. 16 to Sept. 18.

    Commending the organisers, Mr Anthony Ifeanyi, Chief Executive Officer of Cieto Lighting, said he secured a distributorship deal worth N100 million.

    “I appreciate the organisers of this expo and pray it continues, enabling more local entrepreneurs to benefit,” Ifeanyi said.

    Also, Mr Agochukwu Elijah, Managing Director of MXS Home, said the event provided a long-awaited opportunity to expand his business.

    Earlier, Chief Casmir Emenine, President of Lagos Island Electrical Dealers Association, stressed that the expo went beyond showcasing lamps and fixtures.

    He said it demonstrated how technology and creativity intersect to shape experiences, moods, and possibilities.

    According to him, lighting often connects with architecture, interior design and artificial intelligence, enhancing comfort, safety, and functionality. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps to boost food security

    NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps to boost food security

    Flowerbud News/ National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pumps, were aimed at reinforcing the nation’s food security strategy.
    They are also expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, higher incomes and improve livelihoods.
    At its 152nd meeting held on Thursday at Presidential Villa, Abuja, NEC endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pumps and resolved to adequately notify President Bola Tinubu for his approval.
    The council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, to work out the modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps.
    In his remark, the Chairman of the council, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps were an indication that Nigerians can compete at the global level with their creativity.
    “We must also face the challenge of innovation in agriculture. NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season.
    ”  These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.
    “Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.
    Shettima said the innovation by NASENI would not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities” for farmers across the country.
    He hinted at other efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, saying, “recently, 250,000 farmers had been insured across eight states.”
    Shettima further said that the 30 per cent Value Addition Bill was advancing, and the N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility was being activated to reach smallholders.
    He said, ” the Green Imperative Project with Brazil is being repositioned for financing, while the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains for roll-out.
    “The Harvesting Hope Caravan has reached half a million citizens in eight states, building trust and grassroots mobilisation.
    “These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers.”
    NAN
  • Expert Urges Govt to Harness AI for Agricultural Growth.

    Expert Urges Govt to Harness AI for Agricultural Growth.

    Expert Urges Govt to Harness AI for Agricultural Growth.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), Dr. Olusola Ayoola, has urged the government to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the agricultural sector.

    ‎Ayoola disclosed this while delivering a lecture at the University of Ibadan,  Crop Protection and Environmental Biology Faculty of Agriculture.

    The lecture was titled: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence To Enhance Efficiency Of Agricultural Production In Food And Industry In Nigeria: A strategic Analysis Of Prospects, Constraints And Mitigation Approaches.

    ‎Dr. Ayoola emphasised that AI can enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve crop yields.

    “The notion that AI will replace human is very wrong. Rather predictive AI can be used to detect farming patterns and predict the future of crops.

    “AI in farming can be used for smart irrigation to know the percentage of water usage and saving.

    ‎”It can also detect diseases affecting each crop through AI vision.  It can be used in planting and harvesting crops .

    “AI can be trained to identify ripe and unripe crops for harvest,” he said.

    ‎Ayoola said that cattle herders can get from AI using drones for 24/7 surveillance,  detection and deterrence of cattle herds and herders.

    “24/7 surveillance detection and repulsion of pests.

    “Smart tracking and geo-fencing of livestock prediction of impending attacks for farmers who take cattle around.  Each cattle with its tracking device inserted in it,”he said.

    Moreover, Dr. Ayoola noted that unstable policies hinder agricultural growth and called on the government to provide a 50% subsidy for AI adoption by farmers.

    He also recommended equipment leasing options with a “rent-to-own” model.

  • Customs seize N5.1bn worth of drugs at MMA

    Customs seize N5.1bn worth of drugs at MMA

    FlowerbudNews/ The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a major breakthrough, intercepting illicit drugs worth N5.1 billion from India and Canada.

    According to the command, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized drugs stood at N3.778 billion, marking one of the largest seizures in recent times.

    The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, disclosed the seizure during a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday.

    He explained that the interception was the result of coordinated intelligence and sustained surveillance carried out by officers of the command in partnership with other agencies.

    Awe revealed that no suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, but the command had already transferred the items to relevant regulatory authorities.

    He confirmed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will investigate further.

    The seized substances included 121 packs of Canadian cannabis, with a Duty Paid Value estimated at N1.188 billion, which were smuggled under the guise of household items.

    Also intercepted were 294,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride (225mg), worth N1.389 billion, a drug often abused for its dangerous stimulant and addictive properties.

    Pregabalin tablets (300mg), valued at N1.188 billion, were also seized. Officials described the drug as a controlled medication often used to treat nerve pain and epilepsy.

    Customs officers further uncovered Norflex tablets (50mg) worth N800 million, as well as Sardalud tablets (2mg) valued at N495 million.

    On July 30, officials evacuated a consignment with airway bill 235-63882254/2 from the NAHCO import shed to the government warehouse for careful examination.

    The consignment, disguised as containing duvets, was later confirmed to conceal 121 packs of Canadian cannabis sativa, highlighting the smugglers’ deceptive strategies.

    Similarly, on Sept. 2, another consignment, airway bill 071-58012706/6, was evacuated from SAHCO import shed. It contained 294,000 Tramadol tablets with DPV of N1.188 billion.

    On Sept. 17, two separate consignments, airway bills 071-58231670 and 071-58234433, were also seized at the NAHCO import shed before being moved to the warehouse.

    Upon examination, the consignments were found to contain Pregabalin, Sardalud and Norflex tablets imported without mandatory health certification. Their estimated street value exceeded N1.2 billion.

    Awe stressed that the disturbing aspect was the rebranding of the illicit drugs as 50mg Diclofenac Sodium, creating a dangerous health risk for unsuspecting buyers.

    He warned that such deceptive labelling could lead to serious health complications, urging Nigerians to purchase medicines only from reputable and verified pharmaceutical outlets.

    The customs boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to frustrate drug cartels and smugglers, noting that collaboration with sister agencies remained crucial to the success of operations.

    Awe emphasised that the seizure sends a clear message to traffickers that Nigeria’s airports will no longer provide a safe route for illicit trade.

    He assured the public that intelligence-driven operations will continue to expose smuggling networks attempting to exploit the nation’s trade channels.

    NAFDAC’s Assistant Director, Kelechi Nwude, described the seizure as mind-blowing, praising Customs’ vigilance and promising continued collaboration with security and regulatory partners.

    Nwude stressed that there would be no hiding place for criminal networks involved in the importation of illicit and dangerous drugs through Nigeria’s busiest airport.

    She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s resolve to intensify surveillance and tighten pharmaceutical regulations to ensure that only approved medicines reach Nigerian pharmacies and hospitals.

    Nwude added that drug cartels must realise that every attempt to exploit trade loopholes would only result in further exposure and dismantling of their operations

    She warned traffickers that the combined forces of Customs, NAFDAC and NDLEA would continue to bring them to their knees.

    NAN