Category: General News

By Grace Alegba

Dr Olusola Ayoola, Chief Executive Officer of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), on Wednesday, called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mechanical engineering practises to enhance safety in the field.

Ayoola made the called during the 2025 Public Lecture of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) and Induction of new corporate members into the institution in Lagos.

The theme of the lecture is “Creating a Smarter and Safer Future with Mechanical Engineering Solutions”.

The expert said that AI is capable of analysing vast amounts of data, predict potential failures and optimise system performance, thereby reducing risks and improving overall safety.

He highlighted predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring and optimised design as some of the potential benefit of AI integration in mechanical engineering.

He said, “To properly integrate AI in the field of mechanical engineering, we must have constructive AI regulations, increased investors focus in AI based systems that are locally developed.

“We must also have standardised data protocols, employment and skill development platforms where companies can promote AI.

“The future we anticipate is to see Intelligent monitoring of all commercial mechanical systems.

“To see fully autonomous factories with minimal human operators but more remote supervisors and having Hardware as a Service (HaaS) with global accessibility”.

Ayoola said to realise this future, AI knowledge and talent development must be upscaled.

He said this would entail integrating Al into the academic curriculum, ensuring deliberate children’s exposure to software and game development skills early enough and establishing extended multidisciplinary research applications.

According to him, with an increasingly care-free generation faced with increasingly complex challenges, the world needs smarter yet safer mechanical systems.

“I will advise that we all harness the potential in AI for a safer and smarter mechanical solution as we also explore collaboration to achieve our goals,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Alhassan Mohammed, National Chairman of NIMechE, said AI should not be perceived as a tool for disruption but such that could be used to enhance collective operations.

Mohammed was represented by Mrs Funmilade Akingbagbohun, former National Chairman of NIMechE.

He said the lecture was of utmost importance considering pressing societal challenges of climate change, insecurity, food scarcity and rapid urbanisation.

He tasked the newly inducted corporate members of the institution on commitment and dedication to the course of the profession.

He also advised them on grooming the younger ones.

He said, “Today’s lecture is a call to action for all of us. It is a reminder that the future we seek, one that is smarter, safer and more sustainable, must be engineered by design.

“And that design must be led by us, the mechanical engineers of Nigeria.”

Mr Bayo Erinle, Chairman of Lagos chapter of the institution, described engineers as classical solution providers in any economy.

Erinle said that mechanical engineering, being the bedrock of all engineering provided the receptacle for generating solutions to the challenges in the ecosystem.

He said the lecture was meant to educate how technocrats, innovators and entrepreneurs should prepare to reap full benefits from the adoption of AI.

“With technological advancements in the world, we must innovate and adopt proven technologies to meet the needs of tomorrow.

“This is necessary because artificial intelligence and its applications are already disrupting economic and industrial landscape of the whole world.

“This 2025 lecture is one of the means of showcasing a technology that is shaping the economic and industrial landscape of the world,” he said.

Otunba Francis Meshioye, President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) underscored the role mechanical engineers play in the manufacturing space.

Meshioye represented by Dr Segun Alabi, Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs Communications, MAN, congratulated the institution for their commitment to reshaping the engineering landscape.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six mechanical engineers were inducted as corporate members of the institution as well as 131 graduates of Lagos State University.

Some of the inductees were Gbadebo Jimoh, Amaku Anene, Amaefuna Chukwuma, Omogiade Ekhourutomwen, Habibat Quadri and Utong Abraham.

By Shafii Sani Mohammed

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, holds immense spiritual significance for millions of Muslims worldwide. For Nigerian pilgrims, participating in this sacred journey requires not only spiritual preparation but also robust logistical and financial systems. Recognizing the evolving challenges confronting Hajj financing and administration, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has organized the 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders Summit.

Scheduled for April 30, 2025, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, with the theme “Sustainable Hajj Financing: Developing a Resilient Model for Nigerian Pilgrims and Operators,” the summit is a one-day event running from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and will feature three panel sessions. Experts, stakeholders, and policymakers will explore innovative solutions to ensure the future sustainability of Hajj operations in Nigeria.

Globally, the Hajj industry has faced challenges ranging from currency fluctuations to escalating service costs and changing regulatory environments. These pressures have made Hajj increasingly expensive for Nigerian pilgrims. Thus, the survival of the Hajj industry now hinges on developing sustainable financial models that guarantee affordability, efficiency, and integrity.

The Stakeholders Summit provides an opportunity for government agencies, private operators, Islamic financial institutions, and fintech innovators to forge a united vision. It reflects NAHCON’s commitment to building a Hajj system that remains accessible and resilient despite economic uncertainties.

Beyond its religious importance, the Hajj industry is a significant economic contributor, supporting aviation, accommodation, logistics, catering, and service sectors, and creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians. However, as the government gradually withdraws financial support—recognizing that pilgrimage is a personal religious obligation—the industry must transition to self-sustaining funding models. Without innovation, the financial burden of pilgrimage could become overwhelming for many.

A key solution introduced by NAHCON is the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), initially launched in partnership with Jaiz Bank and now strengthened with the recent addition of Lotus Bank, TAJ Bank, and The Alternative Bank. These reputable Islamic financial institutions have come on board to expand access, improve service delivery, and boost the scheme’s reach across Nigeria.

The HSS offers multiple advantages:
• Financial Discipline: Encourages systematic savings and better financial planning.
• Economic Empowerment: Pooled funds are prudently invested in Shari’ah-compliant ventures to subsidize Hajj costs.
• Transparency: Ensures clear and accountable management of pilgrims’ contributions.
• Exchange Rate Protection: Reduces the vulnerability to currency fluctuations through early savings.
• Lower Costs Through Early Planning: With more Nigerians enrolled in HSS, NAHCON can negotiate accommodation, feeding, and transportation services early, locking in better rates and avoiding the inflation typically associated with late arrangements.

This proactive model not only ensures better service quality but significantly reduces the yearly cost of Hajj, making it more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.

For those aspiring to fulfill this sacred obligation, now is the time to key into the Hajj Savings Scheme. Supporting the scheme strengthens Nigeria’s reputation for organized, transparent, and affordable Hajj operations.

In conclusion, the 2nd National Hajj Stakeholders Summit is more than just a conference; it is a bold statement of NAHCON’s readiness—under the leadership of Chairman/CEO Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman—to safeguard and grow Nigeria’s Hajj industry.
The time to act is now — for the survival of the Hajj industry, for the dreams of millions, and for the continued service to Allah’s guests.

Shafii Sani Mohammed writes from the Information and Publications Division of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its professional handling of the security situation in Plateau, Benue, and other states.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, expressed the association’s commendation in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

He noted that the DSS had managed the security challenges in the mentioned states with utmost professionalism, deserving of recognition.

Othman-Ngelzarma also lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr Tosin Ajayi as the Director-General of the DSS, describing it as one of the best decisions of his administration.

He urged other security agencies to learn from the way the new DSS leadership had approached securing lives and property.

The MACBAN President highlighted the efforts of the DSS to investigate the root causes of the problems affecting the states.

“We salute the professionalism with which the DSS has been handling the delicate security challenges in Plateau, Benue, and several other states,” he said.

He also noted that the DSS, under Ajayi’s leadership, had successfully distinguished between law-abiding Fulani herdsmen and criminals.

Othman-Ngelzarma further alleged that more than 20 per cent of MACBAN members and four million heads of cattle have been forced to flee Nigeria due to insecurity, with many families displaced.

He pointed out that the exodus of herders had driven up the cost of beef, which had traditionally been the cheapest source of meat in Nigeria.

The MACBAN leader reiterated the association’s readiness to cooperate with both the Federal and State Governments to support security agencies in restoring peace, thereby ensuring the smooth functioning of business and economic activities.

He also thanked President Tinubu for fulfilling one of his campaign promises with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which he said would significantly improve Nigeria’s livestock industry.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

Rep. Oseni empowers Oyo farmers with fertilizers

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Rep. Aderemi Oseni (APC-Oyo) has distributed 5,206 bags of fertilizers to farmers in Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency.

 

Oseni distributed the fertilizers in Ibadan under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

 

He said the initiative would boost agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

 

Oseni, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the initiative was one of many efforts to support citizens.

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“This fertilizer distribution is to fulfill the desired agenda of President Tinubu, in his renewed hope agenda for making life easy for our people, particularly in the area of agriculture.

“Putting an end to poverty, promoting prosperity that is for all as a nation.
“I’m very optimistic that distributing fertilizer to our farmers will bring great success to our people in the area of agriculture.

“Because we have sufficiently educated them on importance of this material and the importance of them putting it into use in the course of their farming activities,” he said.

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He urged farmers to use the fertilizers wisely and promised continued advocacy for improved living conditions.
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“My advice to the beneficiaries is for them to ensure that it is used as advised and not sold out,” he said.

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Dr Florence Omonele, Oyo State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was represented by Mrs Folake Abdu-lateef.

She urged farmers to apply the fertilizers appropriately.

Beneficiaries thanked Oseni, saying the support would ease their challenges and enhance productivity.

APC officials, traditional leaders and community group representatives attended the event.
(NAN)

 

(President Bola Ahmed Tinubu)

By Biola Lawal
Ayede (Oyo State) FLOWERBUDNEWS: The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede in Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed says the Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) is impacting positively on the quality of learning in the country’s tertiary institutions.

Speaking in an interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS, Dr. AbdulHameed said that the performance and support of TETFUND to higher institutions has expanded and intensified heavily under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

”May I commend the Federal Government ably led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB) and the headship of TETFund. TETFund has helped our institution tremendously,” the Rector said.

”At our temporary and permanent sites, we have lots of projects executed by TETFund,” Dr. AbdulHameed disclosed.

”Our auditorium at the temporary site and numerous other projects at our permanent site were funded by TETFund.

”100 percent of the take-off grant we received was used to construct buildings at our permanent site,” the Rector stated.

”We are grateful to the president, the Minister of education, TETFund and NABTEB for their support in all ramifications,” Dr. AbdulHameed said.

On the expansion and growth of the Ayede Polytechnic established just few years ago (2021), Dr. AbdulHameed disclosed ”In terms of enrolment, of the six polytechnics that were established at the same time, we are the one with the highest number of students.’:

”We have a total of about 1,200 students as we speak and that is why TETFund will always yield to our request in many cases,” the Rector said, adding:

”Recently, all heads of tertiary educational institutions were in Abuja and we learnt there what TETFund is planning to do for us this 2025. Their intervention will further promote the progress of this institution.”

”So, we are not just eligible to access TETFund support, we have been enjoying it and we are still in line to enjoy more of it,” Dr. AbdulHameed stressed.

”We access TETFund for infrastructural development and training support, and we are grateful for this,” the Rector declared. (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intensify efforts in tackling the escalating insecurity in the state, as the death toll from recent attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo local government areas has risen to 56.

 

 

Flowerbudnews

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said that the pursuit of a referendum is not an act of terrorism but a democratic right.

IPOB Media & Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, stated this in a statement which was made available on Saturday in Abuja.

The group reiterated its commitment to ending insecurity in the East and listed three demands.

IPOB said it demanded; “The immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from illegal detention by the Nigerian and UK governments.

“An international panel of inquiry, led by the United States, to investigate the root causes of insecurity in Igboland and expose the true culprits.

“We call on the international community to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its manipulative tactics and human rights abuses.

“The pursuit of a referendum is not terrorism—it is a democratic right. The world must see through Nigeria’s lies and stand with the truth.”

In the statement titled: “Nigerian Government’s Anti-IPOB Media Campaign is a Deliberate Ploy to Manipulate Public Opinion,” the group condemned alleged Federal Government’s “orchestrated media campaign to demonise our movement, particularly as the court hearing of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, approaches.”

It alleged that for four years, government-friendly media houses have peddled false narratives, labeling IPOB as violent to sway public opinion and influence Abuja-based courts.

“This well-financed operation seeks to distract from the undeniable truth: the APC government has no case against Kanu.

“IPOB is a non-violent self-determination movement advocating for a democratic referendum to restore Biafra.

“No IPOB member has ever been convicted of any crime in Nigeria, yet the government persists in scapegoating us to divert attention from Fulani massacres and widespread insecurity across the country.

“The recent claim of a “police raid on an IPOB terror camp” in Imo State is another fabrication.

“IPOB maintains no camps in Imo or anywhere else,” he said

It further alleged that “criminal elements like the Biafra Liberation Army, unaffiliated with IPOB, have openly collaborated with state actors,” to unleash terror on the people.

“Shamefully, corrupt media houses ignore these verifiable allegations, choosing instead to propagate lies for profit.

“Under President Tinubu, the APC government continues Buhari’s anti-Igbo policies, suppressing dissent and fueling ethnic tensions.

“Media complicity in this repression is a betrayal of truth and justice,” the group said.

 

By Flowerbudnews

The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) has debunked online reports claiming that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) ‘grilled’ its chairman regarding alleged financial misappropriation.

The Director and Head of Administration of the agency, Chief Gideon Onyia, in a statement in Enugu on Saturday, noted that the online report remained falsehood and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation.

Onyia said that ECTDA expressed its astonishment at the claims, adding that they had not received any correspondence to that effect.

He clarified that the ICPC had indeed contacted their office, requesting for an officer of the agency and some documents.

Onyia cited parts of a letter from the ICPC dated March 13, 2025, with the reference number ICPC/ENU/INV/038/Vol.1/2025, which he noted was explicit.

“The letter states: “The Commission wishes to inform you that the above referenced letters are yet to be complied with by your Authority and the Officer invited to come along with documents relevant to our investigation also refused to attend to our legitimate invitation.”

He further explained that the agency responded by instructing the commission to route their correspondence through the appropriate channel, which is the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“Rather than doing that, the ICPC sent another letter on April 7, 2025, with reference number ICPC/ENU/INV/001/Vol2/2025, inviting our Chairman over complaints related to alleged violations of ICPC Act, which is not what has been reported by those spreading false information.

“As a responsible organisation, we replied on April 9, 2025.

“Stating: ‘The letter, which was received after the close of official working hours on April 8, 2025, is by implication received officially on April 9, 2025, the same date for appearing before your Commission for interview alongside other specified personnel outside our office.

“Obviously, it is very difficult to meet your invitation, considering your timeline,” he said.

Onyia explained that this genre of invitation that concerns government officials, are to be channelled through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“The SSG will in turn initiate the appropriate processes that will lead to the release of the concerned government official(s) along with relevant official documents as may be required by your Commission.” he said.

When approached for comments, the Chairman of ECTDA, Chief Uche Anya, said, “How could I have been grilled for almost 24 hours when I am not under any form of investigation?”

Anya noted that the commission had written to ECTDA stating they were investigating my office from 2019 to 2023 (prior to my appointment) and that they needed some documents from me as Chairman to facilitate their investigation.

“I wrote back, indicating that they should direct the letter through the appropriate authority (the SSG), as we can not release government documents just like that.

“They responded, asserting their entitlement to collect any document or take action against anyone obstructing their investigation, claiming my failure to provide the documents amounted to obstruction.

“Following this, they sent another letter expressing their displeasure which amounts to obstructing their investigation, and this led to their invitation letter on April 7, 2025 to which my office responded accordingly.”

Anya noted that in an effort to mitigate the tension from the exchanges, he opted to pay a courtesy visit to the management of ICPC to assure them that they would comply with their requests, provided they followed the appropriate channel.

“The notion of being ‘grilled’ is unfounded and a total falsehood,” he added.

 

–  Only political will ‘ll make 24-hr port operations achievable — operators

 

Lagos (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The former President of the Nigeria Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Eugene Nweke, has said that only a political will would make the 24-hour port operations achievable.

Nweke made the disclosure during the Fifth Town Hall meeting organised by JournalNG held in Lagos on Thursday.

“24 hour port operations is achievable if government would give a clear order to the this effect.

(From L-R, Chairman Nigeria Port Consultative Council, Mr Bolaji Sumola, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Eugene Nweke, and Managing Director, ENL Consortium, Mr Mark Walsh during the 5th edition of the Town-Hall meeting on bridging the gaps to actualise 24-hour port operations held in Lagos)

“Government should get a regulatory agency to supervise port operations accurately for monitoring and evaluation.

“Once everyone knows what to do, operators will be guided. It will not be a situation where government issue port order without monitoring and no enforcement.

“So we need a political will to drive our ports for 24-hour port operations in Nigeria,”Enweke said.

(From L-R, Managing Director ENL Consortium, Mr Mark Walsh, representative of the Nigeria Ports Authority, the General Manager, Trade Modernization Project, Mr Ahmed Ogunsola and the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mr Abass Oladepo during the 5th edition of the Town-Hall meeting on bridging the gaps to actualise 24-hour port operations held in Lagos on Thursday)

He said that government agencies should see the transformation as a necessity while port stakeholders should see it as a necessity.

Nweke said that collaboration and partnership among stakeholders would enable both government and port users achieve 24-hour port operations.

He said any identified bottlenecks delaying the achievement of 24 hours ports operations should be removed and sanctioned accordingly.

He said that port communities was meant for commercial activities, adding that necessary infrastructure should be considered in the ports to avoid unnecessary human element.

Nweke urged government to improve on infrastructure to make the ports more attractive and friendly for customers.

Also in his presentation, the Chairman Nigeria Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr Bolaji Sumola,
said that quest to actualise 24-hour port operations in Nigerian seaports was no longer aspirational but necessary.

Sumola said with a carefully sequenced strategy anchored on technology, sustainability, and stakeholder alignment, Nigerian ports could be positioned as efficient, secure, and economically transformative assets.

As Chairman of NPCC, he reaffirmed commitment to this vision by inviting all stakeholders-MDAS, port terminal operators, energy providers, transport unions, and investors-to join in executing this transformation.

The Assistant Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Abass Oladepo, said customs had been operating 24 hours port operations.

Oladepo said that at Ports and Terminal Multi Services Ltd. (PTML) command the customs had commenced 2-hour cargo clearance, adding that averagely in one-year the command had achieved less than 6-hour ports clearance.

The town hall meeting was to sensitised stakeholders on customs transformation known as B’Odogwu and urged importers to engage in honest declaration to enable them achieve few minutes cargo clearance.

In his contribution, the Managing Director, ENL Consortium, one of the terminal operators, Mr Mark Walsh, urged Nigeria banks attached to ports cargo clearance operations to improve their operation to avoid delays in payments.

He commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority for modernising the ports, adding that there was need for 24-hour lighting at the ports, to stop them from running generators 24/7.

He said that ports operating needs more lighting especially for security during the night operations.

The General Manager Trade Modernisation project (TMP) Mr Ahmed Ogunsola had urged stakeholders to collaborate and point out challenges indering 24 port operations to provide solutions.

Ogunsola said that TMP worked with the NCS to enhance cargo clearance by providing technology backbone, building capacity and to enhance sustainability.

He said that 24 hour port operations was achievable with collaboration of port users.

“The TMP had agreement with the Federal Government to provide 67 scanners and presently we have successfully brought five scanners into the country to modernise Nigeria Customs Service and facilitate trade,”Ogunsola said.

In his opening remarks, the Publisher JournalNG, magazine, Mr Ismail Aniemu, said the forum gave the stakeholders opportunity to interact and come with recommendations to guide government in policy making.

Aniemu said that many ports in Nigeria need to turned to smart ports adding that Nigeria had competent expert he that would assist government to actualise the dream.

He said that some of the ports users were operating 24 hours and there was need to be sustained collectively.