Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • IOC/NOC Advanced Management course holds at University of Ibadan

    IOC/NOC Advanced Management course holds at University of Ibadan

     

    By Tony Nnezianya

    A new dawn emerges as Advance Management Course (ASMC) holds at University of Ibadan (UI)

    This innovative programme, will be a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).

    It promises to equip sports administrators with essential tools for effective management in the ever-evolving Sports landscape.

    This event will hold from May 6 to May 8, 2025 at the University of Ibadan, in the Oyo State capital.

    As participants settle into the boardroom, a hybrid setup both onsite and virtual attendees would engage seamlessly in an atmosphere that would be driven by a sense of purpose.

    Representatives from various states would exchange ideas and experiences, united by a common goal: to elevate the standards of sports administration in Nigeria.

    The ASMC’s third module would focus on two critical areas: Managing Finance and Sports Marketing.

    These subjects are pivotal in fostering on robust administrative structures that serve athletes and stakeholders alike.

    The rich, diverse backgrounds of the attendees would make for a dynamic exchanges in perspectives as they settle in, ready to absorb knowledge from distinguished resource persons.

    The course will kick-off with Mr Tunji Adeyinka, the Group Managing Director of Republicom Group.

    With years of experience in marketing, Mr Adeyinka hopes to captivate participants with his insights into marketing strategies that can effectively enhance the visibility of sports organisations.

    It is hoped that his compelling anecdotes and case studies would spark interests and debates, pushing attendees to think innovatively about how they can apply these concepts within their own contexts.

    Next on the agenda would be Mrs Bodunrin Olanipekun, a renowned figure in the sports community and an alumni of the IOC Advanced Sports Management Course.

    She would share her personal journey, illustrating the transformative impact of effective sports administration.

    Her presentation would resonate with the audience, and emphasising the importance of resilience and adaptability in an industry that is continually changing.

    The facilitators for the programme include Prof. Clement Fasan and Dr Jonathan Dyagas as they bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussions.

    Prof. Clement is a respected IOC-certified Course Directo; he would guide the participants through the complexities of financial management in the sports sector.

    He will encourage the participants to develop strategic financial plans that aligns with their organisations’ visions.

    Meanwhile, Dr Dyagas, a Director of Finance from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

    with his rich background in finance, Dr Dyagas would challenge the attendees to re-evaluate conventional practices and adopt modern techniques that could yield sustainable growth.

    Throughout the course, participants would engagein practical workshops, group discussions, and networking sessions that would foster collaboration and ideas-sharing.

    The hybrid format will be a significant advantage, by allowing the international experts and local advocates to contribute remotely, bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and aspiring administrators.

    As the final day approaches, the participants would reflect on their learnings and the connections they hope to forge.

    Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, will witness the conclusion of the course.

    The course would ultimately archeve a vision for a thriving sports sector in Nigeria—one that is well-managed, financially sound, and geared toward nurturing athletic talents.

    (Tony Nezianya is
    PRO NOC
    08033034910
    08095121538
    tonynezianya@gmail.com)

  • Customs PTML command generates N90.2bn in Q1 2025

    Customs PTML command generates N90.2bn in Q1 2025

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Lagos:  The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, says the command generated N90.2 billion in Q1 2025.

    Daniyan revealed this during a management meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday.

    He stated that the Q1 2025 revenue exceeded that of Q1 2024, showing improved performance.

    In Q1 2024, the command generated N66 billion, marking a rise of N23.2 billion when compared with the same period in 2025.

    According to him, the customs transformation known as B’Odogwu, launched from PTML, generated N189.5 billion between October 2024 and now.

    “The command currently holds the record for the fastest cargo clearance time — two hours for compliant RoRo consignments,” Daniyan said.

    (The Customs Area Controller, Port and Cargo Multi Service Ltd., (PTLM) Customs command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan)

    He added the command aimed to further shorten the clearance time, ensuring efficiency and trade facilitation.

    “In addition to Europe-bound vessels, PTML now receives ships from China, expanding trade frontiers and boosting potential revenue,” he noted.

    Daniyan stated that PTML Command was recently approved for pharmaceutical imports, showing regulatory compliance and operational capacity.

    He stressed that anti-smuggling and enforcement efforts remained firm despite growing trade activities at the port.

    The Controller confirmed that officers remained committed to national security while facilitating trade.

    In Q1 2025, the command recorded seizures, including 75 rounds of 12GA live cartridges from a used Toyota Tundra worth N2.24 million.

     

    Also seized were four rounds of 9mm ammunition and one empty magazine from a Hyundai Sonata, with DPV of N334,257.

     

    The comptroller said due to its pilot role for B’Odogwu, the command intensified stakeholder engagement through training for officers and customs agents.

     

    He said practical training sessions improved stakeholders’ understanding of the system’s processes and operations.

    Daniyan praised the Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, for batch-based stakeholder training which remains ongoing.

     

    He also appreciated collaboration with other sister agencies which enhanced revenue and reduced clearance time to under an hour.

     

    Daniyan thanked honest traders for accurate declarations and urged others to emulate them.

     

    He called on all stakeholders to support customs in making Nigeria Africa’s preferred cargo destination.

  • LAGOS – CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: GOV ENO LAUDS FG, SAYS IT IS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC BOOM

    LAGOS – CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: GOV ENO LAUDS FG, SAYS IT IS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC BOOM

     

    … drumps up support for President Tinubu

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has praised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led – Federal Government over the 750km Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project passing through eight States in the Country.

    The Governor conveyed the appreciation at a ceremony to flag-off the Construction of the 65km:3-Lane Dual Carriageway, a component of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Costal Highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Asua Village, Nsit Atai LGA.

    He said Akwa Ibom people who are beneficiaries of the road construction do not take the gesture for granted as the road would have passed through any other State within the coastal region.

    Governor Eno listed the benefits of the project to include unleashing and expanding of the economic horizon and opening up of hitherto unreachable part of the nation for easy movement of goods and services to the urban centre.

    “Let me first and foremost thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for embarking on this bold and audacious project that is bound to unleash and expand our economic horizon and open up hitherto unreachable parts of our nation for easy movement of goods and services.”

    Governor Eno noted that the mission of President Tinubu on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is tied to the importance of road infrastructure which he enumerated to include; serving as a key catalyst for growth and prosperity of the nation as it creates the ease of movement of goods and services.

    He said the road when completed would also encourage small and medium scale enterprises, provide employment opportunities, stimulate interstate commerce and create bond among the people as boundaries are easily wiped off when roads passes through communities.

    The Governor hinted that sections 3A and 3B of the project which cut across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, spells huge and enormous benefits for the two states, and thanked the President for his inclusive leadership and prioritization of even development across the nation.

    “The economic benefits it will bring to our State are enormous and we thank the President for his inclusive leadership and the prioritization of even development across our nation without resorting to political considerations.”

    The Governor who also represented President Tinubu at the flag -off, called on the youths to cooperate with the contractors handling the project, urging them to sustain the peace the State is known for.

    He also assured that the State will work with the Minister to ensure that compensations are paid to the beneficiaries as soon as the Federal government releases the funds.

    The State Chief Executive appreciated the Minister for his intervention in the deplorable Calabar -Itu highway and pledged to work with the contracting firm, Hitech to ensure the execution of the road project.

    Gov Eno pledged the support of the State for President explaining that the stance would enable the President complete the projects he has initiated across the nation.

    “Let me end by assuring our President, our people loving president, who will complete eight years, because we are going to stand by him, and this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it, somebody else might not finish it. The hand that has started this work shall complete it. Our prayer is good health for Mr President to finish the work that he has started and commission it,” he added.

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, scored Governor Umo Eno high on the development of infrastructure across the State, describing Governor Umo Eno as a true leader, passionate about quality and people-oriented projects.

    He particularly expressed his admiration for the ambiance of the State, saying that the flag-off of the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project will enhance the economy and accessibility of the State.

    On his part, the Member representing the Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, expressed the gratitude of the people to President Tinubu for the coastal road project traversing the State and assured the Works Minister of the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives to see to a seamless construction and timely completion of the road project for the good of the people.

    The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Nyong; Deputy Political leader, Lawrence Udosen; and Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Okokon Ita in their goodwill messages, appreciated the President for his magnanimity, saying that the road will usher in the needed transformation of the areas and pledged the people’s support towards its timely completion.

     

  • No attack in Enugu LG communities, report false, mischievous – Police

    No attack in Enugu LG communities, report false, mischievous – Police

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    The Police Command in Enugu State says there is no attack in communities within Uzo-Uwani Local Government in the state as purported by online social reports.

    The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, that the report after due investigation is false, mischievous and sensational.


    According to Ndukwe, the Command wishes to inform the public that the report alleging a reign of terror and the killing of 25 persons by insurgents in the state is entirely false and deliberately misleading.

    “The Command categorically states that this sensational report is a calculated attempt to misinform the public and undermine the efforts of the police and other security agencies in maintaining the prevailing peace and security in Enugu State.

    “Upon thorough review, the report was found to be baseless, containing fabricated names and incidents that never occurred in Enugu State.

    “Furthermore, the report is speculative and lacks credibility, particularly in its use of vague terms such as “at least”, which have no place in factual journalism,” he said.

    He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, while acknowledging the media’s duty to publish news, including attention-grabbing headlines, strongly condemns dissemination of such inaccurate, baseless, and mischievous reports designed to mislead and cause unnecessary panic.

    The spokesman reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the police and other security agencies to combat crime and criminality in Enugu State.

  • 36th Enugu International Trade Fair most successful in recent time – ECCIMA President

    36th Enugu International Trade Fair most successful in recent time – ECCIMA President

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, says the 36th edition of the Enugu International Trade Fair is the most successful in recent time.

    Jideonwo disclosed this on Monday during the closing ceremony of the 36th edition of the Fair, which kicked off April 4.

    He said that the fair success ranked past that of the 33rd, 34th and 35th fairs, while it opened more vista of opportunities for businesses and services to grow and flourish in the country.

    The ECCIMA President said that registration for the next edition of the fair, which would commence March 20, 2026, had already begun, pointing out that those who register early would enjoy a 10 per cent discount.

    According to him, you can enjoy about 10 per cent discount on our early bird registration for the next edition of the fair which will last till Nov. 30, 2025.

    He noted that the forthcoming fair would be better than the just concluded fair.

    “The 3,000 Square metre premium indoor air conditioned pavilion will be completed before the coming fair. It will be completed precisely before August, 2025,” he said.

    Highlights of the closing ceremony were the presentation of awards and certificates of participation to best performing participants and exhibitors.

    Top on the list of awardees is the Dangote Group that got the Bronze Sponsorship Award, while CBN got the Bankers Bank of the Fair Award, among others.

  • Land Dispute: Court Remands Alaro In Prison

    Land Dispute: Court Remands Alaro In Prison

    Courtesy: Lens News

     

    Flowerbudnews
    Osun State High Court sitting in Ede, has ordered that  Oba Abduljeleel Oyedokun, the Alaro of Ilu Aro in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State be remanded in Ilesa prison pending the determination of the land dispute case filed before it by Agbofieti family of Ilobu.
    The presiding Judge, Justice Lawrence Arojo gave the ruling in suit No HED/3c/2024, after all counsels have exhausted their argument.
    According to the State Counsel who solicits for the Agbofieti family, Barrister Dele Akintayo,the family allegedly bought 10 acres of land from Oba Oyedokun some years ago and had since occupied the land with the planting of cash crops such as cashew and Palm trees.
    He stated further that the same piece of land was resold to another person by Oba Oyedokun, stressing that he did not only resell the land but also ordered the destruction of the piece of land when the second buyer wanted to access the farmland and the first buyer resisted.
    He said this led to the institution of malicious damage of property suit against Alaro by Agbofieti family.
    The presiding Judge of Ede State High Court, Justice Lawrence Arojo, at the first hearing,granted the first relief of the plaintiff by ordering the parties to stop further activities on the land.
    At the resumption of hearing, Barr Akintayo,on behalf of Agbofieti family presented evidences showing that contrary to the order of the court, Oba Oyedokun still allegedly permitted the tipper owners to excavate sand on the land, the action which he said establishes contempt of court and utter disregard of the court order.
    At the resumption of hearing, Justice Lawrence Arojo in his ruling thus held that, having established the contempt of order of the court, the Alaro of Ilu Aro, Oba Abduljeleel Oyedokun should be remanded in Ilesa prison pending the determination of the suit

     

  • Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

    Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

     

    Flowerbudnews
    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, including scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 5 for hearing.

    The aggrieved residents sued the minster, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

    Justice James Omotosho adjourned the suit after counsel for the plaintiff, Usman Chamo, informed the court that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had just served served him with its counter affidavit.

    Chamo said he would need more time to file a response to the application.

    The lawyers, who appeared for the defence, did not oppose the application and the matter was adjourned until May 5 for hearing.

    The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations.

    In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

    Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

    The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets.
    The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.
    He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

    He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

    The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

    “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”

    He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.
    “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”
    Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars.
    He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless.
    According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
    He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims.
    He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims.
    He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true.
    The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive.
    According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.
    He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country.
    Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.
    The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

  • Dangote, others on Forbes Africa’s billionaires list, proof of prosperity in the land-TMSG

    Dangote, others on Forbes Africa’s billionaires list, proof of prosperity in the land-TMSG

     

    By Majeed Ishola

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:  The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the presence of four Nigerian entrepreneurs on the 2025 Forbes list of Africa’s twenty-two wealthiest individuals as proof of prosperity in the land.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo TMSG noted that it was instructive that Dangote Refinery was instrumental to Aliko Dangote retaining his position as Africa’s richest man.

    It said: “Like many Nigerians, we are enthused that four Nigerians whose wealth was largely homegrown and sustained in the last year are on the Forbes list of Africa’s twenty-two billionaires in dollars.

    “Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola are all in the 2025 Forbes billionaires list, which also has seven South African nationals among Africa’s wealthiest individuals.

    “It is instructive that Dangote retained his position as Africa’s richest person for the 14th year in a row, with his net worth moving from $13.9 billion to $23.9 billion in 2024, as a result of the inclusion of his Dangote Refinery’s valuation in Forbes’ calculations.

    “This, for us, is a clear indication of prosperity in Nigeria and there is a strong possibility that by the time Abdulsamad Rabiu, who is sixth on the list with a fortune of $5.1billion, completes his BUA Refinery in Uyo, his ranking will improve on the back of the refinery’s valuation on completion.

    “And there is Mike Adenuga, who is ranked fifth in Africa with a net worth of $6.8 billion, mainly as a result of his ownership of Nigeria’s first Indigenous telecoms operator.

    “The fourth Nigerian on the Forbes list, Femi Otedola, with a net worth of $1.5 billion, is known to be actively diversifying his business concerns from the downstream sector of the oil industry to banking and power generation through his Geregu Power Plant.

    “It is interesting to note that each of these billionaires grew their wealth by at least 25% in the first 22 months of the Tinubu administration.

    “This cannot be coincidental and for us, it is an indication of the immense opportunities in the country.

    “And it is therefore not surprising that foreign investors are trooping into the country, even at a time that opposition elements are spinning doomsday scenarios on the national economy.”

    The group is optimistic that more Nigerian entrepreneurs whose wealth is linked to the stock market will make subsequent Forbes list of Africa’s billionaires in the aftermath of President Tinubu’s pro-business policies.

    End

  • WHAT PRESIDENT TINUBU DISCUSSED WITH US PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADVISOR

    WHAT PRESIDENT TINUBU DISCUSSED WITH US PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ADVISOR

     

    Flowerbudnews

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a State Department representative from President Donald J. Trump’s administration, Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, on Thursday in Paris.

    The meeting focused on developing a strategic economic and security partnership between Nigeria, Africa, and the United States anchored on mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.

    The US State Department rep conveyed President Trump’s strong interest in deepening direct engagement with Nigeria as a cornerstone of US relations with Africa.

    The US wanted to work closely with President Tinubu to expand American investment in Nigeria and Africa, support energy and infrastructure development, and align trade and job creation efforts.

    Both sides discussed actionable support and shared their perspectives on regional peace, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and across the Sahel.

    President Trump’s advisor recognised Nigeria’s regional and continental leadership and supported President Tinubu’s interventions to stabilise key African regions.

    President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to build productive alliances with the United States, centred on transparency, opportunity, mutual respect and outcomes that strengthen Africa’s place in the global economy.

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