Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Gov. Mbah lauds NNPC Foundation for supporting agriculture with training, others

    Gov. Mbah lauds NNPC Foundation for supporting agriculture with training, others

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lauded NNPC Foundation Ltd for aggressively supporting smallholder farmers and agro-industrialists with critical modern training and other initiatives meant to increase yield and turn agriculture into striving commercial business.

    Mbah gave the commendation on Tuesday in Nsukka while declaring open a three-day NNPC Foundation Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme.

    The NNPC Foundation is the social impact company of the NNPC Limited, undertaking key initiatives in education, empowerment, health, environment and access to energy to boost social-economic development since inception in 2023.

    Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, the governor said that the practical farm training would equip smallholder farmers and other small scale agro-industrialists with modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies.


    “By focusing on climate-smart agriculture, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for our farming communities.

    “I encourage all of you to engage fully in this programme. This is your opportunity to learn, share, and grow together. Let us work hand in hand to build a resilient agricultural sector that thrives on innovation and collaboration.


    “As we say in Enugu State, “Tomorrow is Here”. It is a mantra that reminds us that the future we envision is within our grasp; that the steps we take today will shape the world we bequeath to our children.

     

    “Thank you to the NNPC Foundation for organizing this vital programme, and to all our partners for your ongoing support. Together, we can transform the agricultural landscape of Enugu State and beyond,” he said.

     

    The governor noted that the state government had made agriculture a central pillar of its administration; adding that the government was committed to transforming the agriculture sector to be the major economic driver of the state.


    “We have successfully registered in excess of 66,000 smallholder farmers who are actively engaged in the production of various agricultural products and we are promoting the use of organic fertilizers.

    “In 2023, we cultivated approximately 1,000 hectares of cassava as part of the Bioethanol Value Chain Development Initiative using organic fertilizers.

    “We are establishing Farm Estates across 260 electoral wards. Each estate covering 200 hectares of land will feature shared facilities such as extension services, warehouses, tractor services, and processing facilities. This infrastructure is designed to empower our farmers and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.


    “Recognizing the importance of market access, we shall sign off-take agreements with major players in the industry, including prominent companies like Nigeria Breweries. This is to ensures that smallholder farmers have guaranteed markets for their produce, fostering economic stability and growth.

    “We are implementing greenhouse technology, with plans to establish 440 pilot greenhouses across the 17 Local Government Areas. Additionally, we are mapping out 100 hectares of land for cocoa plantation in some selected local government areas with the adequate soil type and climate conditions, diversifying our agricultural output and enhancing smallholder farmers’ income potential.

    “As part of our broader vision, the Government is designing Enugu State Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) across three senatorial districts. This is just the beginning of our journey toward smart, sustainable and economic viable agricultural development,” he noted.


    Earlier, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the initiative to train smallholder farmers is part of the foundation’s broader efforts to support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security and increase productivity.

    Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager, Education and Healthcare Programmes NNPC Foundation, said there was a need to acknowledge the pressing reality of food insecurity in Nigeria.

    “According to the Cadre Harmonise Report (March 2024), an estimated 31.5 million Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are currently facing food insecurity.


    “This statistics underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural interventions that not only boost productivity but also build resilience against climate change, supply chain disruptions, and economic fluctuations.

    “At NNPC Ltd, we recognize that agriculture remains the primary livelihood for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024). Yet, many farmers remain trapped in subsistence-level production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs and competitive markets.

    “This training is designed to change that narrative.Through this initiative, we will train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilization, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies,” she said.


    The managing director noted that
    “the programme goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.”

    One of the participants, Mrs Anthonia Ameen, appreciated NNPC Foundation for the practical training both in the hall and a demonstration farm, adding that she had been enriched to practice a different type of agriculture and get positive and better outcomes.

    Over 800 smallholder farmers in Nsukka axis of Enugu State are currently participating in the three-day training programme.

  • *Group tasks Nigerian youth to embrace President Tinubu’s initiatives to boost their potentials

    *Group tasks Nigerian youth to embrace President Tinubu’s initiatives to boost their potentials

     

    By Biola Lawal

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:  The Social Advancement Forum (SAF) has challenged young people in Nigeria to take advantage of the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) to showcase their potential on the global stage.

    This, according to the group, is because of the readiness of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to give the young population world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.

    SAF made its position known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Tahir Ibrahim Tahir, and Secretary, Shehu Atta, in the aftermath of the recent launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) in Abuja.

    The statement read: “The decision to establish a body like Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) is a good one especially as it is focusing on equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and creativity that will take them out of the unemployment market. The aim of NiYA is to bridge the gaps in education and human capital empowerment.

    “So we at SAF commend the President’s vision in seeking to equip Nigerian youths with the necessary digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to make them compete effectively in the global market.

    “For us, the launch of NiYA and the creation of a National Youth Development Bank to facilitate access to capital for young entrepreneurs with digital literacy skills will definitely go a long way to enabling them to establish successful businesses, thereby effectively addressing the skills gap as well as youth unemployment.

    “There is no doubt in our mind that these policy measures if properly implemented, can substantially contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and also facilitate the swift realization of Nigeria’s aspiration to become a one trillion dollar economy by 2030.

    “It is against this backdrop that we are calling on the country’s teeming population to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase what they have to offer by tapping into the global skilled service outsourcing industry, which is currently worth about $854 billion.”

    The group also tasked those saddled with the responsibility of running the academy to keep to the President’s charge of training and empowering millions of young Nigerians within the next two years.

    End

  • CHINA/U.S: A TRADE WAR TO NOWHERE (Commentary)

    CHINA/U.S: A TRADE WAR TO NOWHERE (Commentary)

     

    By Lawal Sale

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:  It appears that the main target of Trump’s tariff regime is China. President Trump has threatened to add another 50 percent tariff on China in response to China’s retaliatory action on the heavy tariff imposed on the second largest economy by the new Trump administration.

    It will be recalled that 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods was slammed on China on April 3, and two separate tariffs of 10 percent before then. Even though trade of goods between China and the United States has long slowed down, the latest 50% addition will not make any difference as the damage has been done already.

    If Trump sticks to his plan for an additional 50 percent tariff on China, unless China reconsiders to withdraw its retaliatory levies on the United States, total new U.S. duties on Chinese goods this year could rise to 104 percent. It is doubtful if China will succumb.

    Economic experts observed that the U.S. still has a $500 billion surplus with China in services trade. These surpluses according to them, can be zeroed in, this time as China’s new gift to the NASDAQ.

    They said the more the US-China ties are broken, the more China becomes resilient in an era of bullying.

    Meanwhile, in reaction to the latest threat of additional 50 percent “reciprocal” tariff on China, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Tuesday it has noticed that the US threatened to impose a further 50 percent tariff on China, and that “China strongly opposes this.

    If the US escalates tariffs, China will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests,” a spokesperson for the ministry said.

    China further said the US’ imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” is groundless and a typical unilateral bullying practice.

    The MOFCOM spokesperson added that the countermeasures China has taken are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests and maintaining the normal international trade order, and are completely legitimate, he noted.

    The spokesperson further maintained that “The US’ threat to escalate tariffs on China is a grave mistake on top of an existing one, which once again exposes the US’ blackmail nature.

    China will never accept this. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end,” the spokesperson said.

    Earlier, China’s ministry of commerce in a statement emphasized that U.S. moves disregarded the balance of interests reached in multilateral trade negotiations over the years and the fact that it has long benefited greatly from international trade.

    The bottom line in all these trade wars is that tariffs might sound like a quick fix, but history shows they often backfire,
    hurting consumers and straining global trade.

    Economic strength comes from innovation, not isolation. Already, there is looming global recession as a result of Trump’s sweeping “liberation day” tariffs on both friends and foes around the globe.

    — Sale is Global South Affairs Analyst based in Abuja.

  • Alleged Fraud: I was indisposed during EFCC’s interrogation, says ex- Power Minister

    Alleged Fraud: I was indisposed during EFCC’s interrogation, says ex- Power Minister

     

    Flowerbudnews

    A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has said that he was indisposed at the time he was interrogated by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegation of fraud.

    Mamman, in a video clip played in the open court during a trial-within-trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, said he was not in a suitable state of mind, having just recovered from illness during their inquiry.

    Justice Omotosho had ordered that the video clip of the interview session conducted by the commission’s officials during their investigation be played in the open court following allegation that the ex-minister did not voluntarily make the statement.

    Mamman’s lawyer, Mr Femi Atteh, SAN, had opposed an application by the anti-graft agency’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, to tender the statement in evidence.

    The judge consequently ordered that the video clip be played to ascertain the veracity of the argument.

    Meanwhile, before the clip was played, Oyedepo told the court that the reason for playing the video is to show the court that a previous statement which the EFCC sought to tender in evidence was made voluntarily by the ex-minister

    But Atteh disagreed insisting that the statement was made when Mamman was not in his right frame of mind as he had already told them he had just left sickbed

    In the video clip, the former minister was seen telling operatives of the EFCC that he left sickbed to honour the invitation of the anti-graft agency.

    He also denied ownership of a property in Wuse II when he was asked by the officials of the EFCC during the investigation.

    The two hours video clip was played for 30 minutes in court where the ex-minister spoke in Hausa Language during interrogation but was interpreted in English Language by an interpreter of the court.

    Due to bad audio of the clip during the session, the interpreter occasionally said: “My lord, I did not hear him properly.

    “I will skip where I do not understand.”

    The judge responded and said, “interpret what you hear.”

    At the last adjourned date on March 19, 2025, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5) in the trial, said the apex bank managed the project account on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).

    The witness, Okoroafor Chinyere, a Deputy Manager, Domestic Payment Division at the bank, stated this while being led under cross-examination by Atteh.

    She confirmed to the court that the EFCC wrote a letter to the bank, demanding for details on the Ministry of Power and it was given to them.

    While speaking on the project account which documents were tendered and admitted as exhibit, Okoroafor confirmed that the bank manages the account on behalf of the Accountant General’s office.

    On whether she is familiar with remita payment process, she answered in the affirmative.

    But when asked whether it was possible for the former minister or his office to make approval, she said: “I cannot say.”

    “We don’t receive instructions to make payment on remita, we only get a directive from OAGF,” Okoroafor said.

    She said the Mambila Zungeru Project account is domicile with the CBN, but was solely under the Accountant General of the Federation, and not under the Minister of power.

    Okoroafor told the court that there are laid down procedures as regards withdrawal from the special project account and the minister has no power of withdrawal from it.

    She said only the OAGF has the authority on such account.

    The judge adjourned the matter to April 10 in continuation of the video clip evidence in the trial-within-trial.

  • BPP will strengthen procurement system in Nigeria- DG

    BPP will strengthen procurement system in Nigeria- DG

    By Flowerbud News

    The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, says that the bureau is committed to strengthening the procurement system in the country.

    Adedokun said this at the Procurement Clinic Training on the “Principles of Procurement Planning, Records Keeping and E-Advertisement” for all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja on Tuesday

    He said that the BPP would be directly involved, henceforth, in the process of monitoring the procurement process.

    He described public procurement as a technical function and a strategic enabler of national development.

    “By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, it will directly contribute to economic growth, social equity, and sustainable development.

    “This clinic has been specifically designed to empower procurement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out their duties effectively, specifically on the principles of procurement planning and records keeping.

    “They will also utilize the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO) and E-Advertisement. It is not just a training session but a platform for learning and collaboration for reform.

    “We have carefully selected the topics to be covered in this programme because of their importance in entrenching the fundamental principles of public procurement,” he said.

    Adedokun said that the principles were aimed at ensuring that procurement activities are strategically aligned with organisational goals and by extension the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Principles of procurement records emphasises the need for proper documentation as a foundation for transparency and accountability in the public procurement process.

    “Principles of advertisement and use of the e-advertisement module are other innovations from the bureau.

    “The aim is to leverage technology to enhance competition, transparency and access to public procurement opportunities by the business communities and the entire citizens.

    “It will enable Nigerians to reap the dividends of good governance,” he said.

    The DG added that the use of NOCOPO was a critical tool for uploading procurement information and fostering transparency in public procurement.

    “As procurement officers, you play a pivotal role in this process. Your work ensures that public funds are utilised efficiently to deliver impactful services to citizens,” he said.

    Adedokun commended the participants and their determination to work together toward achieving excellence in public procurement in the country.

    NAN

  • TMG hails INEC’s transparent process in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall moves by constituents

    TMG hails INEC’s transparent process in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall moves by constituents

     

    By Perpetua Onuegbu

    Abuja:  (NAN)/Flowerbudnews :  The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a transparent process on the moves by some constituents to recall the suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate.

    Chairman of TMG, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, gave the commendation at a news conference on Monday on Abuja.

    Rafsanjani particularly praised the commission for the way and manner it counted the signatures collected from Kogi Central Senatorial District being represented by Akpoti-Uduaghan in the senate.

    “TMG is satisfied with the conduct of INEC, its dedication and commitment to a transparent process which upholds constitutionalism and due process.

    “This is a clear demonstration of the functionality of democracy, when democratic institutions uphold the rule of law rather than becoming tools for the alignment of political interests of a few people in power,” he said.

    Rafsanjani urged the senate to recognise the huge gender imbalance in the upper legislative chamber and continue to present itself as an institution that encourages more women participation in politics

    According to him, recalling a lawmaker is predicated on misrepresentation, under-performance and misconduct, not a tool for politicians to wield at will.

    He called on INEC to verify and authenticate the Voter Identification Number (VIN) used to carry out Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall process through BVAS.

    Rafsanjani claimed that personal data of citizens of Kogi Central senatorial district were harvested and used without their consent, saying this was against the provisions of Data Protection Act

    He, therefore, called on National Data Protection Commission to carry out necessary investigation on this to assure Nigerians that their personal data would be protected as envisaged by the law.

    “Where investigations reveal a fraudulent process, the petitioners must be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to those who will be willing to be induced and used by politicians for this kind of charade in the future,” he said. (NAN)

  • Federal Poly Ayede Bags Global Recognition; Earns CISCO Int’l Accreditation as Networking Academy Learning Centre

    Federal Poly Ayede Bags Global Recognition; Earns CISCO Int’l Accreditation as Networking Academy Learning Centre

     

    – This accreditation reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a center of excellence in technology and innovation – Rector, Dr. Abdul-Hameed

     

    By Danladi Ahmed
    Ayede (Oyo State) FLOWERBUDNEWS: The
    Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, has been accredited as a CISCO International Networking Academy Learning Centre, a significant step in the institution’s journey toward global academic relevance and digital innovation.

    FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that with the CISCO Accreditation with bestowed Institutional ID 400041296, the Polytechnic now joins a global network of institutions providing industry-aligned IT and digital skills training to students and professionals.

    The accreditation, by CISCO Systems, a global leader in networking and IT solutions, will enable the Polytechnic offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.

    ”These programs are aligned with internationally recognized certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills for the fast-evolving digital economy,” a statement made available to FLOWERBUDNEWS by the Polytechnic stated

    ‘:Students enrolled in the CISCO Networking Academy will benefit from a wealth of resources including a global learning community, expert-designed curricula, and direct access to career and internship opportunities within the tech industry,” the statement disclosed.

    ”The flexible learning model allows for both in-person and virtual classes, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of learners.

    ”The development is also expected to provide numerous institutional benefits. In addition to enhanced global visibility and educational partnerships, the Polytechnic will generate internally sourced revenue and strengthen its curriculum in line with global best practices.

    ”The affiliation with CISCO underscores the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled graduates ready to compete on a global stage,” it stressed.

    To kickstart the program, two lecturers from the institution Mrs. Mary Olufunke Samuel of the Computer Engineering Department and Mr. Saludeen of the Computer Science Department, have successfully completed the CISCO training and are now certified to deliver the courses, the statement disclosed.

    FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that the achievement comes under the administration of the Rector, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle AbdulHameed, whose leadership has been widely recognized by the Polytechnic community and beyond for driving reforms in digital education, innovation, and global collaboration.

    ”Dr. AbdulHameed has prioritised partnerships that prepare students for global job markets while enhancing the Polytechnic’s academic profile,” a senior official if the institution told FLOWERBUDNEWS.

    Commenting on the achievement, the Rector, Dr. Abdul-Hameed said; ”this accreditation is a major leap forward for our institution,” adding; ‘ It reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a center of excellence in technology and innovation.”

    ”Federal Polytechnic Ayede encourages students, parents, and stakeholders to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the CISCO Networking Academy,” Dr. Abdul-Hameed s1aid.

    (Dr. Abdul-Hameed in group photograph with Federal Polytechnic, Ayede Athletes at the ongoing Polytechnic games in Offa, Kwara State).

    He assured that the institution would continue to expand its impact in digital and technical education both nationally and internationally. (FLOWERBUDNEWS).

  • Nigeria expresses interest to bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games

    Nigeria expresses interest to bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Commonwealth Games, Nigeria, has met the deadline for expression of interest to bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 in Abuja.

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee, emerged from its executive committee meeting on April 3, 2025, in Abuja to say it had met the March 28, 2025 deadline for expression of interest for a bid process.

    Nigeria can only commence a formal bid, if the Federal Government gives a backing to the project.

    A statement released by Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of NOC, notes that Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja will present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture.

    Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event – the African Games – in 2003 (COJA 2003) hosted in Anuja.

    The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commitment to organising large-scale international events.

    That experience will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required by such events.

    This would also provide a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.

    A bid process would enhance an investment in Sports Infrastructure as bidding for the Games can catalyse investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja, which can revitalise the local sports-economy and improve national sports facilities for future generations.

    Hosting the Games would initiate the construction and upgrading of sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations, creating lasting benefits for the sports community and the general population.

    This can significantly boost tourism by attracting visitors from around the world. This influx would undoubtedly support local businesses, create jobs, and boost the hospitality sector.

    The preparation and execution phases of the Games will generate numerous jobs, from event management to construction, fostering local enterprise and skills development.

    It would inspire a new generation of athletes by providing them with the motivation and support to pursue excellence in sports.

    It positions Nigeria as a country that values athletic achievement and fosters talent.

    It will serve as a compelling force for National unity by fostering peace and facilitating Nigeria’s cultural diversity

    Meanwhile, other significant events on the schedule include the Olympic Committees of African (ANOCA) School Sports’ Games in Algeria, to be staged from July 5 to July 13, 2025.

    The Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia are also scheduled to run from November 7 to November 31, 2025.

    Conversely, Angola will host the ANOCA Youth Games Luanda between December 5 and December December 20, 2025.

    The next Commonwealth will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026. This will run from March 17 to March 29, 2026.

    Indeed, the Scots were the eventual hosts of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which could have served as the centennial Games of the amalgamation of Nigeria’s southern and northern protectorates.

    Nigeria had lost the bid to host the Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Africa has been awarded the Youth Olympic Games for the first time. Dakar, Senegal won the right to host the Games, from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

    However, Milano Cortina won to host the Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to February 22, 2027.

    Equatorial Guinea was named to host the African Beach Games in 2027.

    Egypt would host the 14th African Games, Egypt from January 20 to February 7, 2027.

    The quadrannial would be rounded up with the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 in the USA, from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

    The winter Olympics will take place in the US in 2028 at a yet to be determined city.

    (Tony Nezianya Public Relations Officer
    08033034910,  08095121538
    tonynezianya@gmail.com)

  • Aggrieved ex-member sues Abuja church, senior pastor, others for allegedly inciting wife to divorce

    Aggrieved ex-member sues Abuja church, senior pastor, others for allegedly inciting wife to divorce

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Mr Olabode Tijani, an aggrieved and former member of Dominion Chapel Church International, Favour House Branch, Lugbe in Abuja, has sued the church; the Senior Pastor, Eyong Eyong, and others for allegedly inciting his wife, Mrs Abolore Tijani, to divorce him.

    Also joined in the suit are President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Mrs Doris Eyong as 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants respectively.

    The Dominion Chapel and Pastor Eyong are sued as 1st and 4th defendants in the writ of summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1402/2024 filed by Tijani’s lawyer, Hassan Omolowo, before Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observes that Tijani, a Civil Engineer and Founder cum President, Registered Trustees of Downtrodden Peoples Empowerment Foundation Worldwide (1st claimant), is the 2nd claimant in the suit dated Sept. 17, 2024 but filed Sept. 18, 2024.
    Tijani is praying the court to declare that the church amd its officials at Favour House, New Site Estate, Lugbe Branch in Abuja have no right to interfere in the marital affairs of its members to the extent of separating them and encouraging divorce among them.

    He is also praying the court to declare that they have no right to prevent him “from accessing his wife and family within the church premises in full view of the members of the church and bystanders on the 1st day of September, 2024 at about 8am thereby further lacerating his family relationship.

    “A declaration that the 1st defendant (Dominion Chapel) and its officials have no rights to have received and quartered the members of family of the 2nd claimant and their property (including the 2nd claimant’s property) for 13 {thirteen} days (at the time of filing this suit).”
    He wants the court to declare that the church and its officials had breached his fundamental rights to fair hearing when before hearing his own side of the matter, they proceeded to accommodate his family of six for 13 days, at the time of filing the suit.
    He wants the court to declare that the church has violated one of the core qualifications for being a member of CAN.
    Tijani, therefore, prayed the court to make an order, compelling the church and its officials to immediately return the family members, family property and his documents to the family domain and quarters at Tudun Wada, Lugbe, Abuja.
    He urged the court to make an order restraining the church, Pastor Eyong and his wife including their agents “from further encouraging the divorce, separation of the family of the 2nd claimant, and termination of the marriage of the 2nd claimant and other members of the church and all Christians all over the world.”
    He prayed the court to make an order, compelling CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to sanction the church from engaging in, and pursuing anti-Christian activities within its domain.
    He also sought an order compelling CAN president to sanction and prevent Mrs Eyong (pastor’s wife) from holding responsible positions within the church “because of her unchristian utterances and postures.”
    He sought an order restraining the church, Pastor Eyong and Mrs Eyong from intimidating, harassing and further interfering in his family affairs.
    He equally sought an order compelling the church, Pastor Eyong and Mrs Eyong to issue and publish a public apology to him in two national! dailes.
    Tijani, who seeks a special damages In the sum of N1 million, also seeks general damages in sum of N200 million, including “a cost of litigation in the sum of N5 million.”
    In his statement of claim, Tijani averred that he had been married to Mrs Abolore for 23 years and had gone through varied challenges and experiences with her.
    He said their marriage yielded five children “comprising three daughters including a set of twins and two sons.”
    He said they voluntarily joined the church five years in Power House branch before moving to Favour House branch two years later.
    He said he had allowed unlimited access to, and regular attendance of church services by members of his family to the extent that all the children are involved in one church work and duty or the other.
    According to him, Mrs. Tiant A. Abolore is a member of the women group and contributes to the progress of the church.
    Tijani said he “is a member of the 1st defendant (church) and attends the services of the Power House and Favour House branches of the 1st defendant.”
    He said on Aug. 31, 2024, he had cause to advise his twin daughters on the need to save the little money they are earning because of the future only for his wife, Mrs Abolore, to intervene and interfere by holding his trouser.
    He said on Sept. 1, 2024, he also advised his children to attend the church next door as “GOD is everywhere” but they did not listen.
    He said when his wife complained of being indisposed, he gave her money to go and treat herself but instead of going to buy drugs with the money she allegedly decided to go to the Favour House branch of the church.
    He said three hours later after his wife did not return, he went to Lugbe branch of the church to look for her.
    “Upon getting to the church, the 2nd claimant (Mr Tijani) was told by the security guards that they have been given instructions not to allow him enter the church and thereupon, the elder of the church, the 5th defendant (Mrs Eyong) and other church members came out and denied him access to see his wife who was inside the church.”
    Tijani alleged that upon being denied access to his wife, he went to the shop he had personally established for his wife and upon entering the shop, Mrs Eyong allegedly harassed him that it was a criminal act for him to enter the shop without his wife’s knowledge.
    He alleged that the pastor’s wife proceeded to tell the security personnel to chase him out anytime they see him within the church premises and further proceeded to padlock the shop he set up for his wife.
    He said Mrs Eyong allegedly proceeded to threaten him about directing his wife to serve him with divorce letter and also to go to the NAPTIP to lodge complaint against him.
    Tijani said he responded that since Mrs Eyong was not the one who joined them together in marriage, he would rather take his wife back to Ibadan, the home town, if he wanted to divorce her, and not in Abuja.
    He said he believes that the Bible does not support divorce except in cases of sexual immorality and adultery.
    He alleged that the senior pastor and his wife were instrumental in the conveyance of his family property to the church and that his family members “have been in the church’s children’s class for 13 (thirteen) days now.”
    He said since his family moved out of his house, he had “been feeding irregularly and dysfunctionally at ‘Mama Put’ roadside restaurants with the health hazards involved.”
    Besides, Tijani said he has to personally clean his house and wash clothes and other valuables by himself.
    “The claimants state that the 2nd claimant has not had physical access to his wife for 13 (thirteen) days now.
    “The 2nd claimant was deprived of the opportunity of sending his children back to school when they resumed on the 2nd day of September, 2024 by the 1st, 4th and 5th defendants,” he said.
    He alleged that the senior pastor and his wife had caused to administer to his wife drugs unknown to him, and without his knowledge and without his permission.
    According to him, he had undergone a most excruciating and debilitating embarrassment of his life when he was publicly deprived of access to his wife and the security personnel were instructed not to allow him to enter the church premises.
    When the matter came up before Justice Olotu, Omolowo, who appeared for Tijani, informed the court of their intention to amend the suit.
    Lawyer to the church and the pastor, A.O. Igeh, did not oppose the application and Justice Olotu adjourned the matter until May 29 for hearing.