Category: General News

 

 

By Danlami Nmodu –

In a momentous celebration marked by optimism and progress, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, FNSE, delivered an inspiring matriculation speech at the institution’s 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresapupa.

 

The event heralded the official induction of over 574 new students into the school’s vibrant academic community.

 

As dignitaries, academic staff, and parents gathered to mark the occasion, Dr. Abdul-Hameed commended the newly admitted students for their hard work and commitment, emphasizing that their journey had only just begun.

 

“You have earned your place here through sheer determination,” he stated, reaffirming the Polytechnic’s commitment to providing quality education and skills essential for the workforce.

 

Reflecting on the institution’s rapid growth since its inception in March 2021, Dr. Abdul-Hameed noted that Federal Polytechnic Ayede has quickly become a leading choice for students seeking technical and vocational education.

 

Thriving amidst challenges, the Polytechnic now offers 12 accredited National Diploma programs, with plans for expansion that include the anticipated launch of the Office Technology and Management program.

 

To support students’ educational endeavors, the Polytechnic has initiated a financial aid scheme, benefiting 44 students through the NELFUND loan program. Dr. Abdul-Hameed expressed hope for greater funding opportunities, aiming to assist more students in future disbursements.

 

The Rector underscored the institution’s commitment to faculty development, highlighting various training opportunities, sponsorships for higher education, and continuous professional development initiatives.

 

“A well-trained faculty is the cornerstone of academic excellence,” he added, reiterating the importance of investing in the staff who will mentor the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Abdul-Hameed also addressed recent unsettling reports regarding the safety of the Polytechnic’s infrastructure, firmly stating, “I categorically refute the misleading media claims about a building collapse.

.

”Our students are safe, and necessary repairs are underway.” His comments sought to reassure parents and stakeholders of the institution’s unflinching focus on student welfare and safety.

 

In his conclusion, Dr. Abdul-Hameed encouraged the new students to embrace the values of discipline and innovation, asserting that their time at Federal Polytechnic Ayede would equip them with the skills required to make a meaningful impact in society. He urged the staff and stakeholders to remain committed to the Polytechnic’s mission, pledging to further elevate the institution among Nigeria’s premier polytechnics.

 

As the day unfolded, dignitaries from surrounding institutions and traditional leaders at the event includes, Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III; Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Engr. Dr. Sani Man Yahya, represented by Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin represented by Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Mrs..Mulikatu Alii

 

Others were  Provosts of Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe; Prof. Dayo Shobowale, the Proprietor of DABOS Polytechnic, Osogbo, Osun State and former Deputy Rector (Academics) at Federal Polytechnic Ede, Dr. I. A. Adelabu, all congregated to celebrate this milestone, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and support in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

 

With renewed determination and aspirations, Federal Polytechnic Ayede looks forward to shaping competent professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow while continuing its journey of growth and excellence.

 

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, Dr Eric Odo, says plans has been concluded with relevant authorities to kick-start free healthcare services for senior citizens (elderly people).

Odo, who is also a medical doctor,
told newsmen on Friday in Ogbede the council headquarters that a joint medical team to be set-up by the council would administer free healthcare on the senior citizens.

According to him, we have concluded plans to employ doctors, nurses, and lab scientists to move with an ambulance round the 20 wards in the council area to attend to men and women of 60 years and above.

He said, “We have discussed with the State Primary Healthcare Management Board and the Commissioner for Health of our desire to begin the process of taking care of the aged in Igbo-Etiti council.

“The purpose of this programme is to boost the average life expectancy of our people from 54 to 70 years and above.

“This is the Igbo-Etiti that we prayed for because, as they say, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

“We are also starting a Universal Health Coverage that ensures that whenever the vulnerable, physically challenged and elderly persons are sick, they can go to any hospital in Igbo-Etiti, present their card and receive free treatment.”

The chairman noted that his administration was poised to make Igbo-Etiti council area the most progressive council area in every facet of life, adding “that is where we are aiming at.”

“I assure you that before the end of this year, the economic activities we have stimulated in different fields is capable of generating resources that can allow us to unleash aggressive development in our council,” he said.

Odo disclosed that the council was in the process of registering 1,000 widows, who would be placed on a monthly stipends.

“Once the process is done, the benefitting widows would come to the local government headquarters to receive their stipend every month.

“I appreciate our dynamic governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for supporting our quest to bring down the dividends of good governance to our people in Igbo-Etiti council area,” he added.

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has urged youths in technology and innovation to persevere and belief in themselves as better days lies ahead.

 

Tijani gave the advice on Thursday evening in Café One, Enugu while addressing youths undergoing tech-innovation programme under the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) of the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative.

The minister addressed the youths undergoing 3MTT programme after visiting some Enugu State Government executed tech-innovative projects, which included: the Green Smart Schools; the Command and Control Centre; International Conference Centre and Café One (Digital Café) among others.

 

Tijani applauded the hard work and industry of the youths under 3MTT programme in the state, while encouraging them to continue working hard to break-even in their personal and team projects.

 

According to him, for this period we listen to you all, we are impressed with you brilliant presentations as well as your personal and team tech-innovation growth so far.

“One thing is certain, I want you to continue, persevere and belief in yourself and in a short while; the sky will be your limit as you will get all necessary support,” he said.

 

The minister also advised that they should look up to global renowned tech-innovative Nigerians, who are big players and currently working in tech or innovative companies and some that own their tech striving businesses.

 

“There is a lot been done to reposition Nigerian youths in tech-innovation in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our ministry is pushing this agenda with zeal and energy it totally requires.

“Using you people here today, we believe that thousand and millions of Nigerians especially young people within the South-East and Enugu State will be skilled on using digital platforms and become digital literacy compliant.

 

“So, I encourage you to keep up the good work, be focused and know that the Federal Government and your tech-innovative loving governor is interested to see you lead the 21 century digital economy,” he said.

 

The minister made some cash and laptops donation to some of the teams working in some tech-innovative projects, adding: “This is to encourage and keep your desires burning.”

Dr Lawrence Ezeh, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, lauded the Federal Government and the minister on the ongoing programme that would make impact in the lives of youths within the state.

 

Ezeh, who donated a laptop to one of the students with laptop challenge, said that the Federal Government’s plans to train over one million Enugu State residents on digital skills in three years would be “a game-changer.”

 

Earlier, one of the students under 3MTT, Ms Ozioma Michael, said that the opportunity of the programme and connectivity she made in the ongoing programme had fired her up to develop a digital enterprise mind-set.

“Since I started the programme and up-scaled my skill in digital literacy; I now see reasons why I should be a tech-preneur in order to grow my own innovative tech brand,” Michael said.

 

Another student, Mr Chukwunonso Gabriel, appreciated the ministry through NITDA for giving his life a new focus and connecting him to friends that share common digital experience and goal in life.

“Within the short time I sent in the ongoing programme; I have learnt a lot and discovered that there are great opportunities in digital enterprise and engagements,” he added.

 

By Biola Lawal

Ayede (Oyo State):  (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede in Oyo State, Engr. (Dr.) Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his extensive Infrastructural and funding support to the Federal Government owned Polytechnics.

Speaking in an interview with FLOWERBUDNEWS on the sideline of the institution’s recent 3rd matriculation ceremony, Dr. Abdul-Hameed noted that President Tinubu’s support to the Polytechnic was a reflection of the positive influence of the president’s administration on education in Nigeria.

The Rector disclosed that the Tinubu administration has assisted the Polytechnic in several key areas which had helped to strengthen technological and skill acquisition training in the institution.

Dr.  Abdul-Hameed said:  ”Infrastructure Development : Under President Tinubu’s leadership, there has been a heightened focus on the development of educational infrastructure.

 

”The Federal Polytechnic Ayede has benefitted significantly from various initiatives aimed at constructing vital facilities, such as libraries, administrative blocks, and laboratorie,”

The Rector stressed that the support has become  instrumental in helping the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede create an enhanced environment conducive to learning.

 

He disclosed that the Tinubu Administration has been encouraging the Institutions on Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition training to empower the nation’s youths to become innovators and employers right from the beginning of their learning years in the Polytechnics.

 

A visibly happy Dr. Abdul-Hameed stated that it was gratifying that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to entrepreneurship education ”aligns with our vision at Federal Polytechnic Ayede.”

He noted that President Tinubu’s technical education policies emphasised the ”importance of self-reliance and innovation, which resonate with our institution’s goals.”

 

The Rector particularly commended Tinubu Administration’s funding Support for Tertiary Institutions, saying: ”The president’s administration has been keen on funding and supporting tertiary institutions through various interventions.”

 

”In the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, We have witnessed increased allocation of resources through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) which has enabled numerous projects and renovations at our campus, ensuring that we are equipped to deliver quality education,” Dr. Abdul-Hameed disclosed.

 

He also lauded the government’s Collaboration and Partnership Initiatives to assist Polytechnics , saying:” President Tinubu’s government has promoted collaborations between governmental bodies, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders.”

 

”This approach not only enhances resource mobilization but also fosters a culture of mentorship and skill development that greatly benefits our students.,” he stressed.

 

The Rector also commended Tinubu Administration for its Encouragement of Innovative Practices, noting:   ”the emphasis on innovation and research under President Tinubu’s administration bolsters our aim to be a world-class institution.

 

”His encouragement for institutions to embrace new technologies and teaching methodologies supports our mission to equip students with contemporary skills that align with current job market demands,” Dr. Abdul-Hameed stated.

 

‘:In summary, President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly in tertiary institutions like ours, is reflected in the infrastructural investments, focus on entrepreneurship, increased financial support, collaborative initiatives, and encouragement of innovative practices,” the Rector said.

 

”We are optimistic about the future and grateful for the administration’s ongoing support, which empowers us to fulfill our mission of providing quality education and producing well-rounded graduates,” Dr. Abdul-Hameed told FLOWERBUDNEWS.

 

By Flowerbudnews
Rev. Fr. Michael Nwankwo, the Administrator of Mother of Mercy Hospital, Ihe in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, says the newly remodelled hospital
has transformed healthcare services in Ihe and adjoining communities.

Nwankwo said this on Thursday while speaking to newmen after 90 days of official reopening of the health facility, which was done at the cost of N300 million by Ihe Development Initiative (IDI), a group composed of local entrepreneurs, academics and servicemen.

He said that the health facility, which is fully solar-powered, had provided vital medical assistance not only to the residents of Ihe community but also to nearby communities.

The administrator noted that the people of Ihe are pleased because the facility had undergone a significant transformation and “can now compete with big hospitals even in urban areas within Enugu metropolis.”

“With the upgrade, the services we provide have improved, and we are now better equipped to respond to emergency situations.

“We have acquired a ventilator — a rarity in most hospitals — and our laboratory is now better equipped to conduct a wider range of routine tests and more,” he said.

Nwankwo noted that the hospital now serves not just the people of Ihe; adding: “Residents from distant communities, such as Agbo-ogwugwu, Ugbo and Amoli, are also seeking medical care here.”

“The response has been remarkable, and we have become a healthcare provider for numerous nearby communities,” he said.

Corroborating, a resident doctor at the hospital, Dr Echem Michael, noted that following the hospital’s upgrade, both staff and patients are experiencing a transformed environment, with improved conditions for delivering healthcare.

According to Micheal, it is challenging to work here before due to poor infrastructure.

He said, “Today, the facilities here are a source of pride. We have better equipment, increased access to medications, improved beds, oxygen cylinders and their components and enhanced staffing levels, resulting in a better patient turnout and experience.

“For expectant mothers, we now offer suitable facilities for delivery, and the modern beds and equipment have made a significant difference. Today, I have my own office for consultations, unlike in the past when they were conducted in open wards.

“Previously, our living quarters were inadequate, but now we have a much-improved structure, and we’ve resolved our water issues and enjoy constant electricity, and the welcoming community makes our work seamless.”

A laboratory technician at the hospital, Ms Ijeoma Okoro, explained that the hospital had been equipped to perform tests including Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Culture Tests, Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity (MSC) and Stool Microscopy among other procedures.

Okoro also noted that, while some additional equipment is still awaited, the hospital currently possesses a microscope, microhematocrit and macrohematocrit centrifuges, an incubator and many other essential tools.

A patient, Mrs. Anastasia Nweke from Agbo-ogwugwu community, expressed her satisfaction with the services she had been receiving and was astonished by the extent of transformation in the hospital.

Another patient, Mr Hyginus Okafor, commended the care he received, noting that the doctors and nurses are diligent in their duties.

 

Okafor urged the management to maintain the current standards of care and prayed for blessings upon them and the members of IDI.

Mr Nnamdi Nwankwo, from Ihe community, said that the hospital’s achievements had greatly contributed to saving lives in Ihe community and surrounding areas.

The hospital, which was officially commissioned after remodeling on Dec. 29, 2024, was established in 1976 by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu with support from late Igwe Dennis Chukwu, the former Traditional Ruler of Ihe-Shikeaguma, and now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu.