Category: General News

By Flowerbudnews

The Enugu State Government says executives of global leading technology and innovation companies – Google, Amazon, Microsoft and others – will be participating in the anticipated inaugural Enugu Tech Festival (ETF).

The four days festive, which holds
from May 6 to May 9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, is themed: “COAL to CODE”.

Briefing newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday on the forthcoming festival, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, said that the festival aims to revolutionise the state’s technology ecosystem and boost its position as West Africa’s leading tech-hub.

Ezeh disclosed that the festive is a collaborative initiative between Enugu State Tech and Start-up Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, designed to foster innovation, support tech start-ups, and inspire young professionals within the tech industry.

He said that the festival would feature activities, including: rallies, panel sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions; while 10,000 participants, including founders of established tech companies, start-up enthusiasts, tech investors, students, graduates and tech policy-makers are anticipated to attend.

According to him, Enugu, historically known for its coal mines and civil service dominance, is now undergoing a digital transformation and fast moving to the coding era with innovative youths driving the change.

“The ETF (short acronym for the festival) is the embodiment of this shift, signaling the state’s transition from coal dependency to a thriving technology and innovation hub.

“Enugu has grown significantly in terms of its tech ecosystem, ranking among Nigeria’s top five states for tech innovation and pushing up higher to be the main hub of tech innovation and start-ups incubation in West African region.

“With more than 100 active start-ups and thousands of tech professionals, the ETF is expected to solidify the state’s place as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy,” he added.

The commissioner further noted that the festival’s focus on “COAL to CODE” encapsulates the vision of turning Enugu into a tech powerhouse not just in the country but entire West African sub-region.

“The Enugu State Government, in partnership with research institutions and private sector players, seeks to create a Silicon Valley-like infrastructure.

“Central to this ambition is the launch of the West Africa Stargate (WASGate), a major initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment in the state’s tech ecosystem,” he added.

The commissioner noted the event would provide the public with a chance to engage with local innovators and showcase the city’s growing tech presence.

He said, “There will be thought-provoking speaking engagements, insightful addresses on the feature of technology and innovation by our technology-friendly Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, myself and other key leaders from the tech ecosystem.

“Panel discussions will highlight the importance of tech innovation, startup funding, and the vision for the West Africa Stargate initiative as well as building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Enugu.

“There will be a town hall meeting where stakeholders and heads of tertiary institutions will discuss strategies for tech education and growth in the state, country and West African region.

“There will be a deep dive session with investors offering valuable insights into securing funding for early-stage start-ups and specialised panel sessions covering blockchain, property tech (proptech) and hardware, followed by an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations from across the region.”

Nine persons, including five students of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), have died in a road crash on Ikire/Ibadan Expressway.

The Nation gathered that the 18-seater bus in which they were travelling had an accident with a luxury bus that was moving against traffic.

The institution’s Public Relations ‘Officer, Ademola Adesoji, confirmed that the accident occurred around Balogun, before Unity School, Ikire, Osun State.

This ghastly road accident involving a luxury bus travelling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo resulted in multiple fatalities, including five of UNIOSUN students.

“According to reports from the Nigerian Police and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.

Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students: Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering; Suleiman Farouq Adedayo, a 400-level student of Law; Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health; Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is receiving medical attention.”

“The Nigerian Police have confirmed a total of 10 fatalities from this unfortunate incident.

This tragic loss has deeply shaken our university community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time.

NIMechE advocates commercialisation of indigenous innovations

By Olatunde Ajayi

Experts in mechanical engineering have emphasised the importance of commercialising indigenous innovations to rapid national economic development.

The experts made the call at the 4th Annual Prof. Olusoji Ofi Distinguished Academic Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Ibadan Chapter, in Ibadan.

The lecture, which also marked the 6th NIMechE Ibadan Distinguished Academic Lecture, is entitled “Crossing the Valley of Death in Technological Innovation in Nigeria”.

It aimed at advocating for effective support for developmental research in Nigeria.

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abel Olorunnisola, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Dominion University, Ibadan, said only a few indigenous technological innovations had reached the commercialisation level.

Olorunnisola noted that far too many local innovations ended up in either the research and development stage or the start-up valley of death.

He added that the lack of political will to mobilise or harness science, engineering and technical manpower in the pursuit of national economic objectives must be addressed.

“We need to believe in our own capabilities to innovate; we need to promote local manufacturing and minimise importation of goods and services that can be provided here at home.

“We must curtail our unbridled taste for foreign and imported goods and services that have strangulating effects on our drive for self-reliance and self-actualisation.

“This valley can be crossed if adequate support is given by the government, our universities and the private sector to science and technology activities,” he said.

Similarly, a former VC of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, reiterated the need to encourage informal professionals with training and mentorship toward modern practices.

The Chairman, NIMechE, Ibadan Chapter, Engr. Wole Ayanrinde, remarked that the lecture provided the professional body with a unique opportunity to be part of the nation’s solution providers.

According to him, the lecture aims to provide solutions to the obstructive problems of the nation’s growth and development.

“We will continually engage critical stakeholders of the Nigerian project till landmark changes are achieved across all sectors through various programmes that will bridge the gap between the industries and classrooms,” he said.

He described the celebrator, Prof. Olusoji Ofi, as a man of many parts, a bridge builder and administrator per excellent.

“The distinguished academic lecture is named after the inventor of the popular ‘Ofi Pounded Yam’ to give him a long-deserved and proper recognition of his humble sacrifice to the development of engineering,” he said.

Responding, Prof. Ofi expressed his gratitude to the association, UI community, well-wishers, and all who had worked tirelessly to make the event a reality.

Engineering Regulations Get a Boost as Makinde Inaugurates Monitoring Committees.

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated two key committees to ensure that engineering practices in the state meet global standards.

The State Technical Committee (STC) and the State Expatriate Monitoring Committee (SEMC) will monitor and enforce engineering regulations, guaranteeing that all infrastructure projects in the state adhere to required standards.

Gov Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, emphasised the importance of engineering in driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

“The STC and SEMC will play a vital role in monitoring and enforcing engineering regulations, ensuring that all infrastructure projects in the state meet the required standards.

“I urge the committees to work tirelessly to uphold the ethics and practices of the engineering profession, and to ensure that all projects are executed with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

“As we embark on this journey, I would like to emphasise the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

“The success of these committees will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, government agencies, and the private sector.

“This programme is a testament to COREN’s commitment to promoting excellence in engineering practices and ensuring public safety,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, COREN President, Engr Prof Sadiq Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, emphasised the importance of engineering regulation in driving development, and appealed for support in establishing a new regulatory framework in the state.

In his remarks, the Registrar of the Council, Engr. Prof. Okorie Uche, FNSE, FNICE, highlighted that the committees will assist the government and people of Oyo State in protecting lives and properties, and ensuring standard engineering practices through monitoring.

A former Deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, FNSE, FAEng, CON, also spoke on certification, licensing and regulation of artisans in Nigeria under the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).

“Through the programme, graduates from Nigerian institutions of learning can work anywhere in the world without doing conversion examinations for certification to practice their professions,” Omisore said.

The committees’ members include representatives from the governor’s office, federal and state ministries, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Immigration Service, and professional engineering organisations.

The inauguration marks a significant step towards ensuring that engineering practices in Oyo State meet global standards, promoting public safety and economic growth.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including former deputy governors, speakers, commissioners. among others.

By Samuel Tanimowo

Lagos (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  The Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vatika Rawat has declared that the  doors of India are open to Nigerian investors.

The India Envoy who dropped the hint at an interactive session with the media in Lagos, said “various sector of Indian economy is opened to Nigerians with the intention to invest in it’s economy”

According to her, ” the gesture will go a long way in enhancing balance of trade between the two countries”

Rawat further stressed that the continual bilateral ties of both counties is a panacea for economical, political and cultural sustainability.

According to her, India took a bold step to establish idiplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1958, two years before independence because of the the strong belief of India in the Nigerian project..

She then commended various relevant Agencies of both counties for regularly meeting in order to review and sustain the bilateral ties of both countries.

According to her, not less than $14.95 Billion accounts for the volume of trade investment in Nigeria by India investors since 2021

The Envoy also said that in the last few years ” Indian companies have participated virtually in all trade fair organized in Nigerian cities like, Abuja, Lagos, Kano and other”

In order to encourage growth and prosperity of both counties, the Envoy called on Nigerian Government and private investors to replicate same in India, adding that the opportunities were enormous.

With Nigeria being important development partner to India, she held that both counties will continue to enjoy an enduring bilateral relationships. (Flowerbudnews)

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s nomination of ex-Finance Commissioner, Wale Bolorunduro, as a Director of Osun-owned Living Trust Mortgage Bank.

The Nation reports Adeleke appointed Boluwaduro, who served under the administration of Ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the Director and Chairman of Living Trust Mortgage Bank in 2024.

But the CBN in a letter obtained by The Nation with reference number: OFI/SG2/CON/PLI/018/171 dated March 21st 2025 titled: “Re: Resolutions Reached At The Settlements Helf on August 28, 2024 In Relation to LivingTrust Mortgage Bank PLC” declined the nomination of Boluwaduro.

The letter signed by the Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Oluwasola Ajewole of the apex monetary authority approved the nomination of 10 others nominated as Managing, Executive, Non-Executive, Independent Non-Executive Directors.

The letter reads partially; “Dr. Adewale Bolorunduro’s approval is declined due to his involvement in the board crisis as ascertained in the investigation carried out by the CBN Examiners as at May 31, 2024.

The OSSG will be required to replace him with a neutral person to ensure stability on the board.

“However, you are required to forward the following additional documents in respect of the below appointees within three months from the date of this letter. Failure to do so would nullify the approval of the appointments of Mr. Afolabi Olanrewaju Olatunji and Mr. Ogungbile Adeola Olusola.”

The letter directed that Olatunji should provide letter of undertaking that he would make good the non-performing loan with Prudential Mortgage Bank while Ogungbile should make available a Executed Code of Conduct form for Directors of Other Financial Institutions.

“Also, note that Mrs. Olaitan who had served on the board between 2018 to date, has only four years remaining as an Executive Director, In line with Section 2.5 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks.

” Likewise, Mr. Michael Omolaja who had served between 2016 to 2023, has only one year remaining as an Independent Non-Executive Director in line with Section 2.5 of the Revised Guidelines for Primary Mortgage Banks in Nigeria,” the CBN added.