As the world commemorates World Radio Day, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has praised radio as an enduring pillar of democracy, emphasizing its role in shaping public opinion, fostering unity, and amplifying marginalized voices.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described radio as a vital force for governance and development, ensuring that no citizen, regardless of location or status, is left unheard.
“Radio has remained a powerful tool for civic engagement, ensuring that government policies, programs, and decisions are accessible to all. It is the heartbeat of democracy, keeping leaders accountable and citizens informed,” the governor remarked.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” Governor Ododo stressed radio’s critical role in climate education, emergency response, and community resilience.

“As we face global environmental challenges, radio serves as an early warning system, educating communities on sustainable practices and disaster preparedness,” he said.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s investment in climate-resilient agriculture and expansion of radio infrastructure to bridge the information gap, especially in rural areas.

“Radio has the power to drive economic transformation, promote social cohesion, and strengthen governance. My administration will continue to support the growth of radio broadcasting as a tool for education, health awareness, and security,” he added.

Governor Ododo urged journalists, broadcasters, and media stakeholders to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism, using radio as a tool for peace, development, and social justice.

As Kogi State embraces digital innovation in communication, the governor assured citizens that his government will continue to engage, listen, and act on the voices heard through the airwaves, ensuring a truly inclusive and responsive leadership.

OrderPaper, Nigeria’s leading independent parliamentary monitoring organization and policy think tank, has announced a comprehensive rebranding initiative aimed at strengthening its role in bridging the gap between parliament, policy, and the public.
The move is designed to enhance the organization’s public perception and reaffirm its commitment to leveraging data and technology to foster civic engagement and promote good governance.

The rebranding includes the unveiling of a new logo, reflecting a sleek, tech-forward aesthetic that embodies OrderPaper’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellent service delivery.
The updated green color palette signifies trust, innovation, and the organization’s evolution as a trusted partner in fostering transparent and inclusive democracy.

A key element of the rebranding is the launch of Parliament Reports, a dedicated media platform providing legislative intelligence, policy analysis, and comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s national and state assemblies.
Accessible at www.parliamentreports.com, this platform aims to deliver timely, data-driven insights to support informed decision-making by citizens and both public and private entities. To further enhance accessibility, a WhatsApp channel has also been created.

“With nearly a decade of experience in civic engagement and policy advocacy, OrderPaper has become a trailblazer in promoting good governance and democratic practices,” said Oke Epia, Founder and CEO of OrderPaper.
“Our rebranding represents more than a visual change; it is a renewed commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and active citizenship. We believe that informed citizens are essential for effective governance, and through our innovative platforms, we aim to empower all stakeholders to demand greater accountability from their representatives.”

As part of its rebranding strategy, OrderPaper has introduced Reach Your Rep, a new feature on its website that allows citizens to directly contact their National Assembly representatives with queries and petitions.

Additionally, new community engagement platforms like People’s Parliament on Facebook and WhatsApp have been launched to amplify civic participation. These platforms will support various OrderPaper initiatives, including:

RemTrack: A digital platform for public engagement on energy transition, climate change, and transparency in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

ConsTrack: Provides verified data on public project implementation, empowering citizens to monitor and report progress.

Leg’ACE: A programme fostering legislative accountability and constituency engagement, bridging the gap between citizens and the legislature.

Scorecard Nigeria: A soon-to-be-launched platform anchoring OrderPaper’s periodic performance appraisals of the National Assembly.

Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame: Nigeria’s first MVP Hall of Fame, launched in 2023, recognizing outstanding legislative performers at the end of each tenure.

Guided by its IDEA core values—innovation and inclusion, dedication and diligence, efficiency and effectiveness, and accountability and adaptability—OrderPaper aims to become Africa’s most authoritative reference for parliamentary reporting, advocacy, and public policy advisory.

“We invite all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process—public officials, civil society organizations, private sector actors, development partners, and the general public—to join us in our mission to enhance legislative accountability and promote responsible citizenship across Nigeria and Africa,” added Epia.

The Registrar of the College of Education, Oro, Kwara State, Dr. Abdulkareem Amuda-Kannike, has called for a stronger collaboration between the media and organized labour unions to foster national development and good governance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 4th Strategic Media Seminar organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sobi FM Chapel, in partnership with the Nigeria Media Parliament (NMP), Dr. Amuda-Kannike emphasized that a responsive media, committed to professionalism and integrity, is key to amplifying the voices of labour movements and holding governments accountable.

The seminar, themed “Nigerian Organised Labour Movement and Nation Building,” brought together media professionals, labour leaders, and civil society stakeholders to examine the intersection between media coverage and the effectiveness of labour movements in driving social and political change.

Dr. Amuda-Kannike pointed out that while Nigeria’s labour unions have historically played a significant role in advocating for workers’ rights and social justice, the media remains a critical tool in amplifying these efforts to influence public policy and governance.

“The media has the power to shape narratives, influence public opinion, and drive accountability in governance,” he noted. “However, the journalism profession in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, is facing serious challenges. The NUJ must reclaim its role as the watchdog of society and strengthen its commitment to ethical reporting.”

He criticized the current state of the NUJ, alleging that it has become overly politicized and distracted from its primary mission of safeguarding the interests of both its members and the broader public.

Tracing the history of Nigeria’s labour movement back to the colonial period, Dr. Amuda-Kannike highlighted its critical contributions to the country’s struggle for independence and its ongoing fight for workers’ rights. He stressed that organized labour has been at the forefront of advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and social justice.

“The labour movement was a powerful force against colonial exploitation and has remained a critical player in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he said. “Today, it continues to be a pillar of political stability, advocating for policies that address inequality, poverty, and workers’ welfare.”

However, he warned that the effectiveness of labour unions is being undermined by internal issues such as opportunism, sycophancy, corruption, and the rise of ‘labour godfatherism.’

Dr. Amuda-Kannike urged media professionals to recommit to ethical journalism, stressing that responsible reporting is vital for fostering transparency and good governance. He also called on the NUJ to prioritize professional development and focus on its role as a defender of democracy.

“Journalists must rise above personal interests and divisions to play their role as society’s watchdog,” he asserted. “Similarly, labour unions must unite and remain steadfast in their mission to protect workers’ rights and promote national development.”

He also encouraged union leaders to address the growing issues of unemployment, poor working conditions, and political interference in labour affairs, emphasizing that labour movements can only be effective if they are free from internal corruption and external manipulation.

Dr. Amuda-Kannike praised the leadership of NUJ Sobi FM Chapel and the Nigeria Media Parliament for creating a platform to discuss these vital issues, suggesting that similar forums should be replicated across the country to foster dialogue on the role of media and labour in nation-building.

“The media must reclaim its position as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, championing the common good and fostering democratic governance,” he concluded.

The seminar provided a critical space for stakeholders to explore the synergy between the media and labour unions, with participants agreeing that a united, ethical media and a robust labour movement are essential for Nigeria’s socio-political and economic growth.