Media

Media stakeholders brainstorm in Dakar against illicit financial flows from Africa

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2022

admin

As African countries continue to grapple with the depth of illicit financial flows, IFFs, and with an estimated annual loss of $88 billion, stakeholders have gathered in Dakar, Senegal to address this concern.
It is feared that if the scourge is not tackled, it could derail the continent’s bid to achieve sustainable development goals, SDGs, by the deadline of 2030.
A report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, the “Economic Development in Africa Report 2020”, notes that the amount is enough to finance almost half the annual financing gap of $200bn that the continent faces to achieve the SDGs.
The UNCTAD’s Secretary-General, Mukhisa Kituyi, stated that IFFS are, “inhibiting African development by draining foreign exchange, reducing domestic resources, stifling trade and macroeconomic stability and worsening poverty and inequality. These illicit flows rob Africa and its people of their prospects, undermining transparency and accountability and eroding trust in African institutions.”
He warned that “faced with high capital flight, tax avoidance and a marked dependence on corporate income taxes, African Governments face significant constraints to widening their tax base.”
Kituyi advised that “African governments need to work diligently alongside all key stakeholders to drive concerted actions to combat the negative impact of illicit financial flows from the continent.
“These efforts must necessarily include strengthening stolen assets recovery and setting new legislations and standards to avoid IFFs. – in concert with Africa’s private sector actors – should take the lead in strengthening stolen assets recovery, setting new standards for avoiding illicit flows and committing to more concerted actions to combat the negative impact of illicit financial flows on African economies.”
To this end, TrustAfrica is seeking to “Strengthening the capacity of African media in the fight against Illicit Financial Flows”.
The Executive Director of TrustAfrica, Dr. Ebrima Sall, in a letter said the workshop is mainly for media practitioners and bloggers drawn primarily from countries in West Africa including Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal.
Sall quoting the UNCTAD’s report said that the large financing gap for the SDGs cannot be closed solely through government revenues. But that tackling IFFs will open the door to releasing much needed investments in education, health and productive sectors.
According to Sall, “the debate on IFFs from Africa remains very relevant and has to be kept in the public place.
“It is thus important that those on the forefront of informing the public have conceptual understanding of IFFs and play an important role to remain active in reporting, informing and discussing this pertinent issue.”
The TrustAfrica executive director explained that the core objective of the workshop which commences June 23, 2022 to 24, is “unpack the concept of IFFs and appraise the status of IFFs in Africa identifying; identify priority issues for policy change and advocacy,” as well as “assessing the capacity gaps in media and IFFs coverage.”
The workshop is also expected to “enhance the capacity of media practitioners in understanding the issues of IFFs and reporting on it; create a circle/network of media practitioners specializing on IFFs who could regularly report, inform and editorialize on IFFs and contribute to spurring African governments to increase their efforts to stop IFFs.”

Media

Tinubu overhauls Media Team, Appoints Dare, Bwala as Key Advisers

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

admin

Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reorganized the presidency’s media and communications team in a move aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of government communication.

The presidency, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, announced that Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Onanuga himself would now serve as joint spokespersons for the administration.

The restructuring involves new designations for key officials within the communications team. Sunday Dare, previously Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, has been reassigned as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Daniel Bwala, appointed last week as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser on Policy Communications. Bayo Onanuga retains his role as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency,” the statement read.

The collaborative approach is designed to ensure more consistent and effective communication of government policies and decisions to the public.
According to the presidency, the team will collectively manage the dissemination of information to foster greater transparency and alignment with the administration’s priorities.

This reorganization underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to a more cohesive media strategy that reflects the diverse needs of the public and the complexities of modern governance.

Media

Ododo Celebrates Nigerian Tribune Newspaper’s 75th year anniversary

Published

7 days ago

November 16, 2024

admin

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a message of congratulations to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper on its 75th anniversary.
The Governor praised the newspaper’s leadership in shaping public discourse and upholding accountability through its dedication to truth, transparency, and responsible journalism.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement on Saturday quoted Ododo in a message that commended the Nigerian Tribune’s legacy, acknowledging its role in fostering responsible journalism that has earned it the trust and loyalty of readers across Nigeria.
“The Tribune has consistently upheld fact-based reporting, balance, and objectivity, even amidst the challenges of misinformation in today’s media landscape,” he said.

Reaffirming the essential role of a free press in maintaining democracy, Governor Ododo recognized Nigerian Tribune’s efforts to support the rule of law and responsible governance.
He expressed optimism that the milestone would inspire the newspaper to continue its commitment to journalistic integrity, essential for a stable and enduring democracy in Nigeria.

Founded on November 16, 1949, by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Hannah Dideolu, the Nigerian Tribune has built a legacy as one of Nigeria’s pioneering media institutions, contributing significantly to the nation’s democratic growth.

Media

Adebukunola Adebutu Unveils State-of-the-Art Media Hub at NIJ

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

admin

***Aims to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Media Sector

In a transformative step for Nigeria’s media education, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu has launched a cutting-edge Media Resource Centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Fully funded by Dr. Adebutu, this modern facility aims to elevate media training standards in Nigeria, strengthening the nation’s media capabilities and delivering economic benefits.

The facility features a 350-seat auditorium, an advanced ICT hub, and a fully equipped studio, establishing NIJ as a leader in West African media training.
Since its founding in 1971, NIJ has been a cornerstone of media education in Nigeria, and with this new hub, it now has the potential to attract international collaborations and play a crucial role in Nigeria’s knowledge-driven economy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, a former NIJ board member, praised Dr. Adebutu’s visionary investment, calling the Media Resource Centre a model of critical infrastructure for economic and workforce development.
Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Manga quoted Edun in a statement to have said,

“This initiative not only prepares our media professionals for the future but also creates job opportunities and supports economic growth,” Edun stated.
Accirding to the Statement,The centre’s resources are set to empower students and professionals with hands-on skills essential for a dynamic media landscape.
“The facility positions NIJ to offer world-class training, drawing attention from across Africa and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global media arena.

Dr. Adebutu’s visionary gift to NIJ stands to reshape Nigeria’s media landscape, paving the way for a new generation of skilled media professionals, economic advancement, and a stronger media industry.