Media
Gbajabiamila urges journalists to always ensure they get their facts right
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged journalists to always ensure they cross check their facts before going to the press
Gbajabiamila gave the admonition at the inauguration of the new Executives of the House of Representatives Press Corps and the launch of its maiden magazine “Green Sentinel” as well as its website on Wednesday.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep Ahmed Wase, said the House is always ready to provide any information that is required by journalists.
“I urge you to use available opportunities of cross checking your facts. Our doors are always wide open. Nothing is done in secrect because we believe in communication. Communication is power. Where you lack communication there would be gaps,” he said.
He assured the Press Corps of maximum cooperation in the discharge of its duties.
“We believe you have the capacity to discharge your onerous functions. You have a role to improve the society and you have been doing that but you should do more.
“Nigeria should move forward and we shall collectively move the Nigeria project forward. Democracy is about teamwork and we must work together to protect those things that would promote the tenets of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. We must all work together for Nigeria to work,” he said.
While congratulating the Corps on the inauguration and launch of the magazine, he prayed God to help the leadership in the discharge of its functions.
Chairperson of the Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike, thanked the leadership of the House for their assistance and cooperation with the Corps, saying they have been part of its achievements.
She described the occasion as “another milestone in our drive as parliamentary reporters to be responsive, responsible, engaging and keeping time for posterity.”
She said it was the first time in the history of the House of Representatives Press Corps and indeed the Press Corps in National Assembly, a female was being sworn in back-to-back as chairman.
This, she said, is confirmation that the Press Corps is gender-sensitive.
She expressed gratitude to everyone who made the publication of the magazine possible.
“Being here today is a testament to the can-do spirit in which the leadership of the House as exemplified by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker has inculcated in us all for more than three years.
“Our decision to embark on this publication is premised on the realization that as a select few privileged to experience first hand the work of the peoples’ representatives in the making of good and enduring laws for our country as well as being sources of empowerment, it is important for us to document these behind-the-scenes moments.
“Though we are journalists, we are historians as we document most of the things that happen for generation to come” she said
Spokesperson of the House, Rep Ben Kalu, also congratulated the press corps adding that the press corps was independent as the House does not interfere in its activities.
Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, reminded the press Corps that their allegiance is to Nigerians.
He called for balanced reportage and urged that democracy be always promoted.
He urged journalists to always ensure they are on the side of truth and accountability.
Media
Adebukunola Adebutu Unveils State-of-the-Art Media Hub at NIJ
***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.
Media
FG Drops Charges Against Order Paper Journalists After Apology, Intervention of Media Bodies
The Federal Government has withdrawn charges against Order Paper, an online news platform based in Abuja, and nine of its staff members.
The charges, which included allegations of spreading false information, were initially filed after Order Paper published an article on October 16 claiming that DSS operatives had entered the National Assembly in response to a rumored plot to remove Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The DSS, citing security concerns and reputational damage, initially pursued legal action. However, the newly appointed Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi, advocated for a more conciliatory approach, which led to the charges being dropped.
According to a source in the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) office, Mr. Ajayi reached out to express his support for ending the case, acknowledging the remorse shown by Order Paper’s leadership and the swift retraction of the article.
The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had also played instrumental roles in securing the release of Order Paper’s administrative officer, Ms. Edna Ulaeto, who was briefly detained.
Mr. Ajayi reportedly appreciated the accountability shown by Order Paper following the incident.
During their visit to DSS headquarters, Order Paper staff explained that the publication had been misled by unreliable sources within the National Assembly.
According to the Ministry of Justice official, Ajayi highlighted that the media outlet’s apology, combined with interventions from reputable media bodies, justified a lenient response.
The decision by the DSS to drop charges has been viewed as a constructive gesture, promoting press freedom while maintaining a standard of professional responsibility within Nigerian journalism.
The withdrawal of the charges reflected a step toward more harmonious interactions between state security agencies and the media in Nigeria.
Media
Kogi security Trust Fund presents vehicles to NUJ, security agencies
***So far refurbished donated over 120 vehicles and acquired 200 motorcycles.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Kogi Security Trust Fund (STF) has has presented vehicles refurbished for the Kogi Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and security agencies to boost the security architecture of the state.
Mr Abdulazeez Ozovehe Ohiare, chairman of the trust fund, who presented the vehicles at the state Civil Service Secretariat, Lokoja, described the gesture as a significant move to enhance security in Kogi State.
According to Ohiare, the Fund has so far refurbished over 120 vehicles and acquired 200 motorcycles for vigilante services, hunters, civil defense, Nigerian police, and state security services.
“The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has mandated us to do the best we can do for the security agencies.
“We came on board 2nd January, 2023. On assumption of office, we discovered a lot of challenges in operational vehicles of our security agencies. For the Nigerian police, the Nigerian army, the military service, even our local hunter.
“And we felt that the best thing we could do for this government is to save fund and we begin to refurbish most of the operational vehicles of security agencies in state.
“The Executive Governor mandate us to acquire motorcycles. From History and experience, we discovered that most of these criminals are not in the main town.
“They are mostly in the interior parts of the villages of our local governments and most of the security agents need motorcycles. So, by the special grace of God, we’ve acquired over 200 motorcycles for security agencies.
“The only place we are left with is the Nigerian Army. And by the special grace of God, in no distant time, we’ll be able to fix and republish about 10 operational vehicles for the Nigerian army.
“What we are doing here today is to present the republished operational vehicles for Nigerian Police, the Civil Defense, and the equally given out 15 motorcycle to State Security Services (SSS)”, Ohiare said.
Speaking in appreciation of the gesture from the STF, Chairman of Kogi Council of NUJ, Comrade Seidu Ademu expressed “deep appreciation” to the Security Trust Fund especially for the short time frame within which the bus was refurbished.
He thanked Governor Ododo for according the STF full cooperation in executing its mandate and urged that more funds be made available to the agency to go more technical in their operations.
Representatives of the security agencies including the Nigeria Police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), SSS, Vigilante groups, Hunters and others commended the STF for the gesture. (Ends)
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