Personality
Yusuf Alli tasks Journalists on need to seek self development
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Veteran Journalist and accomplished investigative reporter, Alhaji Yusuf Alli has called on journalists to seek development to sharpen their skills, while working to create a legacy for themselves.
Alli who recently marked his 60th birthday also called for mentorship of younger generation of journalists, saying a collaborative effort was needed to save the profession which he said was currently in trouble.
Speaking when the House of Representatives Press Corps led by its Chairman, Grace Ike along side the editorial team of Green Sentinel Magazine published by the Corps visited him as part of his birthday celebration, Alli said a good name Is worth more than silver and gold, even as he stressed that whatever people do in life always live after them.
He said self development was one of the ways to earning self-respect in the profession, stressing the need to sustain the professional ethics above immediate gains.
He said there was the need to come together to salvage the profession through individual and collective efforts, saying “We can do that. Each one, teach one, keep one”
He expressed concern about the declining independence of the fourth estate of the realm, which “Is gradually sliding to the seventh or eighth estate of the realm because they can predict us.
“They know that they can even buy spaces in the media. They throw advert at you to kill a story and the following day, you will not see the story. They are beginning to understand the game and gradually they are beginning to erode our skills, our independence and the fourth estate of the realm is losing its beacon”
Speaking futher, Alli said , “the most important thing is that whatever you do in life will always live after you and that is my appeal to you. Work for a good legacy. Have you ever seen a rich man or a billionaire that was buried in the cemetery and they wrote on the grave, this is a billionaire?
“The graves are of the same sizes and no matter how flowery any grave is, it will wither and that means death is a leveler. So, what we have to work for is a good name, which is worth more than silver and gold.
“So, whatever we are doing, in journalism today, we are no longer working for news. We are working, but for treasures and riches and that is why most of our sources, political leaders, business leaders and others are contemptuous of us.
“You have thrown a challenge at me, that we need to bring up the younger ones. I am a super mentor. I am not always happy that when we call for story ideas, out of about 20 reporters, only one or two will respond while others will even submit anything and that showed that the profession is sick.
“Some reporters are not well dressed. Secondly, many are not well trained or are not trained at all. The third aspect is that the perseverance is not there. They want to survive at all cost. A journalist of one or two years standing would want to build a mansion.
“In those days, we were respecting seniority on the job. We also got it wrong in our institutions. In most of institutions offering Mass Communication, you will shocked to find out that most of the Head of Departments or Deans have never practised journalism before”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Press Corps Ms. Grace Ike said, they were at the celebrant’s office to felicitate with Alhaji Alli who is also the Managing Editor Northern Operations of the Nation Newspaper over his 60th birthday.
Ms. Ike noted that Alhaji Alli has not only been a super mentor to many young journalists in Nigeria, but also a beacon of hope who always reminds colleagues that journalism is still a worthy profession that shapes the mood and views of the society.
She recalled his moral support in bringing younger journalists at par with their counterparts in other climes through his mentorship and leadership qualities.
Ike described Alhaji Alli as “A mentor and an institution to reckon with. Alhaji Yusuf Alli has no doubt contributed immensely to the development of the country and his achievements in the industry cannot be over emphasized.
“At 60, the younger generation look forward to your leadership style and learn more from your experience gathered in the industry over the years,” she stated.
Personality
Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN: A Philanthropic Trailblazer in Kogi State
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Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN has established himself as an unwavering advocate for community development, philanthropy, and social empowerment in Kogi State.
His tireless efforts to address societal challenges and improve the lives of vulnerable groups have left an indelible mark on his community and beyond.
Chief Onoja has consistently provided food items and clothing to widows and elderly citizens, ensuring that they are not left behind amid economic challenges.
This yearly initiative served as a lifeline for many who struggle to meet their basic needs.
Through a regular financial support scheme, he provided stipends to vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, helping them afford essential needs such as healthcare and food.
Chief Onoja’s dedication to improving lives extends to building homes for senior citizens, offering them security and dignity in their later years.
Chief Onoja has taken a proactive approach to community infrastructure, personally funding the grading and maintenance of a vital 23.5-kilometer road connecting Ogugu, Emenega, and other communities.
This road has improved transportation, trade, and access to education and healthcare, boosting economic activity in the area.
In 2023, Chief Onoja launched a ₦100 million scholarship fund to support students at all educational levels, including those pursuing professional programs like law.
This initiative has opened doors for many deserving students to achieve their dreams without financial constraints.
He has also invested in education by constructing classroom blocks at Community Secondary School in Emomoka, Ogugu, ensuring students learn in a conducive environment.
Chief Onoja’s sponsorship of the Unyi Ogugu football tournament provided a platform for youth engagement, promoting teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition while fostering unity among communities.
Every year, Chief Onoja organized free medical outreach programs to address the health needs of Kogi residents, ensuring access to basic healthcare for those who may not afford it otherwise.
Following security challenges in his community in 2023, he funded the establishment of a Civil Defence Corps outpost equipped with modern facilities and vehicles.
This initiative has restored peace and security in the area, allowing residents to live without fear.
Chief Onoja has funded the construction and renovation of religious institutions, including the largest Catholic sanctuary in North Central Nigeria at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Ogugu. His contributions foster spiritual growth and provide modern facilities for worship.
Chief Onoja also assisted young couples by providing financial support for wedding attire, ensuring they begin their marital journey with less financial burden.
Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN has demonstrated that leadership is not defined by titles but by impactful service to humanity. His initiatives reflect a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and commitment to the betterment of society.
In a world often driven by personal ambition, Chief Onoja’s decision to prioritize service over political aspirations sets him apart as a leader of rare integrity. His legacy is one of hope, empowerment, and transformation, inspiring others to give back to their communities selflessly.
Personality
Senator Echocho applauds Governor Ododo’s Transformative Leadership, at birthday anniverssary
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Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Isah Jibrin Echocho has joined the people of Kogi State in celebrating the birthday of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, commending his transformative leadership and people-centered governance.
In a heartfelt tribute, Senator Echocho described Governor Ododo as a visionary leader whose policies have laid the foundation for inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and social progress across the state.
Echocho, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mikail Ibrahim, highlighted the governor’s pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing his strides in job creation, poverty alleviation, and community empowerment programs as key drivers of positive change.
The senator praised Governor Ododo’s humility and dedication, describing him as a unifier and reformer whose governance style continues to inspire confidence among the people.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s administration would sustain its momentum to build a legacy of prosperity and stability.
Echocho stated:
“As we celebrate this special day, we acknowledge Governor Ododo’s steadfast commitment to making Kogi State a model of progress and unity. His leadership has become a beacon of hope, fostering development and improving the welfare of citizens.”
He further pledged support for the governor’s administration, affirming his readiness to collaborate in driving initiatives that would reduce inequality, boost economic opportunities, and empower communities.
“As partners in governance, we remain committed to complementing the governor’s efforts in implementing policies that will uplift the people and enhance the state’s development trajectory,” Echocho added.
The senator also used the opportunity to urge residents of Kogi State to remain supportive and united, emphasizing that sustainable progress requires collective responsibility and partnerships between leaders and citizens.
While extending prayers for good health, longevity, and wisdom for the governor, Senator Echocho reaffirmed his belief in Governor Ododo’s ability to lead Kogi State into a new era of prosperity and growth.
“Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. May your leadership continue to inspire hope, drive development, and unite our people toward greater achievements,” he concluded.
Personality
Peter Obi Mourns Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, describes him as a “True Democrat”
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Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Obi described him as a “true democrat” and a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a heartfelt statement, while writing on his X-Handle, Obi described Nwosu as an outstanding academic and a courageous defender of democratic principles, particularly during his tenure as NEC Chairman from 1989 to 1993.
Obi emphasized Prof. Nwosu’s pivotal role in organizing and upholding the 1993 presidential elections, a process widely regarded as one of the fairest in Nigeria’s history.
“For his role in that election, Prof. Nwosu’s name will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian democracy,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor however lamented the state of Nigeria’s current electoral process, noting that despite the resources and technology now available, the integrity and commitment to democracy exhibited by Nwosu under less favorable conditions have not been replicated.
Obi praised Nwosu for his adherence to truth and electoral transparency, contrasting it with the current challenges in Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Unlike today, when professors are sometimes procured to aid electoral malpractice, Prof. Nwosu applied the principles he taught as an erudite professor of Political Science, conducting an election that remains a benchmark for integrity,” Obi said.
Obi called for more leaders like Nwosu, who he described as willing to risk their lives for the sake of democracy.
He also prayed for God’s forgiveness for Nwosu’s shortcomings and for strength for his family and all those mourning him.
“May God Almighty grant Nigeria the likes of Professor Humphrey Nwosu in future elections,” Obi concluded, reaffirming his belief that a new and better Nigeria is possible.
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