Metro
Why OAPs should be encouraged on their contribution to national development, by promoter
***As Nigerian Radio Awards debuts
On-Air- Personalities in Nigeria who have been acting as catalyst for socio-economic development deserved to be recognized and appreciated over their role in providing unsolicited support and focus to many Nigerians who listen to their programmes and get direction in life.
Co-founder Nigeria Radio Awards, Mr. Williams Archibong told journalists in Abuja at a Press conference aimed at bringing to the consciousness of Nigerian radio listeners, the need to make deliberate efforts to appreciate their favourite OAPs.
He spoke on Friday at the official unveiling of the Nigerian Radio Awards in Abuja.
Archibong indicated that their contribution to national development cannot be quantified as it cannot be dismissed because they render invaluable service to the socio-economic development.
According to him, their role in preparing the psychological balance for many radio listeners serves the Nigerian social sphere and wellbeing of the public and provide them direction on daily basis to face their day.
He said “These OAPs at all times of the day during their programmes are with you inside your sitting room, bedrooms and many other times while at work are providing entertainment and beyond that they share some life experiences that you relate with and gives you the kick to get going.
“Importantly, is their role to take you off depression and provide hope to many Nigerian listeners who may be depressed but need some words of encouragement and an OAP is on air talking on how to overcome life’s challenge. How can you quantify that kind of support? Archibong asked.
“Such counsel that encourages persons who have been beaten down and almost given up in life with no one available to listen to his or her challenges but has been met in an unsolicited radio counsellor whose advices re-energize one to face life again and become conquerors deserved to be recognized for their impactful role in the society.”
He said that radio presenters “work night and day, although it is their job but they have become part of our lives and they reach us in the most secret places touching on our lives and turning us around for the better, the least we can do for them is to tell them well done and gifting them a house, car or cash gift is not in any way comparable to their effort at making the Nigerian society better.
“I set up to reward the radio media of the talents and their efforts to entertain the public with their unique talents, we know that for the radio work day and night and we know that they do not get recognition and we are here to birth that recognition for them because they are silent catalyst for national development through their positive social influences that permeates the society.”
On the awards, he said the initiative was aimed to reward the radio media for their tireless efforts to entertain, educate, inform and inspire the people via their unique media.
“So this initiative is here to reward them for what they do. The reward is the plac, not just the Plac there are also cash prices, gift items that accrue to them excluding the Plac itself.
“The reason for the awards is because we believe that they are not well remunerated as they are supposed to. So, by doing this, it is going to help them work even better and of course it is going to help motivate a lot of potential on-air-personalities to want to do what they are doing
“I feel these personalities need to be rewarded more than they are currently getting.
On the selection process, he said, “So far there is a lot of registration across the country for the NRA and the selection process is basically by merit. “And of course these OAPs after the registration, there is going to be a voting process where their listeners would vote for their favourite OAPs and how we intend to reward them.
“Also the radio stations are also registering currently. After registration there is going to be 2 months period for voting which will give them the desired reward
When asked about similar existing bodies like BON and Nigeria Media Merit Awards and reason for replication, he said, “It is not a replication, Nigeria Radio Award is targeted only for the radio media
The nomination process according to him, will last for about a month adding that so far over a 100 registration have been secured.
“After this we will give another one month for more registration.”
On the Categories of award he said on their website which is the nigerianradioawards.com, “We have like, the best musical program, the best documentary program, we have best morning program, best night time programe, best news presenter for male and female, most played male song, most played female song, most played religious song.
Others are, the most educative Radio Station, most innovative and informative Radio Station among others.
“There are thirty categories in total RMA Radio management awards.”
Metro
Obidient Movement tackles APC for threatening Peter Obi, demands accountability
The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.
Metro
Incessant Military Strikes on Defenceless Nigerians Unacceptable
An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.
Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.
He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.
He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.
According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.
“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.
“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.
It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.
An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.
But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.
Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.
“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?
“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”
He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.
The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.
Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.
“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”
He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.
Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.
“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.
The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.
“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”
Metro
Bayelsa Groom Flees Engagement Ceremony Over Endless Cash Demands in Imo
***Elders’ N850,000 Refund Request Sparks Drama
What was meant to be a joyous union turned into high drama in Imo State when a Bayelsa man, Biobelemoye David, fled his engagement ceremony after being subjected to a series of outrageous financial demands by his bride’s family.
The ceremony, which began on a celebratory note, took a dramatic turn as David faced mounting charges, including a N1.5 million bill for food, tents, chairs, and a public address system, in addition to a N100,000 bride price that both families had initially agreed upon.
However, tensions escalated when David was asked to pay an extra N50,000 fine for impregnating his fiancée before the ceremony. The fines didn’t stop there—he was slapped with another N10,000 penalty for mistakenly taking a wrong route to the bride’s homestead and a N15,000 charge to appease elders who had grown impatient with his late arrival.
The breaking point came when David was subjected to a bizarre test. Twelve veiled women were paraded before him, and he was asked to identify his fiancée. When he guessed incorrectly, he was fined N15,000 yet again.
But the final straw was the elders’ demand for an N850,000 refund—allegedly covering the bride’s school fees and upkeep since childhood. Unable to contain his frustration, David excused himself under the guise of using the toilet.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that David switched off his phone and was spotted boarding a bus back to Bayelsa, leaving the ceremony in chaos and disbelief.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the excessive demands and calling for an end to exploitative marriage practices.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach David for comments have been unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.
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