***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.

The Federal Government has withdrawn charges against Order Paper, an online news platform based in Abuja, and nine of its staff members.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.

***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)