Media

Kogi NUJ Press Week: Ododo expresses commitment to transparency, accountability

Published

3 months ago

August 25, 2024

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***Commends journalists for unprecedented harmonious relationship

By Friday Idachaba

GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to transparency and accountability with a resolve towards upholding a robust engagement with the Media towards adequate information flow.

Ododo who disclosed this during the Grand Finale of the 2024 Press Week of state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) commended journalists in the state for the harmonious relationship with his government.

He noted that with his stance on transparency and accountability, there was need for the people to be adequately informed of his policies and programmes.

The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isa said the his government was committed to building on the trajectory of the existing harmonious relationship with Media professionals in the state.

“We cannot achieve our objective of engaging with the people and serving them in the best way possible without the support of the media and it is on that basis that we have been deliberate in our relationship with the media.

“We have been very proud of the support that the administration has continued to received from the Media in the state and we promise to sustain the transparent and open door policy”, he said.

Ododo added that the request put before him by the NUJ Council would be granted very soon saying that the unprecedented level of support being accorded his administration by the media would not be taken for granted.

National President of the NUJ, Dr Chris Isiguzo in his speech, congratulated Kogi Council of the NUJ for successfully holding the Press Week and charged members on the need to constantly hold political office holders accountable.

He said that journalism was one of the professions in the country clearly mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria in Section 2, sub-section 22, to educate, sensitise and inform the general public and as well, hold government accountable.

Isiguzo who was represented by Deputy National President, Comr. Hassan Yahaya, commended the theme of this year’s Press week, “Diversity and Role of the Media In Promoting Unity” saying that unity of the country was one of the key areas the Media needed to project.

“Unity is important. I must commend the organisers for this initiative. This is our country. We can bring our own airwaves to sensitise and persuade our people to promote unity”, he said.

Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in his paper urged journalists to promote the positive aspects of the nation’s diversity rather than amplify the negative aspects.

He said that the Media had a great role to play in promoting unity in the state and in the country at large by avoiding issues of ethnicity and religion which according to him, are often used by politicians to manipulate the people.

“We are in the 21st Century and people are still talking about ethnic groups and religious partners to occupy certain political positions when we should be talking of merit. This is sad”, Prof. Akinwumi lamented.

Chairman of the occasion, His Royal Majesty, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu in his opening remarks charged journalists to promote unity, ensure dialogue and continue to educate the people especially on health issues.

The monarch who was represented by Dr Abdulkareem Shaibu, noted that the traditional institution in the state was being under reported as he urged journalists to focus more on investigative journalism and showcase the culture and traditions of the people.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Ademu Seidu, Chairman of Kogi Council of the NUJ commended Governor Ododo for his fraternal disposition with the Media describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to responsive governance in the state.

He thanked the governor for the appointment of some journalists, Mr Yusuf Jimoh Itopa as Managing Director of Kogi State owned Graphic Newspaper and Princess Nana Hauwa Yussuff as Director-general of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation.

Seidu solicited the Governor’s assistance in provision of working tools and logistics especially, a bus for the Council, thanked Media Consultant to the governor, Dr Yemi Kolapo for her intervention and the immediate and past leaders of the state council for the their cooperation. (Ends)

Media

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

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

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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

5 days ago

November 16, 2024

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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

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***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.