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VC Federal varsity Lokoja tasks journalists on promotion of unity

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Olayemi Akinwumi

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

PROF. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), has charged Media professionals in the country to be constantly abreast of their crucial role of promoting unity in Nigeria rather than dwelling on the diversities.

The Vice Chancellor gave the charge in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of the Grand Finale of the 2024 Press Week organised by Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Kogi State Council, in Lokoja.

The erudite Professor who was also the Guest Speaker at the occasion delivered a paper titled: “Diversity and the Role Of The Media In Promoting Unity.”

The Professor of History urged that Media content, especially news stories, should be devoid of ethnic and religion biases as the unassuming public consumes Media outputs without proper scrutiny.

According to him, the political class has entrenched ethnicity and religion in the country’s political landscape to manipulate the electorate, saying that the two forces have jointly retarded the growth of the nation.

He urged journalists to ensure their stories are devoid of ethnic and and religious biases, extricate themselves, be aloof and objective in their reports.

“By the time you are putting yourself in the story, you are putting your ethnicity, you are putting your religion and then, you can’t have a balanced story.

“The Media has a great role to play in promoting unity in this state in particular and Nigeria in general. In terms of ethnic composition, Kogi is a diverse state, in terms of religion, it is also diverse.

“So, I encourage the media to please take themselves away from the stories they are presenting take away their ethnicity they are religion they should be a balanced story it is through this effort that we can promote unity in this country”, he said.

On whether ethnicity and religion has positively affected the state since its creation and the state now better than it was at the beginning, Prof. Akinwumi said no adding that politicians only use them to divide the people.

“Even at national level when they sit down to talk, they don’t talk about ethnicity or religion. It hardly comes into their discussions but when it comes to election issue and one of them falls out of the equation, they bring in these issues.

“This is one area that Journalists can assist to promote unity and make the masses, most of whom are not educated, to see things from different perspectives and stop seeing politics as a war or battle between different ethnic groups in the state.

The Vice Chancellor advised government at all levels to base appointment into leadership positions on merit rather than sentiments above other considerations.

He expressed the fear that if government should maintain and continue in the present direction, ethnicity and religious bigotry would continue to fester. (Ends)

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Georgina Humphrey Honored with NITP Excellence Award for Championing Urban Development

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The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has bestowed its prestigious Award of Excellence on Mrs. Georgina Humphrey, the Head of Political and Current Affairs at Radio Nigeria’s Kapital FM, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to promoting urban and regional planning initiatives in Nigeria.

Mrs. Humphrey, a respected journalist and advocate for sustainable development, also received a special honor for amplifying the Institute’s commitment to best practices in urban development and planning.

While accepting the award, Mrs. Humphrey expressed gratitude to God’s grace and wisdom for guiding her career. She remarked:

“Doing what gives me joy, I never knew people were listening and following.”

The recognition highlights Mrs. Humphrey’s dedication to journalism and her role in fostering public awareness about the importance of effective urban planning and development policies in Nigeria.

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Governor Ododo Mourns Death of Veteran Journalist, Hajia Rafatu Salami

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Hajia Rafatu Salami

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of veteran journalist and National Treasurer of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), Hajia Rafatu Salami, who died early Friday in Abuja.

In a condolence message, Governor Ododo extended heartfelt sympathies to her family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON), where she served as Assistant Director, Digital Media until her death.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted the Governor to have jndicated,
“We mourn the loss of Hajia Rafatu Salami, an exceptional journalist, a woman of integrity, and a devoted public servant. Her legacy of courage, professionalism, and compassion will remain a source of inspiration,”
Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant her family strength and comfort in this time of grief.

Hajia Rafatu Salami, who hailed from Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, died at the age of 55 and was buried at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.

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Radio Kogi to Roll Out 24-Hour Broadcast Following State Government Intervention

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Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, popularly known as Radio Kogi (FM 94.1), is set to commence 24-hour uninterrupted broadcasting, thanks to the financial support and commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The Director-General of the corporation, Princess Nana Hauwa Yusuff, made the announcement during the 2025 Budget Defense session of the Ministry of Information and Communication at the Kogi State House of Assembly.

She disclosed that Governor Ododo had approved and released funds for the acquisition and installation of a Studio Transmission Link (STL), a key component necessary for continuous transmission. She added that the installation was currently underway.
“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of Governor Ododo, whose interventions have been instrumental in revitalizing the state’s broadcasting services,” Princess Yusuff stated.
While commending the governor’s efforts, the Director-General appealed for the renovation of the corporation’s headquarters in Lokoja, which she described as overdue after years of operation without significant upgrades.

She further urged the state government to exempt the corporation from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to enable management to respond promptly to operational challenges and improve service delivery.

Princess Yusuff highlighted that Governor Ododo’s initiatives had not only enhanced the infrastructure of Radio Kogi but also motivated staff to perform better, positioning the station to serve the information and entertainment needs of the people of Kogi State effectively.

The planned 24-hour transmission is expected to expand the station’s reach and impact, solidifying its role as a reliable platform for communication within the state.

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