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Kogi security Trust Fund presents vehicles to NUJ, security agencies

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***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)

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Media’s Role in Strengthening Labour Movements Crucial for Nation Building – Dr. Amuda-Kannike

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The Registrar of the College of Education, Oro, Kwara State, Dr. Abdulkareem Amuda-Kannike, has called for a stronger collaboration between the media and organized labour unions to foster national development and good governance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 4th Strategic Media Seminar organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sobi FM Chapel, in partnership with the Nigeria Media Parliament (NMP), Dr. Amuda-Kannike emphasized that a responsive media, committed to professionalism and integrity, is key to amplifying the voices of labour movements and holding governments accountable.

The seminar, themed “Nigerian Organised Labour Movement and Nation Building,” brought together media professionals, labour leaders, and civil society stakeholders to examine the intersection between media coverage and the effectiveness of labour movements in driving social and political change.

Dr. Amuda-Kannike pointed out that while Nigeria’s labour unions have historically played a significant role in advocating for workers’ rights and social justice, the media remains a critical tool in amplifying these efforts to influence public policy and governance.

“The media has the power to shape narratives, influence public opinion, and drive accountability in governance,” he noted. “However, the journalism profession in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, is facing serious challenges. The NUJ must reclaim its role as the watchdog of society and strengthen its commitment to ethical reporting.”

He criticized the current state of the NUJ, alleging that it has become overly politicized and distracted from its primary mission of safeguarding the interests of both its members and the broader public.

Tracing the history of Nigeria’s labour movement back to the colonial period, Dr. Amuda-Kannike highlighted its critical contributions to the country’s struggle for independence and its ongoing fight for workers’ rights. He stressed that organized labour has been at the forefront of advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and social justice.

“The labour movement was a powerful force against colonial exploitation and has remained a critical player in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” he said. “Today, it continues to be a pillar of political stability, advocating for policies that address inequality, poverty, and workers’ welfare.”

However, he warned that the effectiveness of labour unions is being undermined by internal issues such as opportunism, sycophancy, corruption, and the rise of ‘labour godfatherism.’

Dr. Amuda-Kannike urged media professionals to recommit to ethical journalism, stressing that responsible reporting is vital for fostering transparency and good governance. He also called on the NUJ to prioritize professional development and focus on its role as a defender of democracy.

“Journalists must rise above personal interests and divisions to play their role as society’s watchdog,” he asserted. “Similarly, labour unions must unite and remain steadfast in their mission to protect workers’ rights and promote national development.”

He also encouraged union leaders to address the growing issues of unemployment, poor working conditions, and political interference in labour affairs, emphasizing that labour movements can only be effective if they are free from internal corruption and external manipulation.

Dr. Amuda-Kannike praised the leadership of NUJ Sobi FM Chapel and the Nigeria Media Parliament for creating a platform to discuss these vital issues, suggesting that similar forums should be replicated across the country to foster dialogue on the role of media and labour in nation-building.

“The media must reclaim its position as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, championing the common good and fostering democratic governance,” he concluded.

The seminar provided a critical space for stakeholders to explore the synergy between the media and labour unions, with participants agreeing that a united, ethical media and a robust labour movement are essential for Nigeria’s socio-political and economic growth.

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ISDEVCOM, NAN Forge Alliance to Spotlight Migration at 6th International Conference

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The growing phenomenon of migration and its implications for Africa’s development will take center stage at the 6th International Conference on Development Communication.
This is coming as the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) partners with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The event, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development,” is set for March 27-28, 2025, at NSUK.

The term “Japa”—a Nigerian slang for emigration—has become synonymous with the increasing wave of young professionals and skilled workers leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This exodus has sparked concerns about its long-term effects on Nigeria’s development, prompting ISDEVCOM to initiate this critical dialogue.
During a strategic meeting in Abuja, an ISDEVCOM delegation led by Dr. Azubuike Erinugha engaged with NAN’s Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, to formalize a partnership aimed at amplifying the conference’s message. Dr. Erinugha emphasized the media’s crucial role in shaping public discourse on migration.
“This is more than just a conference—it’s a national conversation,” Dr. Erinugha said. “We need NAN’s expansive network to ensure that this dialogue reaches every corner of Nigeria and resonates across the African continent. Migration isn’t just a statistic; it’s a story that affects families, communities, and the future of our nation.”
He called on NAN to facilitate wide dissemination of conference materials to media houses nationwide, ensuring that discussions extend beyond academia into public policy and everyday life.
ISDEVCOM’s Legal Adviser and Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Grassroots Mobilisation, Barr. Ephraim Okon, Ph.D., highlighted the institute’s commitment to strategic communication.
“Migration is often framed as a crisis, but it’s also an opportunity,” Okon noted. “ISDEVCOM exists to ensure that development interventions are inclusive, collaborative, and effectively communicated to the people who need them most. This conference is an essential platform for reframing the narrative around migration, focusing on both the challenges and the opportunities it presents for Africa’s growth.”

Okon stressed that poor communication often leads to a disconnect between development initiatives and the communities they aim to serve. “If people don’t understand or feel ownership of development programs, those programs will fail. This is why communicating development is as important as the development itself,” he said.
Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s escalating brain drain.

“We are at a tipping point,” Onyegbadue warned. “Nigeria is losing its best minds—doctors, engineers, IT professionals—to countries that offer better opportunities. While migration has always been a part of human history, the scale we are witnessing today threatens the future of our nation’s development. This conference provides a unique space to tackle these issues head-on.”

He further emphasized the need for actionable solutions, not just theoretical discussions, stating that “we must move from diagnosing the problem to creating policies that retain talent and make Nigeria a place where people want to stay and contribute.”
The conference will also recognize individuals whose humanitarian efforts have had a profound impact on Nigerians at home and abroad. Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), announced that the CEO of Air Peace will be honored for his patriotic role in airlifting Nigerians from conflict zones in Sudan, South Africa, and Ukraine at no cost.

Additionally, Pastor Stephen Olusola, Head of Operations at Vine Heritage Home Foundation (VHHF), will be recognized for his work in rescuing displaced children and supporting community development initiatives.

“These awards are not just tokens of appreciation,” Taiwo-Obalonye explained. “They are a testament to the power of individual actions in shaping national narratives. By celebrating these heroes, we hope to inspire others to contribute to Nigeria’s development in their unique ways.”
In response, NAN’s Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the importance of media in driving national dialogue.

“Migration is one of the most transformative forces in human history, and its impact on Nigeria cannot be overstated,” Ali remarked. “As the largest news content provider in Africa, NAN is uniquely positioned to elevate this conversation. We are ready to take these important stories from local communities to the global stage.”

He further noted that the partnership aligns with NAN’s mission of fostering informed public discourse on critical national issues. “This is a conversation that affects not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent. We look forward to providing both material and moral support to ensure the success of this conference,” he concluded.
The conference has already attracted endorsements from several prominent international and national organizations, including the European Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The CEO of NIDCOM will be a guest speaker at the event, and special invitations have been extended to key stakeholders to address the conference theme.

As Nigeria grapples with the dual realities of migration’s opportunities and challenges, the 6th International Conference on Development Communication promises to be a pivotal event. By fostering meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships, the conference aims to chart a path forward for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.

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HURIWA Decries Armed Invasion of Joy FM by Benue Government, Demands Immediate Reopening

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the forceful shutdown of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government, calling it an outrageous attack on press freedom.
The National Coordinator, HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko in a statement issued on Friday described the armed invasion by security operatives as state-sponsored intimidation and warned that such actions could undermine democracy and silence independent journalism.
According to reports, heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station on Thursday in two trucks, allegedly led by Sunday Odagba, Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and Ikwue Ikwue of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1 pm news was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.

HURIWA expressed outrage that such an act could happen in a democracy, stating that enforcing tax collection through the use of live ammunition and armed operatives was excessive, illegal, and oppressive.
Condemning the shutdown, HURIWA called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately reopen the station and hold those responsible accountable.
“This is an appalling act of intimidation. Using armed policemen to forcibly shut down a media house is a calculated attack on press freedom. The Benue government must explain why a simple tax dispute led to a full-blown armed raid on a radio station. Nigeria is not a dictatorship, and we will not tolerate this,” the group stated.

HURIWA also emphasized that no government has the right to arbitrarily close a media house without due process.
If Joy FM owed any levies, legal procedures should have been followed, not a show of force.
“Reports suggest the station was not even aware of any outstanding payments before this attack.
Shutting down a radio station over an alleged N150,000 business premises levy is beyond ridiculous and suggests political motives behind this unlawful act,” HURIWA added.
HURIWA demanded that the Nigeria Police Force explain why its personnel were used in what appears to be a politically motivated crackdown on the media.
It also urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intervene and ensure Joy FM resumes operations immediately.
“If this is allowed to stand, other state governments will follow suit, using security forces to silence media houses that expose their failures. This is a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.”
HURIWA vowed to take legal action if Joy FM is not reopened, mobilizing civil society groups and petitioning international press freedom organizations to expose this growing assault on the media in Nigeria.
“A free press is the backbone of democracy. The Benue State Government must immediately reverse this unconstitutional act or face resistance from civil society and legal experts. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.

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