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.

***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.