Media
HURIWA Decries Armed Invasion of Joy FM by Benue Government, Demands Immediate Reopening
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.
Media
Georgina Humphrey Honored with NITP Excellence Award for Championing Urban Development
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.
Media
Governor Ododo Mourns Death of Veteran Journalist, 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.
Media
Radio Kogi to Roll Out 24-Hour Broadcast Following State Government Intervention
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.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro10 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu