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Governor Ododo Hails Radio as Democracy’s Lifeline, Pledges Inclusive Leadership

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Usman Ododo

As the world commemorates World Radio Day, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has praised radio as an enduring pillar of democracy, emphasizing its role in shaping public opinion, fostering unity, and amplifying marginalized voices.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described radio as a vital force for governance and development, ensuring that no citizen, regardless of location or status, is left unheard.
“Radio has remained a powerful tool for civic engagement, ensuring that government policies, programs, and decisions are accessible to all. It is the heartbeat of democracy, keeping leaders accountable and citizens informed,” the governor remarked.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” Governor Ododo stressed radio’s critical role in climate education, emergency response, and community resilience.

“As we face global environmental challenges, radio serves as an early warning system, educating communities on sustainable practices and disaster preparedness,” he said.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s investment in climate-resilient agriculture and expansion of radio infrastructure to bridge the information gap, especially in rural areas.

“Radio has the power to drive economic transformation, promote social cohesion, and strengthen governance. My administration will continue to support the growth of radio broadcasting as a tool for education, health awareness, and security,” he added.

Governor Ododo urged journalists, broadcasters, and media stakeholders to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism, using radio as a tool for peace, development, and social justice.

As Kogi State embraces digital innovation in communication, the governor assured citizens that his government will continue to engage, listen, and act on the voices heard through the airwaves, ensuring a truly inclusive and responsive leadership.

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OrderPaper Unveils New Brand Identity to Bolster Parliamentary Monitoring, Policy Advocacy

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Order Paoer Logo

OrderPaper, Nigeria’s leading independent parliamentary monitoring organization and policy think tank, has announced a comprehensive rebranding initiative aimed at strengthening its role in bridging the gap between parliament, policy, and the public.
The move is designed to enhance the organization’s public perception and reaffirm its commitment to leveraging data and technology to foster civic engagement and promote good governance.

The rebranding includes the unveiling of a new logo, reflecting a sleek, tech-forward aesthetic that embodies OrderPaper’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellent service delivery.
The updated green color palette signifies trust, innovation, and the organization’s evolution as a trusted partner in fostering transparent and inclusive democracy.

A key element of the rebranding is the launch of Parliament Reports, a dedicated media platform providing legislative intelligence, policy analysis, and comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s national and state assemblies.
Accessible at www.parliamentreports.com, this platform aims to deliver timely, data-driven insights to support informed decision-making by citizens and both public and private entities. To further enhance accessibility, a WhatsApp channel has also been created.

“With nearly a decade of experience in civic engagement and policy advocacy, OrderPaper has become a trailblazer in promoting good governance and democratic practices,” said Oke Epia, Founder and CEO of OrderPaper.
“Our rebranding represents more than a visual change; it is a renewed commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and active citizenship. We believe that informed citizens are essential for effective governance, and through our innovative platforms, we aim to empower all stakeholders to demand greater accountability from their representatives.”

As part of its rebranding strategy, OrderPaper has introduced Reach Your Rep, a new feature on its website that allows citizens to directly contact their National Assembly representatives with queries and petitions.

Additionally, new community engagement platforms like People’s Parliament on Facebook and WhatsApp have been launched to amplify civic participation. These platforms will support various OrderPaper initiatives, including:

RemTrack: A digital platform for public engagement on energy transition, climate change, and transparency in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

ConsTrack: Provides verified data on public project implementation, empowering citizens to monitor and report progress.

Leg’ACE: A programme fostering legislative accountability and constituency engagement, bridging the gap between citizens and the legislature.

Scorecard Nigeria: A soon-to-be-launched platform anchoring OrderPaper’s periodic performance appraisals of the National Assembly.

Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame: Nigeria’s first MVP Hall of Fame, launched in 2023, recognizing outstanding legislative performers at the end of each tenure.

Guided by its IDEA core values—innovation and inclusion, dedication and diligence, efficiency and effectiveness, and accountability and adaptability—OrderPaper aims to become Africa’s most authoritative reference for parliamentary reporting, advocacy, and public policy advisory.

“We invite all stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process—public officials, civil society organizations, private sector actors, development partners, and the general public—to join us in our mission to enhance legislative accountability and promote responsible citizenship across Nigeria and Africa,” added Epia.

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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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