NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 
Economy/Business

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report 

208 total views today

CSCS shareholders laud N1.76 dividend payment, 2024 financial report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) have expressed satisfaction with the company’s impressive financial performance and the declaration of a N1.76 dividend payment for the 2024 financial year.

 

The shareholders expressed their satisfaction during the company’s 31st Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where the 2024 financial report was presented.

 

The shareholders commended the company’s management team for their dedication to driving growth and increasing returns on investment.

 

Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described the company’s financial result as excellent despite the economic headwinds.

 

Okezie tasked the CSCS on extending its operations to other African countries, considering its status as the biggest security depository registrar in West Africa.

 

He also commended the CSCS for being able to improve on curtailing fraud and forgery within the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

 

He advised on reducing costs, particularly those related to expenses incurred by the board.

 

Also, Mrs Adetutu Shiyanbola, President of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, lauded the company’s 2024 financial performance.

 

She noted that CSCS’s impressive performance, marked by a 44 per cent growth in the company’s operating income, a 24 per cent rise in its profit before tax, a 37 per cent increase in gross earnings, and a 22 per cent growth in total assets, showcased the company’s significant responsibility and stewardship.

 

She encouraged the company to further enhance its gender balance policy, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the organisation.

 

A member of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Mbaka, commended the CSCS for the dividend paid and urged the company to look toward improving it in the current year.

 

Mbaka also urged the management of the company to consider giving some bonus to its shareholders.

 

Responding, Mr Temi Popoola, Chairman of the Board of Directors for CSCS, said the board would look critically into increasing dividends in the coming years.

 

He said one of the biggest projects the board was working on had to do with expanding the reach of the CSCS.

 

He explained that the CSCS is also working on embracing the African Exchange Linkage Programme as a way to extend its operations.

 

He said, “We are also taking intentional steps toward gender balance, embracing women with the right character and expertise on the board.”

 

Also, Alhaji Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director of CSCS, attributed the high cost of operation of the company to inflation, adding that the company continues to work on optimising costs.

 

He said the CSCS had achieved remarkable growth in combating cybercrime as it continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity infrastructure.

 

“We are scaling up our cybersecurity infrastructure, and this is one of the reasons we are incurring more costs. We are building KPIs and engaging Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Also, for our Corporate Social Responsibility, we are being strategic to embrace initiatives that, in turn, build our business,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Tea industry processes 28 products, creates 8,000 jobs in 2 years
Foreign

Tea industry processes 28 products, creates 8,000 jobs in 2 years

229 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Busayo Onijala

 

With a tea plantation history spanning over 400 years, Malipo County in Yunnan Province is showcasing the success of China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation efforts.

 

Located in the southeastern part of Wenshan Prefecture, Malipo is home to eight indigenous ethnic groups – Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Dai, Gelao, and Mongolian.

 

It is also home to over 133 hectares of tea plantation that have provided sustainable livelihoods for locals, while enhancing regional infrastructure and international trade.

 

On Friday, the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) and Malipo County’s Communist Party Committee hosted the opening of the Third Laoshan International Tea Festival.

 

The festival is a testament to how tea cultivation helped to turn a once impoverished region into a vibrant, globally-recognised centre of tea culture.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) reports that Malipo’s tea will make a historic appearance at the United Nations in May, underscoring its role in the global story of China’s poverty alleviation.

 

 

In her keynote address, China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Hua Chunying, highlighted how Malipo’s tea industry reflected China’s broader poverty reduction strategies.

 

“This tea is more than just a source of income. It tells the story of China’s efforts to transform rural areas through targeted aid and diplomacy.”

 

The tea, once a humble local crop, has become a symbol of China’s international engagement, often presented as a ‘national gift’ at global events.

 

It has been featured in 16 countries, showcasing China’s commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning.

 

Malipo’s transformation is also a result of strong diplomatic support facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China.

 

Earlier, during a news conference, Xiao Changju, Mayor of Malipo County People’s Government, said that the tea festival was an opportunity for Malipo to expand its international cooperation and elevate its global presence.

 

“To achieve the goals of enriching border residents, beautifying border areas, stabilising border communities, and fortifying border defences, Malipo must open its doors wider and reach new heights through external collaboration.”

 

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malipo’s tea industry has played a central role in its economic and social revitalisation, helping to lift the region out of poverty.

 

In 2020, Malipo shed its label as an “impoverished town” through efforts that included the revitalisation of its ancient tea trees.

 

Also, upon the invitation of the foreign affairs ministry, Sunwah Group, in 2023 signed a cooperation agreement with Malipo County, and its investment of 10 million yuan has helped to develop the tea industry.

 

Since 2023, the industry has developed 28 tea products, processed over 60 tonnes of tea leaves and created over 8,000 job opportunities.

 

Jason Choi, Director, Jason KS Choi Foundation and Sunwah Group, said it was the group’s mission and social responsibility to help local citizens to earn better.

 

“Tea factories were previously without standardisation and modernisation but it is a different situation at the moment.

 

“Malipo boasts of a unique natural environment and abundant resources with over 6,000 tea trees; therefore, sustainability for the environment is a driving force for us,” he said.

 

Ambassador Wang Donghua of the CPDA praised the global impact of Malipo’s tea.

 

He said the essence of Chinese tea culture, harmony, equality and mutual respect, was embodied in Malipo’s success, and it reflected China’s vision of a shared future for humanity.

 

“Malipo’s rise from poverty to prosperity is a testament to the power of strategic diplomacy and the potential of agricultural industries such as tea to drive economic transformation.”

 

In the future, Malipo plans to expand its tea industry further, with goals to enrich border communities, beautify local areas, and stabilise border defences through increased global collaboration. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’
Entertainment

Nigerian DJs take center stage with ‘DJAN Mix Master Championship’

266 total views today

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Lagos, May 8, 2025 (NAN) The DeeJay’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has launched its groundbreaking mix master championship, a nationwide competition designed to discover, celebrate, and elevate the country’s most talented disc jockeys.

 

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, DJAN President, Christian Edeh, popularly known as DJ perfect intl, emphasised the significance of the initiative.

 

According to Edeh, the competition is open to all DJs who are fully registered and compliant members of the association.

 

He stated: “This is not just a competition – it’s a legacy moment for Nigerian DJs.

 

“The competition, will run over a three to four month period, and will feature multiple tiers, including state-level showdowns and zonal/regional finals.

 

“Culminating in a grand national finale scheduled for September 2025 in Lagos.

 

“For years, we’ve celebrated artistes and performers, but the DJs who drive the sound have remained behind the scenes.

 

“The DJAN MIX MASTER CHAMPIONSHIP is about putting the spotlight where it belongs – on the deck,” he said.

 

He said the competition promises life-changing rewards, with the top DJ set to walk away with a ₦5 million cash prize, and a one-year brand contract with sponsors.

 

He added that there would be opportunities to play on global platforms.

 

“Runners-up will also receive endorsement deals, stage opportunities, and other major prizes,” he said.

 

Also, DJ Vickylee, Head of the Organising Committee, said the competition had been carefully designed to ensure fairness, credibility, and wide representation across all 36 states and the FCT.

 

“We’ve spent months carefully building a championship that not only excites but delivers on merit.

 

“DJAN sees the competition as a moment for society to acknowledge the evolving role of DJs in culture, events, and youth development,” he said

 

Similarly, DJ Teazer, National Public Relations Officer of DJAN, expressed this broader vision,stating, “The DJAN mix master championship isn’t just about who’s got the best mix – it’s about raising the bar for Nigeria’s entertainment scene.”

 

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein, congratulated DJAN on this initiative, emphasising the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.

 

“DJs are cultural curators – reviving classics, showcasing new sounds, and bringing music to life in ways that connect deeply with audiences.

 

“Copyright protection is not a barrier – it is the foundation that sustains creativity, rewards originality, and ensures that both DJs and music creators can thrive in a fair and vibrant ecosystem,” he said.

 

Asein assured that the Nigerian Copyright Commission was ready to support creative professionals, including DJs, through education, enforcement, and the promotion of lawful use of copyrighted works.

 

He commended DJAN for this initiative and urged all participants to combine talent with responsibility, creativity with compliance, and entertainment with ethics. (NAN)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM
Science & Tech

North-East wins APWEN engineering competition to empower girls in STEM

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By Angela Atabo

The North-East Zone has emerged winner of the “Who Wants to Be an Engineer” competition, organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).

The North-East defeated other geo-political zones to claim first place, with the North-Central and South-South Zones taking second and third positions, respectively.

The event was part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Girls in ICT, on Friday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, APWEN President Dr Adebisi Osim, said the ICT Day, themed “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital”, was dedicated to the memory of former APWEN President, Funmilola Ojelade.

Osim described Ojelade as a leader whose contributions to engineering and girl-child empowerment continued to inspire the association.

“Today is not only a celebration; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that girls belong in tech.

“We must intentionally bridge the digital gender divide and equip girls with the skills to lead in this era of rapid technological advancement,” Osim said.

She noted that the digital revolution was transforming education, work, communication, and problem-solving, stressing that real transformation must be inclusive, involving every girl regardless of background or economic status.

“As engineers, we know that innovation thrives on diversity.

“When girls are given equal opportunities to engage with digital technologies, the solutions they create are more comprehensive, creative, and impactful,” she added.

Osim highlighted APWEN’s initiatives, including mentorship programmes, school outreaches, competitions, and capacity-building efforts aimed at promoting ICT education among girls.

She encouraged the participants to aspire to be innovators capable of building robots, designing apps, or creating groundbreaking tech solutions.

She also urged the government and stakeholders to support inclusive ICT policies, invest in digital infrastructure, and make digital literacy accessible to all Nigerian girls.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), represented by former APWEN President Dr Ini Usoro, emphasised the need to support schoolgirls in becoming globally competitive in STEM education.

“This move is crucial for enabling our schoolgirls to build a solid foundation and become the best they can be.

“By equipping them with strong ICT skills, we are opening doors to future careers and empowering them as innovators and leaders,” she said.

Oguntala lauded the late Funmilola Ojelade as a passionate advocate for engineering and girl-child education, calling on stakeholders to support APWEN’s efforts.

In her keynote address titled “Empowering Girls in ICT: Unlocking Nigeria’s Digital Future”, Valerie Agberagba noted the underrepresentation of women in the ICT workforce, describing it as a limitation to national development.

She called for quality education, training, mentorship, and strong parental and institutional support to encourage more girls to pursue careers in ICT.

“Empowering girls and women in ICT is crucial for Nigeria’s digital future.

“By working together, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to thrive in ICT,” Agberagba said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project
Health

Bauchi stakeholders push for special needs in AGILE project

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By Ahmed Kaigama

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for the inclusion of persons with special needs in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

They emphasised that true educational reform must be inclusive and equitable.

The call was made at the conclusion of a two-day town hall meeting on Friday in Bauchi, organised by Info-Media Consultants in collaboration with the Bauchi State AGILE Project.

Hajiya Asmau Yahaya, one of the key speakers, stressed the importance of involving persons with special needs in policy development.

She noted that inclusive education recognised diverse learning styles, strengths, and challenges, and that educational policies must accommodate these differences rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Involving people with special needs ensures they are not left behind and that their voices shape the policies that impact their lives,” she said.

Prof. Mainasara Kurfi of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, identified several factors contributing to school dropouts among girls, including child labour, gender bias favouring boys, lack of support for orphans, and peer pressure.

He urged parents, traditional leaders, and policymakers to prioritise girls’ education more strongly.

Also speaking, Prof. Munnir Kamba, a consultant, highlighted the wider benefits of educating girls, noting that it drove economic development, encouraged continued education among peers, and enhanced overall family well-being.

In his remarks, Dr Lawal Mohammed, Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive education.

He emphasised that the state was giving special attention to both girls’ education and the inclusion of persons with special needs in all educational policies.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those with special needs,” Mohammed stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems
Agriculture

ActionAid urges media support for inclusive food systems

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By Felicia Imohimi

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on the media to step up advocacy for increased investment in inclusive and sustainable food systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerians.

Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of AAN, made the call during a media workshop on Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems Reporting, in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Suwaiba Dankabo, Deputy Country Director, Mamedu stated that Nigeria’s food system stands at a pivotal crossroads.

He outlined a truly inclusive food system as one that “empowers inclusive nutrition, livelihoods, and the future of millions, especially those engaged in food production”.

Mamedu stressed the media’s role in shifting the narrative, identifying climate change, economic shocks, conflict, and rising inequality as key stressors on the food system.

“Within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient agricultural system. But this can only happen if we act boldly, collaboratively, and with intention,” he said.

Mamedu underscored the role of media professionals as agents of accountability and storytellers who amplify the voices of farmers, highlight their struggles and successes, and influence public discourse.

“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public dialogue and influencing policy, yet there is a gap in specialised reporting on inclusive food systems”.

He emphasised that strengthening media engagement in this area is vital for driving awareness and advocacy, and for ensuring that the voices of smallholder farmers are heard.

“Your work shapes policy, mobilises communities, and brings visibility to critical issues. Yet agricultural and climate reporting in Nigeria remains under-resourced and underrepresented in mainstream media.

“This workshop is designed to address those gaps,” he added.

Mamedu reiterated that an inclusive food system not only guarantees better nutrition and livelihoods, but also secures the future of millions especially women farmers, young people, persons with disabilities, and the most vulnerable.

“It’s about who grows our food, who benefits from the system, and ensuring no one is left out whether in policymaking or in implementation,” he said.

He described ActionAid as an organisation committed to working with vulnerable communities, ensuring that all engagement is respectful, rights-based, and carried out with dignity.

Mamedu said the workshop aims to equip journalists to report effectively on agriculture, climate change, and food systems to inform, educate, and influence policy.

“The Inclusive Food Systems Project is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is not only sustainable but also inclusive especially for women, youth, and marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making and policy processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.

“However, this goal cannot be achieved without strong, informed, and supportive communication.

“Together, let us imagine a food system that works for everyone, not just the poor, but rural women and the youth. Let us transform not only how we eat, but how we grow our food,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised under the Inclusive Food Systems Project, funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and implemented by AAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions
Education

2025 UTME: JAMB withholds results of 96 candidates over infractions

555 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it withheld 96 results on account of examination infractions, a decrease from 123 in the previous year.

The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure during a news conference on the official release of the results in Bwari on Friday.

Oloyede explained that while further results remained under investigation, he said the Board remained resolute in its commitment to eliminating any form of examination malpractice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 UTME saw 2,030,862 candidates registered across 882 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

Oloyede said that of these number, 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit the exam, while 71,705 were absent.

Statistically, he said, of the 2,030,862 registered UTME candidates, results for 1,911,551 were released.

The registrar added that approximately, 39,834 results remained pending due to ongoing scrutiny, with 1,426 under active investigation.

According to him, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections due to suspected registration infractions, a figure far above acceptable margins and currently under investigation.

“The 2025 UTME showed the prevalence of some particular types of infractions, which suggests systemic vulnerabilities or gaps in registration and examination administration or/and monitoring.

“The new trends observed were in the Registration and Examination processes and they were mainly in the following categories: Identity Fraud, and Biometric Fraud of Combined Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said.

Other infractions, he said, were impersonator at the point of registration with the active involvement of few CBT Centres, double registration, and attempted substitution of self by candidates.

Oloyede added that 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” subscribing to rogue groups promising leaked questions.

He said their results had also been withheld to set a stern example.

In some cases, he said, the entire syndicates colluded with CBT centres to register using multiple fingerprints.

According to him, as a result of this, 3,656 candidates with “extraneous fingerprints” have had their results withheld, and some CBT centres implicated will face sanctions.

He identified the centres as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology, Wudil, Kano State and Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

Oloyede added that 80 suspects were being interrogated by the police for their involvement in the examination malpractices and most of them would be prosecuted.

“The Board has identified the presence of extraneous fingers in the registration details of some of these candidates. This raises concerns regarding potential strategies for impersonation.

“A total of 3,656 candidates fall within this category. Consequently, the results of the candidates have been withheld.”

Speaking on underage candidates, he explained that following the Ministry of Education’s decision to enforce a minimum age of 16, an exception was granted for “exceptionally gifted” underage students.

The registrar said that of the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, only 467 met the high-performance criteria, with one disqualified due to examination malpractice.

He said that the board remained committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education.

He said that for the 2025 UTME, a total of 501 candidates were successfully examined by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide.

According to Oloyede, the results are also being released but sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation.

The registrar also said that due to substandard performance, four centres had been delisted and blacklisted for technical deficiencies.

He listed the centres as: Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Kano, Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria.

Others are Soronara Ventures Nigeria Limited Foundation Road, Umudagu Mbieri, Mbaitoli, Imo State and HSS Amazing, Holy Saviour School 30/32, Old Ota Road, Adeleye, Aparadija, Isunba, Lafenwa, Itele, Ogun State.

He, therefore, said that a list of those blacklisted for fraudulent practices would soon be made public with details of their nefarious activities.

Oloyede maintained that in spite of challenges, the 2025 UTME had been hailed as one of the most successful in recent years.

He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to zero-tolerance stance on malpractice and pledged continued innovation to protect the credibility of public examinations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe
Metro

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre, Epe

237 total views today

By Aderonke Ojediran/ Kemi Akintokun

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on Friday inaugurated the state’s newly-constructed Custodian Accident and Emergency Centre at Epe, describing it as a vital step toward expanding access to quality emergency healthcare.

Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Epe.

The governor applauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for sponsoring establishment of the centre through its Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation.

He also praised Lagos State Ministry of Health and the project team for delivering what he called a ‘world-class facility’.

“This centre stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision, planning and execution align; this is a world class facility.

“We are not just handing over a project, we are empowering the Epe Community with a vital facility that can make the difference between life and death,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is equipped with triage units, emergency wards, diagnostic centres, staff lounges and waiting areas.

It is designed to offer swift and efficient care in critical situations.

The governor emphasised that the facility would not only improve patients’ healthcare outcomes but will also boost staff efficiency and strengthen public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

“This project is a clear manifestation of our vision for a progressive Lagos, where health is treated as a priority,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that the emergency centre would serve not only Epe but also nearby communities.

He added that it would ensure quicker interventions during medical emergencies and reduce preventable deaths.

Sanwo-Olu pledged continued investment in health infrastructure across the state, especially in emergency response, maternal care and disease prevention.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the essential role of healthcare professionals assigned to the new facility and said that the state government would support their welfare, training and professional growth.

He urged Epe residents to take ownership of the centre, support its staff and safeguard the facility as a community asset.

“As we hand over this facility today, I urge all stakeholders to work together in ensuring that this centre fulfils its purpose and enhances the well-being of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, lauded Custodian Investments Ltd. for its partnership with the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

Group tasks journalists on positive reporting of suicide
General News

Group tasks journalists on positive reporting of suicide

194 total views today

By Deborah Akpede

The International Visitor Leadership Programme Alumni Association (IVLPAA), in collaboration with the United States Consulate in Lagos, has called on media practitioners to adopt responsible and ethical approaches when reporting suicide cases.

The call was made on Friday in Ikeja during a capacity-building workshop for journalists with the theme: “The Role of the Media in Suicide Prevention.”

President of IVLPAA, Mr Dapo Oketola, said that media reports on suicide had the power to either trigger further incidents or promote healing.

“Irresponsible media coverage can lead to suicide contagion, but responsible reporting can save lives,” he said.

According to Oketola, suicide is preventable, but silence, stigma, and sensationalism continue to fuel the crisis in Nigeria.

He urged journalists to use their platforms to promote hope, resilience, recovery, and help-seeking behaviour.

“Media stories that highlight individuals overcoming suicidal thoughts, accessing support systems, and recovering from mental health challenges can significantly reduce suicide rates,” he said.

“Shift the focus from tragedy to resilience. Use strength-based, positive language and present a balanced perspective.”

According to him, responsible reporting not only helps those at risk but also provides solace to grieving families, breaks the silence surrounding mental illness, and contributes to public awareness.

“Let us report with empathy, ethics, and impact,” Oketola added.

He identified the root causes of suicide in Nigeria as mental ill-health, socio-economic stress, substance abuse, domestic and emotional abuse, stigma, and cultural beliefs.

Also speaking, Mr Sola Fabiyi, a former editor of Punch Weekend Titles, described suicide reporting as a delicate aspect of journalism that must be handled with sensitivity.

“Poorly reported suicide cases can stigmatise, encourage copycat behaviour, and worsen public health outcomes,” he said.

Fabiyi advised against sensationalising suicide stories and recommended that journalists use non-stigmatising language.

He urged media professionals to replace the phrase “committed suicide” with “died by suicide”, and avoid sharing graphic visuals or detailed descriptions of suicide methods or locations.

“Do not grab attention at the expense of dignity and sensitivity,” he warned.

He further urged the media to always provide help-seeking information in their reports.

“A story that ends in tragedy without offering a lifeline can feel hopeless to someone already struggling,” Fabiyi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Police, stakeholders agree to tackle farmer-herders conflicts in Adamawa
Agriculture

Police, stakeholders agree to tackle farmer-herders conflicts in Adamawa

262 total views today

By Ibrahim Kado

The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Morris Dankombo, along with other stakeholders on security have resolved to collaboratively tackle the farmer-herder conflicts in the state as the rainy season sets in.

Dankombo said that the stakeholders’ meeting was necessary because of the Police Community Engagement to prevent security breaches in Yola.

He said the meeting was organised to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and to collectively chart a path towards sustaining peace in the state.

According to him, rainy season often witnesses increased tensions between herders and farmers, primarily due to the struggle over land, water, and grazing reserves.

“In the light of this, if not proactively addressed, it can escalate into violence, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten the peace and security we all work hard to preserve,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to remain resolute in promoting peace, security and mutual respect across the state.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri on Peace and Security, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, gave assurance that the 2025 farming season would be different due to the stakeholders’ commitment to ensure peace in the state.

He said that government would also recover all the grazing reserves that were tempered with to enable herders to get space for grazing without conflicts with farmers.

He called on the traditional leaders to support government in addressing the problem of tempering with the grazing reserves through awareness creation.

A representative of the Chairman, Adamawa Concerned Citizens, Alhaji Gambo Nakira, recommended the banning of the underaged from cattle rearing to avoid the destruction of crops and tempering with grazing reserves.

Nakira described the meeting as timely and commended the police for being proactive toward ensuring peace and security in the state.

The representatives of the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Batu and Rev. Victor Sajo, urged the government to promote justice between farmers and herders as well as meet their needs.

“These would help to boost their activity and the economy and ensure peace and security in the state,” they said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Sam Oditah

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