NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
COAS tasks media on prioritising national security
Defence/Security

COAS tasks media on prioritising national security

155 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says the media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the opening of 2-day training for Media Operatives in Nigeria.

The training was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Oluyede represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, noted that the Nigerian Army was taking a proactive approach in its collaboration with the media.

He said this was with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.

He noted that the Nigerian army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.

He explained that the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.

According to him, as security situations evolve, public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.

”This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation.

”Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.

”I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose; a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.

”I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said that addressing the evolving national security challenges required a whole-of-society approach.

Chibuisi said that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.

He revealed that the training was part of the Nigerian army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.

According to him, this strategic collaboration aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies.

”Accurate and constructive reporting can galvanize national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.

”A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats.

”This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between security forces and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests.”

The CCMA urged the participants to engage actively, ask questions, and seek clarity on complex issues.

He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic direction and support, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen the rapport between the army and the media.

In his goodwill message, the Editor-In-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Mufutau Ojo, commended the Nigerian army for organising the training.

Ojo said that the training underscored the need for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian media and the military, especially at a time when the nation was being assailed by multi-dimensional security challenges.

”This initiative we are witnessing today will certainly foster understanding and effective communication between the Nigerian military and the media; ultimately enhancing national security and public awareness,” he said.

Similarly, the Director News, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the need to understand how to consolidate the responsibilities of the military and media

Musa said that while the media was tasked by law to preserve national integrity and national peace, the armed forces were in charge of maintaining or preserving the territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as national peace and integrity.

She called for access to timely and accurate information, adding that lack of accurate information gives room for speculation.

”We are not in the business of speculation, but it is always better if the information is granted to the media so that they can report it accurately to the satisfaction of everybody towards achieving national peace,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage
Foreign

Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage

168 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised labour has appealed to owners and proprietors of media organisations to implement the N70,000 National Minimum Wage for its staff members.

 

Mr Joe Ajaero. President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said this at a joint news conference with the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Festus Osifo, at the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Ajaero said that the renumeration for media men and women in the private organisations was very poor.

 

“The way at which some media houses are owing journalists is affecting our members in all the media houses and it is affecting the way they relate with other journalists all over the world.

 

“The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are appealing to owners and proprietors of media industries to make sure that their workers are paid.

 

“(It should be) a competitive wage compared with their colleagues all over the world,” he said.

 

Ajaero said that the labour was giving owners and proprietors of media organisations until September to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for their members.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact
Entertainment

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact

323 total views today

By Veronica Dariya

World Changers Media International Foundation, an NGO, has trained more than 25 media officers and content creators on production of impactful educational stories and documentaries for humanity.

Dr Janice Collins, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, urged participants at the Abuja workshop to create narratives with lasting positive difference.

Collins, also the Director, Institute of International Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, USA, advised content creators to ground their stories on truth and facts

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the African International Documentary and Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), for filmmakers and producers.

She emphasised that storytelling should drive social responsibility, spark social change, and deepen audience connection with key social issues.

“We must be able to humanise our stories by bringing attention to an element that is affecting society in order to bring about a positive change.

“Do not forget to enforce your professional ethics and conduct as a journalist or storyteller; seek the truth and report it, minimise harm, be accountable and transparent,” Collins said.

She mentioned that with a creative strategy, business acumen, and diverse funding can generate sustainable income from storyteller and documentary production.

Her foundation, she noted, is committed to empowering media professionals to create positive change, amplify marginalised voices, and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

She said that her team worked to support and creates platforms for voices and stories that need to be heard and be included in the global narrative.

In her remarks, the Director-General, AFIDFF, Mrs Malame Mangzha, told NAN that the workshop targeted public relations and media officers from partner organisations of the foundation.

She said: “We picked our participants from media departments of organisations we have been working in partnership with for the past few years.

“We deemed it fit and important to empower these officers and our new generation content creators, to create contents that could drive impact in communities and the society at large.

“While they could also be generating income in the process. However, our expectation at the end of the day is to see them tell their own stories with their own voices, in their own narratives.”

Mangzha also said that the two-day interactive workshop was designed to equip participants with practical skills in creative storytelling and production.

She added that it would include hands-on training, collaborative exercises, and real-time feedback to help participants’ crafts and expand their creative vision.

NAN reports that participants at the workshop included personnel from various organisation such as the National Commission for Museums and Monument, National Troupe of Nigeria, National Park Services.

Also present at the event are, National Film and Video Censor Board, social media content producers among others. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Halima Sheji

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation
Defence/Security

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation

201 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Niger government has solicited for media collaboration on how to address the challenge of misinformation in reporting security issues.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Retired Gen. Muhammed Bello, made the call during a pre- security summit news conference in Minna on Monday.

Bello said misinformation and disinformation posed significant threats to effective security information management in the state.

He highlighted the need for strategic communication in security contexts to balance transparency and confidentiality.

“Decisions about what information to share and what to withhold can be complex and fraught with ethical considerations,” he said.

According to him, to combat misinformation, the state government is exploring ways to work with the media to promote accurate and responsible reporting on security issues.

He said that security information management involved systematically collecting, analysing, sharing, and protecting information about threats, incidents, vulnerabilities, and risks that impact public safety.

According to him, the rise of social media and digital platforms has increased the risk of misinformation affecting public perception and security.

The commissioner reiterated that the state government would host security summit on May 22 that would bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions.

Other participants at the summit would be youth and women associations, and inter-tribal organisations, transport groups, human rights groups, and the media to discuss collaborative approaches to security and peacebuilding.

Bello disclosed that the theme of the summit would be: Collaborative Approaches to Security and Peace Building with a View to Safeguarding Niger State Security Information Management. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joe Idika

Media figures urge BBC to air Gaza medics’ documentary
Foreign

Media figures urge BBC to air Gaza medics’ documentary

209 total views today

More than 600 prominent figures from the film, media and cultural industries on Monday criticised the BBC’s bias in reporting.

It, however, urged the British broadcaster to air the delayed Gaza documentary on the plight of medics in Gaza.

The open letter, addressed to BBC Director-General Tim Davie, calls for the release of Gaza Medics under Fire, which documents the experiences of Palestinian health workers operating under Israeli bombardment.

Signatories include Oscar-winning U.S. actor Susan Sarandon, comedian Frankie Boyle, and Lindsey Hilsum, an English television journalist and writer.

According to the letter, 130 anonymous individuals also signed, including more than a dozen BBC staffers.

“We write to you again with deep concern about the censorship of Palestinian voices this time, medics operating in unimaginable conditions in Gaza,” said the letter.

The signatories accused the BBC of demonstrating bias in its reporting on Gaza and expressed concern about the broadcaster’s balance and impartiality.

“It has repeatedly delayed the broadcast of Gaza, Medics under Fire, a documentary made by Oscar-nominated, Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmakers, including Ben de Pear, Karim Shah and Ramita Navai,” the letter said.

The documentary details attacks on Palestinian health workers and hospitals in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli attacks which have killed nearly 53,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023. (AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Media group applauds impact, N760bn private investments in CNG
General News

Media group applauds impact, N760bn private investments in CNG

263 total views today

The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded what it described as the multi-faceted impact of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, the group acknowledged the inflow of N760 billion investment into the CNG initiative.

“We note that with the removal of fuel subsidy at the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, and the attendant increase in cost of premium motor spirit, the Federal government rolled out the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative.

It said that this has led to cheaper cost of transportation for many Nigerians as CNG continues to take root in the country.

It stressed that the initiative had attracted about N760 billion in private investments into the venture in the past one year.

It added that in dollars terms, the initiative has attracted about $491 million investment into the country, and there are signs that more investments would flow in subsequent years.

“Additionally, the CNG Initiative has generated 84,000 direct and indirect jobs, and this is based on information provided by the PCNGI Programme Director, Michael Oluwagbemi.

“We also note that within a period of one year, CNG conversion centres have increased from seven to over 200 centres across the country with expectations of an increase to 10,000 by the end of the first quarter of 2005.

The media group commended the Federal Government for providing 405 buses to ease the transportation needs of Nigerians workers.

It said this was based on an agreement with Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress during the wage increase negotiations.

“We want to state that this initiative is not only pragmatic, but has potential to reduce unemployment, boost the economy, and increase the mobility of Nigerians when it takes firm root.

“We, however, urge the managers to do more because of the immense benefits of the CNG-Initiative which, if harnessed well, will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” it added.

TMV also noted that it looks forward to the extension of the CNG initiative to 25 sites and 15 states in line with the pledge of the managers of the programme to ramp up its activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NUJ to sponsor media welfare enhancement bill
General News

NUJ to sponsor media welfare enhancement bill

217 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to sponsor the Media Professionals Welfare Enhancement Bill aimed at improving the welfare of its members.

The National President of NUJ, Mr Alhassan Abdulahi, said this during the 2025 Easter Cantata Concert held in Abuja on Tuesday

The concert organised by the NUJ FCT Council, is themed, “Renewal and Hope: Harnessing the Transformation Power of Unity and Progress.”

Abdulahi said that senior colleagues within the profession were working on a media enhancement bill that would soon be presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

He expressed hope that if the bill were passed, it would mark a new beginning for journalism in Nigeria, with improved remuneration for journalists.

He also urged journalists to reflect spiritually during the Easter period and adopt a spirit of forgiveness.

Additionally, he appealed to journalists to prioritise national unity and security issues to ensure a peaceful Nigeria.

Rep. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, emphasised that NUJ plays a crucial role in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which sought to transform Nigeria into a unified and prosperous nation.

He commended the current administration for its efforts to drive economic development and create a hopeful future for the country.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emphasised the importance of journalists embodying the values of unity and transformation in their reporting.

Ali was represented by Mr Kayode Olaitan, Director of Planning Research and Statistics at NAN.

Ms. Grace Ike, Chairman of NUJ FCT, highlighted that unity was a key driver of progress and urged journalists to use their unique role to share stories that inspire, educate, and unite communities.

Ike said that unity was a catalyst for progress, as it was the foundation on which progress was built.

“It is the glue that holds us together, allowing us to face challenges with strength and resilience.

“As journalists, we have a unique role in promoting unity by sharing stories that inspire, educate, and unite our communities,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job
Foreign

Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job

307 total views today

By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, has urged members of the jury, who are assessing various entries submitted by journalists for ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary Media Excellence Award to do a thorough job.

Touray gave the charge at the opening ceremony and commencement of deliberations of the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025 Jury Deliberation Meeting, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with the theme: “50 Years of ECOWAS – Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” is the maiden edition of the awards.

He reminded the members that their inclusion in the jury was a testament to their dedication, expertise, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism in the subregion.

Represented by Mr Mambureh Njie, his Special Advisor on Economic Affairs, Touray said the awards were not mere accolades but part of a legacy, which ECOWAS was building for the next 50 years in West Africa.

“As you undertake this responsibility, I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of evaluation guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality and let merit lead the way.

“You should painstakingly assess and approach each entry with fairness, consistency and regional perspective to honour contributions that uphold ECOWAS’ shared values.

“Ethical responsibilities reward journalism rooted in truth and integrity. Excellence in craft recognises storytelling that informs, inspires and transforms,” he said.

Touray noted that over the last 50 years, the media had been a strong partner and pillar in ECOWAS’ journey toward promoting democracy, good governance, peace, security, and regional integration.

He said that as ECOWAS marked 50 years of existence, it was only proper to recognise and celebrate journalists who reported its challenges, championed its successes, and gave it a voice.

“The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award, launched as part of our golden jubilee celebration, is more than a recognition of journalistic achievement.

“It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, which promotes regional integration, democratic governance.

“One which promotes a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage,” he said.

Speaking earlier on behalf of other members, Mr Abdoulie Gassama, the chairman of the jury, promised to approach the task before them with diligence, impartiality, and deep respect for the work.

Gassama said that the responsibility of being tasked with recognising and celebrating journalists who demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and commitment to their craft was very significant.

“We all dedicated our careers to holding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, creativity, creative excellence, and impactful storytelling.

“The submissions we are about to review represent the best of media industry. They showcase the power of media to inform, inspire, and challenge.

“They demonstrate the dedication of journalists, producers, and content creators to bring important stories to the light, to foster dialogue, and to uphold power to account,” he said.

Gassama said that the core principles that would guide the jury’s assessment of the entries for the awards would be impact, integrity, innovation, accuracy, fairness, ethics and craftsmanship conduct.

Mr Joel Ahofodji, ECOWAS spokesman, in an opening remark, explained that the jury was responsible for examining, assessing, and selecting the best submissions in each category: television, radio, print, online, and photography.

He said that the jury would also ensure that selection process was fair, transparent, free of any conflict of interest, respect the confidentiality of the deliberations and suggest the modalities  for future regulations of the award.

NAN reports that the jury comprises Gassama from Gambia as chairman alongside Paul Douakoutche from Benin; Ms Filomena Silva from Cape Verde; and Mr Bamba Mafoumgbe from Ivory Coast as members.

Other members are Dr Ibrahim Awal from Ghana; Mrs Yemi Kolapo from Nigeria; Dr Adrienne Diop from Senegal, who is a former spokesperson of the ECOWAS Commission.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ritual killings: Media executive seeks urgent protection for girls
General News

Ritual killings: Media executive seeks urgent protection for girls

492 total views today

 

By Folasade Akpan

Mr Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to take decisive action against the rising incidents of ritual killings of girls across the nation.

 

Oyinloye made the appeal on Tuesday in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in response to the recent killing of Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.

 

Lawal was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Abdulrahman Bello, whom she met on social media.

 

Oyinloye emphasised that the rise in such incidents not only puts Nigerian girls at risk but also damages the nation’s image internationally.

 

He attributed the growing frequency of these crimes to the failure of the government at all levels to effectively address the issue.

 

He noted that many Nigerian youths have abandoned legitimate means of wealth acquisition, turning to ritual killings, which he described as gradually becoming normalised in the country.

 

Oyinloye revealed that his organisation launched a campaign against ritual killings in January 2022 and had continued this effort independently over the past three years.

 

In spite of the lack of support, he affirmed that the organisation remained committed to the cause.

 

“When we started this campaign in 2022 and released a jingle, the then Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohammed, assured that the Federal Government would initiate a widespread anti-ritual killing awareness campaign.

 

“However, nothing has been done since then,” Oyinloye said.

 

He added that the organisation’s efforts include translating the jingle into the three major Nigerian languages and airing it on local radio stations to reach grassroots communities.

 

Oyinloye stressed that the fight against ritual killings must also involve traditional and religious leaders, who he urged to speak out against the practice.

 

He called on Nigerian youths to reject the temptation of seeking quick wealth through violence and instead embrace hard work and legitimate business opportunities.

 

“It is tragic that innocent girls are being murdered, and their body parts sold at absurd prices.

 

“Taking someone’s life for money rituals is both inhumane and misguided,” he said, further urging youths to abandon the evil practice and focus on honest work.

 

He also advocated for the implementation of the death penalty for those convicted of ritual killings, without the possibility of prison sentences.

 

Oyinloye commended the Nigerian police for their efforts in tackling ritual killings and called for greater public support in the fight against this heinous practice.

 

Additionally, he lauded the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for issuing a directive condemning ritual killings and encouraged other traditional leaders to follow suit in protecting Nigeria’s image. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Solutions Journalism: NAN vows to change media landscape
Solutions Journalism

Solutions Journalism: NAN vows to change media landscape

729 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

Malam Ali Muhammed Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has expressed the agency’s determination to sustain efforts in changing the media landscape in the country.

 

Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) led by Mr Chibuike Alagboso, its Director Media Programmes.

 

According to him, the agency will continue to join efforts by pushing stories that will promote the needed solutions to societal problems.

 

He said, ”NAN will continue to appreciate the partnership with the Nigeria Health Watch and Solutions Journalism Network which began in 2020.

 

”We are sustaining the effort of changing the media landscape with Solutions Journalism stories.

 

”Its unique style of telling the positive developments in the country aligns with the NAN mandate of promoting understanding, mutual respect, professionalism and giving voice to the majority and minor views of the citizens.”

 

The managing director also informed the visitors that the agency had earlier created a special desk to handle Solutions Journalism stories with a view to enhance specialisation and boost productivity in the agency.

 

”We have created a Solutions Journalism desk since the first engagement with Nigeria Health Watch in 2021 and the message will continue to be propagated to all our members of staff,” he said.

 

According to him, Solutions Journalism has a critical role to play in the nations journey to realising the impact of small achievements on national development.

 

“It highlights the little efforts put in to address daily social challenges of citizens.

 

”This is what is needed to build trust and buy-in from people about steps taken by the government to address their problems,” he added.

 

On his part, the Editor-In-Chief of NAN, Mr Mufutau Ojo, while declaring open the One-day training session, urged participants to pay attention to the keynote speakers and learn the new skills.

 

Ojo expressed optimism that the training would provide a paradigm shift and new opportunities for reporters to explore.

 

Also speaking, the Head of NAN Multimedia Section, Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, expressed gratitude to the team for providing the opportunity for NAN reporters to be trained.

 

Abdulaziz commended the reporters for showing exemplary attitude based on the questions raised during the training season.

 

”This shows that you understood the topic, now it’s just to know how to put your thoughts into Solutions Journalism style of writing,” he said.

 

Mr Aderogba George, one of the participants who spoke after a session, said that the training would avail him the opportunity to understand how to write Solutions Journalism stories.

 

Others in the delegation of Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) are Kenneth Ibe, Senior Social Media Coordinator, Tzar Oluigbo, Health Journalist and Hadiza Mohammed, Communication Officer.

 

The delegation was in NAN Headquarters to train reporters on Solutions Journalism based on the existing partnership they had with NAN since 2020. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

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