News Agency of Nigeria
PAVE Network inaugurates media initiative to counter violent extremism
Defence/Security

PAVE Network inaugurates media initiative to counter violent extremism

By Sumaila Ogbaje/EricJames Ochigbo

The Steering Committee of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb violent extremism and build resilience across Nigeria.

Chairman of the committee, Mr Jaye Gaskia, made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of a two-day roundtable and inauguration of the Media Against Violent Extremism (MAVE) network.

The event, with the theme: “Amplifying Voices for Peace: Media Partnerships in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and Resilience Building,” was co-organised by ActionAid Nigeria and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

The PAVE is a national civil society network present in 22 states, working to strengthen coordination and partnerships among government, civil society, communities, and other actors while advancing context-driven PCVE practices.

Gaskia stressed that Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism could not be won in isolation, urging synergy among government, civil society, the media, communities, and the private sector.

He noted that the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP) rests on four pillars.

These, according to him are, strengthening institutions and coordination, promoting rule of law and human rights, engaging communities and building resilience, and integrating strategic communications.

“At the heart of this framework lies communication. How we frame issues, how we report, and how we build narratives determine whether we fuel division or foster peace.

“That is why the media is not a bystander in PCVE, but a frontline actor,” Gaskia said.

He explained that MAVE was created to empower journalists, editors, broadcasters, and digital practitioners to responsibly drive narratives of peace.

“Through MAVE, we seek to build a nationwide platform of media professionals that will stand as a united voice against violent extremism, amplify resilience, and work collaboratively with stakeholders.

“The media must be more than chroniclers of violence; the media must be co-creators of peace,” he said.

The PAVE chairman also urged journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism, while the government should adopt and implement State and Local Action Plans on PCVE.

He called on civil society to promote equity and inclusion, and on the private sector to invest in prevention strategies, reliable data, and livelihood opportunities for women and youth.

In his remarks, ActionAid Nigeria Project Coordinator, Mr Aliyu Adamu, said the media has significant influence in shaping public perception and narratives about violence and crime.

He warned that poor reportage could discourage investment and tourism.

“The MAVE initiative is designed to mainstream PCVE, protect national image, and prevent violence.

“We want to see conflict-sensitive reportage that promotes productivity and attracts investment,” he said.

Also speaking, GCERF National Coordinator, Ms Yetunde Adegoke, said the fund has supported projects across the North-Central and North-West since 2016 to build community resilience.

She urged the media to make PCVE a public agenda, stressing that “just one story can set a place ablaze, and one story can also bring peace.

“We see the media playing a critical role in scaling up prevention efforts and we hope it will be a key driver of this movement,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Yakubu Uba

FEATURE: Why media must speak up against financial crimes
Features

FEATURE: Why media must speak up against financial crimes

 

 

 

By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Financial crimes, including money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing, have continued to fuel conflict, economic inequality and corruption across West Africa.

 

In the fight against this, the media often remains underutilised, underresourced and, sometimes, under threat.

 

The role of the media in the fight against illicit financial flows is more critical now, as investigations on the menace can expose financial networks and inform the public of how unclean money shapes some lives.

 

Analysts believe that when journalists are silenced by fear, censorship or lack of support, the perpetrators of these crimes win.

 

They argue that in some cases, some political and business figures implicated in money laundering wield influence over media houses and stifle critical coverage, while in other instances, journalists simply lack the training or resources to pursue complex financial investigations that require deep understanding of legal, economic and international frameworks.

 

Media houses have a moral, civic and strategic duty to shine light on financial crimes and are positioned to educate citizens on the signs and dangers of money laundering and terror financing.

 

They are also positioned to hold financial institutions and public officials accountable, as inaction weakens accountability, allowing perpetrators escape justice.

 

It is noteworthy that countries struggling with weak anti-money laundering enforcement risk international sanctions, which can further isolate economies and damage development.

 

As part of its continued effort to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA) few days ago held its annual briefing session for ECOWAS ambassadors and development partners.

 

GIABA presented its 2024 Annual Report at the occasion.

 

It also held a sensitisation programme for some ECOWAS journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of its 2024 Annual Report

 

The report outlines GIABA’s key achievements during 2024, while urging ECOWAS states to intensify implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures.

 

GIABA, established in 2000 by ECOWAS, is a specialised institution mandated to coordinate regional responses to economic and financial crimes.

 

It was created as a demonstration of political will to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, while aligning West Africa with global AML standards.

 

According to GIABA, the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing is a global programme with diverse stakeholders at both the national, regional and international levels.

 

Mr Cheikh Bamba, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit and GIABA National Correspondent for Senegal, emphasised the need for more collaboration and investment in journalists in the fight against financial crimes.

 

According to him, communication and advocacy are very important in tackling the crimes as they improve understanding of the situation and push for interventions.

 

“It is through constant dialogues and training of the media that we will be able to put together concrete actions to fight financial crimes,” he said.

 

On the role of the media in fighting financial crimes, Mr Timothy Melaye, Principal Officer for Communication and Advocacy at GIABA, said that media professionals must act as moral compasses for society.

 

Melaye said that the media must also improve its literacy on AML/CFT frameworks to facilitate effective reporting.

 

“Use your reports to advocate national re-orientation of youths to change their perception about governance, disabuse their minds on the legality of corruption, and increase their participation in governance.

 

“Continue to investigate and report all predicate offences, especially corruption in high places. By so doing, you are setting national agenda and discourse,” Melaye urged the media.

 

He added that commitment of all stakeholders would be required to ensure that ECOWAS member-states would be rid of criminality while effective implementation of a robust AML/CFT regime would be achieved.

 

Mr Muazu Umaru, Policy and Research Director at GIABA, highlighted the drivers of financial crimes, describing risks posed by them as significant and interconnected with security and political instability.

 

According to him, high rates of poverty, unemployment and other deep-seated socio-economic grievances create vulnerabilities and motivation for individuals to engage in crimes.

 

“Illicit economy can appear as the only viable pathway out of poverty in marginalised areas, and widespread socio-economic frustration fuels grievances against the state.”

 

Anderson Akue Tounou, a Togolese Journalist with Ecovisionafrik, expressed the hope that through his work, he would contribute to collective awareness on financial crimes and bring about major changes within his community.

 

He called on other journalists and media actors to cultivate integrity on their jobs and give hope to populations who deserved access to better life conditions.

 

“The session made me realise the essential role I must play in the fight against money laundering.

 

“GIABA is doing a tremendous job in raising awareness in the fight against financial crimes, and I think it is time for heads of state and government to expand GIABA’s powers and scope of action.

 

“By this, I mean that GIABA must be allowed to pursue criminals and try them if possible,” he said.

 

Earlier, Hermínio Moniz, Ambassador of Cabo Verde to Senegal noted the essential role of the media in raising awareness and advancing the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

 

According to him, sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without effectively addressing financial crimes.

 

Analysts believe that empowering the media in this fight involves doing more to support journalism through training, funding, and legal protection.

 

They urge urgent inclusion of journalists in national and regional conversations on AML/CFT frameworks, arguing that such discussions are often limited to financial regulators, law enforcers and policymakers, leaving out the storytellers who can turn complex financial data into accessible narratives that drive public engagements. (NANFeatures)

NAHCON boss lauds media reportage on 2025 Hajj operation 
General News

NAHCON boss lauds media reportage on 2025 Hajj operation 

By Deji Abdulwahab

Prof. Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has described the media reportage on the just concluded Hajj operation as contributions toward defending and projecting positive image of Islam.

Usman said this at a farewell dinner organised for the NAHCON National Media Team in Makkah on Sunday.

He said that the dinner was organised to appreciate and celebrate the media representatives who added value to the success of the 2025 Hajj operation.

“We gather here to congratulate ourselves, to celebrate our success in this Hajj operation. We thank almighty Allah and thank you all.

“I have no word in my mind than to express what I feel about your positive cooperation.

“You are our eyes, you are the only way to the world to know and see what we are doing here. Actually, you have done your own.We thank you and thank almighty Allah for making it possible for us to work together,” he said.

In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), said that the media performance towards the 2025 Hajj operation was commendable.

According to Yagawal, this year is different from the previous years in terms of media services.

“You know, your assignment is very dangerous. You can change black to white and white to black if you like, with your tongue and pen.

“This year, Alhamdulillah, your performance to NAHCON has been very positive. You worked tirelessly to improve our distorted image for the better,” he said.

The NAHCON commissioner recalled that last year, the commission got little positive reportage on the Hajj operation, describing this year’s media services as commendable.

“Last year, we suffered a lot, but this year, inshallah, with what we have seen, your coverage right from Medina, Mashair, back to Makkah, all your reports to the National Hajj Commission is positive,” he said.

Prince Anofi Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, thanked the media for sharing the commission’s success stories on the 2025 Hajj operations.

Elegushi said, “I want to use this medium to say a big appreciation to the media team for the wonderful job they have done and they are still doing because the job is not limited to here in Saudi Arabia.

“We believe in you, that you will continue to report the positive side of us because all what you have done is very positive,” he said.

The NAHCON’s Commissioner of Finance, Malam Aliyu Abdulrasaq, also lauded the objectivity in the media reportage.

”I want to say you do not just own the pen, but you possess the truth.

“Objectivity in your reportage can go a long way to help this nation. The misconception that we are facing today is because of those that want to mislead the public.

“With your courage in reporting the truth, I believe we will be very far apart from those that want to tarnish the image of Nigeria.

“I want to say again that we are happy for the job well done,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

COAS tasks media on prioritising national security
Defence/Security

COAS tasks media on prioritising national security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email