NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact
Entertainment

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

258 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

173 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

166 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

213 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

193 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

260 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

438 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

608 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

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs
Economy/Business

NBS commits to sustained collaboration with media, CSOs

445 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says it is committed to sustained collaboration with the media and civil society for effective communication of statistical data.

Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS said this at a Retreat for Journalists and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) in Keffi on Friday.

Adeniran, who was represented by Dr Biyi Fafunmi, Director, Agric and Business Enterprise, NBS, said the media and CSOs played an indispensable role in national statistics production.

He said the media and CSOs served as a bridge between statistical agencies and the public.

Adeniran said the media served as both facilitators and disseminators, influencing the way statistical information was collected, interpreted, and communicated to the public.

“In reporting, we recognise you as a partner in progress; we urge you to be objective and patriotic in reporting our data as disseminated by NBS.

“By facilitating communication, promoting understanding, and fostering accountability, the media not only enhance the credibility and relevance of national statistics but also empower citizens to appraise more meaningfully with the data that shape their lives.

“As technology and media landscapes continue to evolve, the role of media in this context will continue to expand.

“This will require ongoing collaboration between NBS, the media, and innovation to ensure effective communication of statistical data for planning and development on sustainable bases”.

Adeniran commended the media and CSOs for their role in making NBS improve in data deliverables in spite of the challenges they encountered in their daily endeavours.

Mr Joel Ichedi, the Bureau’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, said the objective of the retreat was to equip journalists and CSOs with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate statistics to the public.

“We recognise that the media and civil society play a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable.

“However, we also acknowledge that reporting on statistics can be complex and nuanced.

“This retreat aims to bridge the gap between data producers and data users, ensuring that statistical information is accurately conveyed to the public.

”Our team of experts will provide insights into the latest developments in statistics production, data sources, and methodologies”.

Ichedi emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure statistical information was presented concisely and without bias, thus avoiding misinformation and enhancing public understanding.

Ewache Ajefu, Editor, Business Africa who spoke on behalf of the media, thanked the NBS for organising the retreat, adding that it should be sustained.

Johnny Emmanuel, National President, National Council for CSOs,  commended the NBS on its role in improving the economy and the country through its production of accurate and timely data.

Emmanuel stressed the need for collaboration between the media and civil society noting that CSOs could not achieve their mandate without the media.

NAN reports that there was a business session on Trends in  Development Journalism, Consumer Price Index and GDP Rebasing Update, and Compilation of Trade Statistics.

Other sessions include Methodology for Generating Labor Force Statistics in NBS and A Critical Appraisal of Statistical Reporting and Data Interpretation by Journalists. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Why media must embrace innovation- NAN MD
General News

Why media must embrace innovation- NAN MD

451 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has called on media owners to embrace innovation in their editorial operations.

 

Ali made the call on Tuesday in a goodwill message at a retreat organised by the management of Voice of Nigeria (VON) in Abuja.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had as theme: ” Voice of Nigeria in the 21st Century : Restrategising for Global Impact.”

 

According to Ali, the theme of the retreat is apt given the myriads of challenges facing the Nigerian media.

 

He identified the challenges to include limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, widespread disinformation as well as limited access to digital technologies and internet connectivity.

 

“These are benumbing challenges, but certainly not unsurmountable if we deploy our creative ingenuity and will power, ” he added.

 

He recalled the two retreats organised early into the life of his administration, saying they defined the direction of management’s programmes.

 

“One telling lesson from both retreats we had was the inevitability of innovation in an increasingly shrinking media space marked by convergence and Artificial Intelligence.

 

“Indeed, we dare say that the future is already here! We must hearken to the clarion call: “Innovate or die!,” he said.

 

He urged participants at the retreat to ruminate on strategies that will put VON in sturdy position for global impact.

 

Ali also called on participants to “think outside of the box, innovate without restraint and collaborate seamlessly to ensure a positive outcome.”

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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