Presidency Identifies New Challenges Before Nigerian Media

June 17, 2023

The Presidency has identified new challenges that Nigerian Media needs to face within the Democratic space.
“President Tinubu insists that the challenges ahead of the media in playing its role towards strengthening our democracy, keeping power continually in check as well as promoting good, responsible and accountable governance are greater than the paths traversed before.”
In an essay detailing the roles which media has been playing even before the nation’s independent in 1960, Dele Slake, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, assured that Tinubu”s government will support for and collaborate with the media towards achieving the lofty objectives in the best interest of the country.
Alake’s essay goes thus:
The last Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) was an epochal milestone in the evolution of the journalism profession in Nigeria. An event that witnessed the election of new officers of the Guild to guide the affairs of the organization for the next two years, it is most gratifying that the outcome was successful and rancor-free despite the intensity of the contest for the various positions competed for. On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), I congratulate the newly elected President of the Guild, Mr Eze Anaba, Editor of the Vanguard newspaper and wish him and other newly elected officials of the guild a most fulfilling and productive tenure in office.
By its peaceful and rancor-free conduct of elections to elect its new officers, the NGE has sent a resounding message to the larger Nigerian polity that elections for desired offices can be intensely competed for without degenerating into bitterness, acrimony and needless malice. In this regard, the President commends those who lost out in the elections at various levels such as Mr Bolaji Adebiyi of ThisDay newspaper for accepting the outcome and pledging support for the winners. This is a light that the NGE is showing that the rest of us may find the way to a mature, tolerant, stable and sustainable democratic culture.
It is of the utmost importance that the various unions in the newspaper industry such as the NGE, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) imbibe the ethos of internal democracy in support of professional integrity for the benefit of good governance, stability and sustainability development in Nigeria. The NGE has, in this regard, made a strong statement for the Nigerian media as a worthy exemplar. But then, elections are not held within the unions in our profession just for the sake of holding elections to appoint new officers of associational offices. Rather, the larger picture is to ensure at all times that we place the profession in prime position to continually fulfill its constitutional obligation of serving as a watchdog of the people in checking the excesses of government and promoting the greatest good of the greatest number of our people.
The history of the Nigerian media has, since it’s epochal role in the struggle against colonial imperialism, been intimately intertwined with the fate of the Nigerian state and her peoples. The press was active in the struggle against military dictatorship in post-colonial Nigeria and this opposition to autocracy was particularly exemplified in the fierce opposition of patriotic media practitioners to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. It is impossible to write the history of the democratic benefits we have enjoyed since the commencement of this dispensation in 1999 without emblazoning the heroic contributions of patriotic sections of the media in gold.
But President Tinubu insists that the challenges ahead of the media in playing its role towards strengthening our democracy, keeping power continually in check as well as promoting good, responsible and accountable governance are greater than the paths traversed before. He pledges the support of his administration in collaboration with the media towards achieving these lofty objectives in the best interest of our country.
Once again, the President congratulates the newly elected officials of the NGE and wishes them a most successful and productive tenure in office.
Dele Alake
Special Adviser
Special Duties, Communications and Strategy
June 17, 2023

Kuje General Hospital Loses Medical Director

Greenbarge Reporters

June 16, 2023

The Medical Director of Kuje General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Olufemi Oshideko is dead. He was 51.
Hospital sources said that Dr. Oshideko died today June 16 after a brief illness, in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
He was said to have slumped in his house about a month ago and was rushed to a private hospital for proper attention, but could not make it.
Our correspondent who was at the hospital this evening reported that the announcement of his death threw the hospital into frenzy.
Medical and other staff were seen wailing, describing the deceased as exceptionally good and caring.
Late Dr. Oshideko, who was born in 1972, is survived by a wife and children.

Asari Dokubo “Throws Bomb” In Aso Rock, Says 99 Percent Oil Thieves Are Military

Greenbarge Reporters

June 16, 2023

A prominent leader and ex militant in Niger Delta, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo has opened fire on the Nigerian military, especially Arm and Navy, saying emphatically that 99 percent of oil thefts in the region are carried out by them.
Dokubo, who spoke to newsmen today, June 16, shortly after a private audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock presidential villa, Abuja, stressed that the sophisticated ways in which the thefts are being carried out could only be done by highly placed security operatives, with the backing of officialdom.
“The military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public, that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially,”
He promised to support the government of Tinubu to bring oil theft to “zero.”
Dokubo said his discussion with the president revolved around oil theft and security.
“Myself and my brothers have assured the President that there will be zero oil theft and vandalization in the Niger Delta.
“We’re going to work with NPPCL and the IOCs to make sure that oil tapped is brought to zero.”
It is instructive to know that the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative had said in April this year that Nigeria lost 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at N16.25 trillion to oil theft between 2009 and 2020.

I’ll Offer Advice If Tinubu Derails, But He’s Doing Well Now – Bisi Akande

Greenbarge Reporters

June 15, 2023

An elder statesman and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande has promised to offer advice to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he derail in the governance of the country.
“It’s not yet time for advice. We are watching him do good. Nigerians are happy. By the time we hear any complaint, the time will be ripe enough for giving the president advice.”
Chief Akande, who spoke to newsmen shortly after a private audience with President Tinubu at the Presidential villa, Abuja today, June 16, said: “I am a village man from Osun State. Now that the president is in the city, I think I should come and see the way he lives. “When I got to his house, they said he is in the office and I decided to come and say hello to him. I see that he can be very busy.
“I asked him when will they create a Camp David in Nigeria where President will go to rest. I met him. We joked, chatted and prayed for Nigeria.”
The elder statesman said that with Tinubu in the saddle as President Nigerians will expect him rejiggig the APC as a party and re-establish good governance in Nigeria.
“And it should go on record that the APC brings good governance to Nigeria.”
Chief Akande noted that so far, within 25 days, the President has taken some critical decisions that are going to benefit Nigerians, adding that the perception of the citizens is “very excellent. People are happy with him. And that is why I boldly come during the day time.”

Tinubu Inaugurates NEC, Says No Excuse For Failure

Editorial staff

June 15, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC), with a warning that there would be no excuse for his government to fall nigerians.

He reminded members of the Council, headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima that the task of growing the nation’s economy is quite enomous.

He restated his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

The inauguration was conducted today, June 16, a week after he directed NEC to meet to come up with interventions to mitigate the effects of the petroleum subsidy.

The President charged the council to support his administration in transforming the economic Fortunes of the country.

After the inauguration, the council went into a meeting.

The NEC meets monthly and has the mandate to “advise the President concerning the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various Governments of the Federation.”

Membership of the NEC comprises of the 36 State Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other co-opted Government officials.

Those in attendance as at the time the meeting commenced are Kwara, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Osun, Ademola Adeleke, Kogi, Yahaya Bello, Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji, Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno and Enugu, Peter Mbah Cross River, Bassey Otu, Plateau, Caleb Muftwang, Kebbi, Nasir Idris, Katsina, Aliyu Radda and Benue Hycinth Alia.

Others are Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Anambra Charles Soludo, Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, Taraba, Agbu Kefas, Gombe, Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori, Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, Niger Mohammed Bago and Sokoto, Ahmad Aliyu.

Others are Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru, Kaduna, Uba Sani, Edo, Godwin Obaseki, Abia, Alex Otti, Bayelsa, Douye Diri, Kano, Abba Yusuf, Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, Oyo, Seyi Makinde and Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur and Deputy Governor of Ondo, Lucky Ayedatiwa

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, Acting Governor of Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi, Permanent Secretaries Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration, and State House.

Tinubu Appoints Dele Alake, Nuhu Ribadu, Ya’u Darazo, 5 Others Special Advisers

Greenbarge Reporters

June 15, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight Special Advisers.
A statement today June 15, by the Director of Information in the State House, Biodun Oladunjoye, those who have been so appointed are:
1.Mr. Dele Alake as Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy
2. Malam Ya’u Darazo as Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs
3. Mr. Wale Edun as Special Adviser, Monetary Policies
4. Mrs. Olu Verheijen as Special Adviser, Energy
5. Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji Special Adviser, Revenue
6. Mr. Nuhu Ribadu as Special Adviser, Security
7. Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu as
Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment and 8. Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas ss
Special Adviser, Health
The statement said that the appointments are with immediate effect.

NCC Gives Telcos Marching Order On Network Security, Consumer Safety

Greenbarge Reporters

June 15, 2023

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country to comply with regulatory frameworks put in place by the Commission towards ensuring security and safety of their networks for telecom consumers.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, gave the charge at the 2023 annual Nigeria DigitalSense Forum, focused on Internet Governance for Development, which took place in Lagos recently.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Danbatta said that one of the regulatory framework put in place by the Commission is the Internet Code of Practice (ICP for telecom industry, which is essentially to protect the right of Internet users to an open Internet and provide clear guidelines to Internet Access Service Providers on the use of traffic management practices.

He said that the Internet Code also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal data as well as lists the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in the handling of offensive and potentially-harmful content, and the protection of minors and vulnerable audiences online; among others.

Professor Danbatta said that through upholding the tenets of Internet Governance Code, the Commission, in collaboration with other stakeholders can make networks safe and get telecom consumers protected online.

Speaking on the theme of the event: “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria,” the NCC Boss said that building robust legal and regulatory frameworks is a crucial requirement for effective data governance in Nigeria and that the ICP provides the framework in this regard.

He underscored the need for telecom licensees, especially the MNOs and ISPs, to adhere strictly to industry frameworks that seek to enthrone effective governance in Internet delivery services.

Represented by the NCC’s Head, New Media and Information Security, Dr. Chidi Diugwu, the Executive Vice Chairman said that with the emergence of new technologies such as the Fifth Generation (5G), currently being deployed in Nigeria, the need has come to pay greater attention to the issue privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecom networks.

“As we embrace the transformative potential of newer technologies such as 5G, we must prioritize safety concerns because the amount and speed of data generated using 5G technology is unprecedented. As such, we need to always prioritise consumer privacy, transparency, and ethical data use; and this can be achieved by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, and by doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.”

Professor Danbatta emphasized that the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 requests NCC’s licensees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in for the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria, adding: “in this regard, licensees are required to collaborate with the Commission by complying with their legal and regulatory obligations towards ensuring effective Internet governance in Nigeria.”

Court Dissolves 34 Years Old Marriage For Lack Of Love

Greenbarge Reporters

June 14, 2023

Hajj Commission Laments Nigeria Pregnant Women Flooding Holy Land For Pilgrimage

Greenbarge Reporters

June 14, 2023

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed concern over the number of pregnant women that sneaked into Saudi Arabia for the ongoing Hajj exercise.

Head of the Nigerian Medical Team to the 2023 Hajj, Dr. Usman Galadima said today, June 14, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that one of such pregnant women was assisted to put to bed, while others were referred to women hospital for proper medical attention and care.

He said that it is not permitted to allow pregnant women to embark on pilgrimage due to the stress, risks and hazards they are exposed to or can encounter during the exercise.

The spokesman also expressed worry that some pilgrims with underlining illnesses came to the holy land without their authorised medicaments.

Dr. Galadima said that Saudi security, at the airports, would allow entry with such prescription drugs if they were in their original packs and of reasonable quantity.

He said that information reaching him was such that the drugs were normally seized right from Nigeria and not at any of the Saudi airports.

He added that this was due to lack of proper information, enlightenment and education on such drugs and medicaments, as they relate to such patients.

Dr. Galadima said that this had exposed some of the patients to high risks and, ultimately, admission and referrals to Saudi hospitals as some of them were recording sugar and Blood Presure, reaching crisis level.

Source: NAN.

President Tinubu Suspends EFCC Chairman, Bawa, Over Alleged Abuse Of Office

Greenbarge Reporters

June 14, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the indefinite suspension from office of AbdulRasheed Bawa, CON, as of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His suspension, according to a short statement by the Director of information in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, is allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office.

“This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.

“Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

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