President Muhammadu Buhari has counselled journalists in Nigeria to be mindful of sponsored political publications that are capable of inciting hatred, division, violence and chaos in the polity.
In solidarity message to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day which comes up tomorrow, May 3, the President said: “with the elections in sight, I urge the media to be mindful of sponsored political news or publications capable of inciting hatred, division, violence, and chaos in the country, while also ensuring that the electoral umpire and other stakeholders play their roles in delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections to Nigerians.”
According to him, the free performance of media roles and responsibilities during the electoral process is as important as the sanctity and will of Nigerians, expressed through the ballot box.
Buhari asked the Nigerian Press to use World Press Freedom Day to reflect on the need to embrace the best professional standards and practices, especially in the build-up to the forthcoming general elections.
He congratulated the Nigerian media for continually playing their role in strengthening democracy, acknowledging the courage and determination of those who daily go the extra time, sometimes at great personal risks, to keep the society well informed.
President Buhari reiterated his government’s commitment to freedom of the press, pledging to continue ensuring the protection of the rights and privileges of journalists in the lawful performance of their professional duties.
He asked Nigerians to stay united in supporting media professionals who work hard to de-escalate violent conflict and promote peaceful societies without compromising the responsibility to report.
He called on the government information managers to ensure that the press and the general public have access to facts and figures of government information, without tears.
The President assured that in line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: ”Journalism under digital siege,” government agencies under his watch will be encouraged to always stand against actions that are capable of limiting the preservation of the freedom of the Press guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that the Federal Government is working hard to support media organizations in Nigeria through provision of better internet access to underserved communities, and achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030.
Buhari appreciated journalists, whose diligent work, he said, has helped to guarantee peace, stability, and progress in the country.
Meanwhile, the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, has scheduled a one-day symposium to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.
A statement by the IPI Secretary, Ahmed I. Shekarau, said that a former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Professor Tonnie Iredia will be the guest speaker at the symposium.
The statement said that Professor Iredia, who is now a lecturer in Mass Communications Department of the Nasarawa State University will speak on: “What Journalists and Media in Nigeria Need to Do to Keep Safe, Retain Credibility and be Sustainable.”
The statement said that among those to discuss the former NTA DG’s presentation are the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Muhammad Sani Zorro; President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Ladi Bala and the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The panel discussion, according to the statement, will be moderated by the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Azubuike Ishiekwene.
According to the statement, the event, which is scheduled to hold on May 6, 2022, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Area 8, Garki, Abuja, will be graced by top media leaders, editors and reporters.
It also announced that provision has been made for remote participation by stakeholders who may not be at the venue of the event.
The Zoom link for virtual participation is as follows:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87905583791?pwd=dnpuV3NRM2RjdEd5QVhqV2E2cVEzdz09
Meeting ID: 879 0558 3791
Passcode: qV94NB
The statement said that IPI Nigeria will be hosting the World Press Freedom Day symposium in collaboration with the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
IPI Nigeria is an affiliate of IPI, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, which is a global network of media executives, editors and leading journalists, established in 1950, to crusade for media freedom in every corner of the world.
Members of the body are totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information.

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has posed a question to the Nigerian workers on what sort of politics can best deliver good governance and development.

“Given the season that we are in, this is entirely appropriate.  The question that the theme calls for: is what sort of politics can best deliver good governance and development?”

Addressing workers today, May 1, as they marked Workers Day in Abuja, Osinbajo said that this year’s May Day celebration, coming shortly before a national elections, required much to reflect upon.

“And the theme you have chosen for this occasion invites us to ponder on “Labour, Politics and the Quest for Good Governance and Development,” adding that the labour movement in this context, belongs firmly to the progressive political persuasion.

He recalled that in the days of the anti-colonial struggle, labour pitched its tent with progressive nationalist forces.

“Historically, by reason of the ideological kinship shared by both camps, labour has always made common cause with the progressives. Indeed, it is impossible to separate both. Progressives have been left of centre and pro-labour, while labour has always been of course left of centre and progressive.
“This is an important observation because seven years ago, an alliance of progressives, the All progressives Congress made history when it became the first opposition party to defeat a ruling party against all odds and secure a national victory at the polls.

“It was a watershed moment for our nation because, until that momentous event, the progressive tendency had been the neglected cornerstone of our nation’s history.
“The question of what sort of politics can deliver good governance and development is decisively answered by progressive politics. As a progressive, I believe that good governance and development mean compulsory free education for the unlettered, universal healthcare coverage, inclusion for the alienated, social mobility for the poor, justice for the wronged and social security for the vulnerable.
“The progressive vision of Nigeria is of a nation in which the relations between the government and the governed are defined by a social covenant. It is of a society in which no Nigerian is left behind. It is of a canopy of inclusive and broad-based prosperity in which the security and the welfare of each citizen are guaranteed.
“This administration has embarked upon the most ambitious programme of social protection in sub-Saharan Africa. We are catering for our children through the Home Grown School Feeding Programme which feeds about 9.5 million children daily and for our unemployed youth through programmes such as the N-Power scheme. Over 4 million people have benefitted from the Government Empowerment and Enterprise Programme (GEEP), and other support initiatives under the National Social Investment Programme.
“We established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the National Centre for Senior Citizens to cater for the needs of our compatriots that live with disabilities and our elders. This is a demonstration of our commitment to inclusion – especially of groups that have long been relegated to the margins.
“In the realm of politics, the enactment of the Not Too Young To Run Act which modifies the age restrictions for seeking public office not only opens doors of opportunity for more youth engagement in politics; it is a further demonstration of our commitment to inclusion in all its ramifications.
“We have pursued our progressive agenda for inclusion and social protection in a period of global turbulence. We have not had the benefit of record-high oil prices to work with instead, we have had to contend with recessions, the collapse of international oil prices, the COVID-19 pandemic which stalled the global economy and even now, we must deal with the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine which is having a disruptive impact on global commodity markets. Regardless of all these challenges, this administration has been steadfast in tackling the issues facing Nigerian workers. This is why President Buhari implemented an increase in the national minimum wage in 2019.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has cautioned the residents of the federal capital to beware of the lurking COVID19 as they celebrate Eid-del-Fitri tomorrow, May 2.

In a goodwill message to the residents, Muhammad Musa Bello said: “it is important to remind all that COVID -19 has not been eradicated. Enjoy the Eid-El-Fitr festivities in conformity with all extant COVID-19 protocols.”

He recalled that in the last 30 days, Muslims have engaged not only in fasting and prayers, but also in various acts of charity and caring for one another in keeping with the Islamic injunctions.

He expressed satisfaction that residents have, during the period shown compassion and care for each other, especially the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

He called on the residents not to limit these acts of charity, love and tolerance to only the holy month but should inculcate this culture into our everyday lives.

“The end of Ramadan should also not signal an end to our prayers. I therefore, enjoin us all to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty for our dear country Nigeria and her leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, especially as they fight our security challenges and  political activities take center stage.

“Let us, once more be reminded that as residents of the Federal Capital Territory, which was founded on the ideals  of unity and peace, we are obliged to live up to the dreams of our founding fathers.

“We should therefore resist the machinations of those who seek to destroy these ideals and in our actions and utterances, seek always to sow the seeds of unity, peace and tolerance in our communities.

“ Abuja, our beautiful national capital city is the pride of every Nigerian. As residents, we should please commit ourselves to ensuring that she does not lose her allure due to our actions.”

The minister advised that as the raining season commences, people should maintain their drainages and make sure they are clean and free of debris, even as he called on them to avoid construction on flood plains and river courses to avoid unfortunate incidences of flooding.

“On our part, I wish to assure you that the FCT Administration remains committed to the implementation of projects that will have the greatest impact on the majority of residents especially in the provision of social service infrastructure, just as we will continue to work hard to ensure the security of lives and property across the Territory.

“I also wish to assure you all that security agencies have put measures in place to ensure the peaceful celebration of Sallah and also call on residents to be security conscious and follow all guidelines issued by the relevant security authorities regarding the Eid El-Fitr celebrations.