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2023: N/East stakeholders task journalists to shun junk journalism

2023: N/East stakeholders task journalists to shun junk journalism
Stakeholders in the media industry in North-East have cautioned journalists against sensitional reportage to facilitate credible and peaceful 2023 general elections.
The stakeholders including media practitioners, politicians, unionists, and activists spoke while responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on political thuggery in Bauchi, Damatruru, Dutse, Gombe and Yola.
They described media as critical towards ensuring violence-free, fair and credible elections in the country.
Mr Saidu Malala, Chairman, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Gombe State, said media had a critical agenda-setting role towards promoting peace and harmony in the country.
He said the support of journalists through peace-oriented news would help create a peaceful political atmosphere that contributes to the integrity and credibility of elections.
“Journalists have a duty to report issues that will not fuel violence in the country, even though we have a responsibility to inform the public in a professional manner.
“There are reports that may trigger violence if not handled properly in line with professional ethics, we must be guided in this regard.
“We need peace not just for election but for our everyday activities, and as critical stakeholders, we owe the society reportage that will promote peace and unity,” he said.
While urging journalists to be objective, Malala advised them to be security conscious so as not to become victims of violence or thuggery during electioneering campaigns.
“You must assess the security situation of any event before you embark on any journey to cover events.
“Don’t put yourself in a position where you will be vulnerable in view of the increase in thuggery in Gombe State,” he said.
Also; Mr Rajab Muhammad, the Council Chairman in Yobe, tasked media organisations to shun airing programmes capable of disrupting peace ahead of the 2023 elections.
He noted that such inciting programmes were against the ethics of the profession, and stressed the need for media practitioners to be objective as enshrined in the NUJ constitution.
“Reporters and sub-editors should aim at objectivity while dealing with political stories. They should not allow their personal bias or ideas to creep into a story.
“They should not take sides but try to present divergent views to achieve balance in their reportage,” he said.
Muhammad also urged politicians to avoid desperation in politics, adding that do-or-die politics is inimical to the entrenchment of democratic governance.
In his contribution, Shettima Ja’afar, Director of, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Borno, attributed thuggery to desperation exhibited by some politicians.
He said it was good for the media to sanction airing incitiful and vulgar language by politicians during their campaigns.
This, he said, was necessary towards ensuring a hitch-free election, adding that, “the media as major stakeholder should not be promoting contents that will jeopardize the process.
“Reporting hate speech by the media will create tension and violence if not handled with caution”.
According to him, the Agency in collaboration with other stakeholders will creat a forum for collective action towards violent-free election.
The NOA official blamed spate of thuggery in the country to misuse of social media by some self-seeking elements.
“The conventional media are trying, and regulated to some extend unlike the social media. It is being used to spin news, spread falsehoods and hate speech capable of breeding violence”.
He enjoined the youth to shun misuse of social media and participate actively in the process to ensure peaceful election.
He further advised politicians and political parties to prioritise consultative engagement to promote internal democracy and encourage growth of democratic culture.
In the same vein; Mr Ishaka Dedan, the NUJ Chairman in Adamawa, said the Council had sensitised media executives and journalists on the dangers associated with sensational reportage.
He said the Council had adopted effective mechanism to ensure that media organisations and journalists run their services in line with professional ethics and guidelines governing their operations.
Similarly; Dr Abdullahi Mohammed, a lecturer, Department of Mass Communications, Adamawa State Polytechnic, stressed the need for the journalists to be apolitical, neutral and objective in their reportage.
“Media houses should base their content on credible sources and not to report something that might constitute threat to corpotrate existence of the nation.
“When it comes to announcement of election results, they shouldn’t preempt the electoral umpire,” he said.
Moreso; Mr Sabo Mohammmed, a Bauchi-based political analyst, identified fake news as a bane to effective journalism.
He said the role of the media in agenda setting calls for caution and application of professional in discharging its constitutional mandate.
“Journalists need to be meticulous in sifting stories that are true and those that are false, used in achieving certain ends,” he said.
For his part, David Ayodele, a veteran journalist, said the media plays significant role in ensuring fair, objective, balance and proper investigation of news materials.
“You have a responsibility to be credible, professional and you must be residual of standard by setting a professional code for others to follow, especially during electioneering campaigns,” he said.
This, he said, is necessary for the sustenance of the country’s nascent democracy and political stability, adding that the media must be used positively for societal good rather than destructive purposes.
While urging journalists to be fair and objective in reporting election processes, Ayodele also tasked them to show more decorum and professionalism in reporting security and humanitarian issues.
News
Security forces Arrest Five, Rescue SSG Zamfara’s Family from Abductors

Security forces Arrest Five, Rescue SSG Zamfara’s Family from Abductors
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces in Zamfara have rescued family members of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Mohammed Abubakar Nakwada, who were abducted on July 27.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the victims, Sadiya Nakwada, Aisha Nakwada, and Abubakar Dan Fulani were rescued following a joint operation by the Zamfara State Police Command’s tactical teams and the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (FID STS) from Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Five suspects were arrested in connection with the case. They are Hamza Umar, Abubakar Abdullahi, Aisha Umar, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Igeh Mohammed, all residents of Mareri area in Damba District, Gusau LGA.
Sources said the victims have been taken to a Hospital in Gusau for medical attention, and will be reunited with their family soon.
Security forces Arrest Five, Rescue SSG Zamfara’s Family from Abductors
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VP Shettima Mourns Audu Ogbeh, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Iconic Statesman, Agric Revolutionist

VP Shettima Mourns Audu Ogbeh, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Iconic Statesman, Agric Revolutionist
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing his death as an immeasurable loss to Nigeria’s development trajectory and agricultural transformation agenda.
He described the distinguished elder statesman, who died on Saturday at the age of 78, as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated public servants and a visionary leader in agricultural development.
In a condolence message on Sunday, the Vice President said Chief Ogbeh’s contributions to the nation’s food security and rural development will forever remain etched in the country’s development history.
“We have not just lost a former minister; we have lost an architect of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance whose vision and dedication impacted our agricultural development as a nation.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was among the great public servants of our time, a man whose integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to national development defined his entire public life,” VP Shettima stated.
The Vice President recalled that Chief Ogbeh’s tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was marked by initiatives that revolutionised Nigeria’s agricultural sector and significantly contributed to the nation’s quest for food security.
“His leadership in agriculture was not just about policies and programmes; it was about touching lives, empowering farmers, and building a sustainable future for our rural communities. His vision extended beyond the immediate to encompass generations yet unborn,” Senator Shettima stated.
VP Shettima praised Ogbeh’s distinguished career in public service, noting the late elder statesman’s contributions across various sectors and his unwavering dedication to the ideals of good governance and national development.
The Vice President offered prayers for the repose of Chief Ogbeh’s soul and strength for his bereaved family.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, myself, and the entire government of Nigeria, I express our deepest condolences to the immediate and extended families of Chief Audu Ogbeh, the government and people of Benue State, and indeed all Nigerians who have been touched by his exemplary service,” he added.
VP Shettima Mourns Audu Ogbeh, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Iconic Statesman, Agric Revolutionist
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Marwa calls for collective action against drug abuse, cultism, banditry

Marwa calls for collective action against drug abuse, cultism, banditry
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has called for collective action involving families, religious and community leaders to stem the tide of substance abuse, cultism and banditry among Nigerian youths.
Marwa made the call while delivering the keynote address at a seminar with theme: “Dangers of drug abuse, cultism and banditry among youths”, organized by the Ijebu Ode Council of Olorituns in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state on Saturday
He called on all stakeholders to curb the menace of the inter-linked social vices of illicit drugs, cultism and banditry.
He said the triple threat of cult-related violence, rampant abuse of drugs and illicit substances, and the challenge of banditry across various regions, is a reality that must be dealt with decisively.

He said: “While these issues may appear distinct, they are intricately connected, feeding one another in a cycle of destruction that must be broken if our society is to thrive. Cultism, once largely confined to tertiary institutions, has insidiously spread into secondary schools and neighbourhoods. What began as secret gatherings has transformed into violent confraternities, often manipulated by political or criminal interests. These groups lure young people, often under the guise of brotherhood, protection or empowerment, into a world of fear, violence and premature death. Tragically, the hands of many of our youth have been stained with the blood of their peers, all for false promises of belonging and power.”
According to him, “It is projected that the number of people using drugs will increase by 40% in Africa. When they say Africa, I want us to think of Nigeria, because Nigeria has one of the highest drug use prevalences in the world.”
He however said that despite the projection by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), all hope is not lost. “As a nation and as communities, we still possess the power to reverse this trend”, he assured.
“The first step is collective responsibility. Parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, educational authorities and community leaders must rise with one voice against these vices. The family unit must be strengthened as the first point of moral instruction, while schools should be safe spaces that promote discipline, mentorship and awareness.
“We must also invest in youth development by creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and sports. Idle hands, as we know, are the devil’s workshop. When our young people find purpose and meaning, they are less likely to seek false validation from cults or drugs”, Marwa stated.
On how the NDLEA is responding to the challenge, Marwa said: “We have intensified our war against drug trafficking and abuse. Nationwide raids have led to significant seizures and arrests, which we share weekly on our official channels.
“In the past 54 months, we have arrested 67, 345 traffickers, including 95 barons, and 12, 415 of them are presently serving various jail terms. The barons we have arrested are not anonymous people in society. They include big business people and socialites—some of them have chieftaincy titles—and also government officials, including those tasked with maintaining law and order. That tells how deeply the rot had eaten into the fabric of our society.
“Within the period, we have seized more than 11.2 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and destroyed 1,572 hectares of cannabis farms mostly in Southwest States where some people are cultivating cannabis on a large scale, utilising land that should have been used for other cash crops for illicit crops.
“We are also scaling up our Drug Demand Reduction programmes, including school outreaches, community sensitisation and rehabilitation initiatives. We have within the same period conducted 11,584 sensitisatioin lectures in schools, work places, woship centres, motor parks, palaces of traditional rulers and communities, while 27, 187 drug users have been treated and rehabilitated through our 30 rehab facilities across the country in addition to thousands of others who have benefitted from the psychosocial support services provided on our toll-free helpline: 080010203040.”
The NDLEA boss, while challenging other stakeholders, said “we cannot do it alone. We need communities like Ijebu-Ode to partner with us, to speak up, to report suspicious activities and to support our advocacy drives.
“Moreover, security architecture must be enhanced at the grassroots level. Local vigilante groups, properly trained and coordinated, can serve as the eyes and ears of the community, working closely with law enforcement agencies to disrupt cult gatherings and prevent violent incidents.
“We must rekindle the moral and spiritual fabric of our society. We must remind our youth that there is dignity in labour, pride in learning and honour in integrity. The path to greatness is not paved with shortcuts of violence and drugs, but with hard work, vision and purpose.”
He commended the Council of Oloritun for organizing the seminar and the choice of the theme. “Your commitment to community and youth development is clear, and I encourage other councils across Nigeria to emulate this initiative. Let us rise as one people to rescue our children, secure our streets and restore the values that once defined our land”, he added.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Council, Chief Adebisi Adeola Alausa commended Marwa for accepting the Council’s invitation. He said: “Your presence today reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the future of our community and our nation. We are gathered here not merely as individuals, but as a united front, as traditional leaders, government officials, parents, educators, and most importantly, our youths, to confront challenges that threaten the very fabric of our society. The issues we address today, the drug abuse, cultism, and banditry, are not distant problems”
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Lekan Mustapha describe different approaches Marwa as a visionary leader based on his past records of performance as military governor of Borno and Lagos as well as his transformation of NDLEA into reckoning both locally and internationally. “That you honoured our invitation shows your passion for the job, the safety and protection of our youths from drug and other vices”, he added.
Marwa seized the opportunity of his presence in Ijebu Ode to pay the family of the late Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, a condolence visit.
Marwa calls for collective action against drug abuse, cultism, banditry
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