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2023: US urges media to give voice to all Nigerians

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2023: US urges media to give voice to all Nigerians

2023: US urges media to give voice to all Nigerians
Jeanne Clerk, Spokesperson, United States of America Embassy in Nigeria, says giving voice to all the governed, including the under-represented by the media, assists in reduceing voter apathy during elections.

Clerk, made the remark during a South-South town hall meeting with the theme, ‘’Setting Agenda for Sustainable Democratic Culture,’’ organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

She said that editors’ actions and decisions leveled the playing field as they determined whose voice was heard and what news topic received in-depth coverage.

Read Also: PDP Urges EFCC, AGF To Monitor Movement Of Funds In MDAs

The spokesperson noted that citizens and potential voters whose voices were not always amplified or heard were also interviewed during elections but were often neglected.

‘’You may not always realise it, but when you give voice to the governed and the under-represented, you help reduce voter apathy.

‘’We encourage you to take positive steps in favor of transparency.

‘’If your media house is owned by a politician or private business, what is the harm of clearly stating for all media consumers that the outlet is funded in whole or in part by said interest?

‘’By taking such action you empower your readers to assess potential bias in their own terms,’’ she said.

Clerk said that the only way to restore public confidence in democracy was through free and fair elections and reminded journalists of their crucial role in 2023 elections in the country.

According to her, the eyes of the world will be on Nigeria this year and early next year as the country prepares to choose a new president and transit to a new government.

Clerk explained that there was a significant positive multiplier effect whenever journalists did the right thing or took a well-documented, pioneering approach.

‘’When free and independent media publish previously unknown facts, write principled editorials or take a stand to defend and protect other courageous journalists, the public takes note and trust is built and re-built.

‘’On the other hand, we know that not everyone is principled and well-meaning in your field or any other field.

‘’Trust cannot be nurtured when media houses play favorites and charge varying rates, for example, to politicians and candidates for the same level of broadcast time or publicity.

She noted that accepting money from self-interested players or maligning actors to publish favourable or unfavourable stories undermined the public’s trust in the media.

Clerk also said that such actions eroded journalistic integrity, and defeated the media’s ability to play a transparent oversight role over government actions.

‘’If economics are at the root of such unfortunate practices, then you need to insist and ensure that journalists get paid a living wage,” she said.

The spokesperson said that was necessary so that no journalist would be forced to rely on brown envelope payments to cover events.

Also speaking, a Fellow of the guild, Tony Iyare, said that the issue being discussed was very critical to the survival of democracy and the media.

Iyare, who spoke in place of the Lead Speaker, Prof. Benjamin Okala of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, said that only when there was a democratically set-up that the media could work.

He urged the media to always defend the sustainability of democracy, encouraging them not to allow the nation to ‘’blow out.’’

‘’We have a stake; we must be critical in our reporting; we must set the agenda for this country; let’s put the politicians on the grill.

‘’If we do not do our work well, Nigeria is going to be a bigger joke to all of us,’’ Iyare cautioned.

The Rivers Commissioner for Information, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, urged journalists to stand firm at the period of elections and show the gladiators that they must promote issue-based campaigns.

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Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

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Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.

Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

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Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

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Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.

Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.

On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.

He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.

He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”

The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.

She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”

The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.

Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.

The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.

Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.

The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.

She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

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Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

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Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

By: Zagazola Makama

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.

“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.

The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.

Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.

In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.

The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

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