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ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray

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ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray
…Unveils 7-member jury for media award

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States has emphasized the important role the media has played in shaping the regional body in the last 50 years as it institutes a media excellence award to honour journalists.

This is as the regional body has unveiled a seven member jury for its maiden ECOWAS Journalistic Excellence Award.

ECOWAS was set up in May 1975 as an economic bloc to foster trade and free movement amongst member states, with the aim of improving the lives of its citizens.

It has lined up various activities to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration and the media award, is one of such.

Speaking at the unveiling of the jury, Dr. Omar Touray said that the media remained a strong partner and pillar in the regional body’s journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of the community citizens.

Touray who was represented by his Special Advisor, Economic & financial integration and partnerships, Mr. Mambury Njie, stressed that Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events but educators, mentors, nation leaders.

He said: “Over the last 50 years, the media has remained a strong partner and pillar in our journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of our community citizens.

“As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative for us to recognise and celebrate the journalists who have shaped our collective memory and those who have supported our challenges, championed our successes, and given voices to our aspirations.”

He added that: “The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award launched as part of our Golden Jubilee Celebration is more than a commission of journalistic achievement. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, one that promotes regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and development.

“Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events, they are educators, mentors, and nation leaders.”
He noted that in this digital age, where apps often copy misinformation, “it is imperative that we recognise and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage.”

Touray also tasked members of the jury to uphold the highest standards of evaluation, guided by the principles of objectivity and impartiality.

He added that merit should be upheld while applying a rigorous assessment approach to each entry with fairness and consistency.
“These hours are not just accolades, they are part of a legacy we are building for the next 50 years in our community. And that legacy begins with your dedication to identifying and honouring the best of West African journalism,” he added.

The award, according to the Director of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji is instituted as part of the regional body’s 50 anniversary programme.

The categories are print, television, radio, online and photography.

Ahofodji said it aimed at celebrating the media who have been reporting the affairs of the commission.

The jury is headed by Prof. Abdoulie Gassama, a Gambia veteran journalist and academia, is expected to review entries by the journalists and pick the eventual winners.

Other members of the jury are Dr. Adrienne Diop- Senegal; Paul Douakoutche- Benin Republic; Ms Filomena Silva- Cape Verde; Bamba Mafoumgbe- Cote d’Ivoire; Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal- Ghana; Mrs. Yemi Kolapo -Nigeria.

Ahofodji outlined the principles that should be followed in the selection process to include, the impact of the write ups, originality and quality.

He added that: “Our ambition is to make this event an annual activity that ECOWAS launches to build loyalty among the African media, but also and above all to encourage journalists to take an interest in its major achievements and its development programmes, which have a positive impact on the lives of the people of our member states.”

The Chairman of the jury, Prof. Gassama assured the commission that the team will do its utmost best to carry out its assignment.

He said: “We are tasked with recognising and celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity and commitment to their craft.

“We, as a seven-member jury, represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the media landscape. This diversity is our strength, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment of the entries before us.”

ECOWAS @50: Media Remains Partner, Pillar of Democracy, Peace, Security-Touray

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

By: Yahaya Wakili

The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a solidarity visit to the residence of the former chairman of the United Marketers Association Potiskum (UMAPO) and staunch member of APC in Potiskum, Alhaji Nasiru Mato.

The main purpose of the visit of the former Senate President is to sympathize with Alhaji Nasiru Mato following the unfortunate fire accident that gutted his house.

Senator Lawan was deeply saddened to witness the extent of the damage caused by the fire, and thanks Almighty Allah that no lives were lost in the accident.

He assured Alhaji Nasiru Mato of his support as he works to rebuild and recover from his setback, adding that such moments remind us of the importance of compassion and sacrifice for one another in times of need.

“But most importantly, we should always remember that Almighty Allah will always test us in various ways, including the loss of our possessions. May we always pass these tests. Amin,” Senator Ahmad Lawan said.

He also prays, May Allah (SWT) grant him and his family the strength to overcome this trial and replace what was lost with something better. Amen.

The Sardaunan Bade was accompanied during the visit by Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Gado Da Masun Bade, and Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gagiyo, among others.

Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Lt Col Adamu Ngulde has disclosed to the participants of Strategic Communication Course to prepare to further enhance their knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact Checking as part of the courses lined up for their training. He made this known on Friday 11 April 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the second quarter courses 2025 at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.

The acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to training them on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also said that in modern public relations, Strategic Communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he also reminded students of A1 Photojournalism Course the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities, telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale while graphic design and printing ensures that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered. Assuring them that NASPRI will provide a well package training for all students in line with their various courses.

Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI which has been instrumental in sustaining the standard the school upheld today. He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe and the Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke while reading out the course expectations stated that courses are prerequisite for career progression and service delivery and the students are therefore expected to meet up with the training objectives of the school as they will be tutored in many subjects which will equip them with the skills in handling the 5th Generation Warfare, which is information based. He admonished them to settle down quickly and ensure that they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively key into the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students on the need to acquaint themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of NASPRI and exhibit the highest standard of discipline required of military personnel as all acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated.
A total of 76 students assembled for the second quarter 2025 courses comprising of 16 Senior Officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 photojournalism and X3 Graphics Design and Printing

NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday attended the turbaning ceremony of legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), who was conferred with the title of the first Kuliya Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony which took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, attracted a host of senior government officials, traditional leaders, and prominent figures from the legal community across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded the recognition bestowed on Prof Ali, describing it as a reflection of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

He said, “Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali’s contributions to the legal system in Nigeria need not be overemphasized. Today’s event is an indication that the people of Ilorin, especially the Emirate in particular, have confidence in what he is doing, and I believe he will justify the confidence reposed in him.”

Governor Zulum further urged the honouree to stay true to his principles and continue serving society through his legal work.

“I advise him to continue to do all the good work that he has been doing so posterity will judge him positively,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded Prof. Ali’s contributions to legal development in Nigeria.

“Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali is not a stranger when it comes to contributions to legal development,” the Justice Minister said, noting that more than ceremonial recognition, the turbaning symbolized the enduring value of justice and service to society.

He continued: “If you heard the reason given by the Emir for conferring in him the prestigious title of “Kuliya Ngeri” which ordinarily means someone who stands for justice, you will know that we cannot overemphasize it.

“The role he has been playing in the judiciary, especially contributions to the rule of law at so many levels, you cannot be counting one by one. So, to me, it is a recognition well deserved. I urge him to take it up as a challenge so that he will continue to mentor people coming behind.”

Prof Yusuf Ali, who was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1997, has had a career in law spanning over four decades.

As Principal Partner at Ghalib Chambers, he is recognised as one of the most respected legal personalities in Nigeria, known for his integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice.

He is also a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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