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AT SUN NEWSPAPER AWARDS: President Tinubu On Right Path To Returning Nigeria To Greatness- VP Shettima
AT SUN NEWSPAPER AWARDS: President Tinubu On Right Path To Returning Nigeria To Greatness- VP Shettima
- Urges media to combat fake news, uphold ethical standards
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is on the right path to returning Nigeria to greatness.
According to him, with shared commitment, mutual respect and open dialogue, a brighter future would soon be at hand for Nigerians.
He however emphasized the crucial role the media must play in achieving this goal, calling for collaboration and a shared commitment to national progress.
Speaking at the weekend during The Sun Newspapers Awards in Lagos, Senator Shettima who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, stressed the crucial role of the media as “watchdogs, truth-seekers, and the voice that informs and empowers our citizens.”
In his speech titled, “Celebrating Excellence, Building Together: Our Commitment To Press Freedom And Media Development In Nigeria,” the Vice President noted that the media has the power to shape narratives, foster public discourse and hold institutions accountable.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just the exceptional work of individual journalists, but also the collective contribution of the media to Nigeria’s progress. As partners in progress, you have the power to shape narratives, foster public discourse, and hold institutions responsible. Your dedication to investigative journalism, balanced reporting, and fact-checking is essential for a thriving democracy,” he stated.
VP Shettima advocated for collaboration and mutual respect between the media and government, stressing the need for the media to hold the government accountable, just as he called for transparency and open access to information to foster an environment where journalists can work freely and safely.
He further noted President Tinubu’s commitment to a vibrant press, recognizing that “a free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy.”
While advocating press freedom, VP Shettima urged the media to uphold ethical standards, fact-check information, and avoid sensationalism to combat the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
The Vice President highlighted the recent strides by the federal government, including economic reforms, tackling security challenges, and investing in infrastructure, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, despite initial challenges, as yielding positive results with increased federal allocations to states.
“The government is commencing the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts. The initiative will revitalize the affected communities through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities. I inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative in fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians,” the Vice President said.
He also commended the sacrifices of journalists and expressed the government’s commitment to working together with the media to build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, assured Nigerians that the economic challenges bedeviling Nigeria would soon be a thing of the past.
He said while nation-building is a collective endeavour, the citizens must come together and support the government in its efforts in building a truly great Nigeria.
The SGF stated: “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shall remain steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for all Nigerians, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. While progress may seem slow at times, the vision for a better tomorrow remains resolute. We shall soon navigate successfully the current economic challenges.”
AT SUN NEWSPAPER AWARDS: President Tinubu On Right Path To Returning Nigeria To Greatness- VP Shettima
News
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.
“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.
He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
News
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.
The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.
The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.
The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.
Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.
The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.
In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.
Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.
Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.
Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
News
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy gun battle between troops and suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in casualties on both sides, security sources said on Monday.
The clash occurred when insurgents reportedly attacked a military camp, prompting troops to engage in a prolonged firefight. Security operatives said exploitation of the camp is still ongoing.
According to sources, items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades.
Sources noted blood stains and drags outside the camp, suggesting insurgent casualties during the encounter.
In a related development, troops reportedly intercepted an injured BHT fighter in the community who was being brought to the camp. The suspect attempted to escape, prompting additional gunfire, the sources said.
Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.
Further updates on casualties and operational outcomes are expected as clearance operations continue in the theatre of operations.
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
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