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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
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Army Headquarters Garrison, in conjunction with Operation SWEEP, have conducted a clearance operation across several areas of the Federal Capital Territory, dismantling illegal shanties and structures suspected of providing cover for criminal activities.
The operation was conducted at about 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, across Karshi, Jeje, Kurape and Nyanya areas of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Security personnel raided and dismantled several illegal shanties and structures during the operation as part of efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens within the capital.
The operation is part of ongoing security efforts to improve surveillance and maintain control over vulnerable areas that could be exploited by criminals.
The Mai-Anguwa of Nyanya commended the troops for the operation and pledged to sustain effective communication with Army Headquarters Garrison and other security agencies by providing credible information on suspicious activities.
Security personnel are expected to sustain the operation and continue intelligence-led patrols in the affected areas to prevent criminal elements from re-establishing their presence.
The development highlights the importance of sustained community-security collaboration in identifying emerging threats and preventing criminal networks from exploiting informal settlements and unregulated structures.
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist, Courier in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have arrested two suspected terrorists, including an alleged terrorist courier linked to kidnapping activities along the Okene–Auchi road in Kogi State.
The suspects were apprehended at about 1:15 p.m. on August 23, 2026, around the Okene axis of Okene Local Government Area, following an intelligence report on the movement of suspected terrorist elements.
According to security sources, one of the suspects was allegedly involved in kidnapping operations along the Okene–Auchi road and adjoining areas.
Troops recovered two mobile phones with charging cords, a power bank, four litres of palm oil, portions of cow meat, clothing and ₦901,080 in cash from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said the arrests provide an opportunity to investigate the logistics and support networks sustaining criminal activities along the Okene–Auchi corridor.
The military is expected to intensify intelligence-led operations in the area to identify other members of the suspected network and disrupt their movement and supply channels.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist, Courier in Kogi
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack, Recover AK-47 and Communication Devices in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists on their position at Dekara in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred at about 8:24 a.m. on August 23, 2026, when suspected terrorists engaged troops deployed in the area.
The troops responded and successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to withdraw towards the surrounding forest.
During subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Security personnel also recovered six motorcycles, 49 mobile phones, nine batteries and 10 memory cards reportedly abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Drone surveillance subsequently captured two suspected injured terrorists being evacuated on motorcycles towards the Kainji Lake National Park.
Troops have continued to dominate the area and maintain pressure on the fleeing terrorists to deny them freedom of action and prevent them from regrouping.
The recovery of the weapons and communication devices is expected to provide valuable intelligence for ongoing operations, particularly in identifying terrorist networks, their communication channels and movement corridors around the Kainji Lake National Park.
The operation comes amid intensified security efforts to prevent terrorist elements from exploiting the forested areas along the Nigeria–Benin border as safe havens and mobility corridors.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack, Recover AK-47 and Communication Devices in Niger
Troops Raid Illegal Shanties, Clear Criminal Hideouts in Abuja
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist, Courier in Kogi
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack, Recover AK-47 and Communication Devices in Niger
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