National News
CAPPA organizes round table for reporters in Borno as the polity counts down to 2027 election year
CAPPA organizes round table for reporters in Borno as the polity counts down to 2027 election year
By: Bodunrin Kayode
As part of its commitment to promoting citizen participation and non-violent engagements before, during, and post-election era, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) recently organised a two-day capacity-building training for media practitioners in Borno State.
The training organized with the support of the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU EDGN), attracted the cream of reporters in Borno state with the aim of refreshing their skills at promoting peace during elections through conflict-sensitive reporting.
Speakers during the two days session included media and civil society activists which exposed media practitioners to elements of media coverage, inclusive reporting and fact-checking of the electoral processes in Nigeria.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while welcoming participants, noted that the media as a critical stakeholder has a crucial role to play in fostering peace during the pre-and post-election periods.
Oluwafemi, represented by the Policy and Research Manager of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh, harped on the need to promote non-biased reporting even as political reporters becoming conversant with the nation’s electoral process.
Speaking on the topic “Expanding Nigeria’s Democracy and Civic Space: The Media as Drivers for Sustainable Democracy,” Olufemi maintained that journalists can effectively use their pen to shape the country’s economic situation and hold the government accountable to the people.
He acknowledged the historical role and contribution of the media towards Nigeria’s independence and entrenchment of the present democracy, adding that journalists remain critical stakeholders of the country’s electoral process.
In his paper on “The Media’s Role as Society’s Watchdog” Robert Egbe, Media and Communications Officer at CAPPA noted that the media plays a vital role in ensuring good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
“However, it faces numerous challenges that threaten its ability to fulfil this role effectively. To strengthen its watchdog role, the media must adhere to professional standards, and find innovative ways to overcome economic constraints which will strengthen it to better resist government interference.
“By upholding its watchdog role, the media can contribute significantly to building a more just, equitable, and democratic Nigeria,” Egbe added.
Project Assistant, EU-SDGN II initiative at CAPPA, Chidinma Eferebo, whose presentation was delivered by Abayomi Sarumi, Senior Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, identified the goals of the training, including “to examine challenges facing journalists in reporting elections and electioneering processes in Nigeria and to build the capacities of journalists in non-biased reporting and promotion of peaceful and nonviolent electoral processes.
Shade Oyelade, Policy and Legal Drafting Officer, CAPPA stressed journalists understanding of the laws governing their profession and election reportage through her presentation titled: ‘The Electoral Law and Provisions for the Media’.
She noted that “Understanding and adhering to electoral laws and media provisions is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“These laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines ensure that voters receive accurate and unbiased information, contribute to fair and competitive elections, and uphold the tenets of the democratic process.
“The media as an essential fulcrum of the electoral process plays a strategic role in ensuring this is attainable.”
Abayomi Sarumi, Programme & Digital Campaign Manager, CAPPA, in his contribution titled “Fact-checking and the digital media trends”, emphasised, among others, the need for journalists to confirm information before publishing.
He introduced participants to media resources that can enhance their reportage, including Google Reverse Image Search or TinEye.com for images and RevEye.com or InVid for videos.
An engaging session on “Conflict Sensitive Journalism: Election and Post-Election Roles of the Media” was presented by Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), represented by Gbenga Akingbule, correspondent of the Wall Street Journal.
Arogundade stressed on the need to acquire several skills, including how to carry out conflict analysis and mapping in the context of elections, know how to de-escalate electoral conflicts and provide peace messages, how to respect the sensibilities of others, especially vulnerable groups during elections and how to play a desired role in the management of electoral conflicts.
Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher, BO News Service in her paper titled ‘Inclusive Reporting: Understanding Elections and Disability Act’, highlighted the provisions of the Disability Act and how journalists need to shape their reports to enhance the smooth participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the electoral process.
Oladunjoye, who stressed the importance of using the right language in reporting disability issues during elections, charged journalists to ensure a positive portrayal of PWDs in media reports.
In her remarks, she maintained that “Inclusive election reporting is crucial for a fair and democratic process. Journalists should play a key role in ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups; women, youths and PWDs are heard and respected.
“Journalists should also commit to inclusive practices in election reporting and supporting initiatives that promote the rights of marginalized groups in the electoral process, bearing in mind that elections are not limited to the polls.”. She posited.
In her interactive presentation titled: “Post-Session Reactions & Commitment Building” CAPPA’s Policy and Research Manager, Zikora Ibeh commended the media for their efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
She charged journalists not to be daunted by challenges in carrying out their duties but to continue in their agenda setting roles which is very important for the progress of our hard earned democracy.
CAPPA organizes round table for reporters in Borno as the polity counts down to 2027 election year
National News
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.
Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its freedom from French colonial rule in 1960. The day is marked by national pride, with ceremonies, parades and cultural events.
The Vice President’s attendance at the annual event is in honour of an invitation extended to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following the strong mutual relationship between Nigeria and Senegal.
The independence Day celebrations will be held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar, with President Faye playing host to Vice President Shettima and other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.
The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow after the one-day event.
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Dakar To Represent President Tinubu At Senegal’s 65th Independence Anniversary
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
- Tasks Nigerians on constructive criticism of government actions, policies
By: Our Reporter
Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has scored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu very high, saying the President is building a better Nigeria for Nigerians through his laudable economic policies, various empowerment initiatives and investments in key sectors of the economy.
And to help the President secure a better future for all Nigerians, the VP’s wife also encouraged the citizens not to relent in giving very useful advice to the government, urging them to be more constructive in their criticism of the administration instead of just attacking for political reasons.
Hajiya Nana Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the annual Ramadan feast, which had in attendance women groups and students
Emphasizing the determination of the Tinubu administration to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, she said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is baking a new cake for us that are alive today, and for the Nigerian children and grandchildren that are coming behind us. It is who he is ably supported by our lovely First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”
Hajiya Nana Shettima noted that the President means well for the people of Borno State as well as Nigerians in all parts of the country, even as she urged the citizens to always pray for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet.
“I can tell you that he (the President) means well, not only for Borno people but for the entire nation. We should not forget him and his subordinates in our prayers,” she added.
She further commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contributions towards actualizing the agenda of the administration, especially through the Renewed Hope Initiative which she said has impacted many lives, including women, children and people with disabilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Abuja, Dr Asabe Bashir, admonished women and the people of Borno State to imbibe the teachings of the just concluded Ramadan.
She also sought the people’s support and prayers for President Tinubu, thanking the President for picking his deputy from Borno State.
She said, “I always reiterate the importance of prayer because without prayers we can do nothing in life. We have just come out of Ramadan; let us imbibe that culture and lessons we received during the 29-day fast. We need to continue with the spiritual reflection.
“We should thank God and President Bola Tinubu for remembering the people of Borno State again by bringing the seat of the Vice President, not just to the North-East region but to Borno State after Ambassador Babagana Kingibe was elected along with the late Chief MKO Abiola so many years ago.
“We must continue to pray for the administration of President Bola Tinubu because if it succeeds, we succeed,” Dr Bashir added.
On his part, the Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Tijjani Abubakar, thanked President Tinubu for his support to Nigerian youths through various youth empowerment initiatives.
Also, Dr Martins Ekunke, who spoke on behalf the South-South, Yoruba and Igbo communities residing in Borno State, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for galvanizing support for people living with HIV/AIDS through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Among those that attended the annual Sallah feast hosted by Hajiya Shettima, were the wife of the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Maryam Lawan; wife of the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Laure Musa-Askira; female Commissioners and political appointees.
Also in attendance were women groups, members of the Borno State chapter of the Nationals Association of Nigerian Students, as well as the leaders of South-South, Igbo and Yoruba communities residing in Borno State, among others.
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
UNILORIN Alumni Commences Tinubu on Appointment of Nandap, Omotowa, Aribisala
By: Michael Mike
The National Headquarters of University of Ilorin Alumni Association has lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing three of its members into various leadership positions in the country.
Those appointed were Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap,, whose tenure was elongated till December 2026, Non Executive Director of NNPC, representing North Central, Mr Babs Omotowa- and the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. James A. Aribisala.
In a congratulatory message to the trio, the National President, Prof. AbdulRasaq Kilani, and the National Secretary, Dr Barakat Raji, said the Association received the news of the appointments with excitement.
The Alumni, who commended President Tinubu for selecting the best for their various positions, assured him that the three alumni would not disappoint him in attaining the goals set for them to achieve.
While felicitating with the appointed members on their well-deserved appointment, the Association charged them to always show the excellence in them in surpassing the targets set for them by Mr President.
The Association who extolled the pedigrees of the appointed members in their various fields, implored them to live up to the expectations of the slogan of the institutions “better by far” in all ramifications.
The Alumni then prayed for their successful tenure and tasked them not to hesitate to reach out to them whenever their services are needed in any capacity towards national development.
UNILORIN Alumni Commences Tinubu on Appointment of Nandap, Omotowa, Aribisala
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Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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