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Media Regulation: Panelists go against new law in Nigeria
Media Regulation: Panelists go against new law in Nigeria
Panelists at a conference on Media regulation in Abuja have again gone against any planned regulation of media practice in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on the topic: “The Media and the Defence of the Civic Space,” organized by the Kukah Centre in conjunction with OSIWA and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, the panelists submitted that the media has enough mechanism to regulate itself and does not need any new law.
The team of panelists includes respected practitioners, Executive Director/CEO, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, Motunrayo Alaka, Former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian and Fellow, Weatherhead Centre, Harvard University, Emeka Izeze, Managing Director, Arise News, Christian Ogodo, Head of Current Affairs, DAAR Communications Plc, Amaechi Anakwue, Digital Media Strategist and International Speaker, JJ Omojuwa.
Izeze said Nigeria civil space predates the government as we have been having civil conversations in the country that make us Nigerians despite our social, cultural and religious dichotomy.
He said Nigerian civil space has grown in leaps and bounds, and has been responsible for the political development of the country, from colonial rule, through first republic to military rule, then second republic back to military rule until the new democratic governance.
Izeze said the civil space unfortunately is threatened now even more than under the military dictatorship and there is now a need to return to the vibrant Nigerian civil space which makes Nigerian different and distinct from any other nationalities.
On his part, Christian Ogodo said the universe is made smaller by technology which has brought everybody together and has changed civil space, making everyone a practitioner.
He said it has become impossible to clampdown on the media like it was done in the past when journalists could easily be locked up.
He said with the advent of social media, everyone is now a journalist on the move, insisting however that many with the prerequisite training have brought new challenges that need to be addressed.
He however said that both traditional and social media have mechanisms to weed off the chaff and should be allowed to grow unimpeded.
Anakwue said Nigeria used to have active civil space before independence which continued to expand until 1999 but now we have witnessed a space that is shrinking, lamenting that “corruption has affected everything and the media is being swallowed.”
He added that the pressure that has made it difficult for traditional media to effectively function is now taking up by social media.
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Alaka said the civil space is now tense and facing uncertainties at the moment in the country, calling on the media being the oldest institution of democracy to come out to play the role assigned to it by the constitution.
She said: “The fact we see today is that the legislators, despite the fact that they should be representatives of the people, are representing themselves.”
She however said: “Good that we have the social media to broaden the civil space but it has brought with it its challenges.”
Omojuwa said there should be accountability for the active participants in the civil space, insisting that you cannot ask for accountability when you cannot yourself be held accountable.
All the panelists, however, admitted that the media has in-built mechanisms to regulate its practitioners and need no external control or new laws.
In his keynote address, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Fr. Matthew Hasan Kukah said the advent of the social media which has created “journalists” all over is not necessarily a bad thing.
He likened journalists to the faith community, insisting that “journalism and faith community are the same, just like the faith community where we have churches all over, the advent of social media has created journalists and editors everywhere.”
He however said there is no need for the government to introduce regulation as it is left for the people to decide which medium to be trusted.
Media Regulation: Panelists go against new law in Nigeria
Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities
By: Michael Mike
A 35-man delegation of Chinese business leaders have visited Nigeria with the purpose of investing in the country and establishing partnerships in Nigerian businessmen.
The visit which was facilitated by the Pan-African Expansion Industrial Nigeria Ltd, saw the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), hosting the delegation. NCSP had earlier visited China to promote Nigeria and invite Chinese investors to the country.
A statement by the NCSP at the weekend, read: “In line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) hosted a 35-man delegation of Chinese business leaders interested in investing and establishing partnerships in Nigeria.
“The delegation, whose visit was facilited by Pan-African Expansion Industrial Nigeria Ltd, comprised of companies with interests in Science and Technology, Mining, Construction, Real estate, Healthcare, Tourism and E-commerce. They were received by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe. Mr Jason Zhu, the delegation lead, highlighted areas of desired investments in Nigeria, leveraging on China’s industrial and technological advancements.
“While welcoming the delegation, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) noted that Nigeria offers a dynamic and increasingly attractive business environment, marked by significant growth and abundant opportunities for investment. As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria significantly contribute to the continent’s GDP, boasting a vibrant and resilient market and a business climate that benefits from a large and youthful population, a strategic geographic location, and a government dedicated to implementing reforms that enhance economic stability and investor confidence. He highlighted policies and programmes that investors can key into, including investment in Free Trade Zone to boost exports from Nigeria.”
Responding to questions, the DG emphasized that Nigeria is positioned to serve as the gateway to business across the African continent. However, he urged the investors to prioritize local production, stating that Nigeria seeks to move beyond merely exporting raw commodities. Instead, the focus is on upgrading exports to value-added products. He encouraged the delegation to bring advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities to support this goal, which aligns with the nation’s industrialization aspirations.
The statement added that: “Nigeria’s thriving technology sector stands as a beacon of opportunity. The country has produced several tech unicorns, such as Andela and Flutterwave, and continues to attract global investments. With China leading the way in technological innovation, deeper collaboration in this sphere offers immense potential. Strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and China would yield mutual benefits, including increased trade and investment, job creation, enhanced infrastructure and knowledge transfer.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) represented by Mrs Victoria Aigbedion outlined the entry protocols for the investors to register their businesses, and the incentives they can take advantage of. She noted that the NIPC is committed to making the process timely and hitch-free.
Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership was established to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments, aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The event marked another significant step in deepening the Nigeria-China business relationships and is expected to foster a mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities
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
National News
NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE
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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Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities
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