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My binoculars: NUJ and the dangers of unleashing unexposed journalists on contemporary Nigeria 

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4 years ago

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My binoculars: NUJ and the dangers of unleashing unexposed journalists on contemporary Nigeria 

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Reading through a piece written by one Rev father Kelvin Ugwu, titled ” why I talk about election and politics” a lot of lessons can be fished out for the younger generation who believe so much in living the “false life” when it is election time making themselves easy tools by dangerous politicians. That literary false life which Professors Gambo and Pate warned in separate fora will not take us anywhere if we mean to carry out our roles as members of the fourth estate of the realm. There is so much I am yet to write about the recent training sessions on safety anchored by the new executive of the Borno State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) and the very strong pronouncements of Professor Danjuma Gambo, at the Dijuma hotel where one of the sessions were held. 

Professor Gambo incidentally is one of the key pillars of the department of Mass communications of the University of Maiduguri in Borno state. As one of the speakers said during the 2 days training session, the erudite Prof has been called so many names including a “difficult man” by those who do not want to be educated but believe they are entitled to a certificate after four years. But you know what, the Prof is doing all these to move his products from where they think they have arrived to where they should be in terms of professional excellence. I  will do the same thing even if you call me names in the typical Nigerian laissez-fair way of doing things. Even though he was not wearing the academic garb on that day Prof Gambo had a gift for everyone who calls himself a journalist in Nigeria. Very strong professional messages were passed down which to me were gifts for staying the course in the profession as we cruise towards the general election. Most of the younger ones heard stuffs they never picked in the classroom. Profs Danjuma Gambo and Umar Pate will surely have their mention days very soon inside my Binoculars

To Ugwu, if at 36 this young man of God can think proactively, it is a big lesson to young and unstable journalists anywhere. It is always better to aim high but the worse that can happen to a man is to build castles in the air. Take yourself to the clouds where evil thoughts abound and return to the reality on earth. This young Ugwu has been given so many powerful positions yet he remains focused and normal in his late thirties were many professionals are still very “unstable” and “non right thinking”. When one is given an opportunity like Ugwu and still floating in the air when removed from a place by circumstances created by nature, one is still  supposed to remain normal. And not going about harassing young ones in that institution and refusing to come back to reality even when the political god father who brought you on board dies suddenly. These are some of the excesses we are supposed to purge ourselves of as journalists who wish to keep our professional reputations. 

Composure of journalists during any form of elections period or year

A colleague once asked me why I stuck my head out for Chairman Dauda Ilya in the last elections. What if he fails? he asked smiling. How will you manage the disappointment? Don’t you think you are supposed to be discreet? I quickly responded. Comrade life itself is like a game. You win small and loose small. If my candidate looses I will remain myself. I will not go about trying to patch my reputation like an all knowing person who has no business loosing like I see among some young colleagues. This is because I have never seen elections anywhere as a do or die matter. I have lost so many material things and opportunities in this short life but have equally gained others so to me loosing is not a challenge. I lost my father at 57 in 1987 but life continued. I did not loose my self esteem when I was training without his support to become a journalist. I did menial jobs to survive. Now that I am involved in guiding younger journalists into the right paths I don’t have any reason to believe that my reputation will be poisoned for seeing quality in a particular candidate and standing openly with him instead of hiding behind the clouds. I will never allow any one to puncture my reputation especially if the person is a journalistic brat who has 30 more years to tread where I have dared to walk before now.  Loosing an election does not mean that a man has reached his elastic limits so he must look for drugs or Marijuana to compensate his punctured self esteem. A journalist should be far stronger than that. In fact quoting from Professor Gambo it is good to try to be daring and safe during the course of doing the job. However, any professional who is not ready to “die” for doing the right thing is not ready to be a journalist. 

The dangers of remaining certificated yet dangerously unexposed 

Thank God my candidate won, I wish younger journalists will learn one lesson or two from the humility of Chairman Dauda Ilya. He is not infected with any form of sublime “inferiority complex” and will surely not use a bigger colleague to shine. He knows his strengths and weaknesses and will never deliberately outshine masters in the game. He is an obvious team player who has an on the spot perception of our problems. He understands that he cannot be the only tree in the forest which is why he learnt the ropes very fast. 

He also reads widely and has tried to expose himself through books. Dauda Ilya is the chairman of nuj today but he will never go to another chat room to say I am the chair, you have no right to do this while I am the chair. Despotism is not in his character because he has taken his time to understand the power game of the NUJ. As young as he is in the game, he may be perceived as reticent but that is the haul mark of a well trained professional. Listening more than talking. He has learnt practical diplomacy from some of us he is never ashamed to associate with. If there is an issue to be sorted. Be prepared because he will call you directly to iron it out so that your persona is not injured in any way. That is the persona of a man who is ready for greater assignments beyond that of the state as chairman of the NUJ. 

When Dogs hunt for dog meat to eat 

I remember my mentor Professor Ralph Akinfeleye used to say in class that when dog bites a man it’s no news but when a man decides to bite a dog it’s news. I actually saw it in an online flick recently making the rounds in which a puppy was tormenting a young lad. He simply picked the puppy and bit it and it scampered away screaming in pain. That is a big lesson for cub reporters to know that they should avoid the dog eat dog syndrome now that the nation is anticipating an election just around the corner. A bigger dog can always chew a smaller one and get away with it if the cub or puppy behaves silly. But when two big rottweilers start to bite themselves over superiority or space them there is fire on the mountain. Only the old dogs in our case, the veterans can come in to intervene. 

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nigeria-ingo-forum-expressed-concern-over-killing-of-aid-worker-reiterates-commitment-to-life-saving-in-borno/

Younger colleagues who go about using the reputation of older colleagues to oil their deflated egos after an election are surely suffering from “inferiority complex” or drugs induced fatigues. The drugs such members indulge in secretly will never allow them to know when they are digging their own graves for destruction. They are found in many other professions but we tend to ignore them when they get high within ours. I think we should begin to worry about them and look out for post traumatic stress disorder too. 

The dangers of un-exposure

Mark you, this alarm is not about the sound of their certification or the former positions they held but their self induced backwardness in their calling which is affecting their relationships with people. They are generally unexposed and do not understand the relationship between  certification and exposure which cannot be picked from an academic classroom. 

If indeed you are a bigger dog, you will realize that there is no need to respond to some of their tirades. This is simply because it’s not worth it. We shall continue to pray for them not to die young from the drug induction which some of them have decided to hold on to at their own peril. When you read the admonition of the young Kelvin posted on top you will always see that those who the God’s want to destroy they first make mad. Be guided if you belong to the younger generation of journalists who take hard drugs and alcohol and rob it on your colleagues when you loose control. This is because the future ahead may be too complex for you to navigate without guidance. In fact it could be suicidal to do so. 

My binoculars: NUJ and the dangers of unleashing unexposed journalists on contemporary Nigeria 

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Columns

Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

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2 days ago

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June 11, 2026

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Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

By Balami Lazarus

Insecurity remains the most daunting challenge confronting Nigeria today, undermining our very existence and threatening the social and economic fabric of the nation. As a concerned citizen and observer of Nigeria’s ongoing crises, I hereby present my personal and radical perspective on how to eradicate this menace once and for all. This discourse is not an official stance of any institution but rather a heartfelt plea for decisive and transformative actions.

The scale of insecurity in Nigeria is alarming. Kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism have become the ominous triad casting a shadow over the country. Daily headlines recount stories of abductions, killings, and destruction of property, raising urgent questions: Are Nigerians truly safe? What concrete measures have our leaders put in place? Equally important, what roles are citizens playing in reversing this trend? The answers to these questions are not encouraging.

Drawing inspiration from the defiant spirit of the rock band Twisted Sister and their 1984 anthem, “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” the Nigerian people are increasingly exasperated with governmental inertia and broken promises. There is a collective realization that the status quo is untenable, and something must change radically. Yet, the fog of insecurity thickens, shrouded in layers of suspected conspiracies and opaque dealings that complicate straightforward solutions.

Having reflected deeply on the root causes and potential remedies, I propose a multi-dimensional and radical strategy aimed at dismantling the structures that perpetuate insecurity. This approach challenges conventional wisdom and demands bold leadership and citizen cooperation. It begins with the fundamental re-evaluation of Nigeria’s historical, geographical, and political arrangements—a re-examination crucial for any meaningful intervention.

First and foremost, restructuring Nigeria is imperative. Our current centralized system breeds inefficiency and disconnects governance from ground realities. A major component of this restructuring is the establishment of state police forces across all federating units. Each state should deploy well-trained, properly equipped security personnel, armed with sophisticated weaponry and clear operational mandates to combat insurgents, kidnappers, and bandits proactively. Presently, the absence of localized policing forces handicaps rapid response and intelligence gathering, allowing criminal elements to thrive.

State police would serve as frontline defenders, customizing security strategies to the unique threats within their jurisdictions. The federal police force can then focus on broader national security tasks rather than overstretching its already limited resources. By decentralizing policing, the government would empower states to take ownership of their security challenges, fostering accountability and efficiency.

Nigeria has already paid a dear price in lives lost and properties destroyed due to insecurity. The ripple effects extend to economic downturns, reduced foreign investment, and increased poverty—factors that further entrench instability. Given the apparent lack of political will by federal authorities to decisively confront these threats, an alternative democratic mechanism such as a national referendum on regional governments should be considered. This would allow the six geopolitical zones plus the Middle Belt to govern their affairs with greater autonomy, tailoring policies and security frameworks to local needs.

Such regionalism could dilute the potency of criminal networks by disrupting their operations and reducing the power vacuum currently exploited in many areas. Regional governments would also be better positioned to address socio-economic development, a vital component in the fight against insecurity since marginalization and unemployment often fuel violence.

However, if these reforms fail or are ignored, a more drastic option looms: the peaceful separation and balkanization of Nigeria into distinct republics. While controversial, this last-resort proposal recognizes the deep divisions exacerbating insecurity and mistrust among ethnic and regional groups. Envision independent states such as Biafra, Oduduwa, Niger Delta Republic, Middle Belt Republic, and Arewa, alongside any other ethnic groups seeking self-determination. Would insecurity persist in this new arrangement? I argue capital “no.”

Fragmenting the country along ethnic and cultural lines could usher in relative peace by allowing homogeneous populations to govern themselves without imposed central authority that currently breeds conflict. While skeptics fear such a breakup could trigger further violence, history suggests that forced unity without consensus breeds chronic instability. Thus, a consensual and peaceful partition might be preferable to ongoing bloodshed and despair.

This is not a call for reckless division but a candid assessment of the realities Nigerians face daily. The government, under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, stands at a crossroads. It can either embrace genuine reforms and act boldly to restructure governance and security frameworks or risk the disintegration of the Nigerian state altogether.

I believe Nigeria’s insecurity crisis demands radical and multifaceted solutions beyond incremental adjustments. The establishment of state police forces, regional autonomy through a national referendum, and, if necessary, peaceful balkanization represent pathways to ending this menace. The time for rhetoric is over; the moment for courageous and visionary action is now. If neglected, Nigeria’s unity and stability will unravel, leaving behind fractured states grappling with even graver challenges.

I urge the government, stakeholders, and citizens alike to consider these proposals thoughtfully and engage in frank discussions about the future of our nation. Only then can we hope to reclaim the peace and prosperity that every Nigerian deserves.

Balami Lazarus

Publisher/Columnist

08036779290

Radical Approach: Ways of Ending the Menace of Insecurity in Nigeria

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Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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2 weeks ago

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May 29, 2026

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Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

By: Balami Lazarus

Long-term investments have never been the likes of most Nigerians. In fact, few have come to realize the secret of letting my money work for me through my investments in some going concerns (businesses).

Good and profitable investments in the three businesses

Arms will go a long way for financial independence and freedom.

Let me draw your attention to life in the jungle where rules are conditioned based on territorial control. The honey badger, the most fearless of all animals, has no respect for territories, including the swamps where crocodiles are kings. The Honey Badgers have long realized that their physical strength and ability do not lie in their size but in their biological capacity and anatomical system to do what they are used to doing at ease among other animals in the wild.

Similarly, if you invest and take a position in the three business investments, no doubt your returns on investments (RoI) will give you the desired results to control and rule without territorial limits in your domestic affairs and the environment.

I am not a business owner but a part owner of some businesses. One thing I know, and I always do, is to continue to develop and improve myself with knowledge in business investments for financial freedom and independence, considering my attitudes for self-freedom for when to do and/or not to do. Reasonably, you can exhibit this financial freedom through your returns on investments (RoI).

This has taught me what to do and when. It has further educated me on how, when, and where to invest—short or long-term period. I have also learned to develop some businesses and lease them out to other people to run them.

The information age has these days made making money through investments much easier and cheaper for those who want to be financially independent if tomorrow comes, most times with a modicum of health.

challenges.

Investment benefits will improve and

stabilized your mental and social life; an alibi to aging gracefully when the body is tired, weak, and fragile.

What are these three (3) arm investments? The phrase is my coinage, which simply means property (real estate), agriculture, and stocks. While some called it business streams. However, the good

The thing about investments is that an investor is making money in other businesses and is free from being part of the management of the business.

Therefore, the objective of every business investment is to translate them into financial gains. That is why core investors are always on the lookout for investment opportunities to put their money in and become part owners of the business concerns.

This piece, I believe, will be food for thought for wise minds. Better late than never.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist 08036779290

Holdings in Three Arm Business Investments, a Path to Financial Freedom

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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2 months ago

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April 21, 2026

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Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

By: Balami Lazarus

This piece made me recall my attempt to write the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) examinations years ago that I cannot remember now. I deliberately failed to continue with no reasons to give or shift blame as an escape route, which humans many do to console themselves of their failures. I (the writer) have learned never to do that.

However, no knowledge or experience is a waste for a wiseman. Hence, this work is derived from the knowledge gotten from the handouts and books I read on capital, equity, and/or stock market investments, where patience is the guiding principle as an investor taking into consideration this formula: Money > Units (Stocks) × Time + Patience = capital appreciations/dividends.

Many Nigerians are unaware of this equity/capital market. And if they do, they lack knowledge on what to do and how to invest in this market (kasuwan hanun jari).

It will shock you to know that there are so many share certificates in the hands of the citizens, amounting to thousands of units of shares worth billions of naira put together, laying fallow, not knowing what to do with them.

For I have seen many and assisted friends and relatives on what to do. Thanks for the digitalization of the market; it has made things much easier for investors and traders, including dividend payments currently taking place.

And surprisingly, there is over $190 billion in unclaimed dividends in the coffers of the federal government under the watch of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is the regulatory body.

This large amount of money came as a result of some shareholders not knowing how to claim their dividends. While others may be due to the attitudes of procrastination.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), now officially Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, which is run as a public liability company guided by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with its nomenclature as (NGX), also has her stocks traded on the exchange floor at Lagos.

I will not say much on the NGX. But be informed it is the trading floor of public companies’ stocks listed with the exchange where traders and investors can buy and sell their stocks or simply shares from Mondays to Fridays (5 times) in a week from 9am to 2pm daily.

Every year most companies hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM), informing their shareholders of the progress of their companies and whether or not to declare dividends to their shareholders depending on the strength of profits after tax (PAT) to those whose names appear on the list of the company registrars before the date of declaration.

The season of dividend declarations is most times done in April through June of each year. However, companies’ dividends vary in the sum of money paid to their shareholders depending on their units’ holdings in each company as part owners.

Dividends have added monetary value to shareholders and, by extension, improved the capacity of small- and medium-scale businesses in the economy because of the large amounts of money that have been paid into their various accounts either as individuals or as business enterprises.

Investors and capital market watchers are one group in society that is better informed on this segment of the Nigerian economy. And the investing group of citizens are making millions upon millions of naira from their investments in the market.

Take Guaranty Trust Company (GTCO) Plc, owners of Guaranty Trust Bank, as an example. Having declared a dividend of 11.67kobo per share for her shareholders. And assuming you, the reader, have a shareholding of only 1 million units. #11.67k x 1m = to #11,670,000 less 10% withholding tax (WHT), you will be credited with #10,503,000 your dividend as return on investment (RoI) on 28th April 2026 payment date.

What a profitable investment/dividend payment season.

Balami, Publisher/Columnist. 08036779290

Companies: Season of Dividends Declaration and Payments for Her Shareholders Worth Billions of Naira

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