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World Press Freedom Day: FG Promised to Allow Press Freedom

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World Press Freedom Day: FG Promised to Allow Press Freedom

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday said the present administration has not in any way violated press freedom, assuring Nigerians that this would continued to be maintained

Idris while claiming that the media is largely free in Nigeria, boasted that no single journalist has been incarcerated under the Tinubu administration till date.

Speaking at a press briefing organized by his ministry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, Idris noted however that spreading falsehood and misinformation is irresponsible journalism, and anyone that falls foul of this cannot asked for freedom or be shielded from prosecuted under the need for press freedom.

Also with him at the press briefing are Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe; Head UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo.

The Information Minister said “I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration, for example, who has been put in jail or who has gone into exile as a result of violation of press freedom.

“We knew what has happened in this country in the past. Some decades ago, we know that you have to leave this country to be able to report. I can tell you that the press in Nigeria is largely free but that freedom will further be consolidated if honesty and transparency are upheld in the manner that we report,” he said.

He noted that the President recognizes the importance of responsible media coverage in enlightening, informing, and educating Nigerians and the world, adding that through credible and timely information, everyone can be well-informed, and the media can serve as a valuable tool for fostering transparency and accountability.

“As a Ministry and Government, we provided the most unfettered access to Journalists and provided the enabling environment that has continued to encourage the Nigerian media to grow in leaps and bounds.”

He also said as President Tinubu strives to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment, the media must present a positive and accurate portrayal of the country to the international community.

While speaking on this year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day, ‘’A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis,” Idris said the world is confronted by an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude, one that poses a threat not only to the planet but to the very future of humanity.

He said climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion are not abstract concepts but harsh realities that demand immediate and decisive action toward public mobilization and sensitization.

“It is our conviction, that Press freedom is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability. Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face.

“Disinformation and misinformation undermine public understanding of environmental issues and hinder our ability to take meaningful action. Therefore, we must staunchly defend press freedom and support the work of journalists who are dedicated to reporting the truth,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said what is needed now in the face of intense environmental challenge is a “Press for the Planet.”

Salako however said that the government is promoting nature based solutions in battling climate change and other environmental challenges through tree planting, mangroove restoration, urban greening and restoring wetlands.

He added that: “A press for the planet at this point in time is therefore most needed if we are to get the public behind global and natiinal agenda like net zero, energy transition, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, 30 by 30, ending plastic pollution and such other pathways set forth to address the environmental crisis

“At the forefront of our efforts to combat the environmental crisis in our country are Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), our Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, our commitment to achieving net zero emissions and our framework for biodiversity conservation.

“These commitments outline our path towards sustainability, emphasizing the need for collaborative action, innovation, and accountability.

“They represent the unwavering dedication of Nigeria to play her part in mitigating climate change and safeguarding the health of our planet for future generations.

“In this regard, the Federal Ministry of Environment is promoting nature based solutions through tree planting, mangroove restoration, urban greening and restoring wetlands. We are promoting the adoption of more environmentally friendly energy sources including clean cook stoves, working hard to end gas-flaring and plastic pollution, remediating oil polluted communities, expanding our protected areas, addressing desertification, drought, flooding and erosion.

“In doing this, we are fully in tune with the inclusivity agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is a key pillar in the eight-point presidential priority. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues, we understand that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of all members of society. By promoting inclusivity, we ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a greener, more prosperous Nigeria.”

He further stressed that “Environmental degradation exacerbates resource scarcity, heightens social tensions, and undermines stability.

“By addressing environmental degradation which promote unhealthy competition for scarce resources, we can create not just a more resilient society, we will infact be cutting off a vital driver of the insecurity currently being faced in our country.

“As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, I call on us to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of a free and independent press, a sine qua non for effective climate journalism.

” Press freedom is indispensable to promote transparency, accountability and social justice, critical to communicating the threat posed by climate crisis and making informed decisions to be more environmentally responsible. You as journalists have a critical role to play in driving environmental policy formulation and implementation and also in shaping public perception about the crisis.

“Let us therefore work together, across sectors and borders, to harness the power of media in addressing the environmental crisis and advancing sustainable development.

Journalism plays a pivotal role in advancing enviromental agendas, serving as a catalyst for change, a watchdog for accountability, and a voice for the voiceless. Through investigative reporting, insightful analysis, and compelling storytelling, journalists shed light on the pressing issues of environmental crisis facing our nation and inspire mass action towards positive change. Without such mass actions, we will be unable to win the fight against the environmental challenges confronting our country.

‘Ignorance, lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge about the climate crisis is still rampant in our society.

“Let me therefore in closing call upon you our dear friends in the media for more support in our drive for environmental advocacy and citizenship so that all creatures on earth thrives in harmony with the planet. We know that our behaviour and life styles is driving environmental crisis.

“We also know that changing behaviour and life style is not easy to achieve. Therefore, we must remain persistent in our advocacy, our awareness creation, our sensitization and educating the public.

“The doomsday clock is ticking, bringing humanity closer and closer to a “triple whammy” which may ultimately seal all our fate but if we work together, if the freedom of press is promoted, if our journalists comes fully on board deploying their reports as climate actions we will save our cherished planet earth for ourselves and generations to come.”

Onanuga on his part warned that the rainforest is gradually disappearing as there is no preservation of the country’s ecology.

He stressed the need for more involvement of the media in the issue of Environment.

The presidential aide therefore charged journalists to spare time to report environment .

Reading the Director General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay’s message on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Head, UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said: “The planet is on the brink of a climatic precipice: 2023 was the hottest year on record, with an average global surface temperature 1.45°C higher than in the pre-industrial era. Other alarming records were also broken for ocean surface temperatures, sea level rise and glacier retreat.

“As humanity faces up to this existential peril, we must remember, on this World Day, that the climate challenge is also a journalistic and informational challenge. No effective climate action is possible without access to free and reliable scientific information.”

He noted: “That is why this year’s theme highlights the essential link between protecting freedom of expression – a global public good – and preserving our planet.

“But this World Day is also a call to action to protect journalism and free, pluralistic information.

“A call to make the major social networks more accountable, so that they can step up their moderation and regulation measures to counter disinformation and conspiracy around climate change, in line with the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms published by UNESCO in November 2023.”

He added that: “A call to equip all citizens with the critical thinking skills needed to confront disinformation.

“A call, also, to protect journalists and media professionals, artists and scientists, who are all too often the victims of harassment, violence and censorship. A UNESCO study published this month shows that 70% of environmental reporters have been the victims of attacks, threats or pressure because of their work, and 44 environmental journalists have been killed in the last 15 years.

“Access to reliable information is all the more vital in this “super-election year”, when some 2.6 billion citizens are called to the polls. How can voters remain masters of their own destiny if their choices are distorted by false information and polarized by hate speech?”

He however assumed that: “In this context, UNESCO remains firmly committed to defending freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and a pillar of democracy. That is why we defend journalists and train them in safety, including in crisis situations such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan and Haiti. At the same time, we have trained thousands of judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers in the issues surrounding freedom of expression, because they are the key players.”

He promised that: “Over the next few weeks, we will also be launching initiatives specifically dedicated to the environment, to provide environmental journalists with greater protection and to strengthen media education and information on the major social networks.”

World Press Freedom Day: FG Promised to Allow Press Freedom

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President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats

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December 15, 2025

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President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats

** Procures mine-resistant vehicles, new armoured fleet for armed forces modernisation

** Charges troops on discipline, professionalism, adherence to constitutional order

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm resolve to mobilise all military and law enforcement assets to crush security threats and protect the lives all citizens of Nigeria.

Accordingly, he announced the procurement of mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles and a new armoured fleet for the military, as well as the refurbishment of over 100 Armoured Fighting Vehicles for return to active service.

President Tinubu disclosed this in Ojuelegba, Lagos State, on Monday when he declared open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025.

Speaking at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, venue of the conference, the President who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed that security remains a central pillar of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. This government remains resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.

The Nigerian leader noted that his administration is firmly committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces through improved training, modern equipment and enhanced operational capacity.

He said beyond the recent induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, the government has advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles and Patrol Vehicles to boost troop protection and battlefield effectiveness.

His words: “Following the induction of helicopters into Nigerian Army Aviation and the training of pilots, we have advanced the procurement of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, and Patrol Vehicles.

“We have also refurbished over one hundred Armoured Fighting Vehicles, now returned to active service. These efforts reflect our clear commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness.”

He added that the Federal Government is deepening partnerships with friendly nations to promote research, innovation and indigenous defence production, with the long-term goal of achieving self-reliance in defence and security.

Commending the Nigerian Army for what he described as impressive gains in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges, President Tinubu said reports from various theatres of operation point to improved outcomes driven by professionalism, courage and effective joint operations with sister services and security agencies.

“The positive reports emerging from the various theatres of operation are encouraging and stand as testimony to your resilience and professionalism,” he said.

The President assured the military of the government’s unwavering support in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that security is one of the eight priority areas of his administration.

He also stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, describing the apolitical posture of the Armed Forces as critical to sustaining public trust.

President Tinubu further praised the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, noting that security efforts must also focus on winning hearts, restoring dignity and supporting development at the grassroots.

Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, the President said their sacrifices remain permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory, assuring that the government will continue to support their families and improve the welfare of serving personnel in recognition of their service to the nation.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in strengthening civil–military relations in the state.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to supporting the Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities within the state and beyond.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), confirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration, through the Ministry of Defence, to providing continuous policy direction for the Nigerian Army.

He called on officers and commanders to remain loyal and united, stressing the need for collective support to enable the Army effectively address the country’s security challenges.

The Defence Minister also praised the officers and men currently deployed in various operations, even as he thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the Armed Forces, assuring that government would act with renewed vigour and decisiveness in tackling prevailing security threats.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, unveiled a range of welfare packages designed to enhance the wellbeing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army.

He explained that the welfare packages are part of deliberate efforts to boost morale and improve operational effectiveness across the Army.

The Chief of Army Staff also disclosed that President Tinubu has consistently provided the operational needs of the Nigerian Army since assuming office.

He commended the Federal Government for meeting the operational demands of the Army, urging officers, particularly commanders and personnel on special operations, to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Reviewing the Army’s achievements over the past year, General Shaibu reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to match government’s support with decisive action against terrorism and other security threats confronting the nation.

High point of the event was unveiling of a biography of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, by Vice President Shettima, alongside senior military officers and other dignitaries.

The Vice President presented 15 Toyota Hilux vehicles to deserving warrant officers as part of efforts to motivate personnel and encourage excellence in service.

He also witnessed the presentation of cheques under the Nigerian Army Personnel Insurance Scheme to the families of five fallen soldiers.

The event was attended by representatives of the President of the Senate, former Defence and Army Chiefs, and traditional rulers, among others.

President Tinubu: We’re Mobilising All Military Assets To Protect Nigerians, Crush Security Threats

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Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains

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December 15, 2025

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Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains

By: Zagazola Makama

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called for a decisive shift from discussion to action in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges, stressing that the country’s gains against terrorism, banditry, and other criminal networks can only be sustained through joint operations, inter-agency collaboration, and collective national effort.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, on Monday, General Musa described the gathering as a critical forum for assessing the operational posture, readiness, and professionalism of the Nigerian Army while aligning the service’s priorities with the nation’s strategic security objectives.

“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated,” General Musa said. “Nigeria continues to face a combination of terrorism, banditry, criminality, and other asymmetric threats that demand sustained focus, strategic clarity, and adaptive leadership. The Army, together with other security agencies and the society at large, must operate in unison to confront these threats effectively.”

The Minister highlighted that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, insurgents, and criminal networks has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres, attributing these gains to the courage and professionalism of the troops, improved planning, education, and coordinated joint operations conducted within a multi-agency framework.

“The truth of the matter is that no single service, no single individual, can achieve this alone,” he said. “Success in today’s security environment requires the whole of society working together in synergy.”

General Musa emphasized that inter-service cooperation and intelligence sharing are no longer optional but fundamental to effective national defense. He urged the Army leadership to ensure that the recommendations from the conference are implemented through concrete operational actions, stressing that strategic discussions must translate into measurable tactical outcomes.

“While we celebrate our successes, we must never lose sight of the human dimension of service,” he added, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, and the families who bear the enduring cost of national service.

He commended the families of the late Lieutenant General Tariq Lagbajan and Brigadier General Oba for their sacrifices and underscored the government’s continued commitment to the welfare, medical care, and long-term support of personnel and their families.

General Musa also lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his professional trajectory, from battalion and brigade commands in the North East to theatre command, culminating in his appointment as the Army Chief. “Your leadership exemplifies operational excellence and a deep understanding of the challenges on the ground. The challenge before all senior commanders is to evolve new strategies to defeat the enemies of the state,” he said.

He further highlighted that security remains central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces.

According to the Defence Minister, strategic direction, policy support, and capability development provided by the Ministry of Defence will ensure that the Armed Forces remain professional, responsive, and future-ready, while reinforcing institutional accountability and operational effectiveness.

“The Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces have stabilized this country and will continue to do so. We must take these security challenges as our own and contribute individually and collectively to winning this war,” General Musa stated.

The 10th COAS Annual Conference, themed “Examine the Correct Landscape of Terrorism Through the Lengths of Diplomatic and Military Action: Strategies for Long-Term Prevention and Stabilization,”brings together senior commanders, security stakeholders, and resource persons to reflect on lessons learned, examine emerging threats, and propose practical measures to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in the year ahead.

The Defence Minister concluded by thanking Nigerians for their support and the Governor of Lagos State for hosting the conference, noting that collaborative engagement between the government, security agencies, and citizens is key to sustaining national peace, security, and stability.

Defence Minister urges unity, actionable strategies at COAS 10th annual conference to consolidate Nigeria’s security gains

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FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025

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December 15, 2025

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FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025

By: Zagazola Makama

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pledged the federal government’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, emphasizing modernization, operational readiness, and the welfare of personnel. The statement was made during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos on Monday.

Represented by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted the critical role of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace amid evolving security challenges.

“There is no nation that can achieve greatness without security. The Nigerian Army has always risen to the nation’s call, and this administration remains resolute in mobilizing all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate threats and protect lives and property,” he said.

The Vice President commended the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and officers across all ranks for transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, resilient, and adaptable force capable of operating decisively within joint and multi-agency frameworks.

He noted that since assuming leadership, the government had closely monitored the army’s progress in training, administration, and operations.

The conference, themed “Examining the Current Landscape of Terrorism through Diplomatic and Military Lenses: Strategy for Long-term Prevention and Stabilization”, was described as timely and critical to national security planning.

“I urge frank and constructive discussions guided by realism and experience. Lead your engagements here, produce enduring strategies that will strengthen our collective resolve to secure Nigeria today and stabilize it for generations to come,” he stated.

The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the modernization of the armed forces, citing the induction of helicopters into the Nigerian Army Aviation, the training of pilots, procurement of additional mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, armored and patrol vehicles, and the refurbishment of over 100 armored fighting vehicles now returned to active service.

“These measures underscore our clear commitment to strengthening operational readiness and enhancing the army’s capacity to confront evolving threats,” he said.

In addition to operational support, Senator Shettima emphasized the welfare of personnel, noting the administration’s resolve to improve amenities and programs that reflect appreciation for the sacrifices of officers and soldiers.

“We must continue to motivate and enhance the welfare of serving personnel through improved amenities and programs that reflect our appreciation for your selfless service,” he said.

Paying tribute to past and present army leaders, the Vice President acknowledged the contributions of former Chiefs of Army Staff, retired generals, and serving commanders whose leadership shaped the army’s enduring legacy.

He also recognized the presence of members of the National Assembly, senior military personnel, and other distinguished guests attending the conference.

Concluding his address, Senator Shettima declared the COAS Annual Conference 2025 officially open on behalf of President Tinubu, reiterating the government’s firm support for the Nigerian Army’s constitutional mandate to defend the nation.

“With a deep sense of duty and unshakable faith in your professionalism, it is my singular honor and privilege to declare this conference open,” he said.

Zagazola report that the conference provides a platform for rigorous evaluation, strategic planning, and the formulation of practical, actionable solutions to reinforce national security, stabilize the nation, and secure Nigeria’s future.

FG pledges full support for Army modernization, welfare at COAS annual conference 2025

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