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World Press Freedom Day: FG Promised to Allow Press Freedom

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
News
ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger

ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seems to have finally gotten the exit of of the Alliance of Sahel States- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic.behind it as Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries of the regional body met on Thursday in Abuja to fill vacancies left by the citizens of the departed countries in the bloc.
The bloc is also expected to determine how to treat staff with dual nationalities, staffers with both AES and ECOWAS nationalities.
Speaking at the opening of the Extra Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers on recruitment and the case of staff from AES Countries from Grade P4 and below, the Chairman of Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone Minister of Foreign Afairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Kabba, said the Council’s meeting aims to discuss the allocation of statutory positions to member states, and to discuss the recruitment and status of staff from AES Countries from Grade P4 and below.

Kabba said the process are critical barometers for gauging our institutional credibility and an affirmation of our regional solidarity.
He noted that focus should not only be on the parameters of equitable distribution of these statutory positions across member states, but also, we should be particularly concerned about fairness and inclusivity to ensure that everyone is involved with a shared vision for the future.
Kabba noted that the decisions of the gathering “must be grounded in due process, transparency, equity, and in alignment with the broader regional commitments, as building blocks to guarantee economic integration, regional peace and security, and our democratic tenets as a community.”
He added: “let me now draw the attention of this esteemed Council to the work of the Ad-hoc Ministerial Committee – a committee constituted by over 70% of our membership, this makes the decision of the Ad-hoc committee a fait accompli, which makes it compelling to review the procedures of the establishment of Ad-Hoc Committees.
“It is also important to note that members of the ad-hoc Committee would have reviewed the commission’s proposals on the statutory positions which will inform our deliberations on the presentation of the memorandum on proposals for the allocation of statutory positions to member states.”
In her welcome address, Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “Nigeria remains steadfast in its role as a dependable partner, ever ready to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of our Community institutions and to the realization of the noble objectives for which this Organization stands. We believe that with collective effort and renewed dedication, we can build a more effective, responsive, and fully functional organisation that truly serves the aspirations of our region and beyond.”
On his part, the President of the Commission, Aliou Touray said: “This extraordinary Council is borne out of necessity. In the last three years, we have struggled to fill vacancies in our institutions using a staff regulation that constrains management’s ability to administratively expedite the process. It has therefore become necessary to refer to Council from time to time to help us untangle the web. We are very grateful to Council for the earlier waiver which enabled us to have shorter time frame for advertisements of vacant positions. With this, we have now published and received a sizeable number of applications.
“However, Excellencies, the challenge currently, is with the processing of these applications and the scheduling of interviews. These have been slower than the rate of staff attrition, due to aging workforce with an average annual loss of staff to retirement estimated at 13 personnel. The volume of applications is beyond the capacity of the recruitment firms in place, due to the largely manual method used in processing the applications. “Therefore, we have had to recruit additional recruitment firms and sought your approval for these International Independent firms to come in assist with an end-to-end recruitment exercise. I have also directed the Internal Services Department to accelerate the deployment of e-recruitment system to fast track the processing of applications.

“With the sudden departure of large number of our workforce who are nationals of the countries that exited from the Organisation, namely Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, we are faced with the challenge of replacing them. We need Council to guide us in the equitable distribution of the vacant positions among all the Member States, without sacrificing competence. As our staff regulations did not provide any guidance on how to allocate vacant positions to specific member states for the purpose of achieving equity, it has become necessary for Council to provide its guidance on the way forward.
“We are therefore pleased to present to you a memorandum with proposals on how to achieve this equitable distribution of the positions and fast track the recruitment process. In making these proposals, the Commission took into account the current staff distribution per member state, and the interest of those member states with poor representation in the current workforce of the institutions. Our goal is to achieve equity, ensure quality and consolidate on the solidarity which strengthens our Community.
“As management, we are committed to protecting the interests of each member states, whether their nationals are represented in the Management of the Institutions or not. We have taken an oath to serve the entire community and not our narrow national interests. We therefore look forward to your deliberations and guidance on this matter.”
ECOWAS Meets to Fill Staff Vacancies of Exited Members, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
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Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals

Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum said he received with great concern a statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging the harassment of muslim women for wearing hijab in some hospitals in Maiduguri.
Zulum noted that while the government is not aware of any official report or complaint regarding such incidents, his administration has taken the allegations with utmost seriousness.
In a directive issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum, ordered the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of these claims.
The statement noted that Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens’ religious rights and dignity, particularly that of women. He stated that Borno State, being a predominantly muslim society, holds hijab in high esteem and any form of harassment against those who choose to wear it, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be swift and transparent. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately,” Zulum assured.
The statement added that Zulum urges the public, and specifically individuals who have experienced such treatment, to come forward and assist in the investigation with credible information to ensure a fair and just outcome.
“I assure the public that, that Borno State government under my leadership will not tolerate any action that unjustly targets or humiliate any segment of our society,” he concludes.
Zulum Orders Immediate Investigation into MURIC’s Claims of Hijab Harassment in Maiduguri Hospitals
News
Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together
By: Michael Mike
Every year, millions of children around the world suffer from malnutrition—a crisis that is all too visible in their frail bodies and tired eyes. But what is often less visible, yet just as devastating, are the psychological wounds that malnutrition inflicts on both children and their caregivers.
Over the years, the upward surge in children admitted for the treatment of malnutrition in MSF nutrition programmes has been an alarming trend. In the 12 Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ITFCs) and over 30 Ambulatory Therapeutic Feeding Centres (ATFCs) supported by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières across seven northern Nigerian states, its teams are often overwhelmed.
In 2024 alone, over 300,000 malnourished children were collectively treated in Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Sokoto —a 25 percent increase from 2023. With these admissions come psychological wounds that affect the mental health of both the children and caregivers. They both go through a cycle of emotions from the day they are admitted up to the time of discharge.
Kauna Hope Bako, MSF’s mental health supervisor in the Bauchi project, and her team—just like in other project locations in Nigeria—are working to break this cycle. Their approach recognises that malnutrition is not just a medical emergency, but a psychological one as well.
The Hidden Toll of Malnutrition
“Malnutrition is one disease that doesn’t just affect the child physically,” explains Bako. “It has psychological, emotional, and behavioural implications.”
Children suffering from malnutrition often become irritable, withdrawn, and unresponsive. They may miss key developmental milestones—struggling to walk, talk, or interact with their environment like other children.
The emotional pain is real.
“The child is feeling detached, sad that he cannot play like other children, and is trying to understand what is going on with him,” Bako says. “He’s going through a lot of pain and stress—not just from malnutrition, but from other diseases that often come with it.”
The relationship between mental health and malnutrition is deeply intertwined. Malnutrition can lead to emotional and cognitive problems in children, while — traumatic factors such as neglect, abusive home environments, or lack of love—can lead to psychological suffering and contribute to malnutrition. “They’re two sides of the same coin,” Bako notes. “Malnutrition can lead to mental health problems and mental health problems can lead to malnutrition.”
Experience from Niger and Nigeria over past few years has shown that integrating these activities contributes to faster weight gain, shorter lengths of stay in inpatient feeding centres, and improved caregiver well-being.
The Caregiver’s Burden
The impact of malnutrition extends beyond the child. Mothers and caregivers, who are often the primary source of support, face immense stress and emotional strain.
“At triage, the emotions you’ll find most prominent are anxiety, stress, and fear,” Bako shares. “The caregiver is not really comfortable. She’s worried.”
Additionally, many feel helpless, frustrated, or even ashamed, sometimes blaming themselves for their child’s condition.
“It’s important that we give care not just to the child but also to the caregiver,” Bako emphasises. “If the mother is not able to manage her own stress, it may unconsciously spill over to the child.”
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
MSF’s mental health team uses a holistic approach to support both children and caregivers. There’s a playroom in all MSF-supported hospitals in Nigeria where mothers or caregivers and their children meet every day for mental health sessions. Their daily activities include:
- Psycho-stimulation sessions: Using play, colours, sounds, and gentle massages, these sessions help children regain lost developmental skills and foster emotional bonds with their caregivers.
- Psycho-education: Caregivers learn about the psychological impact of malnutrition, how to manage stress, and how their own well-being affects their child’s recovery.
- Support groups: Caregivers share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support, building a sense of community and resilience.
- Recreational activities: These sessions offer caregivers and their children a chance to relax and distract themselves from the stress of hospital life.
- Individual counselling: For those experiencing acute distress, one-on-one support is available.
Recognising the role of fathers, the team also organises men’s sessions to educate and encourage them to support mothers emotionally and make informed decisions about their children’s care.
Additionally, MSF’s approach extends beyond patients and caregivers. The Mental Health team trains all staff—doctors, nurses, and support workers—in psychological first aid and communication skills.
“Communication is sometimes service treatment,” Bako says. “When the mother feels listened to, when the child feels safe with the doctor or nurse, that already is treatment.”
Hope for Recovery
By addressing both the physical and psychological needs of malnourished children and their caregivers, MSF is helping to break the cycle of suffering.
“It’s not just about treating the disease,” Bako says. “It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and the bonds that help children and families heal.”
On World Mental Health Day, MSF reaffirms its commitment to holistic care—because every child deserves not just to survive, but to thrive, body and mind.
Since 2022, MSF has been raising the alarm over the worsening malnutrition situation in northern Nigeria. The situation has continued to deteriorate, with alarming numbers of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Between January and June 2025, MSF admitted 32,940 severely malnourished children in inpatient therapeutic feeding centres, and 136,255 children in outpatient therapeutic feeding centres in northern Nigeria. To help families cope with the psychological toll of the crisis, MSF also conducted 30,880 mental health sessions during the same period. In Bauchi, since the beginning of the project in 2024, our teams have provided mental health support to 113,191 malnourished children and their caregivers. - Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health and Malnutrition Together
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