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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
Zulum Calls for More Air Power to Combat Boko Haram, ISWAP
…CAS Lauds Zulum’s Deradicalization Programme
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has called for the deployment of additional air platforms to further degrade the capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the Lake Chad, Sambisa forest l, Timbuktu triangle and Mandara mountains.
Governor Zulum made the call when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Tuesday.
He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in combating insecurity in the state, providing air cover to ground troops as well as humanitarian support to displaced persons.
“Notwithstanding the enormous contribution to the enhancement of peace and security in the state by the Nigerian Air Force, we still need more in terms of air power in our general Area of Responsibility (AoR), especially in the shores of the Lake Chad, Sambisa forest, Timbuktu triangle and Mandara mountains,” Zulum declared.
“These areas are very difficult to be manned effectively by ground troops alone, we need a heavy air power in order to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in the general area,” he added.
Governor Zulum acknowledged the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and other platforms to the state and region, assuring to provide all the needed support to enable the service to succeed.
“I wish to assure you that Borno State government remains fully committed to working in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains we have achieved and address the gaps that persist,” Zulum added.
The governor also commended the synergy between the Nigerian Air Force and other services in the counter insurgency operations, noting that it contributed to the recent operational successes.
…CAS Lauds Zulum’s Deradicalization Programme
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Bala Abubakar, has applauded governor Babagana Zulum’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme, describing it as successful.
Air Marshall Abubakar also commended the leadership style of the governor which, according to him, has strengthened local governance, foster community resilience and improving critical infrastructure which has contributed greatly to the improvement of the security landscape in the state.
“Let me at this juncture join many others that have commended the Borno model, which is a community-driven non-kinetic strategy developed by the Borno State government to address terrorism and the attendant humanitarian crises in the state. Undoubtedly, it has yielded positive results over the years, most evidently in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Deradicalization programme,” Air Marshall Abubakar remarked.
“The model has been largely successful with the active participation of community-based groups, coupled with its focus on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment, especially for those forced into terrorism. These efforts have positively impacted the security situation across Borno and other states in the North East Zone and should be sustained,”.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to ensuring peace and security in the North East, particularly in Borno State. The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has, this year, intensified its tempo of operations to an unprecedented level,” he stated.
Zulum Calls for More Air Power to Combat Boko Haram, ISWAP
Lagos Tech Hub Backed by Israel to be Opened in Lagos
By: Michael Mike
Lagos Tech Hub will soon be opened by Innov8, an Israeli backed technology innovative centre in the country.
Already Innov8 has been involved in building innovators across the country at its facilities in Abuja for some years now.
The Centre has selected no fewer than 40 start-ups (persons) for the fourth rounds of recruitment exercise to be trained and mentored on basics of in innovation.
Innovate8 is an Israeli sponsored technology hub which acts as a focal point for Innovation Start-up Incubation, Technology Transfer, Knowledge & Skill Impartation, Prototype Development and Fabrication.
The not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation , has a mandate to enhance socio-economic growth and human capital development in Nigeria and beyond; through innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, capacity building and venture creation. As well as to inculcate the culture and instigate the process of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and venture creation.
The hub has worked with 132 innovators since its inception in the country.
Speaking on the next plan of the centre, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, disclosed that the initiative has been able to attract millions of dollars investment into the country.
Haskel-Harpaz said it is part of the efforts to build bridges and people to people connections across the globe.
The Deputy Minister while commending Nigerian youth for their creativity and resilience in the face of all odds, said: “And with the investment of the Tech Fund today that was announced, of a few more millions that were invested in this project, we are happy to announce that we are now opening this project for another 40 startups that will be able to apply now for a new programme and a new internship.
“And I invite the Nigerian brilliant and creative minds to apply to this programme. Where now instead of 20, we’ll have 40 startups that will be able to be chosen. Some of the top ones to make their dream come true.
“To learn the skills on how to develop it and how to produce what they want to advance humanity and to advance your country. I think that this is part of what we’re talking about. The relationship, the government to government, people to people.
“This is what’s building the bridges and strengthening the bonds. It’s important for me also to state and to mention, I’m very happy to come here.”
On the Direct Foreign Investment the initiative has been able to attract, the visiting Foreign Minister said Samsung has invested $250 million on one of the startups, while another one attracted $250,000.
“Yes, we got directly to Tetra, a project called FGCI, it’s $250,000. This is just one project with $250,000, just one of it. You were talking about the graduates. Yes, the graduates and how much investments they were able to bring in. Yes, the graduates, we put, for example, Samsung. Samsung, it’s worth $250 million.
“Samsung bought them. And how much did they invest in it? $250 million. $250 million. Just for another, just one graduate.
“ So I think this is how you need to see it. The investments that we put here in the internship and in teaching them on how to develop their product and how to market it and what comes next.
Three terms, okay, of 20 startups. Okay, now we’re opening the fourth one with the help of the Tetfund and the Minister of Communication. Another 40 startups, but just one that was bought by Samsung brought into this country $250 million, just one of them.
“So it’s remarkable and the sky’s the limit with what is, with innovation and with technology, with healthcare, recycling and building and fashion.”
On expanding the initiative to other part of the country, the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister said plans are already on going to establish one in Lagos.
She said “So this is the negotiation with the Minister of Technology and Innovation. And we’ve been discussing it. This is a product that’s up and coming.”
Lagos Tech Hub Backed by Israel to be Opened in Lagos
NAPTIP, Shippers’ Council Collaborate to Arrest Human Trafficking on Waterways
By: Michael Mike
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) are to commence a collaborative move aimed at combating human trafficking through Nigeria’s waterways and coastal areas
The Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Tuesday promised robust cooperation, effective collaboration, and sustained synergy with NAPTIP.
The promise was made during a courtesy visit of the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, at the Council’s office in Abuja.
The visit was part of the strategic engagement of the Director General of NAPTIP with critical Agencies of Government and partners across the Country aimed at enhancing inter-agency collaboration in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, the NAPTIP boss, who described the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a critical partners, disclosed that due to the intense operation heat on traffickers on the land borders by operatives of NAPTIP, some of the traffickers have now resorted to using the waterways to traffic their victims.
She said, “ As a maritime regulatory body, the NSC oversees critical gateways to the nation’s trade and transportation systems, gateways that are unfortunately also exploited by traffickers to move victims clandestinely via vessels and other maritime routes.
“The shipping, ports, and logistics sectors can play a pivotal role in early detection, prevention, and reporting of trafficking activities, making collaboration between NAPTIP and NSC not only strategic but essential.
“NAPTIP is proposing to deepen engagement with the maritime sector in the fight against human trafficking, especially in sensitisation for identification of potential trafficking cases along the waterways and timely reporting to relevant authorities.
“We propose a collaboration targeting port workers, shipping agents, freight forwarders, crew members, and other maritime stakeholders to identify and report suspected trafficking activities using NSC’s outreach structures, the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) platforms, and Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) channels to integrate anti-trafficking awareness.
“ Bearing in mind that the fight against human trafficking requires a united, multi-sectoral approach, and that the maritime sector under the regulatory leadership of NSC is a critical partner in closing the trafficking supply chain, NAPTIP expresses its readiness to formalise collaboration through an MoU or agreed action plan for sustained engagement.
“NAPTIP and NSC can strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security, while protecting vulnerable persons from exploitation”, the NAPTIP DG stated.
In his response, the ES/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, described human trafficking as one of the most heinous transnational organized crimes that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders and partners to combat.
According to him, the evolving nature of the crime, coupled with the various dimensions and scope, has made it more dangerous, with attendant consequences on innocent victims.
While acknowledging the achievements of the Agency under the watch of the Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, the NSC Boss said, “ It is very important that we partner together and fight this menace. This is a kind of crime that does not give a good image to the Country abroad. It leads to other criminal activities”.
“The maritime sector is not be left alone in this fight to combathuman trafficking in Nigeria. You talked about a stowaway; this is a veritable means of transporting victims to other countries”, he disclosed.
Also speaking, the Board member, MMS, Women of Fortune, Hall of Fame Initiative (WoFHoF), Hajia Lami Tumaka, expressed the readiness of the organization to partner with NAPTIP to combat human trafficking in the Country.
The high point of the visit was the setting up of an interim inter–agency committee to work out the modality and establish the necessary framework for the new counter trafficking collaboration.
NAPTIP, Shippers’ Council Collaborate to Arrest Human Trafficking on Waterways
Zulum Calls for More Air Power to Combat Boko Haram, ISWAP
Lagos Tech Hub Backed by Israel to be Opened in Lagos
NAPTIP, Shippers’ Council Collaborate to Arrest Human Trafficking on Waterways
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