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  • Veteran Journalists Launch Electoral Committee In Ogun

    Veteran Journalists Launch Electoral Committee In Ogun

    The League of Veteran Journalists has inaugurated an electoral committee to conduct elections into its executive positions within the next three weeks. The decision was reached during a congress held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, where Dare Folarin was named chairman of the electoral committee alongside Dele Ayodo and Kayode Bello as members.

    Speaking at the congress, Steering Committee Chairman Demola Badejo appreciated the NUJ leadership for the opportunity to oversee the league’s affairs since its inauguration by the current state council. He noted that the establishment of the body marked a significant step toward strengthening journalism practice in Ogun State.

    Badejo commended the NUJ State Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, for initiating the process that led to the league’s formation, recalling that the idea was first announced during the union’s 2024 Press Week before a steering committee was constituted to lay a sustainable foundation for the association.

    He explained that members had already begun making modest financial contributions to support the league’s activities, expressing confidence that the newly inaugurated electoral committee would conduct credible elections in line with democratic principles and usher in substantive leadership for the body.

    Also speaking, steering committee member Eddy Aina described the initiative as a step toward institutional stability, while Olanrewaju said the league would help revive professionalism, strengthen ethical standards, and provide mentorship for practitioners, noting that similar structures were already functioning effectively in other states.

  • NUJ Urges Abia Government to Curb Cattle Movement in Umuahia

    NUJ Urges Abia Government to Curb Cattle Movement in Umuahia

     

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has called on relevant authorities to address the continued movement of cattle within and around Umuahia, the state capital.

    The union made the appeal during its monthly congress at the NUJ State Secretariat in Umuahia, expressing concern that animal dung was defacing parts of the city and posing environmental challenges.

    In a communiqué signed by the Abia State Chairman, Chidi Asonye, and Secretary, Ikechukwu Onuegbu, the council also commended the Abia State Government for commencing payment of arrears of leave allowances owed to civil servants. It said the move would boost workers’ morale and enhance service delivery.

    However, the NUJ reminded Governor Alex Otti to fulfil his 2025 pledge to settle outstanding entitlements due to the next-of-kin of deceased state workers.

    The council urged journalists in the state to avoid praise-singing public office holders and instead uphold their constitutional responsibility of holding leaders accountable.

    The NUJ further expressed concern over the low number of registered voters in Abia State as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It called on government officials, religious leaders and community stakeholders to mobilise eligible residents to register ahead of future elections.

  • Three Inmates Released from Edo Correctional Centre

    Three Inmates Released from Edo Correctional Centre

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Centre in Benin City. The release followed the payment of fines imposed on the inmates by the courts, which they had been unable to pay.

    The beneficiaries are Godspower Nathaniel from Nassarawa, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi, and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State. They were sentenced in December 2025 to jail terms ranging from six months to one year for various criminal offences, with the option of fines.

    Alenkhe explained that the gesture was made in the spirit of the New Year and as part of community engagement to support less privileged and vulnerable members of society. The fines were paid into government coffers, enabling the immediate release of the inmates.

    The NUJ chairman emphasized that the gesture was motivated by love for humanity and the principle of national unity, noting that the beneficiaries were not from Edo State. He also credited the Correctional Centre authorities for recommending the inmates who would benefit from the intervention.

    The released inmates expressed gratitude to Alenkhe, pledging to stay away from crime and become responsible citizens. The action highlights the role of well-meaning individuals, governments, and organizations in decongesting correctional facilities and supporting social welfare initiatives.

  • NUJ Demands Arrest of Suspected Thugs Who Disrupted ARISE TV Broadcast

    NUJ Demands Arrest of Suspected Thugs Who Disrupted ARISE TV Broadcast

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for violently disrupting a live ARISE NEWS broadcast in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The union said the attack occurred on January 2, 2026, when suspected political thugs assaulted the ARISE NEWS crew and seized their broadcast equipment during an interview at a hotel in the state capital.

    Addressing journalists at a press conference on Friday at the NUJ State Council Secretariat, the National Vice President for Zone F, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, speaking on behalf of the NUJ National President, described the incident as a “serious threat to journalists’ safety.”

    “Journalists are apolitical professionals who must be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment,” Dokubo said, adding that the media serves as a neutral platform for public engagement and should not be treated as a participant in political conflicts.

    He further stressed, “The media exists to promote peace, accountability, and national development and does not operate as an enemy of any political group.”

    While acknowledging the prompt police response to the distress call, Dokubo maintained that merely retrieving stolen equipment does not amount to justice. He called for the “immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved” to deter future attacks on journalists.

    The NUJ also warned that the assault raised serious concerns about press safety ahead of the 2027 general elections. Dokubo urged media practitioners to remain “extremely security-conscious” while performing their professional duties.

    Eyewitnesses said the attackers, reportedly armed, stormed hotel rooms around 9:15 pm during an interview with former Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa. The thugs reportedly seized phones, forced doors open, and threatened both the former commissioner and the ARISE NEWS crew, forcing the live broadcast to be discontinued.

    Following the attack, newspaper publishers, media managers, and journalists in Rivers State issued a two-week ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, demanding a thorough investigation.

    Dokubo concluded: “Only those who remain alive can continue to tell stories that shape public discourse. Accountability in this case is necessary to reassure journalists operating in an increasingly tense political environment.”

  • Journalists hunted, silenced in Nigeria – NUJ FCT

    Journalists hunted, silenced in Nigeria – NUJ FCT

    Grace ike

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement comprehensive security reforms to safeguard lives and protect press freedom.

    In a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, said insecurity continues to endanger democracy, safety, and freedom of expression in the country.

    She lamented that journalists are increasingly being targeted, citing the recent killing of Arise Television reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, as evidence of the grave threats facing media practitioners.

    “It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the senseless and avoidable killing of our colleague tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis,” Ike said.

    The NUJ stressed that independence cannot be truly celebrated when citizens live in fear and journalists are silenced. It called for urgent measures such as community policing, consideration of state police, and the use of modern surveillance tools like CCTV cameras in major cities.

    “Journalists are not enemies of the state; they are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the voices of the people, and hold those in power accountable,” the council added.

    The call comes as President Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, insisted that Nigeria is “winning the war on insecurity.”

  • Press Centre Demands Justice for Assaulted Journalists

    Press Centre Demands Justice for Assaulted Journalists

     


    The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has raised alarm over alleged police brutality against Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), and verbal harassment of another journalist by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa.

    In a statement released through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) programme, the IPC said Ojukwu was physically and mentally assaulted by police officers at the Ikeja Police Command while attempting to obtain details from the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) about officers accused of extortion.

    According to the report, Ojukwu’s eyeglasses were smashed, his wristwatch seized, his phone damaged, and he sustained bodily injuries during the attack.

    The IPC urged Lagos Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin to fulfil his pledge to review CCTV footage of the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. It also called for compensation for Ojukwu, describing the assault as “inhumane.”

    “The police must take swift and adequate steps to bring to justice those who assaulted the journalist, while also instituting reforms that guarantee respect and protection for journalists,” IPC stated.

    In a related case, the IPC condemned the treatment of Mrs. Ladi Bala, an editor with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and former President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). Bala alleged that NRC boss Kayode Opeifa verbally abused and threatened her while she was covering Tuesday’s Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.

    IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, stressed that journalists play a crucial role during emergencies and must be treated with respect. “Public officials and security agencies must cooperate with journalists, explain security concerns with patience, and avoid remarks or actions that could be interpreted as threats,” he said.

    Opeifa has since apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, during a media briefing in Abuja. “I regret the remarks I made in the heat of the moment. I sincerely apologise to Mrs. Ladi Bala, the NUJ FCT Council, and NAWOJ for my actions,” he said.

    The NUJ had earlier demanded a public apology over the incident.

  • NUJ Ogun Inaugurates Ogun East Chapel to Curb Fake Journalism

    NUJ Ogun Inaugurates Ogun East Chapel to Curb Fake Journalism

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has inaugurated the Ogun East Independent Chapel and its pioneer executives as part of efforts to combat the rise of fake journalism and strengthen professionalism in the state.

    The inauguration, held on Tuesday, was presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, who underscored the need to safeguard the profession from quackery and unverified reporting.

    Olanrewaju noted that Ogun East, particularly the Ijebu axis, had become a hotspot for fake news due to the proliferation of unqualified media operators. He said the council had issued warnings in the past but resolved that establishing a chapel for qualified journalists was the best long-term solution.

    “This profession needs to be guided. It is important that all of us come together in the war against unconfirmed sources of information, because purveyors of fake news have dominated our space,” he said.

    He added that the newly created chapel would ensure that credible and professional journalists defend and protect the integrity of the media.

    Also speaking, NUJ National Ex-Officio, Comrade James Sowole, described the development as a major step toward sanitising the media landscape in the state. He urged the new leaders to uphold ethical standards in their practice.

    Administering the oath of office, the State Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, reminded the executives of their responsibility to maintain discipline, transparency, and close cooperation with the state council, stressing that the union would not tolerate any action capable of tarnishing its image.

    The pioneer leaders sworn in included Comrade Oluseun Oduneye (Chairman), Comrade Charles Adegbite (Vice Chairman), Comrade Funmi Sulodu (General Secretary), Comrade Daniel Johnson (Treasurer), and Comrade Ademola Ogunlana (Assistant General Secretary).

    In his acceptance speech, Oduneye expressed gratitude to the council for the trust reposed in the new leadership and pledged to work with his team to achieve meaningful progress for the union.

  • Govt Approves ₦40.8bn for Township Road Rehabilitation in Kano

    Govt Approves ₦40.8bn for Township Road Rehabilitation in Kano

    The Kano State Government has awarded contracts worth over ₦40.8 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of 17 township roads across the metropolitan area.

    The projects, spread across Gwale, Nasarawa, Kumbotso, Fagge, Kano Municipal, Tarauni, Dala, and Ungogo local government areas, are expected to improve transportation, ease traffic flow, and boost economic activities in the state capital.

    Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed the development on Tuesday during an inspection tour of completed and ongoing road projects alongside the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya.

    According to Waiya, the contracts include the Tudun-Yola–Gwarzo Road and Dansudau Bypass, valued at ₦1.896 billion, and the Jafar–Madobi Road and underpass, awarded at ₦1.323 billion. The rehabilitation of Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road and Muhammadu Buhari Road will cost ₦2.014 billion and ₦4.108 billion, respectively.

    Waiya stressed that upon completion, the road projects will not only ease the movement of residents and vehicles but also facilitate the transportation of goods from farms to markets, thereby stimulating local commerce and creating a more business-friendly environment in Kano.

  • Presidential hopeful Gbenga Hashim donates to Kwara NUJ, dedicates award to youth

    Presidential hopeful Gbenga Hashim donates to Kwara NUJ, dedicates award to youth

    The 45th anniversary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Kwara State on Wednesday became a platform for national reflection as presidential hopeful Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim dedicated his Award of Excellence to “the Nigerian youth and all victims of institutional abuse.”

    Speaking through his representative, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, Hashim emphasized that the award was not a personal accolade but a call to give voice to those silenced by systemic injustice, earning sustained applause from journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures in attendance.

    Backing his words with action, Hashim announced a cash donation to the Correspondents’ Chapel, highlighting his belief that a strong and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy. He urged journalists to remain fearless in holding institutions accountable.

    Hashim described institutional abuse, particularly in the academic sector, as a “silent killer of democracy” that stifles innovation, silences dissent, and undermines public trust in governance. Citing his own experience with the University of Lagos, which withheld his degree certificate due to student activism, he noted: “They could withhold a certificate, but not knowledge,” a setback that inspired him to establish Set and Sell, a political communication firm.

    He also referenced the case of Abdulrazaq Hamzat, expelled and denied a Master’s certificate by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) over student association disputes, warning that such practices are “a dangerous stain on Nigeria’s democratic credentials.” Hashim stressed that institutions should address intellectual disagreements through dialogue, not victimization.

    Analysts present highlighted that Hashim’s actions and remarks reflect his long-standing advocacy for human rights, systemic reform, and accountability. The NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, representing 50 national media outlets, noted that Hashim was honored both for his national vision and the humanitarian work of the Gbenga Hashim Foundation, which has impacted lives across Nigeria.

    The anniversary event drew journalists, political leaders, and civil society advocates united in calls for institutions that protect rather than oppress, with Hashim’s message adding renewed urgency to this call

  • NUJ Warns Against False Narratives on Media Rights

    NUJ Warns Against False Narratives on Media Rights

     


    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ebonyi State Council has rejected claims that press freedom is under threat following the suspension of Mr. Godfrey Chikwere, Acting General Manager of Legacy FM, the state’s first private radio station. In a statement on Monday, NUJ State Chairman Comrade Samson Nwafor emphasized that Governor Francis Nwifuru respects media independence and has never interfered with journalists’ constitutional duties.

    Nwafor described the suspension as an internal matter by Legacy FM, unrelated to government interference. He also highlighted that no journalist in Ebonyi has faced harassment or attacks from the government under the current administration. The NUJ urged media professionals to maintain ethical standards and warned against individuals spreading false narratives or posing as journalists.

    The Council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom while promoting professionalism in journalism throughout Ebonyi State, cautioning against attempts to exploit the situation for personal or political gain.