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Association Resolves to Tackle Insecurity Challenges in Kogi

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The apex socio-cultural organization of the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, Okun Development Association (ODA) has taken a bold step towards addressing the security challenges facing Okunland by convening a security summit.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Okunland’s Full Potential through Strategic Partnerships,” was held on Friday March 28, 2025, in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Areas of Kogi State, resolved to implement a comprehensive security plan.

The all-important summit brought together high-level government officials, traditional rulers, security experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to brainstorm solutions to the escalating insecurity challenges plaguing the region.

It was moderated by a retired Director, Department of State Security Service and a renowned security expert, Dr. Williams Toyin Akanle.

In his address, the President-General of the ODA, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, emphasized the need for a strategic and joint-action approach to tackle the insecurity menace.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd), expressed Kogi Government’s full support for the initiative.

The governor noted that grassroots community policing is recognized by his administration as a sustainable way of tackling insecurity challenges, stressing that the government was working assiduously in that regard.

A guest Speaker, CC Adetunji Adeleye, the Ondo State Commander of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) and Coordinator of the Corps in the South-West State, emphasised the need for legislation for effective synergy in community policing among neighbouring states.

“Speaking on behalf of the Okun traditional rulers, the Olujumu of Ijumu and Chairman, Ijumu Traditional Council, HRM Oba Williams Ayeni, lamented the persistent attacks by some non-indigenous criminal elements.

This, the royal father said, was evidently driven by an agenda to grab the land of the Okun people, and possibly subjugate the people, and that this must be jointly resisted.

A communique containing the resolutions at the summit, which was signed by Chief Jibril Yusuf – Chairman; Araba Rufus Aiyenigba – Secretary; as well as Hon. Soji Olu; Pastor Dayo Thomas, as members, was issued to journalists on Sunday in Lokoja.

In the communique, the summit resolved to establish a well-funded grassroots community policing structure, recognizing that security is everyone’s business.

This structure will be supported by technology-driven security operations, with well-endowed Okun compatriots encouraged to render support. Proper profiling of settlers in Okun communities will also be carried out to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.

Other key resolutions included: Community engagement, Economic empowerment, Security Trust Fund,

Security Audit, Support for Vigilante groups, victims of security breaches, as well as support for traditional rulers to effectively perform their roles.

The summit stressed the importance of sharing credible information with security operatives and the need for discretion in the use of social media on security matters.

The summit advocated for job creation, economic empowerment, and social interventions as essential tools in reducing criminal activities and vulnerability of youths.

It also stressed the need for the establishment of a community-based Security Trust Fund in Okunland to support security initiatives, as well as Regular security audits to be conducted in all Okun communities to identify gaps and bridge them.

The summit further resolved to ensure proper incentives, motivation, and moral boosting for Okun vigilante groups and hunters, and a sustainable support system to be put in place for victims of security breaches in Okunland.

Conclusively, the summit resolved to ensure that proper support is provided to Okun traditional rulers from the government and well-meaning individuals in securing their domain, while traditional security measures are also encouraged by the communities.

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NUJ Pushes for Media Enhancement Bill, Health Insurance for Journalists

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said it is working towards the passage of a Media Enhancement Bill to improve welfare packages for journalists across the country.

NUJ President, Alhassan Yahaya disclosed this on Wednesday during a media interactive forum organised by the Kano State Council of the union in collaboration with the State Ministry for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano.

The high-level media interactive dialogue was aimed at strengthening ethical standards and redefining public media narratives in the state.

Yahaya said the proposed legislation, already attracting sponsorship support from members of the House of Representatives, would address poor remuneration in the profession and enhance working conditions.

“We blow other people’s trumpets but not ours. It is time we stood firm and worked collectively to ensure the bill is passed,” he said.

Yahaya also advocated the introduction of health insurance for journalists, noting that less than one per cent currently have coverage.

“With a premium of N15,000 under the state health insurance scheme, journalists can access comprehensive healthcare from primary to tertiary levels, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and promoting universal health coverage,” he added.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, said the state had embarked on wide-ranging reforms to strengthen media capacity, enhance transparency, and promote healthy communication between government and the citizens.

“These efforts, alongside stakeholder engagement and domestication of the Freedom of Information Act, have improved public information management and deepen civic participation,” Abdullahi-Waiya said.

He said the ministry had revived in-house publications, rehabilitated its library, and fostered cordial relations with media executives, political commentators and civil society groups.

NUJ Kano Chairman, Suleman Dederi, welcomed the A participants and emphasised the importance of engaging veteran journalists to improve professionalism in the state’s media space.

A former NUJ National President, Malam Sani Zoro, cautioned against the dangers of misinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, citing past examples of fabricated stories that went viral.

He urged the union to study global best practices, strengthen the International Institute of Journalism, and organise forums to address pressing professional and societal issues.

Stakeholders at the dialogue commended the Kano State Government for being widely acknowledged as the most media-friendly in Nigeria.

They cited significant investments in journalism-related infrastructure, human capital development, and clearance of pension arrears for retired journalists.

They recommended that similar dialogues be held quarterly, veteran journalists should mentor younger colleagues via online platforms, and continuous capacity-building programmes should be prioritised to enhance professionalism.

The event brought together veteran journalists, academics, and media practitioners to share experiences and review developments within the profession in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

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Tinubu Departs Abuja for Japan, Brazil Visits

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President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil.

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga stated that the President will stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan.

According to the statement, in Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22.

With the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9 will focus on Africa’s economic transformation and improvements in the business environment and institutions through private investment and innovation.

It will also promote a resilient and sustainable African society for human security, peace, and stability.

In addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the Nigerian President will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.

Initiated in 1993 by the Japanese government and co-hosted by the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD is a triennial conference held alternately in Japan and Africa. The last one took place in August 2022 in Tunisia.

The forum fosters high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners.

At the end of the TICAD9, President Tinubu will leave for Brasilia, the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25.

This follows an invitation by the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

While in Brazil, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with his host and attend a business forum with Brazilian investors.

His delegation—comprising key ministers and senior officials — will explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation and sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Brazilian government.

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Auto Crash Claims Two in Bayelsa

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Two persons, a tricycle driver and his passenger (woman) were killed in a fatal road accident, along the Glory Drive roundabout, Etegwe, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State.

The multiple road crash, involving a Mack truck, a Silver colour salon car and a commercial tricycle popularly known as Keke Napep, which occurred Wednesday around 2.

05pm left others injured.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck was at high speed when the driver lost control and rammed into the tricycle causing multiple crashes.

“The driver was moving too fast, and by the time he tried to swerve, it was already too late. The Keke had no chance,” said a trader, who witnessed the crash.

“The Keke driver and his passenger died on the spot, while others in the saloon car sustained injuries.

“The violent impact left the tricycle badly mangled. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated and deposited at the morgue of the FMC while the truck driver is in police custody.

A Senior Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bayelsa, who spoke anonymously confirmed the accident.

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