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NGE Gets US Grant for Capacity Building

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has received a grant from the U.S. to facilitate capacity building of its members and other senior journalists.

The grant of $226 .889 (about N93.3million) is to facilitate activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of the media in performing its responsibilities.

The NGE , in a statement jointly signed by its President , Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiarem, on Sunday said the US gave the support through its embassy in Lagos.

The guild said the capacity building would include training programmes for editors and other senior journalists on press freedom and democracy as well as town hall meetings on media regulation framework.

“The project also entails printing and distribution of the journalism code of ethics, and strengthening of the NGE’s website-news alerts on media violations.

“The capacity building conferences, which will hold in the six geo-politucal zones across the country, are to provide a platform for editors to be reminded of the sacred duties they are tasked to perform by the constitution on behalf of the citizens.

.”Drawing copious examples from the advanced democracies around the world, like US -after which the Nigerian constitution is formed, the conferences are expected to instil in the editors the need to perform their duties with the highest form of standard and sense of responsibilities”, it said.

The NGE said, with the project, it hoped that a professional media would have the spin-off effect of advancing democratic growth .

It said the project would also enable NGE strengthen its website to meet up with the demands for news alerts on media violations , public feedback and complaints on allegations of malicious media reportage .

‘’This would provide an opportunity for the Guild to strengthen its online presence to promptly disseminate current information with members and the general public, including international partners and audiences.

‘’A third component is the printing and distribution of Nigeria Journalism Code of Ethics to all journalists, including editors to popularise among editors and senior journalists the professional code of ethics that guides their profession and have these instilled in their sub-consciousness and serve as a guiding principle’’,it said.

On the Town Hall meeting component, the guild said it would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess media performance in consolidating democracy and outline an agenda for the future.

The guild said it had planned strategic meetings with Newspers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other media focussed NGOs on framework for self-regulation for Nigerian media.

“This will provide a platform for media stakeholders to undertake self-introspection and develop a framework for media regulation, which will not only have their buy-in but also improve the standard for media practice in Nigeria, thereby reducing , if not eliminate incidence of substandard and unprofessional reportage in the Nigerian media..

“Such conversations and hopefully eventual adoption of self-regulatory framework could also have a regional spin-off whereby countries within the region , and indeed Africa, could be encouraged to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian example, as was the case with the adoption of a Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria, subsequently having a spin off in Ghana”, it said.

The Guild said from the timelines of the project, the South-West conference and the Town Hall meeting were scheduled to hold in Lagos between Dec. 2 and Dec. 4. (NAN)

NEWS

Insecurity: Govt to Begins Boundary Demarcation Between Benue, Cameroon, others in April 

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From Attah Ede Makurdi

The federal government is to commence the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa as from next month as part of non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia this disclosed this when he visited and donated relief materials to victims of herdsmen militias attacks in six council wards of Kwande Local Government Area of the State.

The six council wards affected are, Moon, Mbadura, Yaiv, Kumakwagh, Mbakyor and Neivwan.

Addressing the displaced persons and other stakeholders at separate venues in Ichongo traditional council, Jato Aka, RCM Special Science Primary School, Nyihemba and Achia primary health Care, Usambeliev Ikyurav ya, the Governor assured that Government would not fold its hands and watch bandits kill, destroy and take over their communities, saying he would soon bring the situation to end 

Governor Alia who was represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, said that a Military post would be established in Abaji to prevent the bandits from attacking farmers in Anyiase, Abande and Nundugh and directed the commissioner of Police to back up the police station in Jato Aka with fifty more police personnel for swift response.

He maintained that the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa would commence next month, and stressed that the measure would serve as a non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.

Earlier, in their responses, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Joseph Alakali and Chairman, Kwande Local Government Council, Rev. Mark Hule assured the people of the governor’s commitment to their welfare and was making frantic efforts to resolve the issue once and for all.

While assuring the people of Turan and Ikyurav ya that the police is on top of the situation, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Emmanuel Adesina said two bandits were killed and one arrested and weapons recovered from them.

Ter Kwande, Chief Timothy Ahire thanked the Governor for the visit and lamented that the markets in Anyiase Abande, Nundugh and Abaji were no longer witnessing patronage due to attacks by herdsmen militia.

The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu assured the people of the agency’s continuous supply of food and non food items to cushion the sufferings.

 A victim, Terver Ageba from Nyihemba, Mbakyor council appreciated the Governor and his entourage for given them a sense of belonging, pointing out that the herdsmen have dislodged them from their homes and have nowhere to lay their heads on. 

The Commissioner iv, Benue State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Scholastica Liam (Lyam) who was also on the entourage, encouraged the displaced people to look unto God for a lasting solution to the predicament.

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Gov Alia  Swears in BSIEC Chairman, other Commissioners

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From Attah Ede Makurdi 

The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday swore in the newly-appointed chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Dr. John Chen , and other commissioners with a charge on them to fostering a transparent electoral process that could enhance public trust and confidence in the democratic institutions.

The appointees are to oversee the affairs of the state electoral body with a view to conducting local government elections.

The swearing-in ceremony which was held at the New Banquet Hall Government House in Makurdi, followed approval of their appointment by the state’s House of Assembly last week.

Those screened, confirmed and subsequently sworn in, were Dr. John Chen who is the Chairman, Theodore Iordye Uchi, Solomon Aikighe Deva, Edache Isaac, Mrs. Gloria Clement, and Peter Baba Ogagbolo as well as Terhemen Shom.

However, the State house of assembly refused to confirm Dr. Gisaor Vincent who was nominated by the Governor for the post of the commission’s secretary  over his nasty post insulting the Tiv people on Facebook

In his address at the ceremony, governor Alia urged the new appointees to demonstrate courage and steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured  that his government stands firmly behind the  commission.

The governor stressed that he  cannot overemphasize the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming obstacles; together, they can achieve great progress and prosperity for the state.

He called on all well-meaning citizens of Benue State to join hands with BSIEC in ensuring the success of our democratic process, adding that together, they can build a future where fairness, justice, and progress reign supreme.

“In  nominating each member, we were guided by the law establishing the commission, which unequivocally demands that the chairman and members possess unquestionable integrity. This underscores the critical role that the commission plays in laying the foundation for our democracy, as the Local Government Councils and council wards serve as the primary interface between the government and the people.

“I entrust upon you the responsibility of ensuring the consolidation of democracy at this vital level by conducting elections that are free, fair, and credible, accurately reflecting the will and aspirations of the people of Benue State. Our people deserve nothing less than a system where their voices are heard through their votes”,he said.

He commended members of the State Assembly for conducting rigorous screening process and their prompt attention to the nominations and confirmations, stressing that each of the  appointees were selected based on their nonpartisan stance, outstanding qualifications, integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, which are fundamental to the progress of the state and the core principles required for the survival of  thriving democracy.

Responding, the newly-sworn in BSIEC chairman, Dr. John Chen commended the state government for the opportunity to serve even as he assured that the electoral umpire would conduct credible local government polls when the time comes.

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Gov Alia shuns APC National Leadership  Peace moves in Benue, Inaugurates parallel State Secretariat, Excos 

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From Attah Ede Makurdi

The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC in Benue State, on Thursday took another dimension as Governor Hyacinth Alia inaugurated  new state executives  of the party.

It should be noted that the APC in the State have been factionalized as result of battle for supremacy between the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF Sen.

George Akume and Governor Alia.

All efforts by the National Working Committee to resolve the lingering  crisis have hit brick wall as the party continue to witness disputes between members, while the governor had refused to recognise the leadership of comrade Austin Agada hence he is regarded as SGF senator George Akume’s stooge.

The NWC during its 146th meeting held on the 20th March, 2024 issued a 7 directive to all the warring parties to sheath their sword by withdrawing all lawsuits.

In compliance to the directive, the Austin Agada executive through its Legal Adviser Alyebo Mathew Esq, filed a Notice of Withdrawal on the 25th March, 2024, in the only case filed by the chairman that was pending before High Court 4 in Makurdi. The said case has been consequently struck out by Justice T.A. Kume.

However, on the same day, the Governor constituted the executive of the party led by Benjamin Omakolo at the party Secretariat located close to the Government House, Makurdi.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam described the occasion as ‘historic’ in the annals of the State politics, adding that what they had been doing behind closed doors, has now come to fruition.

Hear him,”this is the day of our liberation. We will conquer, do not b afraid the beginning may be rough but stand firm.

“There can’t be two (2) governors in the State. We have only one leader of the party who is the Governor. Let nobody make any mistake. 

“Let us agree that while we were doing it at the back door, it has come to fruition. It’s a deliberate act to change the state there is no faction. Omakolo has come to stay. Let’s put the record straight to ensure the right thing is done. We have sworn to uphold party supremacy we will be keep APC flying in the State. 

“I commend your doggedness. It is a critical time that requires men of courage. In the end, you will thank God that you were part of those who liberated the State from shackles of darkness The Governor is solidly behind this Exco there is no other APC and there will be none again in the State. 

“We are on a mission to succeed. Already 6 National Assembly members have indicated interest to be on our side. We appreciate Ehaje ward (Austin Agada’s ward) for this development”.

The State ALGON Chairman who doubles as care taker chairman, Konshisha LGA Philip Achuah while pledging loyalty of council chairmen to the party executives,said they are a product of the APC  and there is turning back.

“Be assured of our cooperation at the grassroot. At any time we are called upon, we will be there.We re product of the APC and renewed Progressives”,Achuah said.

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