NEWS
NUJ President Canvasses More Protection for Journalists

Mr Christopher Iziguzo, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Thursday, appealed to the Nigeria Police to protect Journalists as they carry out their legitimate duties across the country.
Iziguzo, in a remark at a Forum for the Adoption of Framework on Police Media-Relationship and Safety of Journalists in Abuja, said that the safety of journalists was crucial to national growth in view of their role as watchdogs of the society.
The event was put together by NUJ in collaboration with Media Foundation for West Africa and other partners.
Iziguzo said that Nigeria should not toy with its newsmen because they were the light, conscience and watchdog of the society.
He emphasised the need for journalists and Police to work together, and regretted that the role of the newsmen as the oxygen of democracy was under severe threat.
“The Police and journalists should be partners in progress; we journalists don’t have guns; we are not criminals or terrorists.
“I call on the Police to protect journalists; they should see us as partners in progress for positive change. I want to call on you to accept us as friends and partners.
“When you see us out there, accept us as friends of the state and nation builders. We are very much ready at all times to ensure we engage in issues that will take the nation to the next positive level,” Iziguzo said.
Similarly, Mr Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Secretary, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in his speech, said that the relationship between the media and the Police was a crucial one.
“A journalist will often need information, protection and authentication of information from the Police and the Police sometimes rely on information of incidences in the country from the journalists.
“The Police also rely on journalists to get pieces of evidence to back their investigations.
“But, unfortunately, this relationship sometimes tends to be sour and is a sad thing to say that across West Africa, the Police usually tend to be the aggressors.
“Sometimes, it is not because the Police don’t like the journalists, but some journalists don’t know how to handle themselves, particularly when they are in public places.
“We have seen where journalists go to war front in Syria, Yemen and bring footage, I believe they follow certain procedures; so, sometimes it is not that Police officers are rude or overzealous; may be journalists don’t toe the line they are supposed to,” Briamah said.
In his remark, the Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Mr Victor Egharevba, said that the safety of journalists was very important, adding that the death of a journalist during the protest by Islamic Movement in Nigeria, was a sad story.
Egharevba, represented by Director of Research and Statistics at NPC, Mrs. Stella Jubri, stressed that the media and Police needed each other to succeed.
Prof. Kwame Karikari, a professor of journalism from Ghana, said that the media and Police render very important services to the pubic, yet they were the most hated and criticised by the public.
According to him, the job of a journalist and Police requires high level of professionalism, adding that Police fight crimes and journalists expose crimes.
“Both institutions promote and defend democracy; there is need for them to work together for the overall development of the country.
“The media do make mistakes as well as the police, however, there should be a civilised way of addressing mistakes committed by journalists and Police officers,” Karikari said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that participants were drawn from the Nigeria Police, Media and other relevant stakeholders.
NAN reports that Iziguzo later called for a motion to adopt the framework in principle with Mr Amos Duniya of the Forefront Magazine moving the motion for the adoption of the Framework on Police Media-Relationship and Safety of Journalists.
It was seconded by CSP Ngozi Nwokomo, Officer in Charge of Public Complaints Bureau at the Force Headquartres, Abuja. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Fix Aug. 12 to Begin Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has approved an extension of the grace period for the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit requirement to Aug. 12.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the extension followed several concerns and feedback expressed by the public over the reactivation of the digital Tinted Glass Permit application process. “In line with our commitment to delivering transparent, inclusive, and citizen-focused policing, the force wishes to affirm that it has not ignored the voices of Nigerians.“Rather, these voices have been instrumental in guiding ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it remains user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all,” he said.Adejobi said the extension of enforcement was also intended to give room for additional enhancements and refinements to the application process to ensure that no applicant was unduly disadvantaged.According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is actively working to simplify and improve both the physical and contactless application options.He said the idea was to enhance verification mechanisms and streamline procedures to reduce delays and eliminate undue inconveniences.”Members of the public are reminded that the authorised platform for the application and renewal of the Tinted Glass Permit is accessible via http://www.possap.gov.ng.“Citizens are also encouraged to report all unauthorised or hidden charges as well as extortion in the course of application or biometric capturing to police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000,” he said.Adejobi pledged the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to public safety, digital innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery.He urged the public to continue to cooperate and be patient with the Nigeria Police Force as it carries the reforms. (NAN)NEWS
Gombe Governor Backs Tinubu for 2027 Re-election

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State declared his support on Saturday for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Yahaya made the announcement during the ground-breaking ceremony for a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in the state. He praised Tinubu’s administration for introducing initiatives that have brought positive change and development across the country.
The governor highlighted the livestock sector as one that has seen significant improvement since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Yahaya said Tinubu’s investments in the livestock value chain are aimed at economic growth, job creation, and improving citizens’ welfare. He stated that the agro-livestock industrial zone in Gombe is supported by Tinubu’s administration, which approved ₦120 billion and released 50 per cent of the funds. “I assure the President that for what he has done, is doing, and will do, Gombe people will follow him to the battlefield blindfolded. “We will work for his success in 2027. By God’s grace, his re-election is assured,” Yahaya said. The governor noted Tinubu’s support for the livestock sector, a largely Northern business long overlooked, reflects his care for the people. “If not for a President who loves his people and has the capacity and will, this transformation would not have happened. “No Northern leader in 47 years of power considered investing ₦120 billion to transform the livestock sector, despite it being a predominantly Northern industry,” he said. Yahaya commended Tinubu’s commitment to fully developing the agricultural sector in Gombe and across the country. He assured Nigerians that in spite of temporary hardships from ongoing reforms, better days lie ahead under Tinubu’s leadership. (NAN)NEWS
MTN, NDLEA Join Forces to Combat Drug Abuse in Enugu

MTN Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have joined forces in a landmark collaboration to tackle illicit drug use among youths in Enugu State.The collaboration was officially inaugurated during the first-ever “Advocacy Walk Against Drug Abuse” on Saturday as part of MTN’s Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).
The walk, which began and ended at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Campus Three, aimed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of substance abuse. The initiative forms part of the larger War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign spearheaded by MTN and NDLEA.At the event, Enugu State NDLEA Commander, Mr Abel Wadahi, revealed alarming statistics: stating that more than 400,000 people, mostly youths, were involved in drug abuse across the state.Represented by Deputy State Commander Mr John Oga, the agency cited recent drug integrity tests underscoring the severity of the issue.“The youth bear the brunt of this menace, which is why we are focusing our efforts on them.“We want to empower them as ambassadors to bridge generational gaps and help eradicate drug abuse,” Wadahi said.He highlighted peer pressure, curiosity, and experimentation as primary factors driving substance use, naming cannabis (igbo), marijuana, and the rapidly spreading “mkpurummiri” (methamphetamine) as the most commonly abused drugs.“Mkpurummiri is especially dangerous, causing mental health disorders and leaving many users vulnerable on our streets. Urgent intervention is critical,” Wadahi warned.“Since the inception of WADA in Enugu, NDLEA has conducted outreach activities in more than 135 locations, including schools, religious centres, and workplaces, directly educating more than 69,000 people on the risks of drug abuse.“We also promote sports and endurance treks to offer healthy alternatives and keep vulnerable youths away from drugs,” Wadahi added.Representing MTN Nigeria, Pamela Emodi, Manager of Youth Development, stressed the importance of education and partnership in the fight against substance abuse.“MTN ASAP targets youths aged 10 to 25 through a comprehensive, multi-sector approach.“Today’s walk coincides with the United Nations 2025 World Drug Day and reflects our strong collaboration with NDLEA.“Since its launch in 2019, ASAP has reached more than 91 million Nigerians.“In 2024 alone, the programme engaged 27,000 students and 450 teachers across 55 secondary schools in 12 states, providing counselling through the NDLEA 247 psychosocial health desk.“This year, we aim to train 86,000 students and 1,500 teachers in 12 additional states, organise more advocacy walks in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, and hold stakeholder conferences in Abuja and Lagos,” she said.Highlighting the urgent public health challenge, Mr David Folaranmi, Enugu State Coordinator for the International Society for Substance Use Professionals, emphasised the growing threat posed by substance abuse across Nigeria..(NAN)