NEWS
Refrain From Falsehood, Blackmail, Cleric Urges Media Practitioners
A Cleric, Pastor Joseph Akinade, of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eagle’s Wings Assembly, Iyana Church, Ibadan, has charged media practitioners in Nigeria to refrain from blackmail and false news.
Akinade said this in his sermon at a service held on Sunday to kick off the 2023 Press Week of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council.
Akinade, in his sermon entitled: ‘Role of Journalists in Nation Building’, noted that false report could bring down individuals, organisations, institutions, government and the country.
Reports says that the press week is an annual event by NUJ that seeks to create a platform for journalists to deliberate on emerging issues affecting the media, the industry, the economy and the polity.
The 2023 Press Week is themed: ‘Nigerian Economy: Reimagining Education System for the Fifth Industrial Revolution.’
According to him, journalists must be constructive and not destructive in their news reportage.
“It is important for journalists to always stand on the truth and not causing mayhem in the society with their reports.
“You must be fair to all parties in news reportage and ensure that you balance your news by getting all the necessary angles,” the cleric said.
Akinade warned media practitioners against fabrication of stories and character assassination for personal or financial gain, saying that anybody indulging in such practices risk the repercussion in the future.
NAN reports that the wife of the cleric, Evang. Bukola Akinade, a gospel music artiste, led the journalists in praise and worship.
Chairman of NUJ in the state, Ademola Babalola, in his remarks, said the press week was an opportunity for journalists to learn from experts in various fields, network and share experiences with their colleagues across the country.
“As journalists, we have critical roles to play in shaping the society.
“Our duty goes beyond informing, educating and entertaining. We must hold those in power accountable, expose corruption and ensure that the society is better for all,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman, Press Week Planning Committee, Mr Akeem Abas, thanked members of the union for their support, enjoining them to take part in the remaining activities lined up for the week.
Highlights of the event were cutting of the anniversary cake and reception organised by Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seyi Makinde, Sulaiman Olanrewaju.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state, Prince Dotun Oyelade, also joined the NUJ to kick-start the press week, ahead of the official opening on Monday.
The dignitaries in attendance included the National Trustee of NUJ, Bayo Akamo; Vice-Chairman of NUJ in the state, Seye Ojo; Secretary, Sola Oladapo; Treasurer, Akeem Abas, and the Financial Secretary, Abiodun Atilola.
Others were a former Vice President, ‘B’ Zone of the union, Cosmas Oni; Assistant National Secretary of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Yinka Bode-Are and Chairperson of NAWOJ in the state, Jadesola Ajibola, among others.
NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde is expected to officially declare the press week open on Monday. (NAN)
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has extended his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, following his passing away.In a condolence message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Gyang Bere, the Governor described Gen.
Lagbaja’s death as a tremendous loss not only to his family and the Nigerian Armed Forces but also to the people of Plateau State, where he was a steadfast advocate for peace and security. He said the late Plateau will not in a hurry forget about the relentless efforts of the late Chief of Army Staff in fostering an environment where citizens could carry out their daily lives in safety and harmony.Mutfwang noted that Gen. Lagbaja was a man of exceptional intellect, integrity, and compassion, who distinguished himself throughout his military career.He stressed that Gen. Lagbaja’s commitment to national and international assignments in pursuit of peace and stability left an indelible legacy, adding that this underscored the depth of his service to the nation.I’m his words, “Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of justice, fairness, and his steadfast dedication to the peace and security of Nigeria should serve as an enduring inspiration to all, particularly the young officers in the Nigerian Army.”He highlighted Gen. Lagbaja’s unflagging dedication to restoring peace across the country with particular efforts in Plateau State, where he played a crucial role during the December 2023 Christmas Eve tragedy in Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.Governor stated this, “It is with profound sorrow and deep sympathy that I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the family of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.”While words cannot ease the pain of such a monumental loss, I pray that the Almighty God, the God of all comfort, will surround you all with His grace and peace during this difficult time. May the Lord grant you the fortitude to bear this loss with strength and courage.” He prayed for the department Chief OfficerMutfwang reiterated that on behalf of his family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State offered their deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the bereaved family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished officer. While praying for God’s comfort and strength to uphold them through the period of profound grief.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Worried by the incessant boat mishaps that has claimed several lives over the years, Niger state government has presented five metal fifty-seater boats to riverine communities in the stateThe Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo disclosed this through his social media handles after the presentation in Wuya community of Gbako local government area of Niger state.
Ebbo stated that the Niger State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) delivered the boats as part of Governor Umaru Bago’s initiative to ensure safer inland water transportation, support agricultural activities, and enhance the safety of residents. The Special Adviser Digital Media noted that the General Manager of CSDA, Aisha Abdulkadir further explained that the communities requested this intervention due to the dangers posed by the wooden boats previously used, which were prone to damage and not durable on water.According to Ebbo, during the handover of the operational code to local government chairmen, Commissioner for Transport Hadiza Kuta highlighted the importance of enforcing water travel regulations and warned that violators would face prosecution.Some of the benefiting community representatives in their separate remarks, appreciated governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s foresight aimed at curbing future boat mishap in the state.It could be recalled that recently over one hundred people from the state died in a dastardly boat mishap at Gbajibo community in Mokwa local government area of Niger state necessitating the government intervention and pro-activeness to prevent further recurrence.Similar intervention has been provided by N HYPPADEC which had also recently distributed fibre glass boats to some revine communities within its operating States.
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
In a major healthcare boost for Nasarawa State, TotalEnergies in partnership with other stakeholders has donated a cutting-edge mammography machine to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital (FUTH) to support early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The new equipment was unveiled yesterday at the Cancer Centre of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, in a ceremony led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe representing the governor, Abdullahi Sule.During the inauguration, Dr. Akabe praised TotalEnergies for its commitment to public health, calling the donation a crucial step in combating breast cancer. “This facility is one of the latest advancements in cancer treatment technology and will enable us to provide timely diagnosis and care, reducing breast cancer fatalities,” Akabe said, referencing the Global Cancer Observatory’s 2020 report, which estimated that over 14,000 Nigerian women die from breast cancer annually.The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, also welcomed TotalEnergies and its partners for bringing the project to FUTH Lafia. “We are grateful that Nasarawa was chosen for this life-saving initiative,” Dr. Gwamna remarked. “Locating this facility here will ensure that our people have access to top-notch diagnostic care without needing to travel out of state.”His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, the Emir of Lafia, expressed his gratitude to TotalEnergies and the state government for their support. “This project exemplifies our governor’s vision for an environment where essential healthcare advancements can thrive,” he said.“It brings hope to our people and stands as a symbol of our commitment to safeguarding the health of our communities.”Representing the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Matthieu Bouyer, the Acting General Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs. Tonye Osifo, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in Nigeria through corporate social responsibility.“This mammography centre will provide affordable, accessible early diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives,” Osifo stated. “Since 2019, we have worked with our partners to set up similar centres across the country, reinforcing our dedication to supporting communities and fighting breast cancer.”Chief Medical Director of FUTH Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan described the donation as transformative for the hospital. “With this equipment, the burden of breast cancer in Nasarawa can be significantly reduced,” he said. “This donation will save our patients from the physical and financial strain of seeking treatment outside the state.”Local residents and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the new facility will lead to better healthcare access and improved cancer care in Nasarawa State.
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