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COAS Lagbaja Not Dead, Enjoying Annual Vacation Abroad – Nigerian Army

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army has clarified that the Chief of Army Staff,  Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja is alive, urging the public to disregard  news of his death.

Social media reports on Sunday had claimed that Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official.

The report added that “The death of the Chief of Army staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position.”

A statement  titled “Nigerian Army Operational and Administrative Activities on Course, Contrary to Insinuations in the Media Space,” the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu dismissed the reports as a baseless rumour aimed at causing tension and confusion among military personnel and the general public.

“Against rumours making the rounds on various media outlets on the purported death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigerians are advised to disregard such ill-fated and unverified reports.

“It is true that the COAS has traveled overseas but that for his annual leave and routine medical checkup. Before he left he handed over responsibility to his subordinate as required by law.”

Confirming that the COAS fulfilled all legal processes required by law before proceeding on leave, Major General Nwachukwu maintained that “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.

“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away.

“It is rather very disappointing that some individuals who neither have a knowledge of his current situation nor access to any of his family members will rush to social media to announce the death of a man in very stable health.

“Clearly, this is the handwork of mischief makers and detractors bent on rubbishing his fight against terrorism and pushing him off the ladder but to their utter shame, he will surely return at the expiration of his leave to the saddle of command.

“As a detribalized Nigerian, the COAS has remained focused on fighting insurgency in the North, militancy and oil-bunkering in the Niger Delta, secessionists attempt by the IPOB now championed by the unknown gunmen in the South East, farmers-herders conflict in the Middle Belt and all terror related acts across the nation.

“His all-round approach to fighting crime and reaching every affected region of Nigeria has distinguished him amongst others.

“His unbiased appointments and redeployment of Major Generals, and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across NA formations and units in the country and recent personnel postings, promotions and training activities further cements his integrity and love for national unity and cohesion.

“The best Nigerians can do at this point for a warlord, who at sundry times has placed his life on the line in the interest of national security, is to ignore the baseless rumours and pray that he enjoys his vacation and return in renewed strength to continue his good works for our dear native land.

“The Chief of Army Staff is alive and active to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”

One Killed, Five Rescued, As Security Foils Bandits’ Attack In Katsina

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina Police Command on Sunday October, 20, 2024, announced the frustration of a bandit attack in the Jibia area of the State.

It, also, informed that no fewer than six victims of abduction were rescued during a counter operation by security personnel.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, ASP, in Katsina said police operatives, acting on a tip off, Saturday, in conjunction with the military and personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and vigilantes was  able to foil an attack by some banditry  elements in Unguwar Batsaka quarters in Jibia town.

“On October, 19, 2024, at about 23.25 hrs, a distress call was received at the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters on bandits’ attack in Unguwar Batsaka quarters in Jibia town in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons shooting sporadically with intent to kidnap some residents of the area.

“The DPO mobilised a team of operatives in collaboration with the military, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, KSCWC, and vigilantes to the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for about an hour, forcing the bandits to flee the scene with varying degrees of bullet injuries.

“The team successfully rescued six kidnapped victims and were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention due to injuries sustained as a result of the bandits’ attack .

“However, regrettably one of the victims, simply identified as Rabe Mai Shayi, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment” the Police Spokesman stated.

He noted that concerted efforts are underway to track down the fleeing banditry elements.

To this end, he implored members of the public to volunteer credible information that can assist security agents in hunting down criminal elements in the state .

The Source reports that Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states are the most seriously challenged by banditry, abduction and other criminal activities within the North West region of the Country.

But of late, the vibrancy and commitment of personnel of the KSCWC and vigilantes, working in collaboration with orthodox security agencies have greatly reduced banditry and other criminal activities in Katsina state.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, only recently challenged the various communities to stand up and confront the threat posed by banditry elements.

Ekiti PDP Declares Fmr Gov Fayose “APC Spy” Recommends His Expulsion

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

By Ayodele Oni

Coming after he pledged unalloyed support for the second term bid of Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji,

Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recommended former Governor Ayodele Fayose for expulsion from the party.

Fayose, a PDP chieftain, said: had declared at project commissioning to mark Oyebanji’s second year in office that “I don’t care what people say about me, I am with you and whoever that is not pleased should take their party away.

“The people are speaking for the governor, they love him, they want him back and I can’t be against my people.

“I can see you are leaving a legacy that will outlive you. All of us former governors will adopt Oyebanji for second term, because he has done well.”

PDP caretaker committee in the state revealed on Sunday that “the party had taken a significant step towards expelling former Governor Ayodele Fayose from the party due to alleged anti-party activities.”

Dare Adeleke, chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, who announced the decision in Ado-Ekiti, stated that “Fayose’s expulsion was recommended to the Tom Ikimi-led Disciplinary Panel and the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Reconciliation Committee.

“Fayose’s actions, deemed detrimental to the party’s interests, include publicly endorsing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, a member of the opposing All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This move has raised concerns among PDP members, with some labeling Fayose an ‘APC spy’ within the party.

“The party’s decision to expel Fayose aims to address his alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities, which have caused tension within the PDP.

“This development highlights the internal conflicts within the party, with some members questioning Fayose’s loyalty to the PDP.”

Shettima Leads Delegation To Commonwealth Heads Of Govt. Meeting

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kashim Shettima - Vice President

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

According to a statement on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, an aide to the Vice President, Shettima will be representing President Bola Tinubu at the meeting.

VP Shettima will join King Charles of England and other World Leaders from 56- member countries at the first CHOGM to be held in the Pacific small Island of Apia, Samoa from October 21 to 26 with the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.”

The theme will focus attention on how member countries can harness their strengths through resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.

At this meeting, Nigeria and other member countries will also elect and appoint the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

In line with the Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat (revised 2022) and the principle of regional rotation, the next Commonwealth Secretary-General will come from the Africa Region.

The candidates for the role are from Lesotho, Ghana, and The Gambia, while Nigeria will have a major role to play as the largest African member in this regard.

Consolidating the progress made at CHOGM 2022, VP Shettima and other world leaders will also deliberate on the global economy, environmental and security challenges, discussing how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future.

The Vice President is expected to use the platform provided by the Commonwealth Business Forum to further attract investors to Nigeria, as global experts from businesses and the private sector convene to recommend and champion solutions to global challenges.

Shettima will also participate in the People’s Forum, the single largest opportunity organized by the Commonwealth Foundation for people to engage with leaders on global development issues. He will also engage in bilateral meetings and other executive sessions

AGN Addresses Misinformation, False Reports, On Senate President

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President

By Akinwale Kasali

The suspension of Nollywood Actress,  Halima Abubakar, by the Actors Guild Of Nigeria, AGN, has generated controversy, with speculations brewing that the actress is allegedly having a relationship with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.

It was gathered that following the rumour about Abubakar’s affairs with the former Akwa Ibom State Governor led to her making defamatory statements about some of her colleagues leading to her suspension by the leadership of the AGN.

Making clarifications on this development, AGN President, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has however issued a strong statement clarifying the organization’s internal memo dated October 17, 2024, which has been grossly misinterpreted by certain bloggers.

Rollas in the statement personally signed by him, noted that the memo, which was never intended for public dissemination, addressed the suspension of a member who had spread false information about other members, including alleged relationships with the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Halima Abubakar, a Nollywood
Halima Abubakar

According to Dr. Rollas, “The sole aim of the reference to the Senate President was to establish that we are also trying to unearth the purveyors of the falsehood similar to the one that resulted in the suspension of one of our members.”

However, bloggers notorious for publishing fake stories twisted this information to report that the AGN had placed Senator Akpabio’s alleged side chicks on a watchlist.

Rollas emphasized that this was a “deliberate distortion of the facts” aimed at embarrassing and bringing into disrepute the person of the President of the Senate, whom the AGN holds in high esteem. He stressed that the memo focused on the suspension of a member who had tarnished the reputation of esteemed members, not on Senator Akpabio or alleged relationships involving him.

The AGN President identified The Whistler and Opera News Bloggers as the primary sources of this false story and has categorically stated that there is no truth to their reports.

He clarified that the individuals on their watchlist are those spreading damaging rumors, not alleged “side chicks.”

Rollas further urged these bloggers to retract their misleading reports immediately and issue an apology for misappropriating and misrepresenting the AGN’s internal communication.

He also warned other news media against spreading this false story, advising them to desist from doing so in their own interest.

He concluded by reaffirming the AGN’s commitment to protecting the reputation of its members and promoting a culture of truth and accountability within the organization.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos Cruise Into Quarter Finals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Flamingos of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The Coach Bankole Olowookere- tutored Under-17 Female National Team, the Flamingos, has cruised into the quarter finals with a decisive  4-0 triumph over Ecuador in their Second Group A match at the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Dominican Republic.

The Flamingos continue to prove to the world that their third-place finish at the last edition of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup finals in India was no fluke, having earned a 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match.

The Flamingos have scooped maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for, and only one against. They are surely in the last eight, ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday night.

Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box.

Pacy forward, Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour.

Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward.

In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun.

Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo.

Nigeria got its fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right.

The Flamingos will take on the host, Dominican Republic on Tuesday night for their Third Group match.

War With Biafra Was ‘Unfortunate”- Gowon

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Yakubu Gowon
Gen. Yakubu Gowon

Nigeria’s former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), says the nation’s Civil War was not meant to defeat the Republic of Biafra, saying it was necessary to preserve the unity of the country.

The former leader said this on Saturday at his 90th birthday thanks giving service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Gowon spoke amidst the threat posed by secessionist groups to Nigeria’s unity, prominent among which are the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Yoruba Nation group.

The two groups are demanding separate countries for the Igbo and Yoruba people  living in the south east and south west parts of the country.

The magazine reported that one of the leaders of Yoruba Nation, Sunday Igboho recently submitted a letter demanding the south west separation from Nigerian to the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

The event was attended by some prominent Nigerians including  President Bola Tinubu, represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi; former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors amongst others.

The Civil War was fought for three years, 1967 and 1970 between the Nigerian government and secessionist Biafran Army led by late Gen Odumegwu Ojukwu.

It ended with the total surrender of the Biafran Army.

Speaking yesterday, Gen. Gowon who was accompanied by his wife, Victoria said the war was necessary to unite the country, stressing that his government was able to bring the was to end with the support of Nigerians. .

Gowon: “We fought an unfortunate civil war to keep the country together and, in the end, we did it as one. Yes, it is not a question of a defeat of any part of the country, but to ensure that, yes, they are back in the country.

“And it’s Nigeria that really won in the end: Nigeria was the victor and not any part of Nigeria over the other. I thank God for that. We must continue as one Nigeria and make Nigeria great.

“I thank you for the support given to me, the prayers, and for the peace and stability of the country. And for the good people of Nigeria, we did our best and I can assure you as l said that the support of the people encouraged me to go ahead.”

Fayose Says Oyebanji’s Second Term Unstoppable

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ayodele Fayose
Ayodele Fayose

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor Fayose, at the weekend commissioned an electrification project started by his administration and just completed by the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

At the project commissioning, Fayose again reiterated his unalloyed support for the second term of Oyebanji, not minding political difference between them.

Fayose said he was enthralled with the way Oyebanji completed some projects started by his predecessors, which he said further testified that there is unity of purpose among all Ekiti leaders.

Speaking about 2026 Governorship election, Fayose posited that all the former Governors of the State have endorsed Oyebanji for second term and that they will back him up to succeed at the poll.

Damning the consequences of his steadfast support for Oyebanji, Fayose, a PDP chieftain, said: “I don’t care what people say about me, I am with you and whoever that is not pleased should take their party away. The people are speaking for the governor, they love him, they want him back and I can’t be against my people.

“I can see you are leaving a legacy that will outlive you. All of us former governors will adopt Oyebanji for second term, because he has done well.”

Counting achievements of his administration in the last two years, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that he has connected over 40 towns to the national grid since assumption of office with intention to upscale local economy and add modern touch to the grassroots.

Biodun Oyebanji - Ekiti State Governor
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

Speaking at the event attended by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, Oyebanji said he decided to construct the road with solar lighting to increase nightlife in the area and bring an upswing to the economic development of the populace, adding that putting electricity along new road remains his standard practice.

“This road was started by Governor Ayodele Fayose, but I completed it. That is why it is good for a leader to perform while in office. By my assessment, all our past governors have done well, they deserve our respect.

“In the last 24 months, I have connected over 40 towns to national grid. Some were reconnected back after decades of power outage, while some never had light at all.

“No town can develop without electricity and to develop the local economy, we are focusing on grassroots electrification to boost our economy at the rural level.”

The governor assured that the local government Chairmen will be backed fully by his administration to reciprocate the good projects being offered at the state level at the grassroots.

“Light and road are very central to development and we will continue to connect as many as possible towns with electricity and roads. Any town without good road and light will be in darkness and no development can take place.

“I am not going to abandon any sector or stratum. All of us must enjoy the dividends of democracy because our votes are of equal value. I will continue to serve you as your servant.”

In their submissions, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo and his counterpart in infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, charged the residents to protect the facilities provided by mounting security surveillance against vandals and thieves.

Applauding Oyebanji on behalf of all the benefiting communities, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi , said the project will change the face of the economy of the axis, promising that they shall reciprocate the gesture with massive votes in 2026.

Arrest Of LP SE Top Officials: Abure’s NWC Kicks, As Gov Otti Accuses Them Of Impersonation

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Julius Abure- led leadership of the Labour Party has raised alarm over the arrest of its National Vice Chairman, South East Zone, Comrade Ceekay Igara, and the potent threat posed to the lives of its officials in Abia state.

The Party, on Saturday night, October 19, 2024, claimed that Igara who was the immediate past Abia state LP Chairman, was arrested at a meeting in Aba, and whisked away by Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad RRS.

This is just as the Governor Alex Otti-backed LP leadership in the State informed that Igara and others are guilty of impersonation and extortion.

The Abure-led NWC  alleged that the invasion of the meeting venue, Enitona Hotels, Aba, and subsequent arrest of the South East Vice Chairman was allegedly on the orders of the Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti.

In a viral video, the party alleged that over 20 masked Security Operatives invaded the meeting venue, and arrested several party faithful who were deliberating on the forthcoming Local Government Election in the State.

The armed masked security personnel were said to have ordered every one inside the meeting hall to remain silent while they proceeded to arrest Prince G.O. Ndubueze, the Secretary of the Party’s Local Government election Committee.

However, apprehensive party members were said to have resisted the move preferring instead to accompany Ndubueze to the Police Area Command, Aba, where the Operatives came from.

Speaking with the Media Ndubueze ,who is also the Chairman of the Interim Committee leadership of the Party in Abia, recently appointed by the Abure led National Working Committee, NWC, accused Governor Otti of being behind the disruption of the party’s meeting ,and the arrest of its officials.

He, however, vowed not to be cowed by the Governor or any other persons .

” I didnt get any warrant of arrest from anywhere. I don’t even know whether they are real Policemen or not. But as a law abiding citizen, I am going with the Police.

However, I will not bow to intimidation from Governor Alex Otti. We won’t allow him to impose candidates in this Local Government election.” Prince Ndubueze said.

But reacting to the development  the Emmanuel Otti-led Abia SWC accused Igara of impersonation, and acts of extortion.

In a statement on Sunday, October 20, Otti claimed that the arrest of Igara stemmed from a petition to the Police and other security agencies against his alleged extortion of party members and impersonation.

“Mr Igara’s arrest stems from a petition we wrote to the Police against him, and others over their acts of extortion and impersonation of the State Chapter of the party.

“Igara, by the constitution of our party, has no legal right to usurp or impersonate the office of the chairman, having ceased to be the State Chairman after his election as the South East National Vice Chairman March this year.

“No law court has invalidated the existence of the Acting Chairman Emmanuel Otti and his Executive members ,hence it was wrong and illegal for Mr Igara to impersonate the Chairman and his executive by carrying our their legally recognized functions without their consent or approval ..

“We are also aware that following the petition, he had been invited by the police to which he refused to honour.

“While we recognize and respect the judgment which recognized Barr Julius Abure as the National Chairman ,Abure’s faction which Igara is part of has no right to flagrantly ignore the appeal and the motion for a stay of execution that had been duly filed against them by purportedly dissolving and imposing a new Caretaker leadership on the Abia state chapter, against the provisions of the law and Constitution of our party.

“Again the Abia State Chapter has gone further to secure a validly issued order of court which restrains Abure. Igara and others from those activities which prompted our petition to the police”, part of the statement reads

It  will be recalled that the Abure led NWC after its victory at the Abuja  Federal High Court last last week  ,which validated the controversial Nnewi Convention , dissolved the Governor Otti backed Emmanuel Ezenwa Otti led LP leadership in Abia state .

In its place ,Abure appointed an interim SWC headed by  Ndubueze.

But while ruling in an ex-  parte application filed by the Emmanuel Otti led SWC ,Hon Justice T Eruba of an Abia state High Court sitting in Umuahia ,on Thursday October 17,2024 restrained Ndubueze and others from further parading themselves as SWC members of the party in the state until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice .

The Court also restrained the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission ABSIEC and Inspector General of Police from having any dealings with the Dr G O Ndubeze led SWC.

The Enitona Hotel Aba meeting by Ndubueze and Igara may have been perceived by the opposing side as running foul of the restraining order of the court.

A fierce battle over which group has the legal authority to submit list of the party’s candidate to the ABSIEC has been raging between the Abure led faction  and the Governor Otti backed  Esther Nenadi Usman led 29 member interim NWC.

As at the time of reporting, the two groups were still  having separate list of candidates with the  electoral body as regards the local council polls

In fact, there are unconfirmed reports that  Governor Otti is about to adopt the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, as the new platform for his preferred candidates for the November 2, Local Council Polls.

There are very strong indications ,that the Governor may be borrowing a leaf from Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state who, owing to the leadership struggle within the fold of PDP in the state, used  the Action Peoples Party APP to cut off Nyesom Wike during the just concluded Local  Government election in Rivers State.

The Abure-led NWC in a statement issued by Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, Deputy National Chairman expressed shock and disbelief on why Its South East Vice Chairman who played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections, will be arrested on the alleged alleged orders of Governor Otti.

“Labour Party is at loss over what may have caused the same Governor who a few months ago stood by the party during our convention, but suddenly turned to launch the worst offensive at the leadership.

“He hosted extended Stakeholders meeting in Abia state and thereafter formed a Caretaker Committee hoping to wrest power from our leadership.

“He, unsuccessfully, shopped for courts to grant him some frivolous demands ,all to no avail

“It is surprising that he has resorted to introducing brute and anachronistic form of political intimidation .

“The arrest of our Zonal Chairman is the height of his political savager and an indication of the kind person Governor Otti really is.

“It is often said that power does not change a man, rather power brings out the true nature of a man….

“We were fooled by his humane posture, not knowing that he was just masquerading his tyrannical true person.

“We are therefore ,demanding the immediate release of Comrade Ceekay Igara from the. custody of the police or charge him to court within the next twenty four hours as specified by the law”, part of the LP statement reads.

NUJ Honours Obi Alongside 18 Other Media Icons For Roles In Reshapening The Industry

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dame Comfort Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Body of the Chris Isiguzo led  Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has bestowed the prestigious Media Icon Award on Dame Comfort Obi, OON, Publisher/ Editor-in-chief of The Source (Magazine) for her outstanding and remarkable impact on the growth and development of Journalism in Nigeria.

Obi, alongside other awardees withstood the test of time in the midst of daunting challenges, to invest their time, talent and treasures in the nation’s media industry.

Her indefatigable prowess in the industry made her the first  Winner of the high profile Reporter of the Year, Nigerian Media Merit Award, NMMA.

The National Award Recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger, has mentored dozens of Media Practitioners that have made  indelible impact in the industry and in Nigeria’s political stage.

The event took place at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Thursday October 17, 2024 and was attended by both the high and low in the Society including, the Governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom States, Their Excellencies Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda, PhD, and Pastor (Dr) Umo Eno respectively.

Dame Obi was awarded alongside Dr Tonie Iredia, Nosa Igiebor, Dare Babarinsa, a former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Oblong Moses Ekpo, MFR Yakubu Mohammed, Felix Adenaike, Lade Bonuola, Bisi Amagada, and HRH Eze Joe Anika.

Others were: Pa Jola Ogunlusi, Shuaibu Liman, Dan Agbese, Ini Ememobong, Comfort Umanah, Eddie Iroh, Prof. Umar Pate,  Okewale Sonaya and Yemi Farounbi.

In his welcome address Isiguzo, the NUJ National President, said the Media Icons were carefully chosen as they have eked their names and shaped public discourse.

He said this  Third Edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons was targeted at honouring top flight media enterpreneurs, who have invested enormously in the industry.

Governor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom was named as the 2024 Media-Friendly Governor, while Governor Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda of Katsina State was awarded the 2024 Workers/Media Friendly Governor.

Present also, were Chief Segun Osoba, the President of the Guild of  Editors, Eze Anaba, a Professor of Communications, Professor Ralph  Akinfeleye, Dr Queen Obi, a top flight Eye Doctor/ Educationist, among scores of top flight Media Practitioners.

In a response on behalf of the Recipients, Dame Obi decried the level Journalism has been reduced to due to the activities of quacks. She, also, lamented the incessant harassment of Journalists for doing nothing but their jobs. She, also, extended the condolences of the awardees to Governor Eno, through his Deputy who represented him, over the passing of his wife, Patience Umo Eno, First Lady, Akwa Ibom.

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