US Consulate, MCDN Train Journalists On Career Development

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February 20, 2026

Journalism has been described as a demanding profession where daily deadlines often leave little room for reflection on personal growth and career direction for media practitioners.
This reflection is contained in a report by the Media Career Development Network, MCDN as part of the Journalism Clinic Bi-monthly training session for journalists in Lagos with support from the United States, US Consulate.

MCDN, in a survey conducted recently said many journalists pay little attention to the need to scale up their careers because they are mostly bogged down by their daily work task.

“The initiative, launched in commemoration of the 70th
anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), offered a free opportunity for journalists to step back, evaluate their career paths, and receive personalised feedback,” MCDN said.

“The check-up process involved completing a comprehensive form designed to capture both achievements and areas needing improvement. Though some participants initially found the process rigorous, the detail provided a strong basis for constructive feedback. The assessment revealed recurring themes: the need for clearer career planning, the importance of
professional branding, gaps in training and exposure, and the value of structured mentoring.

“It also confirmed that while many journalists are passionate and hardworking, they often lack the support systems and resources required to fully thrive in today’s dynamic media environment.
“By documenting the findings in this report, MCDN aims to extend the value of the check-up beyond the participants. The insights are intended to guide journalists who may not have taken part in the exercise and to help media support organisations better understand the areas where interventions are Executive Summary Seventy-five journalists indicated interest in participating in the Check-Up, but only 15 completed the detailed form that served as the foundation for the review in addition with the CVs of other young and older journalists sent to us by those seeking media jobs, mentoring, and counselling.

“While the length of the form was seen by some as demanding, the comprehensiveness allowed MCDN to generate tailored feedback that validated participants’ efforts and pointed to areas of improvement.

“The feedback covered core issues such as the need for clear short- and long-term career goals, more deliberate professional branding through detailed CVs and digital profiles, upgrading of academic qualifications and certifications, and greater use of digital tools. In addition, the exercise highlighted the importance of mentoring, coaching, and membership of professional
associations as part of sustained career growth.

“Overall, the check-up revealed both the strengths and the gaps in the career paths of Nigerian journalists. While many are committed professionals with strong aspirations, several lack structured career planning and often have limited exposure to
resources and opportunities that could accelerate their growth.”

To be able to turn the curve in their career path, the report urged journalists to
join more Professional Networks, such as climate reporting groups, health journalism associations, or global journalism forums as part of deliberate efforts to advance their careers.

They should also embrace Artificial Intelligence, take advantage of available Artificial Intelligence, AI tools and training to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Also, they can leverage mentorship by using platforms such as the MCDN membership to access mentoring, resources, and career counselling.

Accordingly, journalists who are aspiring to build their career beyond the newsroom, were also urged to renew links with Media Support Organisations, stay connected to media NGOs and training bodies for resources and opportunities.
Journalists should deliberately build expertise in their chosen beats, positioning themselves as thought leaders and consultants, the report said.
Reacting to the initiative, some journalists said they have received a guide on how to further boost their career in the profession.

“This is a super guide, well-detailed and quite inspiring. Thanks sincerely to your esteemed organisation for embarking on this initiative,-Ann Godwin
South-South Bureau Chief, The Guardian said.

“Going through your observations and recommendations, I felt deeply that someone or a group really wants me to be fully developed and have a good voice in the journalism profession.-Blessing Ibunge
of THISDAY said.

Also, Nchetachi Chukwuajah of the Nigerian Tribune said, “Your observations and tailored recommendations for my career growth are well noted.”

ADC To Tinubu: Signed Electoral Act Portends Danger To 2027 Elections

By

James Orji

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February 20, 2026

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, says it’s prepared to mobilise Nigerians to defend their votes during the 2027 elections, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signing of the 2026 Electoral Act.

According to the ADC, in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, the president has shown that he’s not interested in conducting credible elections in the country, saying Tinubu has further weakened his democratic credentials.

The ADC in the statement released on Thursday, accused President Tinubu of signing the Act despite its rejection by many Nigerians who said it fell short of their expectations. The ADC spokesperson said it’s now clear that the ruling APC and President Tinubu are unpopular among Nigerians, wondering why the president signed the Act in a hurry.

The party said it’s concerned on the implications of the new Act for the 2027 general elections, saying Nigerians may be forced to seek self help in case next year’s elections fell short of their expectations, saying the president has set the country’s democracy back “several decades” by signing the amended Electoral Act..

“In signing the bill into law, the President claimed to be consolidating the country’s democracy, but in reality, he has simply corrupted it further by introducing ambiguity and permitting excessive discretion in the collation and transmission process,” ADC said in the statement.

“It is quite instructive that despite claiming to control more than 30 state governments and commanding a majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, the extraordinary haste with which this amendment was passed and signed raises the unavoidable question of why a government that wrongly boasts about being so politically dominant would rush changes to the electoral framework unless it harbours deep-seated doubts about submitting itself to a truly transparent and competitive process.

“The African Democratic Congress is also deeply concerned about what this amendment portends for Nigeria’s forthcoming elections. In the absence of firm guarantees of electronic transparency, vigilant citizens may feel compelled to physically safeguard their votes to prevent discrepancies between polling units and collation centres, as has been witnessed in the past

“As a duly constituted political party in the Federal Republic of Nigeria… the ADC affirms in the strongest and clearest possible terms that we are ready, willing, and prepared to defend the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy using every constitutional and lawful means available to us.

“We will mobilise Nigerians toward vigilance, toward lawful participation, and toward unity in defence of their constitutional rights. We stand firm in the belief that the will of the people must prevail and that no law, however hastily enacted, can extinguish the democratic aspirations of a free nation,” the party said.

The magazine reports that not a few Nigerians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Act, particularly with the excision, by the National Assembly, of the clause requiring real-time electronic transmission of election results.

For instance, a popular activist Prof. Pat Utomi, had described NASS action as self-serving and treason against the Nigerian people.

Tinubu NNPC Executive Order: PENGASSAN Says 4000 Oil Workers Risk Losing their Jobs; It’s Illegal

By

James Orji

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February 20, 2026

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Festus Osifo- TUC President and Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Festus Osifo has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Executive Order to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, as contrary to the rule of law and Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. Osifo said the Order will lead to at least 4000 job loses in the sector if not immediately reversed.

The PENGASAN president said the Order is also capable of scaring away investors in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

The president had on Wednesday signed the Order directing the NNPCL to pay all revenues into the federation Account. The order, which bared the NNPCL from deductions, including the 30 percent management fee directly from oil revenues, has been generating controversies in the sector.

Reacting at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos, Osifo, said the Order negates section 8, section 9, and section 64 of the enabling PIA law , saying the president cannot use an Executive Order to override the provision of the law, adding that the order is also capable of eroding the gains from the PIA, as well as cause redundancy of workers in the oil and gas sector.

Osifo: “The Executive Order that was signed by the President yesterday (Wednesday) is a direct attack of the provisions of the PIA. The provisions of the PIA are section 8, section 9, and section 64 of the PIA. What the president has done is that he has used an Executive Order to set aside a law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is exactly what the President has done.

“This is an aberration. This should never have happened. The President is telling Nigerians and the international community that he can use a law to set aside even the ground law; that he can use a law to set aside the provisions of our Constitution or the laws that are enacted by the National Assembly. This is not correct. This is not how it should be.

“That is why we believe that the president was misled. Because if this sails through, what is going to happen is that the international communities are going to lose faith in the PIA. The investors are going to lose faith in the PIA.

“The president should recall that executive order, have a second look at it because we know that the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done everything possible to attract investment to the oil and gas industry.

“We cannot use one single executive order to set aside all the good work that the President has embarked upon since he assumed office as far as the oil and gas industry is concerned.

“So this is quite troubling. This is quite alarming. And we want the President to act fast because not doing this is going to jeopardise the gains that we have made since the PIA was enacted in August 2021,” he said.

Osifo stressed that the president’s action can lead to 0ver 4000 job losses in the sector, calling on Tinubu to rescind the Order in the interest of the country.

“We are bothered because today we have our members in NNPC. Our members in NNPC today are going close to 4,000 Nigerians working there. We have the entire staff strength of NNPC. If this is allowed to sail through the way it is today, I can tell you that in the next few months our members are in danger of being declared as redundant because the company may not be able to meet it’s obligations to our members.

“So it’s going to bring about a lot of challenges in the industry, a lot of industrial issues in the industry. So this is another reason why we are worried. This is another reason why we felt that some of the provisions that were propagated to the President in that executive order that he signed were not correct.

“For example, they said that 30.per cent of the Frontier Exploration Fund goes to NNPC Limited. It’s not correct. That money doesn’t actually go to NNPC.

“There is a Frontier Exploration account that the money goes to. It doesn’t go to NNPC.

“It was also assumed that the royalties and all that goes to NUPRC and personal accounts and all that, no. That money as of today goes to Federal Government’s accounts. So there are provisions there that are not correct.

“Yes, we acknowledge that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the right to enact executive orders. We know that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a duty and responsibility to protect and safeguard the industry,” Osifo said.

Adding, “But we strongly believe that in this particular case, the President has been misled. We strongly believe that the people that are advising the President did not actually tell him the entire truth. Because the President that we know is someone who is travelling all over the world to bring about investment.

“He’s someone that is moving from one part of the country to another, and one part of the world to another, to bring in investors, to ensure that Nigeria’s economy thrives. If the President was exposed to the entire truth regarding this recent executive order, we know that he would have acted otherwise.

“Because being somebody that has worked in the industry, being somebody that has worked in ExxonMobil in the past, being somebody that has understood how this industry has evolved over time, he wouldn’t have appended his signature to that executive order that was passed.”

NAFDAC Seizes Expired Food, Beverages, Worth N100 Million, Seals 18 Warehouses In Niger

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has halted distribution of large consignment of expired food and beverage products to the public.

The agency sealed 18 warehouses in Bida, Niger State, after discovering large quantities of expired food and beverage products valued at over N100 million.

In a statement signed on Thursday by its Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency said the affected warehouses were located around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market.

NAFDAC disclosed that the action followed credible intelligence received by its Investigation and Enforcement team, which led to a coordinated raid on the facilities.

According to the statement, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed no fewer than 18 warehouses in Bida, Niger State, following the discovery of large quantities of expired food and beverage products valued at over N100 million.

“Items recovered during the operation included expired non-alcoholic beverages, dairy milk, candies, bottled water and pasta. The agency revealed that some of the products were already packaged and ready for distribution to unsuspecting consumers.”

Giving a breakdown of the seizure, NAFDAC stated that about 80,000 packets of expired non-alcoholic drinks, 5,000 packets of dairy milk, 16,000 packets of bottled water, 28 cartons of pasta and other assorted expired products were uncovered during the raid.

“Managers of the affected warehouses were arrested and interrogated. Preliminary investigations, according to the agency, linked the facilities to a company identified as BY Ventures.

“The development prompted NAFDAC officials to extend the enforcement exercise to supermarkets owned by the company in Minna, where additional expired products and counterfeit Goya oil were allegedly discovered.

“Both supermarkets were subsequently sealed, while the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, was invited for further questioning.

“The agency disclosed that the Managing Director admitted ownership of the expired products during interrogation.”

NAFDAC stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed at the conclusion of the process.

The agency said the sanctions would serve as a deterrent to others involved in the sale and distribution of expired or counterfeit food products, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring consumer safety across the country.

Casualties As Jihadists Attack Military Base In Borno

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s military has continued to record casualties. This follows a fresh raid by IS-affiliated jihadists on a military base in Borno State on Thursday

Eight Nigerian soldiers were killed and 23 others injured, three security sources revealed to AFP correspondent.

About 70 fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group riding motorcycles attacked a base at Cross Kauwa village, leading to a fierce gun battle, the security sources said.

“Eight soldiers paid the supreme price, and 23 others sustained injuries,” a military officer said of the attack which struck on Monday, reports AFP.

The militants mobilised from a camp on Dabar Masara island in Lake Chad and made a long detour to attack the base, two sources in anti-jihadist militia supporting the military said, giving the same toll.

“The terrorists burnt down the base along with 11 gun trucks and took away the anti-aircraft guns mounted on them,” said one anti-jihadist militia source.

All the sources asked not to be identified as they were not authorised to speak about the incident.

The base, 24 kilometres from the fishing hub of Baga, has served as a major security bulwark shielding that town from jihadist attacks.

ISWAP and rival group Boko Haram have intensified attacks on military bases in the northeast.

Jihadists attacked two bases in Borno state at the weekend, killing and wounding troops and anti-jihadist militia, according to the military.

Late on Saturday, ISWAP attacked a base in Mandaragirau near the Sambisa forest jihadist enclave, killing and wounding an unspecified number of soldiers and militia, the military said in a statement.

In another incident, Boko Haram launched an attack on another base in Pulka near the border with Cameroon, destroying military equipment and accommodation before the attack was repelled with the help of reinforcements, the statement said.

Jihadist violence has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million in the northeast since 2009, according to the United Nations.

The conflict spread into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militant groups.

The coalition has lost steam in recent years after the withdrawal of Niger due to a diplomatic spat with Nigeria following a 2023 military coup in Niger.

Nasir El-Rufai’s Home Raided By ICPC

By

Adesina Soyooye

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February 20, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Aide to embattled former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has disclosed that his principal’s home has been raided by Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on Thursday.

El-Rufai spent his second night in the custody of the ICPC after the Commission’s Operatives arrested him as soon as he was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

El-Rufai’s lawyer,

Ubong Akpan, strongly condemned the action which he described as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”

Adekeye’s post reads: “The residence of Malam Nasir @elrufai was today searched by the ICPC.”

Ubong Akpan said it is “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.”

El-Rufai is running a relay race on the watch of Security Agencies. From the EFCC which detained him over allegations of misappropriation of hundreds of billions of Naira when he was Governor of Kaduna State, he landed at the ICPC and his next port of call will be the Department of State Services, DSS, which has already filed a three-count charge in Court against him

in connection with allegations that he unlawfully wire-tapped the phone of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Rear Admiral Katagum, Nigerian Navy’s Chief Of Operations, Dies In Egypt

By

Adesina Soyooye

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February 19, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Sources within the Nigerian Military on Thursday, confirmed the passing of the Chief of Operations Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagun.

The very accomplished officer reportedly passed on at a hospital in Egypt where he had traveled to for a follow-up medical evaluation. He had undergone after undergoing a surgery in September 2025.

The Naval Officer was Nigeria’s Military Adviser in Paris, France.

Before he was appointed as the Chief of Naval Operations, he was at the Defence Headquarters.

Rear Admiral Katagun’s sudden passing has thrown the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially his colleagues in the Navy, into sorrow and deep mourning.

He was a native of Bauchi State.

Police Refute Fmr Presidential Aide, Obono-Obla’s Kidnap Tale, Says He Is Under Its Custody

By

Adesina Soyooye

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February 19, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Cross Rivers State Police Command has put a lie to the claim in the Social Media that a former Presidential Aide during the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a Lawyer, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

A viral story had gone out that he had been kidnapped. But in a statement, the Cross River State Police Command

faulted the report and said that he was arrested by its operatives, and is in its custody.

In a statement on Thursday, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the State Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that Chief Obono-Obla was legally arrested on January 19, 2026, at about 12:00 noon along Abuja Park, Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

The arrest, the Police said, stemmed from

a petition submitted to the State Commissioner of Police.

The statement reads in part:

“The Cross River State Police Command wishes to address misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla was kidnapped or taken by unknown persons.

“The Command states, unequivocally, that Mr.Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested by police operatives pursuant to a petition alleging offences bordering on forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence.

“The arrest was carried out in accordance with Nigerian law and under the constitutional and statutory powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate allegations of criminal conduct.

“Following the arrest, Obono-Obla was taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar, where investigations are ongoing.

“His legal counsel and relatives have been duly informed and are participating in the process.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command categorically states that allegations of kidnapping or involvement of unidentified security outfits are false, unfounded, and entirely without factual basis.”

During the late President Buhari’s Administration, Obono-Obla was the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, SPIP. Buhari, however, suspended him from office in August 2019, following allegations of certificate forgery and corruption. He finally scrapped the office. Obono-Obla denies the allegations.

FCT Council Poll: Wike Declares Friday Work Free, Restricts Movement

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 19, 2026

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the Saturday Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, a work free day, as well as restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, the Minister, made this known in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday.

The broadcast read; “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory.

“The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote. I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election.

“We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.

“At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law.

“This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.

“My dear residents, Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

Gov Fubara Mourns The Passing Of Senator Mpigi

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 19, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday February 19, 2026, expressed deep shock and pain over the sudden death of Senator Barinada Mpigi.

The Source reports that Senator Mpigi was confirmed dead on Thursday after what family source described as brief illness.

Until his death at the age 64, Mpigi represented Rivers South East District in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he served as Chairman Senate Committee on Works.

Senator Mpigi who was elected for the second term to the Senate of the National Assembly in 2023, was also a member of the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019.

In a statement signed by Onwuka Nzeshi his spokesperson, Governor Fubara described the deceased Senator as a consummate politician and one of the leading lights of Rivers state l.

The Rivers statement Governor regretted that Senator Mpigi exited at a very critical moment when his services were still needed by the people of the State.

While sympathizing with the family, relations, friends, the people of Rivers South East Zone and colleagues of the late Senator, the Governor asked them to take solace in the fact that he lived a good and fulfilled life.

Senator Mpigi’s death came just days after being named a member of the 90-member APC National Convention Organizing Committee.

His appointment also came not too long after he defected alongside his Rivers state National Assembly colleagues from the beleaguered Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC.