News
Journalists charged to embrace ITC, focus on peace journalism
Journalists have been charged to embrace the opportunities created by ICT in contributing to national peace through the used of Peaceful Journalism in Nigeria.
The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affiars in Plateau State Hon. Sylvanus Tapgun made this call on Thursday when he chaired the maiden training workshop of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council held at the NBTT conference hall in Jos the Plateau State capital.
He said the coming of ICT has the positives and the negatives, and as such, Journalists must explore the positive angle of the ICT in improving the nation’s democracy.
He said as the nation head to election in 2023, Journalists can deploy the positives aspect of ICT to improve the country’s elections.
“The role of ICT on the pen Profession is not out of place because it has the positives and the negatives depending on which divide you choose to play. But I am sure that the positives are by far outweigh the negatives.
“Therefore, as we take another bend to another election year, there is no better armour to equip Journalists than through ICT empowerment.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Benue State Dr. Nentawe Yilwatde said ICT has come to stay and the world is moving and media practitioners must go with the changing world.
He said Journalists can deploy the use of certain apps in the 21st century such as “speech to text converter, TinEye, Tabula, OpenRefine, Mailvelope, oTrancribe, FilMicPro’ amongst others that will enhance Journalism works in the 21st century.
He said the social media space is sought after for news because of its access, saying a recent report shows that there are 104 million internet users in Nigeria and 33 million social media users, saying 80.6 per cent of social media users are within the age range of 18 to 44.
He advised Journalists to develop their content to address the needs of the large category of social media users, noting that the platform can be used for collaborative reports, political revolution, a voice for the voiceless and for social and political processes among others.
The INEC REC however cautioned journalists against using every material they get for their reports, saying there are tools that can enable them fact check information using authenticators.
The Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Taye Obateru while delivering a paper on Peace Journalism and its risk, maintained that Journalists must create a stable and peaceful atmosphere to enable them also work effectively.
The NUJ Chairman Plateau State, Mr Paul Jatau stressed that the steps taken by the Chapel is a commendable one as the council over the years has considered training and retraining as the best way of equipping his members.
“The focus is very apt considering the challenges we face out there in discharging our duties with the coming of ICT where we now have citizens Journalism. “Each day we are faced with this challenge of those who are not trained, those we see everything and post everything, who don’t have a second eyes, who are the content producers, content editors. We are encouraging other Chapels to do same.”
The Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel Mr. Gyang Bere earlier on in his welcoming remarks stressed that the workshop is aimed at equipping his members with the knowledge of ICT in meeting with the global space.
He said such knowledge will also help Journalists to report activities around their environment even when people can not meet face to face like during the COVID-19 lockdown across the country.
A minutes silence was observed in remembrance of their colleagues who died on dury in 2007 while in the convoy of the Former Governor Josuah Dariye.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
-
Security4 days agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News3 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News4 days agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News4 days agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News4 days agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News2 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News2 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business4 days agoFCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure