Headlines
NHRC says journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom is relegated
The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, on Monday said that journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom is relegated to the background.
Ojukwu said this in his speech at the opening of a two-day training organised by the NHRC in Abuja for the commission’s staff members and journalists.
The theme of the training is ‘Defending the Rights of Journalists and Media Practitioners through National Safety Mechanism.’
According to Ojukwu, the training is designed to give more insight into the situation and challenges of journalism practice in Nigeria.
He added that it was another opportunity for media practitioners and experts in the field to share experiences.
In his words, “It is not gainsaid that safety of journalists has been a growing concern in the country and elsewhere in the world, given that some journalists operate under difficult conditions where freedom of expression and the press is relegated to the background.
“In such climes, the issue of censorship, harassment, unlawful arrest and detention and assassination are not uncommon.”
Ojukwu said that in spite of constitutional guarantees and legislations, journalists’ rights were often violated and trampled upon.
He added that the culprits could be state or non-state actors or others who are not comfortable with certain investigated issues.
“In view of the foregoing, capacity building training is very crucial to help journalists survive in any situation and pragmatically discharge their duties effectively.
“The UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity says, in a climate where journalists are safe, citizens find it easier to access quality information and many objectives become possible as a result.
“There are democratic governance and poverty reduction, conservation of the environment, gender equality and the empowerment of women, justice and culture of human rights, to name a few,” he said.
Ojukwu said that the commission had always enjoyed a robust partnership with media houses, which has helped in keeping the public abreast with the commission’s activities.
According to him, the training is designed to reflect on conflict reporting and hazards of journalism, the new media and challenges of freedom of expression.
“Incidentally, the above concerns highlighted in the training outline about journalism practice relate to this year’s theme of “World Press Freedom Day celebration, Journalism Under Digital Siege.’
“The theme is apt as it seeks to bring to the fore’ the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the safety of journalists, and access to information and privacy.
“You are expected to put into practice whatever skills and knowledge you will garner from this training, bearing in mind the saying that practice makes perfect,” he said.
(NAN)
Mrs Clara Bamisile, the Chairperson, Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State has commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for approving the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.
Bamisile gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Oye-Ekiti on Monday.
She described the governor’s decision as the right step in the right direction towards reducing financial burden for civil servants and making cost of living affordable for them.
According to her, Oyebanji has proved to all Ekiti indigenes that he is a good and compassionate leader, who cares for the wellbeing of his people.
“I want to commend our amiable governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for approving the N70, 000 minimum wage for civil servants in Ekiti.
“He has proved to all Ekiti indigenes that he is worthy, passionate, caring and a good leader, who is ready to make his people happy as we approach yuletide.
“It is a testimony that our governor is ready to make cost of living affordable for our people, and he will not relent to do more if given a chance.”
She urged both Ekiti indigenes and residents to consider Oyebanji for a second term in office to continue his good works.
Bamisile enjoined the civil servants to be diligent in their various departments to justify the salary increment
The Nasarawa State Government has vowed not spare anyone caught perpetrating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) irrespective of the relationship with the victim.
Hajjya Aisha Rufa’i-Ibrahim, Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development stated this at an event to mark the 16-day activism against GBV on Monday in Lafia.
The commissioner said that the action became imperative given the increasing cases of GBV in the state despite the efforts by the government and other stakeholders.
According to her, most times, perpetrators of this type of violence are either relations of the victims or neighbours as well as colleagues.
“When such perpetrators were arrested, oftentimes, family members, friends, and prominent people in the society will try to intervene to help save them from facing the law.
“The state government will be very hard on the perpetrators going forward to serve as a deterrent to others and ensure justice for the victims,” she said.
The Commissioner encouraged survivors and victims, as well as their family members, to always speak out to enable the government to take action against the perpetrators.
She noted that the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration in the state had done a lot towards ensuring the protection of women and children against abuse of any kind.
“We have established a Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital as well as a Shelter Home for victims of GBV.
“We have also activated a free medical treatment for rape victims thereby removing barriers to accessing care and support,” she added.
The commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious leaders, community leaders as well as Non-Governmental Organisations towards the fight against GBV in the state.
She, however, said that more was still needed to be done to strengthen collaboration between the government and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.
Rufa’i-Ibrahim called on parents and guardians to empower the girl-child economically, educationally, and politically to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
The commissioner also rolled out the series of activities outlined to create awareness about the danger of abusing and exploiting a person as a result of his or her gender.
“The ministry, in collaboration with partners, will hold community engagement campaigns, rallies, and school outreach programs, among others.
The police operatives in Katsina State have successfully rescued 14 passengers from kidnapping by bandits in Dan’arau village, in Magama-Jibia, Jibia local government area.
The police spokesperson of the command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, who stated this in a statement, said that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 7:55 p.m.
Aliyu explained that suspected armed bandits attacked two commercial vehicles on the road with the intent of abducting the occupants.
“On Nov. 24, 2024, at about 7:55 p.m., suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, attacked two commercial vehicles at Dan’arau village on Magama-Jibia road in Jibia, in an attempt to kidnap the occupants.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia, led a team of operatives to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel.
“The team successfully foiled the kidnapping attempt, and rescued the 14 passengers,” he said.
Aliyu, however, said two rescued victims suffered gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
“Unfortunately, one of the victim succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment,” Aliyu revealed.
He said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as the investigation proceeds.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, while commending the officers’ exceptional display of gallantry and dedication to duty, charged them to sustain the tempo.
He further urged the public with useful information on suspected criminal activities to continue to
Minimum wage: LG boss lauds Oyebanji for approving N70,000 for workers
Nasarawa govt talks tough against perpetrators of Gender Based Violence
Police rescue 14 passengers from bandits in Jibia
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology2 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business6 months agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Business8 months agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines5 months agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
