The Federal Government has commended the media for the effective coverage of the ongoing Ministerial Sectoral Update to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave the commendation in an opening remark on day-three of the sectoral update on Friday in Abuja.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to Idris, the event gives the media the opportunity to engage the ministers and seek clarification on policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

“Today is the continuation of the sectoral briefing that we are getting from the various ministries.

“Yesterday, about seven ministers were here to present before you, not just their vision, but also their achievements, in the last one year of the Tinubu’s administration.

“Let me thank the distinguished members of the media for all that you have done. We have seen an extensive coverage of the proceedings here yesterday and the day before.

“You have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and useful contributions to this briefing going on,” Idris stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the morning session is expected to have presentations from the Ministries of Health, Justice, Police Affairs, Power and Works.

The Ministers of Women’s Affairs, Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Foreign Affairs will feature in the afternoon session.

(NAN)

NHRC reaffirms commitment to protecting press freedom

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to safeguard press freedom as a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of any democracy.

He also assured of the promotion and protection of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians including the right to freedom of expression and the press in all circumstances.

In a message to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day, Ojukwu noted that he premised his assurance on the provisions of the NHRC Act 1995 (as amended), wherein the Commission is mandated to deal with all matters relating to the promotion and protection of human rights guaranteed by all the Constitution of Nigeria and human rights legal instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

He highlighted the crucial role played by journalists in birthing and defending democracy, projecting government policies, providing critical information that benefits the masses and even holding government accountable to its responsibilities.

Ojukwu noted that journalists in Nigeria face numerous challenges ranging from intimidation, unlawful arrests, attacks and even deaths.

According to him, these unfortunate incidents undermine the journalists’ ability to carry out their work effectively.

He added that the 2024 theme for World Press Freedom Day “A Press for the Planet: Journalists in the Face of the Environmental Crisis” was apt.

He noted that journalists and the media work tirelessly for the survival of the earth and where the earth is in environmental crisis, journalists also face environmental crisis and must see how they can contribute to resolving the environmental crisis in which they work.

The executive secretary urged stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in the fight to protect and promote press freedom in Nigeria.

The World Press Freedom is marked annually on May 3.

(NAN)

Empowering Female Journalists: SHE EXISTS Program Concludes with Resounding Success in Bauchi State

By Ernest Ogezi

In a culminating event held at the Executive Nest Hotel, Hospital Road, Bauchi State, the SHE EXISTS training program for female journalists reached its zenith, marking the conclusion of a transformative journey across the North East region of Nigeria. This ground-breaking initiative was orchestrated by the Organization for Innovation and Sustainable Development (OISD) with the esteemed support of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of Dr Aishah A. Gambari, Senior Information Specialist of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, who praised the OISD for orchestrating a stellar program. Dr Gambari also commended the technical team, notably led by Ernest Ogezi, for surpassing expectations, emphasizing the profound impact of the initiative in empowering and equipping female journalists with advanced skills and knowledge.

Dr Jamilu Yusuf, the Executive Director of the OISD, jubilantly celebrated the program’s conclusion across all six North Eastern States – Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, and culminating in Bauchi. This marked the grand finale of the SHE EXISTS training workshops, signalling a remarkable achievement in uplifting women in journalism across the region.

The training sessions were steered by an assembly of seasoned journalists and media experts, including Mrs. Ladi Bala, President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sophia A. Oche, Mrs. Veronica Ogbole, Ofu Emmanuel, Leslie Jonah, Ibrahim Abubakar, Tom Garba, and the program’s coordinator and Senior Programme Manager of OISD, Ernest Ogezi.

The Director of the American Spaces in Bauchi, Mr Nasir Umar Launi, was also on hand and he delivered a fantastic speech with great optimism of working with the dedicated team of OISD on other projects with developmental consequences. Mr Nasir provided enormous support and was also instrumental to the success of the programme in Bauchi.

Throughout the program, participants were immersed in intensive sessions focusing on Advanced Reporting Techniques, Gender Sensitive Reporting, Coverage of Women in Violent Conflict Situations, Equity, and more. The initiative aimed not only to impart knowledge but to instil confidence and foster a more inclusive media landscape.

The collaborative effort between the OISD and the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section was instrumental in the resounding success of the program. The unwavering commitment of all stakeholders, facilitators, and participants ensured that the SHE EXISTS initiative in Bauchi State concluded as a resounding success.

The impact of this initiative is expected to resonate throughout the media industry, encouraging increased representation of women’s stories and perspectives, thereby fortifying gender equality in the field.

As the curtains draw on this exceptional chapter, the legacy of SHE EXISTS in Bauchi State and the wider North East region is set to inspire future endeavours in advocating for women in journalism, with a goal to further enhance media content dedicated to women by 35% over the coming year.