Author: Friday Omosola

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has cautioned that the absence of media and information literacy among public officials leaves them highly susceptible to fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. Speaking at the opening of the second Spokespersons Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister stressed that the ability to critically assess media content is no longer optional in today’s information-driven society. The summit, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, brought together public communicators and information managers across government and private sectors. “In a…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructural development across the state, following the recent affirmation of his election victory by the tribunal. Speaking at a victory dinner yesterday night at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to party leaders, supporters, and the electorate for their steadfastness during the election and legal battle that followed.  The dinner was organised to celebrate the tribunal’s ruling, which upheld his election as governor in the September 21, 2024 polls. “With this affirmation, Edo people will witness more positive developments,” the governor said.  “My…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the latest wave of killings in Plateau State. Atiku, in a statement signed by his media aide, Paul Ibe, stated that the security policy and infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu have failed woefully. Atiku’s statement followed the deadly attack on Sunday in the Zike community, Kimakpa area of Kwali district in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, where no fewer than 47 people were killed. The assault came just over a week after a similar massacre in Bokkos LGA, where scores also lost their lives and properties were destroyed. Atiku also pointed…

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the latest outbreak of violence in Plateau State, which has left over 40 people dead, describing the incident as a tragic and unacceptable loss of life. Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed his condolences to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the affected communities. He charged the governor with summoning the political will to address the root causes of the prolonged crisis and work towards lasting peace. “The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must…

Last month, tragedy struck, leaving sorrow and anger across Northern Nigeria after 16 men from the region were killed in Uromi, Edo State. This incident left communities, states, and the nation in grief and mourning. The victims, believed to be hunters, were reportedly lynched and set ablaze by a mob of community members and local vigilantes. In response, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, and banned all unregistered vigilante groups in the state. Furthermore, Okpebholo, alongside Abba Kabir Yusuf, visited Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State,…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, have condemned the wave of violence sweeping through Bokkos Local Government Area and other parts of the state. In a statement issued by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, both leaders called for immediate and decisive national action to bring an end to the bloodshed. Describing the ongoing attacks as a “deliberate and orchestrated genocide” against indigenous communities, they issued a powerful appeal for urgent intervention at the national level. The call came during Mr Obi’s condolence visit…

Prominent Niger Delta figure and former MEND leader, Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, has addressed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. He assured that suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will reclaim his mandate. Speaking at his 54th birthday celebration held at the revered Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Tompolo used the occasion to respond to growing criticisms over his silence on the crisis that led to Fubara’s suspension following the state of emergency. “I have not abandoned the Ijaw people,” he said before a gathering of traditional leaders, supporters, and activists. “My silence was not weakness or betrayal.…

The Presidency has disassociated itself from a growing number of 2027 campaign billboards featuring President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Presidency, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, described the billboards as unauthorised and unlawful. The Presidency expressed dismay at the proliferation of campaign materials in several cities, notably Abuja and Kano. Some of the billboards prominently display images of President Tinubu alongside his wife, Oluremi Tinubu. While acknowledging the enthusiasm and loyalty of their supporters nationwide, the statement clarified that neither Tinubu nor Shettima has endorsed or authorised any individual…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that Edo and Delta States will play leading roles in securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He gave the assurance on Saturday while welcoming a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. Governor Okpebholo joined the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders at a rally in Delta State to receive the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie, and members of the Delta Unity Group into the ruling party. According to the…

The Lagos State Government has commenced the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) with the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR). The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Olayinka Ojo said the strategic move aimed at enhancing the efficiency and credibility of social protection programmes across the state. Ojo, announced the development at a stakeholder engagement forum titled “Unified for Impact.” The event, organised by the Ministry’s Social Protection Coordinating Department, brought together representatives from various sectors, including Heads of Departments and Community Development Council Chairmen from the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council…