Brahmans, Hawks stay undefeated in UCAL

Reigning champions University of Batangas and Immaculada Concepcion College kept their unblemished records intact after downing their respective rivals in the PGFlex Linoleum-UCAL Season 9 Volleyball Championships at the UB Millennium Gym in Batangas City.

Bidding for their third straight men’s crown, the Brahmans gutted out a 25-18, 20-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-9 win over the stubborn ICC Blue Hawks for their third straight win in the nine-team event on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The ICC Lady Blue Hawks likewise needed five grueling sets to withstand the challenge of the Philippine Women’s University, 20-25, 25-19, 25-14, 22-25, 15-12, for a 3-0 record in the women’s division.

ICC’s win was its 13th straight since completing an incredible 10-game sweep of the title last season.

However, ICC was not alone atop the women’s standings as the Lady Brahmans likewise posted their third consecutive win with a 6-25, 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 15-11 win over the Lyceum Lady Pirates.

PHILTA’s next serve

The Philippine tennis renaissance is real. The Philippines will add a WTA 250 event to the 2027 Asian calendar, right after seven consecutive events within the region. Beginning September 30, the WTA will swing through the continent via the China Open, Wuhan Open and Ningbo Open in China, then proceed to the Japan Open and Toray Pan Pacific Open, before returning to China with the Guangzhou Open and Hong Kong Open before coming to Manila. According to Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) secretary-general and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, there is only one reason for this expansion.

‘First of all, we have to thank Alex Eala,’ says Tiangco, a former player himself. ‘We weren’t really given any attention. And we wouldn’t get the crowd or the support if it weren’t for her fame. More people want to play; more people want to watch. This actually started when we hosted the WTA 125.’

The event is on lease for three years from its original holder, part of a program Tiangco helped draft after he was prevailed upon to get involved in tennis by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino when they were in the House of Representatives together. But unlike the WTA which only had a month and a half preparation, the WTA 250 will have a full calendar year to showcase the Philippines to the world.

Philippine tennis had largely been in the doldrums since the Davis Cup days of Felix Barrientos and Roland So in the 1980’s and early ’90’s. Since then, there have been multiple political issues within PHILTA, and for a long spell, budget for travel was a concern. This limited players from traveling to important events to gather points in the International Tennis Federation and Women’s Tennis Association. It took the growth of the sport and training centers worldwide to feed a new line of homegrown and Filipino-foreign players to inspire the next generation. Tennis was also the first open sport, allowing the iconic Steffi Graf to win a ‘Golden Slam’ in 1988, completing a Grand Slam and claiming an Olympic gold medal as a pro.

‘We’re taking advantage of the opportunity,’ explains Tiangco. ‘We’ve been organizing tournaments and camps all over the company, to identify the next players with the potential to represent the country internationally. We’re not wasting this chance.’

In the next few years, the pipeline will flow the other way for Philippine tennis. Our best players will not come from overseas. They will have access to overseas opportunities because they did well in their own country. What a breakthrough that will be.

SC affirms court’s say on bank funds of deceased

It is well within the authority of courts to order banks to provide an explanation of the transactions of a deceased person’s account, including deductions, to ascertain the correct funds of the remaining estate.

The Third Division of the Supreme Court stressed this in ruling in favor of the estate administrators of former Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Arroyo in connection with the unexplained ‘anomalous’ withdrawals from his Union Bank of the Philippines accounts after his death without the heirs’ knowledge.

In its July 7, 2026 decision released on Friday, the high tribunal upheld earlier decisions by the Court of Appeals (CA) and the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) that directed Union Bank to explain and submit records on an email exchange made between bank officers and a certain lawyer.

These involved the withdrawals that the bank said was done under a survivorship agreement and used to settle Arroyo’s remaining obligations, among other purposes, after his death in January 2012.

‘Skip the line’

Two of Arroyo’s designated administrators for his estate, his estranged spouse Alicia Rita, and one of his daughters, Bianca, filed a motion for Union Bank to produce additional records. This was granted and the bank turned to the CA. But the bank also lost in the appellate court.

The high court, in agreeing with the lower courts, noted that the Quezon City RTC was acting within the probate court’s jurisdiction under the Rules of Court to cite whether an individual is committing embezzlement or concealment or other offense.

A probate court resolves issues on the will and estate left behind by a deceased person.

‘Corollary to this is the probate court’s authority to ascertain the true and correct balances of these accounts as of the decedent’s death; hence, any deductions or withdrawals made therefrom after [Arroyo’s] death are necessarily relevant,’ the high court said in the nine-page decision written by Associate Justice Henri Inting.

‘[T]he RTC has the authority to clarify bank transactions affecting estate property posted by petitioner after the death of [Arroyo], especially where the explanations on record appear insufficient or raise legitimate questions,’ it added.

It also noted that the bank ‘unilaterally’ deducted Arroyo’s supposed obligations from his deposits, which was a circumvention of the rules governing claims against the estate.

‘As a creditor, petitioner is required to file its claims before the probate court and cannot simply ‘skip the line,’ so to speak, by appropriating estate assets to satisfy its claims,’ the high court said.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda has resigned, says Ombudsman Remulla

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday said Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda has resigned from his post.

‘He resigned,’ Remulla said when asked about Aguda during the ombudsman’s radio show over DZRH.’His resignation was already accepted,’ Remulla added.

Malacañang, however, has yet to confirm Aguda’s resignation.

Nigeria’s image is an economic asset -Adelana

Convener of Uncover Naija, Abiola Adelana, has described Nigeria’s global image as an economic asset capable of influencing investment, borrowing costs and tourism revenue.

Adelana stated this at the Uncover Naija National Exhibition in Abuja, where 25 finalists were selected from more than 700 applications submitted from across the country.

She said Nigeria’s creative industry plays a vital role in shaping international perceptions of the country but remains underutilised in driving economic growth.

‘Image is not decoration. Image is a balance sheet item. And for too long, Nigeria has let other people write that balance sheet for us,’ she said.

According to her, while Nigerian music, film and fashion enjoy international recognition, the country’s domestic tourism and art sectors capture only a fraction of the economic value generated by its cultural influence.

She described visual artists as important contributors to national development, noting that their works could promote tourism, attract investment and strengthen Nigeria’s international reputation.

The maiden edition of the initiative attracted over 700 applications, with each applicant undergoing training and assessment before a panel of jurors selected the 25 finalists whose works are being exhibited in Abuja.

The jury comprised Chief Mrs Nike Okundaye, Ato Arinze, Arinze Stanley, David Olatoye and Maryam Maigida.

Adelana also acknowledged Sterling Bank Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar Suleiman, for supporting the initiative, which has grown into a national partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

She said the project was designed to train, promote and reward Nigerian visual storytellers, positioning their work as a tool for tourism development, investment and nation branding.

Adelana added that Uncover Naija would continue beyond its inaugural edition, with plans to expand into more regions and creative disciplines while providing opportunities for emerging talents.

She described the exhibition as the beginning of a long-term effort to showcase Nigeria’s identity and creative potential to the world.

Massage therapy is about wellness, not inherently s3xual or immoral -Atilola Igbanibo, psychologist, massage therapist

You studied psychology at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife. Do you find the course lucrative, especially after graduation?

Psychology was actually a course I was genuinely interested in because I have always been fascinated by people – how we think, why we behave the way we do, and how our experiences influence our emotions and decisions. At the time I chose psychology, I did not necessarily have a very specific picture of what my career would look like after graduation, but I knew I wanted something that involved understanding and working with people.

After graduation, I realised that psychology is one of those degrees where the opportunities are quite broad, but you often have to be intentional about creating your own path. It may not immediately translate into a traditional job with the title ‘psychologist’, but the knowledge is useful in areas like communication, customer service, management, human resources, education, and wellness.

For me, psychology has become an important part of the way I interact with clients and manage my business.

Your social media posts show you more into physiotherapy work. What inspired this line of your work, and how long have you been doing it?

I would actually clarify that I am a massage therapist and wellness professional rather than a physiotherapist. My social media sometimes makes the distinction less obvious because the work overlaps in areas such as body care, mobility, relaxation, and general physical well-being.

What drew me to massage therapy was my interest in helping people feel better, physically and mentally. I started developing my skills through practical training and hands-on experience, and, over time, I became more interested in understanding different massage techniques, body tension, relaxation, and client care. I have been actively building my career in this space since 2021, and it has grown from something I was learning into a professional business that I manage today.

Which aspect(s) of massage therapy do you specialise in? And does your work involve the use of controlled diet, exercise, and massage?

I work with techniques such as relaxation and Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and other wellness-focused treatments.

Massage is a major part of my work, but I also believe that physical well-being is connected to lifestyle. Things like movement, stretching, adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest can all contribute to how a person feels. However, I do not prescribe medical diets or exercise programmes as a physiotherapist would. Where someone has a medical or musculoskeletal condition that requires clinical assessment, I believe they should see the appropriate healthcare professional.

Physiotherapy is not something most people know about, and a few who know about it do not really see a need for it. How can physiotherapy benefit the body and general health?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on helping people improve movement, function, and physical well-being, particularly when they have pain, injuries, disabilities, or conditions affecting their mobility. I think one reason people do not always appreciate it is that many Nigerians tend to wait until a problem becomes severe before seeking professional help.

From my own wellness work, I have seen how much tension, poor posture, inactivity, and stress can affect the body. Professional physiotherapy can help people recover from injuries, improve mobility and function, manage certain types of pain, and regain strength. Massage can complement wellness and relaxation, but it should not be presented as a replacement for medical or physiotherapy care.

In your work, do you think there is a relationship between psychology and massage therapy/physiotherapy?

Absolutely. The body and the mind are connected. Psychology has taught me that a person’s emotions, thoughts, stress levels, and experiences can influence how they perceive and respond to physical discomfort.

For example, someone who is constantly stressed may experience muscle tension, poor sleep, and fatigue. Likewise, someone living with chronic physical discomfort can become frustrated, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. Understanding the psychological side allows a wellness professional or healthcare provider to approach the person as a whole rather than focusing only on the physical symptom.

That is one thing my psychology background has given me: empathy and a better understanding of people. When clients come to me, I do not just see a body that needs a massage. I see a person who may have had a stressful week, is carrying emotional pressure, or simply needs a safe space to relax.

What is your advice to Nigerians who do not see any value in physiotherapy, especially those who see massage and spa services as something amoral or against their faith?

My advice would be to separate professional healthcare and wellness services from the misconceptions that sometimes surround them. Massage therapy, when practised professionally, is about the body, relaxation, wellness and appropriate therapeutic care. It is not inherently sexual or immoral.

I also encourage people to ask questions and understand what a service actually entails, rather than judging it based on stereotypes. Professional boundaries, client consent, appropriate draping, hygiene, and ethical conduct are extremely important to me.

At the same time, I respect people’s religious and personal beliefs. Nobody should be forced to participate in a service that conflicts with their convictions. However, I think people should make those decisions based on accurate information rather than misconceptions.

Your profile says you are the lead programme manager at Atispa Services. Tell us more about Atispa Services.

Atispa Services is a wellness and massage business that I have been building since 2021. What started as a service has grown into a brand focused on bringing professional massage and wellness experiences to clients, including through mobile and home-service options.

As the Lead Programme Manager, I am involved in the planning, coordination, and overall management of the business. I have had to learn how to manage clients, coordinate therapists, create content, market the brand, solve problems, and maintain service quality.

One of the impacts I am most proud of is helping people understand that wellness is not a luxury reserved for a particular class of people. People work long hours, deal with stress, and carry a lot physically and emotionally. I want Atispa to contribute to a culture where taking care of your body is seen as a legitimate part of living well.

You posted on your Instagram page about your recent Lagos dance festival experience. What kind of dance(s) do you like?

I am naturally quite sociable. I enjoy experiences that allow me to meet people, express myself, and simply have fun outside work. Dance is one of those things for me because it allows me to express myself without necessarily having to say anything.

I particularly enjoy salsa and kizomba dancing. I love the energy, the rhythm, and the culture behind them. I feel alive when I am dancing. It is an exercise for my body, mind, and soul.

Going to a dance festival in Lagos was also a reminder that life should not be entirely about work and responsibilities. Sometimes you need to step away, enjoy yourself and experience something new. I think that balance is important for me because wellness is actually something I practise in my own life, too. I encourage people to take care of themselves, and I believe I should also create room for enjoyment, movement, friendships, and experiences.

What are the challenges you face in your line of work, and how do you manage them?

One major challenge is changing people’s perception of massage and wellness, as many people believe massage therapy is a way to s3x, which they refer to as happy endings. Another is maintaining consistent service quality as my business grows. You are not only providing a service; you are managing people’s expectations, safety, comfort, and trust.

I deal with these challenges through education, good communication and clear professional boundaries. I also try not to see challenges as reasons to stop. I see them as feedback that helps me improve the business.

Where do you see your work and yourself in five years?

In five years, I see Atispa as a much bigger wellness brand, with a strong team and a reputation for professional service. I also want to expand my impact through education and training because I believe there is an opportunity to create more professionals in the wellness industry.

Personally, I see myself as an established entrepreneur and programme leader, while continuing to develop professionally and explore the intersection between wellness, technology, and people.

As a sociable person, what are the three qualities you admire in a man?

The three qualities I admire most in a man are kindness, emotional intelligence, and integrity. Kindness is important because it shows how someone treats people when they have nothing to gain from them. Emotional intelligence matters because communication and understanding are important in any relationship. And integrity is essential because I value someone whose words and actions align.

What three things do people not know about you that you want them to know?

First, I am much more ambitious than I may appear. I enjoy having fun and being social, but I am very serious about building something meaningful with my life. Second, I am someone who genuinely enjoys learning. When I become interested in something, I can become very invested in understanding it and figuring out how to apply it. And third, I am quite resilient. A lot of the things I have built did not happen overnight. There have been setbacks and moments when things were difficult, but I have learned to adapt, keep learning and keep moving forward. I think that resilience is probably one of the biggest things that has shaped who I am today.

Clarification by SLC Transformation Committee on Chairman’s remarks

The Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee is a statement yesterday said that it wishes to place in proper context certain remarks made during a recent television interview by its Chairman, Eran Wickramaratne.

The Committee wishes to clarify that the remarks were not intended, nor should they be construed, as casting any adverse reflection upon the ICC, nor upon the manner in which the ICC has engaged with or dealt with Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Chairman’s observations were made in the context of explaining the existing legal and administrative mechanisms in Sri Lanka relating to the election of sports governing bodies and the provisions governing the appointment of interim administrations and how such mechanisms operate within Sri Lanka’s existing legal and administrative framework.

The observations were in no way intended to counter, question, or depart from the principles, guidelines, or requirements of the ICC but were intended solely to explain the prevailing legal and administrative mechanisms applicable in Sri Lanka and the manner in which the ongoing governance reform process is being undertaken within that framework.

The Chairman’s comments were therefore made in the context of explaining the broader governance reform process and the various considerations arising in relation to the future administration of cricket in Sri Lanka and were not intended to question the role, conduct, or position of the ICC in relation to SLC.

Sri Lanka Cricket and the Transformation Committee remain committed to maintaining constructive and continuous engagement with the ICC on matters relating to the ongoing governance reforms and ensuring continued consultation and dialogue with the ICC throughout the reform process.

Accordingly, the remarks made during the interview should be understood in their proper context and should not be interpreted as reflecting any adverse position towards the ICC, its role, or its engagement with Sri Lanka Cricket.

Abiodun family awards ?100m scholarships to 831 indigent Ogun students

The family of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has awarded scholarships worth over ?100 million to 831 indigent students at different levels of education under the Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme.

The initiative was established to sustain the humanitarian legacy of the governor’s late son.

Speaking at the third edition of the programme, held at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, Governor Abiodun said the initiative has supported 1,277 students since its establishment in 2023.

The governor said the foundation was established in honour of his late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, to sustain his passion for helping others, particularly the less privileged.

According to the governor, the gesture was inspired by Gbemiga’s desire, while alive, to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Following his death, the family resolved to preserve that spirit of generosity through a structured intervention to support indigent students and ensure that financial difficulties did not deprive them of educational opportunities.

Abiodun said the beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 award year were selected from approximately 3,000 applications received through the programme’s online portal.

The beneficiaries comprised primary school pupils, secondary school students, technical college students and students in tertiary institutions, with the scheme designed to promote access to education and ease the financial burden on disadvantaged families.

He disclosed that 150 new beneficiaries were selected for tertiary-level scholarships, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total number of students supported at that level to 274.

The governor also announced additional support for 80 Senior Secondary School students preparing for their examinations and seeking admission into tertiary institutions. The students will receive assistance with registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), alongside revision and practice sessions through the LEARN MORE WhatsApp platform.

The programme will also sustain engagement with beneficiaries and their parents to provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

Abiodun assured that the initiative would be sustained and expanded to enable more disadvantaged students to access quality education, describing it as a practical demonstration of the family’s commitment to preserving Gbemiga’s legacy of kindness and generosity.

The governor explained that the scholarship scheme, which initially focused on the Remo axis, had expanded to cover all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District following its success and growing impact.

Highlighting the vocational education component introduced in 2025, the governor said beneficiaries in technical colleges received ?120,000 each to acquire essential training equipment.

According to him, some beneficiaries had already begun practising their trades, undertaking paid assignments and improving their livelihoods, demonstrating the potential of vocational education to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment.

He further disclosed plans to provide 20 selected beneficiaries with business development training, mentorship and start-up support of up to ?250,000 each to encourage entrepreneurship.

In another intervention aimed at preparing young people for emerging opportunities, Abiodun announced that 30 selected tertiary institution students would participate in a digital skills development programme covering digital marketing, software development, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design.

The governor called on wealthy individuals and organisations to support efforts to improve access to education for vulnerable members of society, urging the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided and remain committed to their studies.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the initiative for providing academically promising but financially disadvantaged students with opportunities to pursue their educational ambitions.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and disciplined, noting that commitment to their studies would help them realise their aspirations.

Lamisa Abiodun, sister of the late Gbemiga Abiodun, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged those in technical colleges to take their training seriously and use the skills acquired to build meaningful and productive lives.

Representatives of educational institutions and some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the governor and his family for the support, noting that the initiative would ease the financial burden on parents and guardians while helping students continue their education.

In his opening remarks, the programme coordinator, Rev. Bola Oyeledun, said the initiative had evolved from a family’s response to personal tragedy into a programme offering hope and relief to students whose families could not afford the cost of quality education.

He added that the programme, which initially focused on the Remo axis, had expanded to cover all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District.

Prof. G.L. Peiris Trust for Legal Education and Research established

At a ceremony at Senate House, University of Colombo this week, the Professor G.L. Peiris Trust for Legal Education and Research was established in the presence of a distinguished gathering of senior academics, leaders of the legal profession and civil society.

The Trust Deed, drawn up by Paul Ratnayeke Associates, was signed by Professor Peiris as settlor, and by the University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahesh Indika Karunatilaka, Faculty of Law Dean Prof. Sampath Punchihewa, Sri Lanka Law College Principal Prasantha Lal de Alwis, PC, and Dr. Amanthi Bandusena, the daughter of Professor Peiris, who will be the Trustees.

The income of the Trust will consist of royalties due to the author from ten books on the laws and legal systems of Sri Lanka, written by Professor Peiris. This was supplemented by a contribution of one million rupees out of personal funds, which Professor Peiris handed over to the Vice Chancellor to start up the Trust Fund.

The Trustees, at their discretion, were empowered to allocate resources from year to year to the Faculty of Law and to the Sri Lanka Law College, depending on needs and priorities at a particular time. The envisaged activities will include research on legal topics, symposia on issues of current interest, memorial lectures, moot courts, debating competitions, and the like.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law announced the decision by the Faculty to institute the Professor G. L. Peiris Gold Medal for Criminal Law, in recognition of the unique service rendered to legal scholarship in the country by the former Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Law. Professor Punchihewa recalled that the grandfather of Professor Peiris, Gate Mudaliyar Edmund Peiris, had endowed a Prize for the best performance at the First Examination in Laws, a prize which had been won by his grandson.

The Vice Chancellor recalled with appreciation the leadership provided by Professor Peiris during an exceptionally turbulent period in the history of the university system in Sri Lanka. He said that he had been recruited to the academic staff during the tenure of office by Professor Peiris as Vice Chancellor.

The Principal of the Law College referred to the need for a collaborative relationship between the two institutions, the Faculty of Law and the Law College, and the initiatives taken in the recent past towards accomplishment of this objective. He also commented on pioneering legislation in a variety of fields, which Professor Peiris had introduced in Parliament during his tenure of several Ministries.

The guest speaker on the occasion, former Vice Chancellor and Emeritus Professor Savitri Goonesekera, spoke of the work which she and Professor Peiris had done together over a long period for the development of the university and the many challenges they faced. She regretted the adversarial political culture which resulted in the collapse of many productive measures, including the Constitution draft of 2000, with valuable input by the late Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam.

Professor Peiris, in his address, described the efforts which the university had consistently made to maintain the highest academic standards while increasing several-fold the intake of students from across the country. He made special mention of benefactors such as Sujata Jayawardena, who, while serving as chairperson of the Alumni Association, was remarkably successful in raising resources for the construction of a women’s hostel, a dire need of the university during the process of expansion. He also referred to his work in the Presidential Commission on Youth with other distinguished members like Prof. Lakshman Jayatilaka, Dr. Radhika Coomaraswamy, and Ralph Alles.

A large number of President’s Counsel, many of them students of Professor Peiris, professors and other academic staff of the Faculty, officials of the Law College, and representatives of Paul Ratnayeke Associates and Lake House Investments, the publishers of the author’s books, graced the occasion.

NGE denies partisanship over Obi’s appearance at editors’ conference

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has denied allegations of partisanship over the appearance of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), at its 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu.

The Guild’s response followed an editorial published by The Nation newspaper on October 8, 2026, titled ‘Journalists Failed Journalism’, which questioned the conduct of the Guild and its leadership over the conference.

In a statement signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the editorial made serious allegations against its leadership, including suggesting that it acted in a partisan manner by allowing Obi and Prof. Pat Utomi, an NDC chieftain, to address editors at the conference.

The Guild, however, maintained that the conclusion was not supported by the facts, describing ANEC 2026 as a professional gathering devoted to discussing democracy, elections, the media, artificial intelligence, disinformation and Nigeria’s future.

‘The programme of the conference specifically provided for an ‘Executive Session’ on the second day designed to feature governors, political party chairmen and heads of government agencies and parastatals, among other stakeholders,’ the statement said.

It explained that the session was intended to provide a platform for engagement between the media and key actors in Nigeria’s political and public space.

The NGE described it as misleading to isolate the appearance of one political figure from the broader programme and character of the conference and present it as evidence of partisanship.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the Guild officially invited political parties, including the chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yelwatda; African Democratic Congress (ADC) Senator David Mark; and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, to participate in the relevant engagement. The invitations were not simply sent and abandoned, but reminders were also sent,’ it said.

According to the Guild, its president personally made efforts to secure wider political participation, including speaking with the APC chairman, Prof. Yelwatda, and the ADC Vice-Presidential candidate, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, about participating in the conference.

It added that the General Secretary, Ukeh, also followed up with Paul Ibe, media aide to the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to encourage the participation of the party and its leaders.

‘These are verifiable facts. They fundamentally undermine the central premise of The Nation’s editorial. If the Guild duly invited the political parties, sent reminders and personally followed up with their leaders and representatives, and some of those invited chose not to attend, should it prevent a candidate who was available and willing to attend from participating?’ the statement asked.

The Guild acknowledged the right of The Nation and other media organisations to scrutinise its activities and express editorial opinions about the conduct of the conference, noting that such scrutiny was an important aspect of accountability for professional institutions.

However, it argued that the editorial ignored the broader range of political and governmental voices represented at the event.

According to the NGE, the conference provided a platform for Tunde Rahman, media adviser to President Bola Tinubu, to speak on the administration. It added that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, was represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed editors virtually from the United States.

‘These engagements demonstrate the very opposite of the partisan picture painted by the editorial,’ the Guild stated.

It also rejected the description of Obi’s appearance as an ‘ambush’, arguing that he attended a professional conference with hundreds of editors and other stakeholders.

The NGE said, ‘There is a fundamental distinction between providing a platform for engagement and supporting a political position.’

It further described the editorial’s assertion that the Guild’s conduct represented an ‘impunity of silence’ as particularly unfortunate.

‘The conference was a public professional gathering attended by hundreds of editors, journalists and stakeholders. The fact that The Nation or another newspaper chose not to report an occurrence does not make that occurrence secret, nor does it establish professional misconduct,’ the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to professional journalism, the Guild said it would continue to provide platforms for independent engagement with political actors, public officials, civil society organisations, electoral institutions and other stakeholders, irrespective of their affiliations.

‘The NGE remains committed to its professional responsibilities and to the principles of journalism that have guided it throughout its history. It will continue to provide platforms for robust and independent engagement with political actors, public officials, civil society organisations, electoral institutions and other stakeholders, without fear or favour. That is not partisanship. That is journalism,’ it said.