Category: Nigerian Tribune

THE creator of 40andFabulousNaija, a Nigerian reality TV show, Ambassador Jolly Nnenna Abani, has called for greater support from sponsors, partners, and broadcasters to expand a project aimed at empowering women and creating jobs across communities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Abani, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mother of Models International, said the initiative was designed to tackle stereotypes against women aged 40 and above while equipping them with practical skills to achieve economic independence. She said the programme also creates opportunities for girls and other vulnerable groups through training and empowerment schemes.

‘Strong women build strong nations,’ Abani said. ‘When women are empowered, entire families and communities are lifted out of poverty. This project is about healing, empowerment, and giving women – especially those over 40 – a second chance to thrive,’ he added.

Abani explained that 40andFabulousNaija goes beyond entertainment by providing women with hands-on skills that can create sustainable livelihoods. The show, which doubles as a non-governmental organization, also offers support to single mothers, widows, divorcees, and survivors of abuse who often face barriers to social and economic inclusion.

She appealed to major television networks to provide access to airtime, lamenting that value-driven content such as hers is often sidelined while shows that ‘erode family values’ dominate viewing schedules.

‘We are not asking for free airtime,’ Abani stated. ‘What we are asking for is a fair commercial arrangement – a purchase of airtime so our content can reach the audience it deserves. When you invest in this project, you are investing in women, families, and the future of our society,’ she stated.

Preparations are underway for Season 3 of the show, which will, for the first time, include men who will join the house on weekends to network and showcase their businesses, while women will live in the house full-time. According to Abani, this format aims to encourage entrepreneurship and collaboration among participants.

Abani said she remains optimistic about the upcoming season, describing it as a turning point for the programme and its impact.

‘Anticipate a season filled with hope, progress, and greatness,’ she told journalists.

The 40andFabulousNaija platform has so far provided empowerment and training for women and girls in different communities, with Abani emphasizing that sustained support from stakeholders would allow it to expand its reach, create more jobs, and promote decency and family-oriented values in society.

Hon Dayo Ogungbenro was last week Monday at the Oyo State congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reelected the state chairman of the party, in this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, he speaks about his agenda for the party in the next four years, the challenges facing the major opposition party and its chances come 2027. Excerpts:

What is your agenda as you assume office for the second term as the chairman of the PDP in Oyo State?

First and foremost, I have to give glory to God for making it possible for me to return to office for another term, this is another koseleri in Oyo State politics for the chairman of PDP to serve two terms, I also have to thank the governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the opportunity to serve and like he charged which I also associate myself with the greatest challenging this party is to deliver governorship in 2027 and there is no compromise about that, and that is to serve as a note of warning to other opposition parties in the state that there is no vacancy in Agodi Government House

Now that you have said the PDP will rule Oyo state beyond 2027, how do you think that is achievable with the situation the party found itself in the country?

Yes, it is noted that we don’t have any issue in the party in the state, there might be challenges at the federal level and there is no political party without its own issue and politics is essentially about continuous engagements and compromise, so soonest the party will still find her foot. Just like I said, ni issue in Oyo state PDP, if anybody has any issue in party politics in Oyo state it will be in APC, the major opposition party, so I don’t see anything coming our way in 2027 by the special grace of God.

At the state Congress of the party, there were some notable leaders that were not at the venue, doesn’t that portend internal wranglings in the party?

I don’t see it in that perspective.

To many people, Seyi Makinde is the only factor making PDP strong in Oyo State, how are you going to sustain the relevance of the party after the expiration of his tenure in 2027?

Yes, I have heard people saying it that Seyi Makinde is PDP and PDP is Seyi Makinde, I also said it when the former vice president Atiku Abubakar was here to campaign in 2023 at Mapo, I told the dignitaries that were present that that is the situation in Oyo State. Having said that and having known that the governor will soon finish his constitutional two terms, this kind of question is very germane, but remember when Seyi Makinde was coming, many people didn’t give him chance as far as performance in party politics is concerned. Many people argued that he is from the corporate world, he is a corporate man, he doesn’t know anything about politics. Our late leader, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of blessed memory even said he has not been a councilor, he hasn’t been this and that, but to the glory of God Seyi Makinde performed beyond expectations of an average doubting Thomas. Since we have agreed that politics is dynamic, that dynamism will be brought into play to ensure that the PDP maintain its lead, in Oyo State come 2027. If you say the governor has a superlative performance, voters in the state are aware of this. In fact, the question people are asking me now is that whenever Seyi leaves how do you think you will sustain the performance of your party? All they are asking for is we should tell the governor that whoever is coming as a successor should be someone that can perform up to that level or even beyond. Once upon a time in this state we have instances where salaries were not paid for more than eight months, Seyi Makinde came and promised that salary will be paid as and when due and up till today it has not changed. Ask the civil servants, the teachers, pensioners, even artisans, students, market women, they are all yearning for Seyi Makinde. However, he won’t be on the governorship ballot come 2027 and that is not my major headache now. I will now have to go and tell these people that the governor won’t be on the ballot, so we have to buckle up so as to maintain the level of the performance of Seyi Makinde come 2027 or more than that, we won almost all the local government during the last election and we are going to repeat that. All we are praying for is that God will be magnanimous to our leader to make the right choice and I can assure you that the right choice will be made.

With many aspirants that want to succeed the governor, how are you going to ensure that an acceptable candidate emerge in a rancour free situation?

All is politics and we have witnessed this type of thing for years, we know how to do our things, look at the last congresses from wards to the local governments and to the state level, no quarell, no skirmishes, no cutlass, the PDP in Oyo State has come of age irrespective of our different political ambitions, we will disagree to agree because the greatest disservice we can do to Seyi Makinde is not to win in 2027 and we are winning by the grace of God. In due course I will be all over the state spreading the gospel according to Seyi Makinde, so that an average person in the state will not rely on him alone, but will rely on him and PDP together.

As a state chairman of the PDP, are you not worried about the crisis rocking the party at the national level?

I am not, politics is about choices and about I want this, I want that and when your choices are not being met definitely you move to other platforms to ventilate it. Former president Muhammadu Buhari contested three times and at the third attempt he wept openly before they formed another alliance and they succeeded in pushing the PDP out of power. Be that as it may, people are free to make choices as far as politics or any association is concerned , as they go other people are coming , that is politics for you, as a matter of fact, a lot of them that have gone are already coming back, so let us wait and see, this is just 2025 and we are going to 2027, a lot water will still pass under the bridge before that time.

Are you saying despite the present situation, the party is still in a good position to win election at the national level come 2027?

Definitely, if we are talking of opposition parties in Nigeria today can we rate anyone over PDP? Even if ADC is coming up. Honestly, we flop our chances in 2023 and we have to blame ourselves because some people believe they can move on without this and that. During our campaign at Mapo with all the dignitaries sitting, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide was there, Halleluyah (Senator Hosea Agboola) was also there, I told them frankly, on no ambiguous term that don’t be deceived that Seyi Makinde is a factor in PDP. The greatest error PDP made in 2023 was that Atiku could not muster enough will to unite the party and that was what caused him the presidency. I told them publicly as a political scientist , how can you jettison five sitting governors, they were not former governors, they were sitting governors and I told them the truth, I even arranged a meeting between Alhaji Atiku and my principal, but eventually some people were pushing Baba Atiku and we saw how it all ended, that would have been the greatest opportunity for this party to come back to power.

As someone that has been involved in elections over the years, what are the areas of our electoral system that you think need to be reformed or amended for us to have near perfect elections?

First and foremost, the way we appoint the INEC chairman should be changed for the good of the generality of the country. They said there is no historian without his or her biases, once you know you are the appointing authority you can do anything and pretend to be otherwise. It is wrong for the president to continue to be the sole appointing authority of INEC chairman and the commissioners, we should evolve a system through which they would be appointed that would be devoid of the biases of the president. If we want to be nationalistic in our approach we should change certain things and that is why some people said even after 65 years of independence Nigeria still remains an ordinary geographical expression because of the primordial interest, we should chart course for nationalism so that we can move forward. Some people will argue that it took America over 200 years before they got to where they are today, does that means we have to also spend 200 years.

Looking at the Federal Government being run by the APC, what is your stake on its performance, particularly in the last two years?

My assessment is that the good people of Nigeria should excuse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027 because his performance is abysmal, and I want to say that the PDP, which is the major opposition party in the country is representing a better alternative and knows how to run the country better. We knew how much a bag of rice was when President Goodluck Jonathan was in power, we also knew how much it was during Buhari regime, we know the price now, not to talk of price of fuel and other things. During the president’s independence speech, he said there will be light at the end of the tunnel, what else do you expect him to say? He would not say there wouldn’t be light at the end of the tunnel, you can only expect such things from a better clime, not the one like ours where you just believe that whether you are performing or not performing you must be in office by all means. But the beauty of democracy is that you challenge the performance of the person you put on board every four years in case of federal and state levels and every three years in case of local government level, you are free either to vote somebody in after a tenure if you are satisfied with his or her performances or you vote him or her out, that is the beauty of the game, when they said Jonathan did not perform up to expectations he was voted out, why were they not liberal like Jonathan, he congratulated Buhari even before the results of the elections were announced. But what are they doing after Jonathan? But I know that one day we will get to where we are supposed to be.

The Ifesowapo Consultative Forum, a consortium of 32 communities surrounding Lisa Town and its environs in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, has announced plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bellview Airlines plane crash, which claimed 117 lives at Lisa village on 22 October 2005.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting of community representatives, where Dr Fola Abati, chairman of the Forum, outlined preparations for what he described as a truly memorable and meaningful event.

According to Abati, the commemoration will include inter-religious prayer sessions, an aviation safety lecture, and outreach to families of the victims. Government officials, aviation stakeholders and members of the international community are expected to participate in the remembrance. To ensure wider participation, the memorial event will be live-streamed, enabling those outside Lisa, across Nigeria, and in the diaspora to join in the tribute.

‘The 20th Memorial Anniversary is not merely about looking back with sorrow. It is about using history to inspire progress. We owe it to the victims, their families and to ourselves to ensure that Lisa is not remembered only for tragedy, but for resilience and renewal,’ Abati remarked.

He recalled that the crash, which drew global attention to Lisa and its environs, led to the construction of the Lisa Memorial Arcade by then President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Gbenga Daniel, with promises of sustained development. Two decades on, the once symbolic arcade has been left to deteriorate, while the 10.5-kilometre Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa access road remains in a state of disrepair.

Abati emphasised that the anniversary will serve as a renewed call for urgent government’s intervention. Restoring the Lisa Memorial Arcade, he said, would honour the departed with dignity, while rehabilitating the access road will ease the daily burden of thousands of residents who commute between Ogun and Lagos.

He further stressed the need for the site to be recognised as a national heritage landmark, and for the long-envisioned aviation tourism centre to be established-preserving memory and inspiring future generations.

The forum also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, whose intervention at the Awela River axis facilitated the construction of a flyover bridge. This singular project, Dr Abati noted, has significantly reduced the annual loss of lives caused by flooding in the area.

In addition, the forum commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Odugbemi for his enduring commitment to the welfare of Lisa and its neighbouring communities. His leadership in matters of security, infrastructure and government engagement has, they affirmed, kept the voice of the region alive in the corridors of power.

The 20th anniversary observance is scheduled for October 22.

Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s advisory panel has issued new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines following a panel that voted to remove all universal recommendations for annual COVID-19 vaccine shots for anyone 6 months and older.

The panel also recommended that children younger than 4 years old not receive the four-component measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and instead receive separate immunizations for MMR and for varicella, or chickenpox.

The committee unanimously voted to suggest that individuals decide for themselves whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, meaning individuals won’t need a doctor’s note to get vaccinated.

The votes follow the Food and Drug Administration’s recent narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine approvals to a smaller group of Americans – those over 65 or with underlying medical conditions.

Many members of the panel – selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – questioned the vaccine’s benefit but ultimately voted that most Americans can still have access, ideally following a discussion with their healthcare provider, although that is not a requirement.

The panel said people should know COVID-19 vaccines are most beneficial for people at risk for severe illness based on CDC definitions and least beneficial for otherwise healthy individuals.

CDC’s endorsement makes ACIP’s guidance official federal policy, triggering no-cost insurance coverage for most private and public insurance plans as well as access via the Vaccines for Children programme.

CDC Acting Director Jim O’Neill said in a statement, ‘Informed consent is back. CDC’s 2022 blanket recommendation for perpetual COVID-19 boosters deterred healthcare providers from talking about the risks and benefits of vaccination for the individual patient or parent. That changes today.’

ACIP focused on contentious COVID-19 vaccine topics, including alleged DNA alterations by mRNA vaccines, assertions that mRNA vaccines don’t work as intended and potential connections between the vaccines and conditions such as birth defects and cancer.

The group also focused on the long-established risk of febrile seizures after combined vaccination with the MMRV vaccine in younger children.

In a separate vote, members decided not to suggest that states require a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine, with many members saying this would create unnecessary barriers.

And in another separate action, members voted that CDC communicate clear risks about COVID-19 vaccines – materials that states can choose to give to patients when they get vaccinated that list at least six of those risks.

In a presentation that countered the majority views of the workgroup, workgroup member Henry Bernstein said the need for a prescription will ‘create unnecessary steps to receiving a vaccine and will not effectively target’ high-risk groups.

A member of ACIP, which is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine recommendations committee, and epidemiologist Catherine M. Stein, who has previously been openly critical of the U.S. response to COVID-19, stated, ‘I believe the segment of the population that is underinsured has a lack of access to health care; they’re going to be unable to get a prescription, and those are the people that are at highest risk for a lot of these comorbid conditions.

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has disclosed a dramatic 97% reduction in routine gas flaring from its operations over the past decade, positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s domestic gas supply and emissions-reduction efforts.

The announcement came in a press statement delivered on behalf of Mr Olusoga Oduselu, CNL’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, by Saheed Praise Akinbola during a training workshop held in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents’ Chapel on Tuesday.

The energy major, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, attributed the achievement to significant investments in gas-gathering and processing infrastructure. The company said it is now one of the largest contributors of high-quality domestic gas among international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria.

Alongside its environmental claims, CNL set out its substantial economic footprint in the country. The company revealed it provides contract opportunities in its projects worth an estimated annual average of over $1 billion, in support of Nigerian content development.

On community development, the statement cited CNL’s legacy of investment, noting ‘billions of naira’ contributed over 16 years through its pioneering Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model. The company confirmed it has now transitioned to Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

Further development efforts are channelled through the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), which is impacting hundreds of lives in the Niger Delta and supporting economic empowerment in the region.

CNL concluded by reaffirming its commitment to a dual mission: lowering the carbon intensity of its operations and growing lower-carbon businesses alongside its traditional business lines.

Meanwhile, in a significant push to bolster the Nigerian media, CNL has announced that its 2025 media capacity-building programme will upskill more than 400 journalists by the end of the year.

Mr Oduselu emphasised the company’s belief in the value of developing human capital and underscored the critical role of the press as ‘agenda-setters and opinion-moulders’ in society.

The 2025 programme, which kicked off in Abuja and Lagos in July, is part of a sustained initiative by the international oil and gas company; previous editions were held in 2023 and 2024 across multiple zones.

Beyond the current workshops, CNL also highlighted its flagship Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme, run in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. The company reported that more than 120 journalists have benefited from AWARES since its inception in 2014.

‘Through programmes such as AWARES and this current journalism training, we help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with our media stakeholders,’ the statement read.

The energy firm positioned this investment in media development as part of its broader corporate philosophy, stating that ‘the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business.’

Chairman of the Delta State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, in his remarks, urged colleagues to support capacity-building initiatives and disclosed that a bill to regulate journalism in Nigeria, titled the Journalism Council of Nigeria Bill, will soon be presented to the National Assembly.

On his part, the chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Okies Okpomor, expressed appreciation to Chevron for sponsoring the capacity-building training.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed concern over the failing health of its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, currently facing trial in the Republic of Benin.

Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the country’s capital under dehumanising conditions while his health deteriorated.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Magnus Eze, disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, indicated that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.

She stated that the Ministry had made spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

The minister who in early August, visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.

She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the situation and acceding to its request.

Noting the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood, she urged the country to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.

‘It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of 10 years.

‘As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.

‘Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.

‘In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre,’ she stated.

She reiterated that this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that bind Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in its quarterly reports released on Tuesday, has revealed that all the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) operating in Nigeria remitted a total sum of N399.20 billion to the electricity market in the second quarter of this year.

NERC, established by the Electricity Act of 2023 to ensure a stable, adequate, and safe electricity supply for consumers and an efficient, investor-friendly market, is the independent body responsible for the technical and economic regulation of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry (NESI).

According to the report, the cumulative upstream invoice payable by DisCos was N417.35 billion, consisting of N348.66 billion for DRO-adjusted generation costs from NBET4 and N68.68 billion for transmission and administrative services by the Market Operator (MO).

The report stated that out of the amount, the DisCos collectively remitted a total sum of N399.20 billion, N333.90 billion for NBET and N65.30 billion for MO, with an outstanding balance of N18.15 billion, which is a remittance performance of 95.65% in 2025/Q2 compared to the 95.86% recorded in 2025/Q1.

The report also revealed that the six international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $9.015 million against the $17.54 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q2, with a remittance rate of 51.33%.

Additionally, the report showed that the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of N1,401.00 million against the N2,796.29 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q2, with a remittance rate of 50.10% while also stating that the naira value of the total energy offtake by all DisCos in 2025/Q2 was N909.59 billion and the total energy billed was N742.34 billion, which translates to a billing efficiency of 81.61%.

Thus, the report showed that at an aggregate level, DisCos were unable to account for N167.25 billion worth of energy received at their trading points in 2025/Q2 while also revealing that the total revenue collected by all DisCos in 2025/Q2 was N564.71 billion out of N742.34 billion billed to customers which translated to a collection efficiency of 76.07%, representing an increase of 1.68pp compared to 2025/Q1 (74.39%).

It said the weighted average Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATCandC) loss across all DisCo in 2025/Q2 was 37.92%, comprising technical and commercial loss (18.39%) and collection loss (23.93%).

Tribune Online reports that ATCandC loss is a summation of the billing losses incurred by a DisCo due to its inability to bill 100% of energy delivered to customers (technical and commercial losses); and collection losses arising from the DisCo’s inability to collect 100% of the bills issued to customers.

The report said the ATCandC loss of 37.92% is 17.38pp higher than the 2025 MYTO target (20.54%) and translates to a cumulative revenue loss of ?158.053 billion across all DisCos. The ATCandC loss decreased by 1.69pp (better performance) compared to 2025/Q1 (39.61%).

All the DisCos, according to the report, except Eko, did not meet their target ATCandC during the quarter as Kaduna DisCo recorded the worst underperformance relative to the target ATCandC (Actual -70.98% versus target -21.32%).

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), LT.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday, again sought deeper collaboration between the military and the media in combating the multi-faceted security challenges threatening the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria as a nation

Oluyede stated this in Abuja while declaring open a three-day seminar organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for DAPR officers, sister security agencies and defence correspondents.

The COAS pointed out that this became necessary as the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media was not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative to shaping public understanding, mobilising national support, and highlighting sacrifices made by troops in defending the nation.

The theme of the seminar was ‘Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security’.

According to him, the theme of the seminar underscores the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reporting of military operations, particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.

The Army Chief, who was represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi pointed out that in an era where the battle for hearts and minds was as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success, pointing out that the perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, ‘is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.’

He declared that with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information, both genuine and false, have multiplied.

Oluyede further added that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity, which demands serious caution by the media practitioners

He said, ‘Our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.

‘Through initiatives such as this seminar, we seek to build a shared framework for responsible, conflict-sensitive reporting, one that amplifies truth, promotes professionalism, and safeguards national interest. It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.

‘To the participants, I urge you to make the best use of this platform. Learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate today’s complex media environment. The lectures and discussions during this seminar have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.’

The COAS, therefore, urged the participants to learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate the complex media environment, as papers to be presented have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.

In her remarks, the Acting Director Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele noted that in today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media goes beyond reporting events, extending to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation and influencing the outcome of military operations.

Anele, who is the first female Army Spokesperson, pointed out that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives could be manipulated within seconds, fake news, doctored images and deepfakes now pose as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.

She said, ‘This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification, and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust. No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponised to erode public confidence, discredit institutions and demoralise security forces.

‘To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed. This calls for professionalism, ethics and patriotism from all media stakeholders.’

Anele pledged the directorate commitment to ensuring access to timely, credible and verifiable information that would enable responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.

She said, ‘For participants at this seminar, our role is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding security operations are accurate, constructive and supportive of national security objectives.

‘Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops; their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives and fosters unity among Nigerians.’

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Tuesday declared his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State under the platform of the APC.

Speaking after his declaration at the party secretariat in Osogbo, Senator Omisore said, ‘If we go to the primaries today, I’ll win more than 90 per cent. By God’s grace, I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year, August.’

‘My declaration is to show the preparedness of core APC members in the state, to show how ready we are to ensure that I become the party candidate by God’s grace in December, and to further strengthen the belief of the people in the coming APC government in Osun State.’

‘APC’s chance in 2026 is 100 per cent. These are volunteers from the nooks and crannies of the state. This is just within the party and not the public – this is internal politics, preparing us for the forthcoming primaries in December.’

‘This is also to show the strength of the rescue mission to ensure that we get the party ticket by God’s grace and win the governorship election.’

‘I am optimistic. You know, if we go to the primaries today, I’ll win more than 90 per cent. By God’s grace, I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year, August.’

‘People are expecting mature governance, educational improvement, agricultural advancement, rural capital development, structural adjustment of the state, capital development, impartial policies, among others.’

‘Most importantly, a very serious government – governance is not a dancing matter; it’s a serious business and must be taken seriously by serious people.’

‘Going forward, I am expecting the people of Osun State to vote for the APC en masse come August 8, 2026,’ he concluded.

In his own remarks at the event, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ijesa constituency of Osun State in the 8th National Assembly, said, ‘The people here today are members of the APC from all the wards across the state. These are the people who asked Omisore to come out and vie for the ticket of the party. We are sure that with their support, Omisore will emerge as the party’s candidate.’

‘Governance is a serious business, and as a former deputy governor, he is the most experienced among other good aspirants of the party to fly the ticket and deliver.’

The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the crucial role of strategic communication and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping effective governance and leadership in today’s digital world.

Declaring open the 6th edition of the Delta State Strategic Communication Workshop (DELCOM 2025) on Monday at Hotel Benizia, Asaba, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, emphasised that digital tools and AI have become indispensable to governance, public enlightenment, and national development.

‘The theme of this year’s workshop, Strategic Communication in the Digital Age: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools for Effective Leadership, is both timely and relevant.

‘In an era where digital platforms and AI are reshaping governance and public communication, it is imperative that we embrace innovation and utilise these modern tools to effectively project the progress of our dear state,’ Governor Oborevwori stated.

The Governor stressed that nation-building requires more than policies and infrastructure, describing effective communication as the lifeline of peace, unity, and progress.

‘Nation-building thrives on dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.

‘Equally important is the role of constructive criticism, which enables the government to refine its policies, improve service delivery, and remain responsive to the needs of the people,’ he said.

While urging media practitioners and government communicators to uphold professionalism and responsibility, Governor Oborevwori cautioned against misinformation and digital manipulation, warning that ‘propaganda, fake news, and cyberbullying erode public trust and undermine our collective progress.’

Highlighting some of his administration’s achievements, the Governor noted significant strides in infrastructure, education, and financial accountability.

‘Our administration has embarked on extensive road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance to ease mobility, promote commerce, and enhance living standards,’ he explained.

‘Transparency and accountability remain at the heart of our financial practices, ensuring that every kobo is judiciously applied for the benefit of our citizens.’

He further stated that the state’s strategic investment in education continues to empower Deltans with the skills required to thrive in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

‘Through policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, we are creating sustainable employment opportunities for our people,’ the Governor added.

He commended the organisers of DELCOM 2025, led by the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for sustaining the annual platform, which, he said, ‘continues to enhance the capacity of government communicators and strengthen leadership across all sectors.’

In his welcome address, Oghenesivbe said the workshop had, since its inception, trained over 900 participants in the effective communication of government policies and programmes. He described this year’s theme as particularly relevant given the growing influence of digital media and AI in public engagement.

‘As communicators, we must stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of AI and digital tools to shape public opinion and drive positive narratives,’ Oghenesivbe said.

He also urged participants to understand the legal framework guiding responsible communication, including the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and laws on libel and defamation.

‘Defamation has grave consequences, including fines and imprisonment,’ he warned, urging all communicators to verify their sources and maintain factual accuracy.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, underscored the importance of AI in transforming governance and leadership communication.

‘In today’s world of instant information and social media, strategic communication is no longer a luxury – it is the lifeblood of effective leadership,’ he said.

‘Artificial intelligence is not here to replace human creativity but to augment our capabilities. It can help governments analyse public sentiment, translate messages into local languages, and make policy decisions based on real-time data.’

The Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, commended Governor Oborevwori for consistently approving capacity-building programmes for government spokespersons, media partners, online publishers, and social media influencers in the state.

‘You can’t demand excellence from people you have not trained,’ he said, urging participants to maximise the opportunity to learn modern communication strategies.

Adding humorously that his generation belongs to the analogue era, Senator Amori expressed curiosity about AI and anticipation for the session on Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication. He commended the State Coordinator of DELCOM, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, for his tenacity, commitment, and dedication to assigned responsibilities.

The Delta State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Minnie Oseji, in her goodwill message, revealed that her office had trained over 500 civil servants across 19 ministries, departments, and agencies in digitalisation. She described the AI-focused theme of DELCOM 2025 as ‘a welcome development that aligns perfectly with the state’s digital transformation agenda.’

‘This should not just be another training for relaxation,’ she cautioned. ‘We expect tangible and measurable results when you return to your MDAs and step down the knowledge gained.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Gibson Pinnick, said effective communication is key to transparency and trust in governance.

‘In this digital age, leadership is not just about decision-making but about how effectively those decisions are communicated,’ he said.

‘Workshops like DELCOM equip political appointees, media partners, and influencers to turn public information into public understanding.’

Facilitators at the three-day workshop include Prof Joyce Ogwezi, who leads the session on Strategic Communication for Leaders; Dr Monday Ashibogwu, who trains participants on AI-Powered Leadership Communication; and Prof Presley Obukoadata, who handles Digital Leadership and Crisis Communication.

Participants are expected to challenge their curiosity, strengthen their communication skills, and apply the knowledge gained to improve public engagement and government representation.

The 6th Edition of DELCOM 2025 is organised by the Delta State Orientation and Communication Bureau under the leadership of Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe. It is designed to sharpen the skills of participants and bring them up to speed with the latest digital tools and artificial intelligence technologies for effective media engagement.

As Delta State continues its digital transformation drive, DELCOM 2025 is poised to play a defining role in building a new cadre of communicators skilled in artificial intelligence, strategic messaging, and ethical reporting. By bridging the gap between governance and public understanding, the workshop reaffirms Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transparent leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth in a rapidly evolving information age.

Participants at the workshop included political appointees, government media partners, journalists, Public Relations Officers from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), academia, the police, the NDLEA, online publishers, and notable social media influencers.

The three-day capacity-building workshop will conclude on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, with the presentation of certificates of attendance by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and the induction of Members, Fellows, and Distinguished Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) by the President of the Institute, Ambassador Dr (Mrs) Temile Uduogho Oritseweyinmi.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were the Commissioner for Higher Education (represented), Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Chief Ejiro Terry Etacherure, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry, State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (represented), Sir Eddie Gbegbaje, Chairman, State Bureau for Pensions (represented), Manager, Communications, Government House, Jackson Ekugwum, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, and Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Felix Ofou.

Other dignitaries included Dr Donald Peterson, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development (represented); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Ngozi Mogbolu; Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr Theophilus Chukwudi Aguonye; State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Godfrey Osakwe; General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Warri, Pastor Malcolm Oteri; and General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service Asaba, Mrs Kristine Emetulu, among others.