Entrepreneurs Advocate Support for The Next Titan Show

Entrepreneurs Advocate Support for The Next Titan Show

A group of young entrepreneurs, under the auspices of Hype Communications, have called on corporate organisations, government and non-governmental agencies to support entrepreneurs and programmes that support entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneurs lamented that the Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSME) are the most neglected in the country, with little or no support and that programmes designed to incubate business ideas and offer growth support to MSMEs, such as The Next Titan Nigeria Reality TV show are often neglected.

According to them, past winners of shows such as The Next Titan reality TV show, which is currently in its 6th season and has continued to enlighten and stimulate the entrepreneurship spirit in youths, have gone on, over the years, to become employers of labour and are contributing massively to the development of the country’s GDP, hence the need for support for them.

Director of Media, Hype Communications, Catherine Agbo, in a statement, pointed out that available statistics by SMEDAN and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that Nigeria has over 37 million MSMEs who employ over 54 million skilled and unskilled labour and contribute about 54 per cent of the country’s GDP.
The entrepreneurs therefore regretted that unlike in other countries where entrepreneurship and business reality TV shows enjoy a lot of attention and popularity and citizens of such countries, particularly the young, leverage on such shows to develop their mindsets, which has been identified as one of the reasons for the advancement of the youth of those countries in entrepreneurship, creativity and technology, the reverse is the case in Nigeria where such shows enjoy little attention.

“It is for this reason that even when globally successful educative entrepreneurial shows such as Dragons Den and The Apprentice were brought to Nigeria, they failed to attract the same level of attention,” the entrepreneurs added.
“Entrepreneurs are by nature, job creators, and for every entrepreneur that is supported to grow, there is one person less in the job market who goes on to provide jobs for others. Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in the economic growth and standard of living of the country and should be encouraged.”

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NIGERIA ON NOVEMBER 16TH 2019 KOGI AND BAYELSA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS.

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria, a network of Nigerian women in all 36 states of Nigeria and FCT, deployed 120 Observers for the observation for the Governorship elections in both Kogi and Bayelsa on the 16th of November 2019. Our network of observers in both states observed closely the electoral process from the opening of polls through the accreditation and voting process till the collation and announcement of results.

BAYELSA STATE
In Bayelsa State, there was a massive turn out of voters across the 8 LGA Areas of the state. The election also witnessed an unprecedented turnout of women, including the aged, pregnant and nursing mothers and women living with disabilities. Our observers reported a fair treatment of women by Polling Officials, Security Operatives and other stakeholders.
For the first time in the history of Bayelsa State, the elections were generally peaceful except in Ekeremor LGA, where it was observed that there were shootings between two prominent political parties but no casualty was recorded. In Nembe, though there were little challenges from party faithfuls but through the intervention of security personnel they were able to conduct the election peacefully.
INEC logistics was impressive as materials for the election were distributed on time to most of the polling units with slight hitches in reaching the riverine areas due to the inability of transporters to fulfill their own part of the agreement.
The security operatives conducted themselves in a professional manner as they treated observers with respect while they helped to maintain peace and orderliness in the polling units.
Elections in Bayelsa State this time, can be adjudged to be more peaceful compared to previous elections conducted in the state.

KOGI STATE
Our network of observers deployed across the 21 LGA in Kogi stated reported early opening of poll units in almost all the polling units.
The average time of opening is 8:00 am with few others opening before 8:30 am.
The INEC Officials in most of the polling units observed throughout the state, demonstrated adequate knowledge of the electoral process through their conduct of the opening formalities.
The turn out of Women and participation in the elections was observed to be very impressive. A good number of women were also seen in the election administration such as Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers and security operatives in most of the polling units. Women were given separate queues while pregnant women, nursing mothers, women living with disabilities and the elder were allowed to cast their votes first. However, in Polling unit 002 in Ugwolawo ward 1 Ofu LGA both men and women were seen on the same queue, though priority was given to the aged, pregnant and nursing mothers. It was also reported in PO 002, ugwolawo ward 1 in Ofu LGA that more women security agents were deployed to the polling unit. Same was reported for Onyukoko ward, polling Unit 015 and 016 in Okene LGA.

Violence:
There was widespread in Kogi East and Kogi West Senatorial districts, where women were driven out of the polling units. Lokoja LGA recorded the highest number of incidents of violence in Kogi West with 4 persons reportedly killed in Adankolo. Violence was also recorded in Ganaja and phase 2 with ballot boxes snatched amidst sporadic shootings with some security operatives giving cover for the thugs to operate. Same was reported in Kogi East Senatorial Districts with incident of violence recorded in Dekina, Ofu, Ankpa, Igalamela, Omala and Ibaji LGAs.

Security:
Generally the election in Kogi State was poorly secured as the process was taken over by armed thugs and hoodlums after the opening of polls. Armed security operatives were openly seen firing gunshots at polling units to disperse voters while hoodlums had a filled day carting away ballot boxes and destroying some.
Our observers reported that in Ugwolawo in Ofu LGA, an elderly woman was beaten up together with her daughter who stood in her defense of voting for a candidate of her choice.

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria therefore notes the following about the two governorship elections:

1. Turn out of women was impressive in both Bayelsa and Kogi states.
2. INEC logistics was commendable in both states, as there were timely deployment of election officials and materials notwithstanding the difficult terrain obtainable in both states.
3. Though most if the Security operatives conducted themselves in professional manner in controlling crowd during the elections, some however, failed to protect the elections as hoodlums and thugs were allowed to take over the process with the security operatives watched helplessly as the carnage went on.
4. There was vote trading during the elections through a sophisticated network of party merchants, with party agents, watching voters closely to interfere in the voting patterns and influence votes for their parties and candidates.

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria therefore calls on INEC, the Security Agencies and other key stakeholders to hold those responsible for undermining the integrity of the electoral process and prosecute them in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2010 and other extant laws, to serve as a deterrent to others in future elections
The league urges Nigerian women not to be deterred by the violence that took the shine off the elections, but be more resolute to continue to participate in future elections and lending their voices to advocate for peaceful elections in Nigeria.

Signed
Okiemute Olori
For League of women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ has come up with a 13 point communique embedded by a four member Committee on how to move the future of women forward. The communique was arrived at a One Day workshop in conjunction with celebration of NAWOJ at 30.

Communique issued at the end of a One Day workshop organized by the Nigeria Association of women Journalists, NAWOJ, on the occasion of NAWOJ at 30.

Alabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo state Governor in a tete a tete with Dr Martha Udom, wife of Akwa Ibom Governor during the NAWOJ 30th anniversary.

1. The workshop identified several issues that militate against the development of the girl child, the woman, sexual harassment, rape and violence against minors as well as women engagement in politics.
2. The workshop further noted that poverty, parental negligence, negative influence of the social media, indecent dressing as well as posting to cover assignments at odd places and at odd times as factors that could promote sexual violence or rape on minors and women.
3. Culture, Religion, Insecurity, lack of adequate finance lack of level playing field. Intimidation were also identified as factors that hinder women from active political participation.
4. On the issue of Girl child education, the workshop noted that early marriage and teenage pregnancy, illiteracy, insurgency and cultural barriers are major issues that contribute towards the high rate of school drop out of the girl child.
5. The workshop identified discrimination against women in beat placements. Rivalry among women and character assassination were also fingered as factors that militate a
   [8:42 AM, 11/15/2019] Mrs Joy Journalist : Against fair work place policy and placement of women in managerial positions.
6. The communique therefore resolves as follows; Existing Laws relating to child rights, violence against persons, prohibition Act should be reviewed, while stringent measures should be meted out on perpetrators.
7. Sex education should be included in the school curriculum.
8. Women should strive towards Unity of purpose in order to achieve greater heights.
9. Older women are encouraged to be role models and mentors to younger women hinder to bridge generational gaps.
10. The communique advocated that NAWOJ should organize trainings for women politicians at the grassroot, as well as use community theatre for mobilization.

National President NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo receiving award from President NAWOJ, Comrade Ifeyinwa Omowole during the NAWOJ 30th anniversary.

Comrade Chris Isiguzo handing over the plaque to Her Excellency, Alabirin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu, wife of Ondo Governor during the NAWOJ 30th anniversary.

From L-R Ijeoma, Comrade Ifeyinwa Omowole, President NAWOJ, Her Excellency Dr Martha Udom, wife of Akwa Ibom Governor, receiving her plaque during the NAWOJ 30th anniversary.

11. The communique encouraged women to seek elective positions in political parties in order to be relevant.
12. The communique urges NAWOJ to revisit Bechere community in Cross River State where girls are sold into marriage to offset debt and criminalize the act.
13. The media should continue reporting the importance of girl child Education as well as ensure effective monitoring of laws that affect the girl child.

The Zonal President Zone D, NAWOJ Comrade Jamila handing the award to former Zonal president, Comrade Veronica Ogbole.

Chairperson FCT NAWOJ, Comrade Stella Okoh Esene with a Nawojian.

Some delegates at the NAWOJ at 30 anniversary.

Press Release Public Presentation of Birthday book titled “Looking Back What Next for Chief Goddy Emeka Ejiofor”

The mystery of life is in giving birth, in living and bring in dying, celebrating our birthdays comes up yearly just to thank you our creator, Chief Goddy Emeka Ejiofor turned 77 years, this 2019 birthday has been slated for public presentation of a 350 page book documentation on him titled “Looking Back What Next for Chief Goddy Emeka Ejiofor at 77years.”

The 350 page book authored by Uju Uchendu Ozoka, a prolific writer, philanthropist, public analyst, mother, publisher and a lawyer who put the book together to mark this year’s 77 birthday for Chief Ejiofor have stated in the book importance of taking care of the aged in Nigeria.

The book which contains nine chapters, contains the process to engage the Nigerian youths to be productive, proffer solution on the issues of the country’s togetherness after the Biafran War. It equally stated clearly the need to take care of the country’s senior citizens after retirement. According to Dr Ezeife, Okwadike, its a must read for all Nigerians.

The birthday book has the foreword written by His Excellency Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Okwadike. Former Executive Governor of Anambra state.

The book will be presented at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Aso Drive, on the 28th November, 2019, under the Chairmanship of Ide (Chief) Dr Tim Menakaya, a former minister of health, elder statesman and member of Board of Trustees Of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Aso Drive, Abuja.

You all are cordially invited to wish Chief Goddy Emeka Ejiofor happy birthday and be part of of the Book Presentation. Congratulations to him all those born this ember month, October, November, December, long live you all.

Hadiza Hamza
Company Secretary
The Gong

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF UNESCO/NUJ 2019 INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS EVENT HELD AT THE ROCKVIEW ROYAL HOTEL ABUJA, ON 07 NOVEMBER, 2019.

First paper “Journalism Ethics and Safety of Journalists: The Role of Governments Media Actors and Journalists” by Bamidele Gbemiga, Convener of Society for Safety and Welfare of Journalists. Already presented. Discussants doing justice to the Lecture.
Spokesperson Nigerian Army
Stella Jibrin
Paul Odenyi
Evelyn Onyilo

From L-R Asst Sec FCT NAWOJ, Nkiru Nnoli, Chairperson, Stella Okoh Esene and the Secretary, Amaka Solomon.

Chairman NUJ Abuja being streamed live on Naija Info as he speaks on ending Impunity. Interviewed by Phil Nwelih.

PREAMBLE
The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Centre Against Brutality & For The Safety of Journalists in Africa (CABSOJA), NAPTIP, SAFER Media Initiative in partnership with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in commemoration of the 2019 international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, themed keeping Safe organized a one day Interactive Session for journalists selected from different media organizations in Abuja and its environ on how to keep safe while discharging their constitutional duties. Two papers were presented and sub theme:
Journalism Ethics and Safety of journalists: The Role of Governments, Media Actors and journalists
Migration and Safety of Journalists
STAKEHOLDERS OBSERVATION
From the first paper presented and discussion had, stakeholders observed that:
Journalistic code of ethics is a guide through numerous difficulties such as “conflict of interest” to assist journalists in dealing with “ethical dilemma.” Also codes of ethics in most parts of the world are reviewed regularly, which that of Nigeria has remained the same since 1998.
Part of the efforts to end impunity against journalists, on December 18, 2013, the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution against threats, attacks, murder, torture, force disappearance among others, which led to the declaration of November 2nd as International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
According to UNESCO, over 1000 journalists have been killed in a decade, in the line of duty.
The role of Journalists remains critical in the promotion of democracy, good governance and fostering open and peaceful societies around the world. Attacks on journalists anywhere therefore constitute an assault on the very fundamental prerequisites for a society’s progress and development.
In conflicts zone and particularly in a politically unstable environments, attacks on journalists have remained high, hence, the situation calls for concerned efforts by all stakeholders, particularly the governments, media owners and journalists themselves, to improve safety.
RECOMMENDATION
Government should:
Train security agencies on press freedom and safety of journalists.
Adherence to professionalism should be a condition for granting and renewal of licence by state regulatory bodies for media houses.
Create mechanism for specifically tracking, investigating and punishing crimes against journalists
Empower further, the regulatory agencies to enforce sanctions as entrenched.
Recommendations to Media Owners
Provide regular general safety training for journalists, including safety training for women journalists and uphold cyber security.
Collaborate with other stakeholders in organizing programs to build the capacity of journalists on safety precautions and practices.

Candle light procession go celebrated journalists who have lost their lives.

Develop and implement policies on journalist’s safety, especially policies on coverage of violence or potential violent events.
Increase monitoring and reporting of violations against journalist.
Owners, publishers and editors should prioritize professional standards.
Journalists should:
Always push for management’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Journalist and other media staff.
Improve self-capacity building and enhancement in safety methods and redress mechanism.
Improve a commitment to professionalism to earn public trust and support religiously, safety of journalists and press freedom efforts by highlighting violations and demanding redress from authorities.
Advocate for the development, implementation of the internal safety of journalist policies by media and organizations.
PAPER 2: STAKEHOLDERS OBSERVATIONS
At the end of the second paper, stakeholders observed that:
Migration is not a new thing and that if it is, all African will be in Africa. World Bank fact sheet 2017 estimated that over 266 million people globally live outside their countries of origin; and out of this figure, over 20 million from sub-Sahara Africa according to the report, showing that mobility is inherent in human existence.
Nigeria loses quite a lot as a result of migration. Many professionals like doctors, engineers and journalists have migrated to other parts of the world and this has affected the development of Nigeria.
Covering migration issues expose journalists to a lot of risk and this has some emotional effects on journalists. The emotional effects include insomnia, sleeping disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, headaches and moral injuries.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Stakeholders recommended that: journalists have to protect themselves as well as protect victims of migrants and human trafficking.
Journalists should consider codes of ethics and human rights while reporting human trafficking victims.
Journalists should be trained on how to investigate trafficking issues.
Journalists should be protected by law and protect themselves.

SIGNED BY

NUJ FCT
UNESCO
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation
CABSOJA
NAPTIP
SAFER Media Initiative

OUR HISTORY

JCI Abuja Unity Members with the JCI Nigeria National President and Past National President, Sen Saheed Adegoke.

JCI Abuja Unity Members with the JCI Nigeria National President and Past National President, Sen Saheed Adegoke.

Junior Chambers International is a non-profit organization and a worldwide federation of young active citizens within the age of 18 to 40, was founded by Henry Giessen bier in 1915 and officially became Junior Chamber International in December 11, 1944 in Mexico City.

The awards Abuja Unity got at the just concluded National Convention of JCI Nigeria.

JCI Abuja Unity members at Natcon.

JCI Nigeria, an affiliate of Junior Chamber International, was founded on 9^th March,1957 through Otunba Bola Adewunmi, a young man who travelled to the United State as a reporter, where he joined and learnt more about Junior Chambers International. On returning to Nigeria, Otumba assembled young men of like minds to start the JCI movement in Nigeria. The first meeting was held on 9^th March 1957 at the Bristow Hotel, Lagos, since then the, the organization has embarked on several projects/campaigns in Nigeria that have contributed to national development.

JCI Nigeria 2019 President with a National Board member from Abuja Unity. Receiving award for most supportive National Board Member

Junior Chambers International Nigeria has over 100 Local Organization (both city and collegiate Chapters) and over 3,500 Active Citizen base. JCI Nigeria relies on her Active citizen’s base; young leaders and entrepreneurs that are committed towards creating impact in their communities.

Till date, JCI Nigeria continues to assume key roles in community development, providing development opportunities to young people in the Nigerian society. The chapters’ focus area includes Business progression, Individual and Community development, Leadership, International development and Networking.

An Abuja Unity member receives award as best new member from the 2019 National President, JCI Nigeria.

The first ever JCI Nigeria Convention took place in 1957, 61 years later, this annual event has grown to become a mecca for members across Nigeria. The annual convention is the summation for the year and the transition stage for incoming year. Here, members meet, learn, network and participate in trainings, JCI courses, board inauguration, strategic long-range-planning sessions, get-togethers, election proceedings and award ceremonies.

The 2019 National President JCI NIGERIA, presents award to Kusherki Bello, President JCI Abuja Unity.

At this year’s 47^th JCI Nigeria National Convention tagged #EXCELLENCE2019, held at PELICAN INT’HOTEL, CHEVRON DRIVE,LEKKI,LAGOS ,from the 10^th of October to 13th,2019. JCI Nigeria Abuja Unity, one of the local organization in Nigeria  won three Local Organization awards (Best Local community Social Responsibility Program-You and the Road, Best Long Term Community Program- Morufat Olabisi Aniso Spelling Bee Competition, Best Local Growth Development Program-Omnipreneur Project 2018 ) and three individual awards ( Most Outstanding New Member-JCIN Joseph O. Attah , Most Outstanding National Board Member-JCIN Amb David Asotie, Most Outstanding Local President-JCIN Amb Kusharki Bello Muhammad ) .

The Local organization’s president, JCIN Amb Kusharki Bello Muhammadi has been appointed 2020 JCI Nigeria MET Director Sustainable Development Goals.

JCIN Amb Joyce Lawrence emerged as 2020 JCI Nigeria Executive Vice President.

Two members were admitted into the Noble House (JCIN Amb Joel Uwabor and JCIN Amb Samuel Chinonyerem.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that JCI, as an organization, thrives to ensure that her members’ personal and professional developments are enhanced as well as provide endless networking opportunities to make friends both locally and internationally, interact and share business ideas. Additionally, her members broaden their knowledge through courses and seminars offered by the organization, build a broad and better resume, develop leadership and social skills, become inspired and motivated to do and be more and most importantly give back to the community which is in keeping with the mission of JCI.

Join JCI today and become the best version of yourself.

2019 National Convention Team Lead,

JC Chinwendu Okeke.

Border Closure Conditions set for ECOWAS Members by Nigeria

The Nigerian government has given conditions that ECOWAS Member States must adhere to before reopening its border and a tripartite meeting with countries sharing its land borders to be convened within the next two weeks.
Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affair made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen following an Inter-Ministerial meeting Preparatory to the Tripartite Anti-Smuggling Committee Meeting of Nigeria, Benin and Niger.

Onyeama said that the meeting was under the directives President Muhaamadu Buhari regarding the border closure, stating that it was the desire of Mr President that the issues should be addressed as quickly as possible.

Onyeama said that the Nigerian Government insists that member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), must as a matter of necessity, respect the Rules of Origin.

“Within the next two weeks, a tripartite committee is to be convened and hosted here in Nigeria comprising a delegation, a committee of Benin Republic, from Niger, and from Nigeria.

“Each country will come with the heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance, the Customs, Immigration and NIA, the security segment.

“The Nigeria committee has met to look at the situation and we have agreed on a set of conditions and these conditions are as follows.

“That it is an absolute requirement of the Government of Nigeria that any imports coming through our land borders, when those imports are transit in goods.

“That is to say, when they are coming outside the ECOWAS region and imported into an ECOWAS member state, that those goods should retain their original packaging.

“There should be no modification whatsoever to the packaging on those goods imported into an ECOWAS member state destined for Nigeria. So,the original packaging and they must be escorted from the port directly.

“To the entry point, designated entry point on Nigerian borders, so presented to Nigeria Customs, with the packaging intact and those goods escorted. This is an absolute precondition that will not be compromised.

“For goods predominantly produced in ECOWAS Member States, the rules of origin must be certified, so we have to avoid any possibilities of dumping.,

“So, if goods are produced in ECOWAS member states, those goods must be in majority produced in those countries or if they are coming from outside ECOWAS.

“The value addition made by an ECOWAS country must be over 30 percent for it to be accepted within the framework of the Economic Trade Liberalisation Scheme that ECOWAS countries have to promote trade amongst ourselves.”

Onyeama explained that the value addition of 30 per cent was to avoid situations where countries outside the ECOWAS region will merely export goods into ECOWAS member states, repackage as coming from ECOWAS member states with little value addition and exported to Nigeria.
He said that the Nigerian government will absolutely insist on the respect of the ECOWAS Rules of Origin, ensuring that they actually do come from within an ECOWAS member state in large part.

The Minister said that the Nigerian Government would also insisted on the dismantling of all the warehouses along the common borders within a certain distance from the Nigerian borders.

Onyeama also said on the transportation of goods within ECOWAS and across borders, the Federal Government will henceforth insist on proper recognised packaging of the goods.

On the free movement of persons, Onyeama added that the Federal Government will now absolutely insist that all persons coming into the country through land borders, must present themselves at recognised entry points.

Onyeama said that anyone transiting through the land borders must have and present recognised travel documents which is an officially recognised passport.
He commended the governments of Niger and Benin for the laws they have put in place in their countries to stop the re-exporting of rice into Nigeria.

Also speaking, Comptroller-General of Customs , said that January 2020 reopening of the land borders as reported in some media tentative, explain that the borders would be opened following agreements from the tripartite meeting.

“The issue of 31st January is an operational programme. What we do in operations like this is that you set time for logistics and other tactical requirements.
“So, the issue of 31st January is not a terminal date. If all these things are put together and we reach an agreement, we could even relax all these things before 31st of January.

“So, it is not sacrosanct, but it is not a terminal date. We can also surpass January 31st and still hold on to what we are doing,” Ali said.

Amb Zubairu Dada receives Ghanaian counterpart Charles Owiredu in Abuja By Joy Idam Ajah.

Amb Zubairu Dada, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs receives the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ghana, Mr Charles Owiredu in Abuja.

Amb Zubairu Dada, The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Amb Zubairu Dada, The Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, received in audience a delegation from Ghana led by the Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Charles Owiredu in his office on Thursday 31st October, 2019 on a courtesy visit.

The Meeting discussed measures to ameliorate the challenges faced by Ghanaian traders to move their goods into Nigeria due to the on-going temporary partial closure of land borders.

Ambassador Dada reassured the visiting Ghanaian delegation that the temporary partial closure of land borders was not targeted at Ghanaians traders and that the Federal Government is duly committed to addressing the challenges.

1st from left Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Charles Owiredu
Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada
Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry of Ghana, Hon. Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah.
Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Mustapha Lawal Sulaiman.

He noted that the Federal Government had no choice than to close the land borders temporarily because of the proliferation of illicit goods into the country and that the main aim was to tackle the security challenges facing the country and its attendant loss of revenue due to high degree of smuggling activities.

The Meeting agreed that in order to address the concerns raised by the Republic of Ghana, a census of vehicles coming into Nigeria from Ghana will be conducted to ascertain facts and collectively device means of giving them access into the country.

Earlier, the Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Charles Owiredu intimated the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs that they were in the country to follow up on the recent visit of their senior colleagues on the borders closure.

The aim of the second visit therefore was to present a letter to the Minister from the Ghanaian Government. While stating that the borders closure goes contrary to ECOWAS protocol of free movement of Goods Mr. Owiredu opined that dozens of trucks carrying raw materials from Ghana are still awaiting clearance at the border and prayed for quick resolution of the issue for the benefits of both countries.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD AT REVERTON HOTEL LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) HELD AT REVERTON HOTEL LOKOJA, KOGI STATE
The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists held its meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State with all the National Officers as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils in attendance, and came up with the following:

STATE OF THE UNION

NEC in session reviewed the current situation in the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN and set up a five man committee to reconcile the two factions crisis.

NEC in session suspends indefinitely a former President of the NUJ, Waheed Odusile, NUJ Vice President Zone C, Petrus Obi, National Vice Chairman Zone C of NAWOJ, Chibota Edozie and Ngozi Agbo for persistent anti-Union activities.

NEC in session approves the employment of two additional Assistant National Secretaries in addition to the offering of contract appointment to Mr Bamidele Gbemiga, who retired as Senior Assistant National Secretary.

NEC in session also approves the use of centralized NUJ attendance registrar for State Councils to check sharp practices in the compilation of membership lists in States.

NEC frowns at some social media Influencers who indiscriminately masquerade as professional journalists and members of the NUJ to desist from such acts or be reported to the Police.
STATE OF THE NATION

NEC in session calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare state of emergency on deplorable Federal Roads across the country especially Ajaokuta – Itobe road which links the South East and South-South to the FCT.

NEC rejects in its entirety a step by the Federal Government to regulate social media operators in the country calling on the Minister of Information, Alh Lai Mohammed not to succumb to the temptation of restricting the social media which can easily lead to gagging the media.

NEC in session appeals to the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies and political gladiators to ensure hitch – free electoral processes before, during and after the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa States elections.

NEC also rejects Nigeria Governor’s Forum position that they will pay new minimum wage according to what they describe as the financial standing of their respective states and urge them to implement the Federal Government’s template as agreed upon with the NLC.

NEC in session commends the Federal Government for the closure of the Nation’s land borders and urge the FG to prevail on marketers and local producers not to hike prices of goods and services.

NEC commends Kogi State government and the Kogi State Council of the Union for hosting the NEC in Lokoja.
Compiled by:
Buba Abdullahi

Victoria Asher
Leke Adegbite

Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin Shadalafiya
National Secretary