The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Friday said that the nation’s crude oil reserves stood at 37.28 billion barrels (bb) as at Jan. 1, 2025.
The commission also said that Nigeria’s gas reserves hit 210.54 trillion Cubic Feet (tcf).
Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, who stated this said that oil and condensate reserves stood at 31.44bb and 5.84bb respectively, amounting to a total of 37.28 bb.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figure is against the 37.50 bb of proven crude oil reserves and proven natural gas reserves 209.26 tcf recorded in 2024.
Komolafe said the Associated Gas and Non-Associated Gas reserves stood at 101.03 tcf and 109.51 tcf, respectively, resulting in total gas reserves of 210.54 tcf.
According to Komolafe, the commission in keeping with its mandate as enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), is committed to driving the efficiency and effectiveness of the upstream oil and gas sector.
He assured enhancing the growth of oil and gas reserves towards ensuring sustainable increase in production for shared prosperity, as articulated in the Regulatory Action Plan for 2024 and the Near Term.
“Against the foregoing, I am pleased to present to you an overview of the Nation’s oil, condensate, associated gas, and non-associated gas reserves as of January 1, 2025, as follows:
“Crude Oil and Condensate reserves stands at 31.44bb and 5.84bb respectively, amounting to a total of 37.28bb.
“Associated Gas and Non-Associated Gas reserves stands at 101.03 tcf and 109.51 tcf, respectively, resulting in total gas reserves of 210.54 tcf.
“The Reserves Life Index is 64 Years and 93 Years for Oil and Gas, respectively.
“In view of the above, and in furtherance of Chapter 1, Part III, Section 7 (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (q), (r), and other powers enabling me in this respect, I, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CCE, hereby declare the total oil and condensate reserves of 37.28bb.
“And total gas reserves of 210.54 tcf as the official National Petroleum Reserves Position as of Jan. 1, 2025,’’ he said.
A joint security team in Katsina State has neutralised five suspected bandits and recovered their seven operational motorcycles in Wori village, Dandume Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Katsina.
He said that the operation was carried out by the police in collaboration with the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Community Watch Corps and the vigilante.
“On April 10, at about 4:15 a.m., based on credible intelligence, the DPO Dandume Division, led a team of joint operatives to a suspected bandit’s route at Dutsen Wori village, Dandume LGA.
“In a daring operation, the joint security team successfully ambushed a group of suspected armed bandits along the route.
“The ambush resulted in the neutralisation of five suspected bandits and recovery of seven operational motorcycles used to carry out their nefarious activities,” he said
Aliyu said an operation was also carried out at Unguwar Adam and Unguwar Judo villages, Danmusa LGA. based on information received from the DSS on suspected armed bandit activities.
The DPO Danmusa, he said, quickly mobilised and led a joint team of police operatives, Community Watch Corps, and local vigilante to the scene.
He added that the team engaged the criminals in a gun duel, which resulted in the dislodging of the bandits.
According to the PPRO, after the encounter, three suspected bandits’ informants and logistics suppliers were apprehended.
He added that two operational motorcycles and two bicycles were recovered by the team during the operation.
The PPRO added that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, commended the high level of professionalism, synergy and dedication exhibited by the joint security team.
“These operations demonstrated the commitment of the command and the sister security agencies in the state to maintaining peace and security,” Aliyu quoted Shehu as saying.
He added that the commissioner reiterated is determination to tackle the menace of banditry ad well as ensuring the safety and security of residents.
Nigeria’s gas export has dipped following three sabotage attacks on a major pipeline in Bayelsa which feeds the Nigeria Liquid Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny, Rivers.
The Ogboinbiri-Obiobi 24-inch Gas Pipeline between Angiama and Angiamagbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa was blown up on three spots on April 3.
Oando PLC, operators of the facility confirmed on Friday that the breached pipeline has been shut down to avert further pollution and to pave way for investigation.
The confirmation is contained in a statement issued by Alero Balogun, General Manager, HR & Business Support Group.
“Oando PLC confirms three separate attacks on its pipelines over the past week.
“In line with best practices, the company immediately activated its emergency response plans and commenced containment efforts at the affected sites to minimize environmental impact.
“The company also immediately deployed its leak repair teams to the affected sites and is working closely with relevant authorities to promptly carry out a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV),” Edet stated.
JIV is a statutory probe into every reported oil/gas leak incident by regulators, operator and host community to ascertain the cause of leak, volume of leak and impacted areas.
According to Oando, the assessment by the joint investigation team will help determine the extent as well as the root cause of the sabotage, which will enable the company to implement lasting solutions.
“Following the JIV, Oando will initiate full scale repairs on the affected pipelines towards ensuring operations resume as quickly as possible, whilst prioritizing the safety of people, the protection of the environment, and well-being of the communities.
“The company is committed to providing further updates as more information becomes available,” Oando stated.
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, has been admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in a distinguished ceremony which held at the Mansion House, City of London on Monday, April 7, 2025. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Mr. Ovia’s exceptional contributions to the global financial landscape, unwavering commitment to fostering economic development, and dedication to philanthropic endeavours that have positively impacted countless lives.
The Freedom of the City of London, a time-honoured tradition dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving ceremonies in the United Kingdom. Historically, it granted freemen certain rights and privileges within the city. Today, it stands as a symbolic recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to London or the wider society. This honour places Mr. Ovia among a distinguished group of recipients, which includes notable figures from various fields such as Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman and Ian Wright.
Commenting on his new status as a Freeman of the City of London, the distinguished honoree, Jim Ovia, CFR said “It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team who have worked diligently to establish our institution as a leading force in global finance. I am proud to be part of a legacy that celebrates innovation, excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship. I dedicate this to the people of Nigeria and Africa who continue to inspire me with their resilience and determination. I look forward to continuing to play a role in shaping the economic landscape of our great continent and beyond.”
Joining the nation in congratulating Mr. Ovia, President Bola Tinubu, through a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Mr. Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector. He described the honour as a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world. According to him, “This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations. As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”.
Dignitaries at the ceremony include Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Group Managing Director, TGI Group of Companies, Rahul Savara; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who joined Zenith Bank Executives in celebrating this significant milestone.
This well-deserved recognition rides on the back of many other prestigious awards that Mr. Ovia has received for his outstanding contributions to banking, education and philanthropy including conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) & National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in 2022 by the Federal Government of Nigeria. He was also named the Banker of the Year in 2007 and Titan of the year in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, and received the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute. He received honorary degrees from the University of Lagos as well as from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and was recognized by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential figures in banking.
Prof. Philip Phil-Eze, the Managing Director of Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), says no fewer than 160 communities in the state were at the risk of gully erosion menace.
Phil-Eze said this at a one day sensitisation workshop on the use of “Local Knowledge to Combat Erosion” in Awka on Friday.
The workshop was organised by Environment Development Initiative for Africa (EDIA), a non-governmental organization on environmental sustainability in collaboration with ANSEWCCA
Phil-Ez who presented a paper titled “Expanding Interventions in the Control of Soil Erosion in Anambra State Through Local Action” said the state was one of the most degraded and erosion-ravaged landscapes in Africa.
He said soil erosion was as a result of a number of factors including natural and man made, and called for pragmatic local remedial measures and approaches towards preventing the menace by nipping it in the bud.
According to him, 160 communities out of the 179 communities in the state are facing erosion hazards.
“Natural causes of erosion menace include intensity of rainfall, flood/runoff, lithology (loose soil type), topography and scarce vegetation cover.
“Man-made causes include the culture of negligence, cutting down trees, indiscriminate waste disposal, lack of harvesting rainwater, sand mining, modern roofing styles and interlock tiles, inadequate knowledge of the environment, lack of involvement of the local communities in erosion control.
“Others are poor termination of drainage channels, wrongly terminated or diverted channels by contractors during construction, land use patterns in buildings and developments without plans to accommodate erosion and unhealthy farming practice,” he said.
Phil-Eze warned residents to desist from unhealthy environmental practices which had the potential to exacerbate the menace.
Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, the Director of Research and Publication for EDIA said the objective of the exercise was to encourage positive behavioral attitude towards environmental sustainability.
He said the capacity building workshop was timely and critical considering the fact that Anambra was a serious concern in terms of erosion, flooding and other environmental hazards.
According to him, this event is engaging, interactive and participatory to ensure effective transfer of needed knowledge and skills.
Dr Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner for Environment, commended the organisers of the programme which he described as ‘a timely intervention’.
Odimegwu who was represented by Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, the Permanent Secretary, said prevention was the best approach in erosion control.
According to him, the administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo prioritises environmental sustainability, and the ministry would continue to encourage environmental best practices in the state.
The Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola in the ongoing trial of the former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his former Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, has corroborated the testimonies of earlier witnesses that the Ahmed’s administration borrowed the funds of Kwara State’s Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC to offset backlog salaries of workers and pensioners in the state.
Ahmed and Banu are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on amended 14-count charge, bordering on stealing and mismanagement of UBEC funds in the state to the tune of N5.78billion.
Testifying on Friday, April 11, 2025, Ishola, who served as the Accountant-General of Kwara State between 2013 – 2019, told Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin that, the sum of N1billion being a matching grant from UBEC was borrowed by the Abdulfatah administration in 2015 to pay salaries of civil servants and pensioners.
The testimony aligned with that of the former Chairman of the Kwara SUBEB, Barrister Lanre Daibu, who had on Thursday, April 10, 2025 disclosed that he received a formal request from the state government to borrow N1billion from the 2013 UBEC Matching Grant to settle outstanding salaries and pensions in the state.
Daibu stated that he initially hesitated to approve the request, knowing that UBEC funds were strictly for projects outlined in its Action Plan and not to be diverted for any other use. He, however, disclosed that the request was eventually granted, but never repaid throughout his tenure
While being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, the witness stated that he received a copy of the letter conveying the governor’s approval of the loan request.
“At a point, I was copied the letter that the sum of N1billion has been borrowed from the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB. The essence of the loan was to pay salaries of civil servants and pensioners. I received the letter containing the approval by His Excellency, the executive governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed from the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu,” he said.
The witness further confirmed that the N1billion was credited to the state’s salary account in Polaris Bank Plc. However, he said that the amount was insufficient to cover the entire wage bill, prompting the use of an additional N740 million from existing funds to meet the salary obligations.
Testifying further, the witness stated that in 2016, he received a directive from the second defendant to liquidate the loan, and that the fund was subsequently repaid, as reflected in the state’s account records.
The witness also disclosed how that he was invited by the EFCC, where he was presented with vouchers that indicated that another loan of N850million (Eight Hundred Million Naira) was allegedly taken by the state government.
The matter was adjourned till June 10 and 11, 2025 for continuation of trial.
Authorities of Idemili North Local Government council cf Anambra state have sealed the two motor lparks under the flyover bridge by New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor-Agu, along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway over what they termed illegal activities of some irate youths.
Council Chairman, Chief Stanley Nkwoka who disclosed this to newsmen in his office at the council Secretariat, Ogidi, said reason was to avoid breakdown of law and order, and to enable parties fighting over the parks come to a round table for dialogue.
The council boss further disclosed that in 2016, a business entity known as Business Link, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the council authorities to build and beautify the motor parks under the flyover bridge, under Public Private Partnership, PPP.
Nkwoka noted that under the agreement, Business Link was to operate the park for a pediod of 10 years to recoup its monies spent in building the parks before handing it over to local government.
He further noted that the entity had so far run the business for only a period of three years, between 2016 and 2019 before youths from Amafor village in Nkpor where the parks are located forcefully came in, displaced Business Link, and started operating the parks illegally from 2019 to 2025.
Nkwoka said that when he came into office as Mayor of Idemili North, he was invited to wade into the matter which he did but later observed in the course of series of meetings that ensued that no provision for Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR was made for Amafor village in the MoU they signed from the onset.
He added that after his meeting with the Chief Emmanuel Idemili-led Amafor villagers of Nkpor and Business Link, it was agreed that 17% share would be given to the village from whatever that is realised from the parks.
“After the agreements, I invited them to my office to have a view of the document. After that, I wrote to the village that with effect from April 1, 2025, they should stop every operation in the parks, as the local government would be taking over for proper renovation and management”.
“Unfortunately, on April 1st, 2025, the villagers responded with a protest, accusing the local government of trying to take over their land. They equally brandished a document, saying that the federal government granted them licence to operate the parks. How could the FG grant somebody licence to operate parks? It not done anywhere because under the Constitution, parks and markets are under the local government Administration”.
“What I did in the midst of the protests was to mobilize security personnel and sealed off the parks, because, as local government chairman, my duty is to protect lives and property of my people. Neither Business Link nor Amafor people would have access to the parks until both parties come to a round table to make peace, and have good understanding. I don’t think fighting will be a good thing for our people now,” he emphasized.
He further denied the insinuation by Amafor community that their land was being taken forcefully, saying that nobody is interested in Amafor lands.
While cautioning Amafor youths to steer clear of the parks, Nkwoka also warned motorists to desist from parking their vehicles there or they would have their vehicles impounded.
However, in a swift reaction, Chairman of Amafor Village, Nkpor, Chief Emmanuel Idemili (aka Emma Golden) said they obtained a written permission from the Federal Ministry of Works to operate the park because the park itself is located under the Flyover which is within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works.
Idemili noted that the owner of the Business Link, Chief Raphael Asha Nnabuife who was once the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Transition Committee and who incidentally is also from Nkpor community but from another village known as Ububa Nkpor, approached Amafor village during his tenure as transition Committee Chairman and requested them to allow the local government beautify the environment and they agreed and granted his request.
He said the villagers did not know that Nnabuife had an ulterior motive as they later realized that on the process of beautifying the place, he now turned it into his personal enterprise after chasing away all the petty traders who were trading along the area and paying revenue tolls to the village.
He said the villagers would accept only a discussion that would include them in the equitable revenue generation and sharing formula but would not accept any agreement that would exclude the village from being a shareholder in their own land.
In a significant political development in Gombe State, over 200 youths from the All Progressives Congress (APC), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and other parties have officially decamped to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Bare Ward, Billiri Local Government Area.
The event, which drew the attention of party stakeholders and grassroots supporters, was held under the representation of the SDP State Chairman, Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, who was ably represented by Comrade Molta Lamido.
Welcoming the new members, Comrade Lamido conveyed the State Chairman’s delight at the growing strength of the party, particularly among young people. He praised the decampees for making what he called a “bold and wise decision” to join the most organized and crisis-free political platform in the state.
He called on the new members to be loyal to the party and to play active roles in its advancement. “The SDP is a home for all, especially the youth. We are committed to working hand in hand with you. This is a movement, and you are now ambassadors of this great party,” he stated.
The State Chairman, through his representative, also expressed confidence in the people of Billiri LG, saying he could “bank on them to deliver when it matters most.” He commended the Local Government Executive Committee (LG EXCO) for their tireless efforts in expanding the party’s grassroots appeal.
He further emphasized that the party remains open to more new and decamping members, describing the SDP as “the only party free of internal crisis and well-structured for both present and future governance.”
The meeting had in attendance the full LG EXCO of the SDP, party loyalists, and stakeholders from across the local government area.
With this latest wave of defections, the SDP appears to be gaining momentum ahead of future political contests in Gombe State, particularly as it continues to attract youths and disenchanted members from other political platforms.
In a notable display of political camaraderie and national unity, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, and former Governor of Sokoto State Senator Aminu Tambuwal paid a Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The high-profile visit, which comes during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, drew significant public attention as the three prominent political figures—each representing different regions and political leanings—gathered to honor the elder statesman.
Sources close to the gathering said the meeting was marked by warm greetings, prayers, and discussions centered on national unity, peace, and the importance of collective leadership in Nigeria’s development.
Speaking after the visit, Atiku Abubakar emphasized the importance of transcending political divides during periods of national celebration. “Eid is a time for reflection, reconciliation, and unity. Our visit to President Buhari is not just about paying homage, but about strengthening the bonds that hold our nation together,” he said.
Nasir El-Rufai, in his remarks, described Buhari as “a father figure and patriot whose service to Nigeria continues to inspire generations of leaders.”
Senator Tambuwal echoed similar sentiments, noting that the visit was a symbolic gesture of respect and a reminder that “regardless of our differences, we share a common responsibility to uphold peace, democracy, and good governance.”
Former President Buhari, who received his guests with warmth and humility, expressed gratitude for the visit and urged political leaders to always place the interest of the nation above personal ambitions.
The visit has sparked widespread reactions on social media and among political analysts, with many describing it as a rare but commendable moment of unity among Nigeria’s top political class.
As the country continues to navigate complex political and economic challenges ahead of 2027, such gestures may signal a shift toward greater collaboration and statesmanship across party lines.
In what could best be described as a strategic and productive collaboration ahead of the November 8 Anambra governorship election, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, in partnership with Anambra Patriots for Soludo, has trained journalists in the state on ethical election coverage and personal safety on duty.
Among the highlight of the one-day capacity-building workshop was the remark and appeal for stronger collaboration made by the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, who described the Commission and the NUJ as “twin brothers,” emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive without a robust electoral process and a responsible press working hand-in-hand.
Held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, the workshop themed “Ethical Journalism and Journalists’ Safety in an Evolving Democracy” drew participants from across the state and featured distinguished speakers, including media veterans, legal practitioners, community leaders, and public officials, who jointly called on the journalists to brace up and professionally play their constitutional role as defenders of democracy and truth-bearers, even in the face of danger and distraction.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra REC, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, who recounted her love for the journalism profession and smooth working relationship with Anambra journalists since she was deployed to the state, likened the INEC and the NUJ to “twin brothers,” stressing that both institutions have inseparable roles in safeguarding democracy. According to her, while INEC conducts the election, it is journalists that explain it to the people.
While commending the Anambra journalists for their selfless services and their support to the Commission so far, she also emphasized the need for stronger synergy between both institutions, noting that misinformation and unethical reportage could cause irreparable damage to the electoral process and public trust.
Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairperson of the Anambra NUJ Local Training Committee, Ukpa Ewa, explained that the workshop was designed to reinforce the core values of journalism — truth, fairness, accuracy, transparency — while confronting emerging threats to journalists’ safety such as online harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks. According to her, a safer and more supportive environment for journalists is crucial to defending democracy. She further commended her team and all who contributed in one way or the other to the fruition of the initiative, while also expressing optimism for greater impacts of the workshop on the life and the profession of the Anambra journalists and the society at large.
Delivering a keynote lecture, a veteran journalist and former Editor of the National Light Newspaper, Sir Victor Agusiobo, who spoke on the topic: “Covering Elections, Journalism Ethics: Fighting for the Soul of a Profession”, painted a vivid picture of the dangerous intersection between political power and journalistic compromise. He described election as the oxygen of democracy and the highest form of petitionary communication, adding that it offers citizens the rare opportunity to choose their tyrants or statesmen.
Sir Agusiobo noted that in the race for power, some politicians lose their moral compass, lie, cheat, and even kill to attain or retain power, stressing that only a strong, professional and ethical media can check such tendencies. According to him, the role of the media in electoral processes is not just to report but to shape societal consciousness, guard against conflict, and expose manipulation. He warned against the rising acceptance of unethical practices such as “brown envelope journalism,” stressing that “we cannot enjoy the honor of being called the Fourth Estate of the Realm and yet bow to the lure of pecuniary influence.”
Describing unethical journalism as a dagger to the soul of the profession, he declared thus: “If we must survive as a respected institution, we must reject all temptations that seek to trade truth for money.”
“Whatever is the state of the dialectics, the truth is that elections are so important to society and their reporting and coverage should not be left even in the hands of well-intentioned amateurs. It calls for a good dose of maturity, confidence, knowledge, tact, professionalism laced with an equally high dose of ethics,” he concluded.
Similarly in his own lecture, a legal practitioner and electoral expert, Dr. Moses Ugboh, who spoke on “Role of INEC and Fundamental Duties of Journalists in Covering Elections”, affirmed that credible elections cannot happen without the watchful eyes and pens of journalists. In his words, the media play a decisive role in educating, informing, and sensitizing the electorate; and if the press fails, democracy itself is endangered.
He urged journalists to be cautious, factual, and objective, especially in the heat of political campaigns and election results, noting that fake news and incendiary headlines could plunge the state into chaos.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Anambra Patriots for Soludo, Chief Damian Ejiamatu, who also Chaired the occasion, and the Convener of Anambra Patriots for Soludo, Architect Okey Ezeobi, reiterated that the workshop was borne out of the need to strengthen the fibre of journalists’ morale to speak truth to the people and courageously project the developmental strides of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
The duo, while highlighting and urging the journalists to help publicize the good works of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, further emphasized that accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism is key to protecting democracy and countering misinformation, especially during elections, stressing that Journalists shape public opinion in diverse ways and are expected to stand for truth at all times.
Similarly echoing their views, the Member representing Njikoka II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Jude Akpua; the MD/CEO of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Molokwu; and the Secretary of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, H.R.M. Igwe Pius Omachonu, lauded the media for their resilience despite the daunting challenges they face; urged them not to relent in their efforts to inform, educate, and challenge power constructively. The trio reminded the journalists of the heroic role journalism played in the nation’s independence, and further encouraged them to reclaim their pride and confront emerging threats to press freedom and credibility.
Earlier declaring the workshop open, the NUJ Chairman in Anambra State, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD., who lauded such productive and impactful partnership, described the training as timely, strategic, and patriotic, especially as the state edges closer to a crucial governorship poll. He reiterated the NUJ’s commitment to promoting ethical journalism, journalist safety, and political neutrality, calling on practitioners to shun sensationalism and align with truth, fairness, and professionalism.
“We are not enemies to any political party or candidate. We are servants of the people and watchdogs of democracy. Our allegiance is to truth, justice, and the people,” he declared.
Among other highlights, lectures by the keynote speakers and the interactive sessions, group photographs, and presentation of certificate to the participants, formed the climax of the event.
