News
Editors Woo Tinubu to Tackle Biggest Threats” to Media Industry in Nigeria
The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Eze, says that the unavailability of resource materials is one of the biggest threats to the survival of the media industry in Nigeria.
” The biggest threat to media survival today is the unavailability of resource materials to produce our papers or broadcast on our TV stations,” Eze said at the ongoing All Nigerian Editors Conference 2024, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with the theme: ‘Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country.
He said: “We are here because we recognize the critical role that both a strong economy and a resilient media sector play in fostering a prosperous, informed, and democratic society.
As editors, we stand at a crossroads where our decisions, priorities, and strategies will shape the future of our country and journalism.
The truth is, there is no business right now. If the purpose of business is to make a profit, the newspaper business is dead.
” “The growth of our nation’s economy directly influences every sector, and our industry is no exception.
A strong economy fuels consumer spending, drives innovation, and creates opportunities for media organizations to expand and thrive. Yet, with these opportunities come new challenges.
The father of the day and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka, added : “The truth is, there is no business right now. If the purpose of business is to make a profit, the newspaper business is dead. Everything, including prices, has gone up to the extent that publishing as we knew it has died.
This week, I asked a financial controller how things were going, and she said the money earned from the sale of hardcopy newspapers was only enough to pay for the transportation of the papers. That was all.”
Amuka highlighted the dramatic rise in the cost of newsprint, from N600,000 two years ago to over N2 million today.
“This means that every day we publish a hardcopy newspaper, we don’t make any money; we lose,” he said.
He called for government involvement in the media business, noting that the cost of newsprint is unsustainable, and it is crucial to support the media to continue publishing hard copies.
Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the chairman of the conference and publisher of Thisday and Arise Television, lamented the challenges facing the media industry but expressed optimism for the future.
He said: “Nigeria is in a reset. We have reforms underway, and unlike others, I believe that the future can be better if we give these reforms a human face.
We should support the reforms, stay the course, and ensure that the poor and vulnerable are supported.
Obaigbena also spoke about global changes, particularly with the rise of Donald Trump, and urged Nigerians to prepare for these changes by first addressing internal issues.
He called for efforts to fix Nigeria and protect the country’s industries.
President Bola Tinubu urged the media managers to engage in factual reporting and professional integrity.
He was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
He emphasized the importance of the media in national development:
“As editors and media managers, your role in national development cannot be overemphasized. You are the custodians of public perception, the gatekeepers of information, and the voice of the people.” Tinubu spoke about the transformative potential of the media in shaping public understanding and contributing to the government’s efforts to address the nation’s challenges.
He called on media professionals to report truthfully and engage constructively to help the public understand the government’s actions.
“My administration is committed to turning our challenges into opportunities by ensuring that our vast resources bring prosperity to all Nigerians.
With a united effort from government, citizens, and the media, we can build a resilient, diversified economy that offers security, opportunity, and hope for all Nigerians,” he said.
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated inside a mosque at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Wednesday evening, killing several worshippers and injuring others during Maghrib prayers.
The blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time, ripping through the crowded mosque and sparking widespread panic in the bustling market area.
Eyewitnesses described thick smoke billowing from the site as traders and residents fled, while others rushed to aid the victims.
Reports indicate at least seven people were killed, though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed as rescue operations continue. Security forces, including the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, quickly cordoned off the area for sweeping operations and investigations.
No group has claimed responsibility, but the attack bears the hallmarks of previous incidents linked to Boko Haram or its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have targeted mosques and crowded places in the region despite relative calm in Maiduguri in recent years.
The incident, occurring on Christmas Eve, has heightened fears among residents amid ongoing insurgency challenges in northeast Nigeria.
Emergency responders are battling an intense inferno that has engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve, with the blaze showing rapid upward momentum.
According to a situation report from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the fire originated in an apartment on the 4th floor and quickly spread across that level before escalating upwards to the 6th floor.
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that the Shark Response Team found the building fully engulfed upon arrival.
The number of casualties remains unascertained as firefighting and recovery operations are ongoing.
Multiple agencies are on the ground in a coordinated effort, including LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Police, Red Cross, and LRU Paramedics. The Lagos Rescue Unit (LRU) Fire has also been activated.
A total of six fire trucks and a skylift are deployed to combat the blaze and bring it under control.
This incident disrupts festive activities in the commercial hub, raising fresh concerns about fire safety in high-rise buildings across Lagos.
News
President Tinubu Inaugurates High-Powered APC Committee to Resolve Internal Conflicts Ahead of 2027 Elections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a strategic Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), aimed at fostering unity and addressing internal disputes as the ruling party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
The committee, comprising prominent APC governors, federal ministers, and key stakeholders, is chaired by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, with former APC National Legal Adviser Muiz Banire serving as Member/Secretary.
Members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Uba Sani (Kaduna); Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Speaking at the inauguration in Lagos, Governor Buni thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged the committee’s commitment to inclusive consultations and proactive conflict resolution.
He emphasised developing strategies that ensure aggrieved parties feel included while urging members to prioritise party interests over personal sentiments.
The move follows President Tinubu’s remarks at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting on December 19 in Abuja, where he stressed the importance of tolerance, accommodation, and cohesion to sustain the party’s progressive ideals.
This initiative signals the APC’s proactive efforts to strengthen internal harmony and mobilisation in preparation for future electoral challenges.
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