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Editors Conference: Economy / Security and Media Industry’s Challenges Top Conversations

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▪︎President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, will lead conversation on economy and security, as the 20th edition of All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) starts on Wednesday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

In a statement on Sunday and signed by the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, said that while Shettima, Diri, Bagudu, Idris, Ribadu, and Oye of NACCIMA will lead discussions on Economy/Security, Amuka, Osoba, Obaigbena and Aigbogun are to address media’s challenges.

“The Chairman/Editor-In-Chief, THISDAY/Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, will chair the conference.

“Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Founder/Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Uncle Sam Amuka; Publisher, BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun; Senior Vice Chairman/Editor-In-Chief, LEADERSHIP Newspaper Group, Azu Ishiekwene and other media experts will speak on strategies for viable/sustainable media financing, opportunities and challenges in Al-generated storytelling, and other emerging issues in global journalism practice’’, the NGE added.

The Guild further explained that some critical institutions – in private/public, and Non-Governmental Organisations will also be making presentations at the annual conference scheduled for November 7-9.

Giving the background to this year’s ANEC, which will attract over 350 editors and media executives across the country, the NGE explained that since the present government came on board on May 29, 2023, its agents had consistently argued that the federal government had been pursuing audacious reforms to reconstruct macro-economic situations it met on ground, for stability and development.,

‘’Their argument is that the petrol fiscal subsidy was moderately jettisoned initially, and foreign exchange reforms had led to the unification of the markets and a market-reflective exchange rate.

Justifying the conference’s theme, ‘’Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country’’, the NGE said while the poverty rate is put at about 40 % – with an estimated 88 million Nigerians living below the poverty line

‘’They have also argued that in order to assuage the inflationary effects of these reforms on the most vulnerable, the government had been implementing temporary cash transfers to reach over 15 million households, with efforts also being made to tighten monetary policy and refocus the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on its core mandate of maintaining price stability.

‘’However, in spite of these efforts by the federal government and having the largest economy and population in Africa, many experts say that Nigeria offers limited opportunities to most of its citizens, especially as Nigeria is currently ranked the 7th lowest human capital index in the world, and weak job creation while many workers choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities.’’

Justifying the conference’s theme, ‘’Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country’’, the NGE said while the poverty rate is put at about 40 % – with an estimated 88 million Nigerians living below the poverty line – the exchange rate, inflation and swelling energy prices remain huge concerns to many Nigerians and global community.

‘’To address these economic challenges and achieve development, there is a near consensus among all stakeholders that Nigeria needs to push for a wide-ranging and comprehensible set of policies and strategies that will address both the short-term and long-term issues’’, the NGE added.

On media viability and sustainability, the professional body of editors stated that there is a growing view that media stakeholders should come out with mechanisms to support the media industry – for individual publishers and the sector as a whole, by ensuring they receive fair compensation for the use of their intellectual property and content.

In the statement, ‘’The argument is that mechanisms should adjust to evolving market conditions and boost the likelihood that publishers can build diverse revenue streams.

‘’It is within this context that this year’s ANEC will focus on strategies and policies aimed at addressing the challenges of the nation’s economy and the media space.

Key experts, actors and players – from various sectors – will be invited to start conversation on the best possible way out of these challenges.’’

The annual conference, which was initiated in 2004, will also witness the induction of 12 new editors. For: Nigerian Guild of Editors

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Dangote Feeds 40,000 Families in Borno

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No fewer than 40,000 families may benefit from the Aliko Dangote Food Intervention Programme.

Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum said the donation of 40,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Borno State by the Aliko Dangote Foundation(ADF) will help cushion economic hardship in these families.

The Governor made the statement at the flag-off of the Food Intervention Programme on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The Aliko Dangote Foundation penultimate week commenced the distribution of one million bags rice worth N16billion across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

The Governor was represented by the Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) Mr. Ali Abdullahi Isa.

He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”

The Governor said the generous donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and promoting social welfare.

“We are deeply thankful to Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the entire foundation for their kindness and philanthropy.

”He urged the people of Borno State to continue to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the state and country.

In his early remarks, representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr. Usman Muhammad, said the gesture is aimed at supporting government effort, adding that the Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Mr. Muhammad said the donation is targeted at the poor and the vulnerable persons in the State.

A beneficiary, Ms Aisha Modu, 50, said as a displaced person, the donation of rice by the ADF will go a long way in alleviating her economic hardship.

In the same vein, another beneficiary, Umaru Aliyu, 60, said he will use the rice to feed his six children, while praying God to continue to bless the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

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JUST IN: Tinubu commiserates with Florence Ajimobi over daughter’s death

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, over the passing of her daughter, Mrs. Bisola Kola-Daisi.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the death as an unexpected and heartbreaking loss.

“In a poignant conversation with the bereaved mother on Thursday, President Tinubu conveyed his deep sympathy to the family during this time of profound loss, acknowledging the unexpected and heart-wrenching departure of a cherished daughter, devoted wife, and mother of three,” the statement read.

The President also extended his prayers and support to Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s husband, family, friends, and associates, describing the deceased as warm-hearted, industrious, and charitable.

Highlighting her achievements, Tinubu noted her contributions as a successful businesswoman and trusted public servant.

“Her wise counsel in budgeting and finance was invaluable,” the statement added.

Tinubu prayed for divine comfort and strength for the bereaved family while asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

“President Tinubu prayed for Almighty God’s grace to receive her soul and provide comfort and strength to her survivors,” Onanuga stated.

Mrs. Kola-Daisi’s passing has been met with widespread condolences from family, friends, and political associates, many of whom have described her as a compassionate leader and dedicated professional.

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Governor Oyebanji Raises State’s monthly Subvention By N438.9 million

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of government as well as the subvented institutions in the state.

The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.

In a statement,Olayinka OyebodeSpecial Adviser (Media) to the Governor, disclosed that the

beneficiaries of the increment include the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission, and Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission.

Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers, in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.

While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji says efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.

He urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.

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