News
NUJ sets N1m award for 2024 Investigative Journalist winner
An investigative journalist, whose work has local and international impact adjudged as the best in the entry for the 2024 NUJ Press Freedom Award would go home with a cash prize of N1 million, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Chris Isiguzo has said.
Isiguzo, who addressed a world press conference, said the NUJ will introduce the investigative award in the 2024 edition to promote the constitutional mandate given to the journalist as an agenda setter and advocate of good governance.
The President of the Union said, “Press freedom is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions. Press freedom is a catalyst in the mobilisation of the citizenry to hold their leaders accountable as well as promote speaking truth to power.”
He noted that “the press is the fourth arm of government and recognised this in the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended.
Therefore, “it is the duty of the press to hold the government and citizens accountable at different levels.”
He said their decision this year was to combine the Good Governance Awards with the Press Freedom Awards as part of this mandate to showcase performances by various administrators.
He said the Press Freedom Awards, which celebrate the important principles of press freedom, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty,
Isiguzo said since press freedom is an indispensable pillar in the architecture of democracy anywhere in the world, no democracy can thrive without citizen’s adequate access to transparent and reliable information.
According to him, “Many journalists in Nigeria have faced harassment, threats, physical injury, imprisonment, and even death in the course of discharging their legitimate duties.
It is the courage and sacrifice of these journalists that we are celebrating by organising the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards.
Isiguzo said, “Torch Bearers of Press Freedom Awards will be given to journalists who have faced harassment, physical injury, imprisonment, or death in their line of duty.
“Best Investigative Reporter of the Year Award will be given to the reporter who has done the best investigative reporting in the year under review.
“The story must have a significant positive national and international impact, have led to system improvements, and have enhanced the citizens’ quality of life.
“Press Freedom Platform Awards will be given to media houses that have supported press freedom
“Corporate Friend of the Media Awards will be given to corporate organisations that have supported press freedom.
“Defender of Press Freedom Awards will be given to experienced journalists and other Nigerians who have actively defended press freedom
“Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to those who have shown resilience in supporting press freedom and/or have provided media platforms for journalists to practice their craft.
News
US military strikes in Nigeria killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists -Report
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
Military strikes conducted by the US in December 2025 killed 155 Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoro, a report by The New Humanitarian has claimed.
The US focus was Lakurawa though the strikes didn’t touch other jihadist groups including Boko Haram, as well as the al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru.
The publication also claimed that the attacks left 200 additional Lakurawa fighters missing in the week following the operation.
The strikes, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, were believed to have involved Tomahawk missiles launched from a US destroyer positioned in the Gulf of Guinea.
The missiles targeted three districts in Sokoto State: Isa, Tangaza, and Tambuwal, though only Tangaza is widely recognised as a core area of Lakurawa.
It is believed that Tambuwal is not generally associated with organised armed violence; while Isa is a bandit stronghold largely controlled by Bello Turji.
Although details of the strike on Isa remain unclear, Turji is widely believed to have survived the attack.
A Lakurawa camp in Tangaza, however, reportedly suffered significant losses.
The New Humanitarian reports that there were two missile hits.
The first reportedly killed around 30 fighters. As surviving members converged to assess the damage and assist the wounded, a second missile struck, killing those who had gathered.
In total, an estimated 155 Lakurawa were killed, including 19 who were initially injured but later succumbed to their wounds.
Dando Sibu, a key Lakurawa commander, is reported to have survived the attack because he left the location less than five minutes before the second missile was fired.
However, in the week following the strikes, about 200 Lakurawa fighters were reported missing. The group was also said to have lost nearly half of its cattle, which is a major source of its revenue.
(The Sun)
News
Curfew, restriction for Akran of Badagry’s burial rites
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
Following the death of the 89-year-old monarch, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, the Akran of Badagry., restrictions have been imposed on vehicular movements around the palace vicinity with some sections of the road leading to the place barricaded.
Commuters were said to be directed to take alternative routes.
Sources said the traditional worshippers have started observing rites necessitated by the demise of the monarch.
Security and palace officials were seen restricting movement in the immediate vicinity.
Residents said the rites would affect social and commercial activities around the palace and may force many residents especially those working outside Badagry to return home early.
News
Akran of Badagry is dead, aged 89
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
Photo: Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi
The traditional ruler of the Badagry local government area in Lagos State, the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, is dead, aged 89.
The demise of the monarch marks the end of his 48-year reign on the throne, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos State.
According to the palace, the Akran was pronounced dead by medical experts, after a brief illness, and the traditional rites for his burial have gradually commenced.
Residents of Badagry, who are currently mourning the loss of their revered monarch, described his death as a heavy blow, noting that the town has lost not just a king but a father figure whose wisdom, counsel and presence brought reassurance in moments of uncertainty.
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