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Shettima Assures FG’s Support for All Nigeria Editors Conference, Demands Quality Journalism
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger collaboration between government and the media in carrying out their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s national development journey.
VP Shettima stated this on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to herald the 20th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) scheduled for November 7 to 9 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha,Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications(Office of The Vice President, VP Shettima describes media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation, and made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth.
The Vice President pledged government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.
20th All Nigeria Editors Conference:
From left: Ahmed Shekarau, MD of Daily Trust., Charles Kalu, Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Steve Nwosu, Treasurer of the Guild;, Minister of Information Idris., Eze Anaba President of the Guild/ Canguard Editor., Husseina Banshika, Deputy President of the Guild., Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Secretary of the Guild/Head of Station of Thisday and Arise News in Abuja; MD of Sun Newspaper, and standing Committee member of the Guild, Onuoha Ukeh; Stanley Nkwocha, the VP’s media aide. PHOTO : STATE HOUSE
Senator Shettima noted that the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations, just as he called for partnership with the media.
He said, “Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We are now in the period of governance and not politics.”
The Vice President acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media, pledging the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.
“My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face. Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” VP Shettima said.
Insisting on balance and objectivity in their reportage, VP Shettima urged the editors to maintain their role of a watchdog, while supporting national development.
“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation; not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he emphasised.
In response, Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of the Vanguard Newspaper, lauded the Vice President’s commitment to transparent governance, particularly in explaining government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).
“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Anaba said.
He further emphasised the media’s readiness to partner with the government, while maintaining its independence.
An unspecific number of people are believed to be trapped under an uncompleted storey building which collapsed in Lagos.
The building housing Equal Rights restaurant located at Oremeta Street, Ojodu Lagos, went down on Saturday morning.
It is believed, however, that some people are still trapped underneath the rubble.
Details later….
Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 10 University of Benin, UNIBEN, students abducted by suspected kidnappers at Ofosu area along the Benin-Ore expressway.
It was gathered that the students were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference when they were kidnapped on April 16 at the community bordering Edo and Ondo States.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.
Yamu said the rescued students are eight males and two females.
He said during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while other escaped with bullet wounds.
He also disclosed that one of the Police officers, an Inspector sustained gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The statement read: “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States.
“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects.
“During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damages as the kidnappers used the victims as human shields. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment.
“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) male and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them.”
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria has sanctioned and revoked about 574 schools found to have engaged in examination malpractices.
Head of WAEC national office, Dr Amos Dangut, disclosed this while speaking to journalists at the national headquarters in Lagos yesterday.
He stated that the examination body has submitted the list of schools involved to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Education for sanctions.
The schools involved in malpractices would no longer be recognised as WAEC examination centres.
He said, “This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools whose recognition has been withdrawn. This measure will also be adopted by all examining bodies.
“These schools are no longer recognised as examination centres by WAEC, and we will not conduct exams there.”
Ahead of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), scheduled from Thursday, April 24 to Friday, June 20, 2025, Dangut revealed that 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools have registered for the examination.
This is an increase of 158,627 candidates compared to last year.
He said there are 979,228 males, while 994,025 are females.
Dangut highlighted WAEC’s commitment to leveraging technology, introducing the first-ever Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates.
He disclosed that no two candidates will receive identical questions to discourage cheating.
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