News
TVC News Appoints Babajide Kolade-Otitoju as News Director
Television Continental Communications (TVC) has announced the appointment of seasoned journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju as its new Director of News.
The appointment was revealed by the organisation’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Ajayi, during a town hall meeting at the station’s headquarters in Lagos.
Otitoju, who previously served as Director of Current Affairs at TVC, brings decades of experience in broadcast journalism to the role. He is widely recognised as a prominent figure on the station’s flagship daily socio-political programme, Journalists’ Hangout, where he offers incisive analysis on national issues.
In separate interviews, several TVC staff members praised the decision, describing it as “wise” and noting that Otitoju has “paid his dues” in transforming the station. They highlighted his earlier stint as Acting Director of News, during which TVC clinched the Best Station of the Year award for two consecutive years.
Staff expressed optimism that under Otitoju’s leadership, TVC is poised to reclaim its position as a pacesetter in Nigeria’s competitive broadcast industry.
A respected investigative journalist, historian, polemicist, and political analyst, Otitoju hails from Ekirin Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, his new role places him at the forefront of shaping the station’s coverage of critical national discourse.
The appointment has drawn congratulations from various quarters, underscoring Otitoju’s reputation as a towering figure in Nigerian media with over three decades of excellence.
Profile:
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, a veteran Nigerian journalist and prominent anchor on TVC News’ flagship program *Journalists’ Hangout*, is widely regarded as an investigative journalist, political analyst, and security commentator. With over three decades in broadcast journalism, he has earned awards including Political Analyst of the Year and Security Analyst of the Year.
His work often involves on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis of national issues, and discussions on corruption, security, and governance.
While Otitoju is frequently described as a “fearless” and “investigative” figure—known for dissecting socio-political matters without prejudice—specific standalone exposés are less prominently documented in public sources compared to his daily commentary and panel discussions.
His investigations typically emerge through *Journalists’ Hangout* segments, personal insights from sources, and field visits. Here are some key examples drawn from his reported work:- **Accountant General of the Federation Fraud (2022)**:
During a *Journalists’ Hangout* discussion on the arrest of the Accountant General for alleged embezzlement, Otitoju revealed—based on a trusted EFCC source—that the stolen amount exceeded the reported N80 billion. This claim highlighted deeper probing into the scandal.-
**Fake NGO Allegations Against TVC**: In an earlier incident, Otitoju investigated threats from a purported NGO linked to Nigerian generals.
He verified that the organization’s address was nonexistent and described its operator as a “freelance miscreant,” preventing potential misinformation from affecting his station.- **Security and Counter-Terrorism Reporting**:
Otitoju has conducted field investigations in conflict zones, including visits to military fronts like Buni Yadi in Yobe State and areas affected by Boko Haram (e.g., Sambisa Forest references in public discourse). His analyses often cover banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism financing, such as allegations that ransom payments fund property acquisitions by criminals.-
**Refinery Operations and Infrastructure**: He has personally toured facilities like the Warri Refinery to verify operational status amid public skepticism, countering claims of shutdowns with on-site evidence. Similar fact-checking extends to projects like the Mambilla Dam, where he highlighted unfulfilled allocations despite surveys.-
**Police Funding and Governance Issues**: Otitoju disclosed details on police “imprest” allowances for Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and critiqued funding gaps, noting contributions from states and private donors like Aliko Dangote.-
**Other Topical Probes**: Discussions have included electoral reforms (e.g., electronic transmission of results), bandit designation as terrorists, anchor borrowers’ loan discrepancies (attributing misuse to politicians via fake cooperatives), and high-profile cases like the JAMB result forgery saga.Otitoju’s style emphasizes balanced analysis, source-based revelations, and direct verification, often distinguishing him in debates on national controversies.
His promotion to Director of News at TVC in December 2025 reflects recognition of this track record in reshaping the station’s credibility.
News
Lagos Tops Nigeria’s HIV Burden with Highest New Infections as National Total Hits 102,025
as National Total Hits 102,025Lagos State has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the country, according to fresh data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, raising concerns about the ongoing challenge of controlling the epidemic despite years of prevention efforts.
A total of 102,025 new HIV infections were documented across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, per the State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025. Lagos led with 10,430 new cases, followed by Rivers State (6,287) and Kano State (6,106).
Other states with significant new infections in the top 10 included Akwa Ibom (5,413), Taraba (4,854), Benue (4,804), Anambra (4,468), Kaduna (3,659), Adamawa (2,989), and the FCT (2,764). Several additional states reported over 2,000 new cases each, highlighting a concentrated burden in certain regions.
The report underscores that while Nigeria has achieved notable progress in HIV management compared to previous decades—through expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and awareness campaigns—the 2025 figures indicate the epidemic is far from over. Health experts point to factors such as population density in urban centers like Lagos, high mobility, and gaps in consistent prevention and testing as contributors to the state’s leading position.
Officials and advocacy groups have called for intensified, targeted interventions, including scaled-up testing, education on safe practices, and sustained funding for treatment programs to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. Stakeholders warn that declining external support could reverse hard-won gains if not matched by increased domestic investment.
This data comes amid broader efforts by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and state agencies to strengthen surveillance and response strategies. Public health authorities urge Nigerians to prioritize regular testing, condom use, and adherence to treatment for those living with the virus.
News
FG Supports Tomato, Pepper Sellers Too, Not Just ‘Akara’ — Remi Tinubu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that the Federal Government’s support for small-scale traders extends beyond ‘akara’ sellers to include tomato and pepper sellers across the country.
Speaking at an event, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering various categories of informal traders and food vendors.
“Not only ‘akara’, FG also supports tomato, pepper sellers,” she stated.
The First Lady’s remark appears to address recent discussions and criticisms regarding government intervention programmes for petty traders. She highlighted that initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses cover a wide range of essential food items and vendors, including those dealing in tomatoes and peppers, which are staple commodities in Nigerian markets.
Mrs. Tinubu reassured citizens that the administration remains focused on inclusive economic support for vulnerable groups and market women. She noted that such interventions are designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and promote self-reliance among small-scale entrepreneurs.
The statement has sparked reactions on social media, with many commending the First Lady’s direct engagement while others called for more visible and widespread implementation of the support programmes.
News
Insecurity: NSCIA fumes “Enough is Enough” over attacks on Islam and Muslims in Nigeria
The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
Photo: Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III
The umbrella body of Muslims community in Nigeria (Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to act before Muslims ‘run out of patience’.
According to the NSCIA,the community’s continued restraint amid what it described as persistent attacks, profiling and marginalisation should not be mistaken for weakness.
The warning was contained in a statement by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that those responsible for what it described as heinous crimes in Kaduna and Benue states were brought to justice without delay.
“While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization,” the council said.
The council urged the authorities to rein in what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims in public spaces, saying that was essential to preserving peace and national cohesion.
“The barrage of open assaults on the integrity of Islam and the Muslims in public spaces should be checked in the interest of peace and order. Enough is enough,” the statement added.
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