The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

  • Focus on issues, not Seyi Tinubu’

    Focus on issues, not Seyi Tinubu’

    The leadership of the National Civil Society Council (NCSCN) has condemned the incessant attacks on Seyi Tinubu, first son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by some Nigerians. 

    It described the attacks as unnecessary distractions from critical issues of national development.

    The group, in a statement jointly signed by the Executive Director, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu and the Deputy Executive Director, Southern Nigeria, Olayemi Success, in Abuja, frowned at the manner with which certain persons have continuously misinterpreted and wrongly portrayed what, according to them, should naturally have been a credit to President Tinubu. 

    It asserted that a major requirement for successful leadership is a testimony of a united and bonded family working towards collective goals and aspirations as has been demonstrated by the Tinubu’s over decades. 

    “The leadership of the Civil Society Council can readily attest to the consistency and commitment of the family of President Tinubu to the political aspirations of the Family head that has contributed immensely to the successes experienced by the President, even in difficult years in the trenches of NADECO struggle for democratic emancipation of Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu did nothing wrong by calling for patience, group affirms

    “Without the resilience and support from family line, President Tinubu would have been history by now, hence, the love, passion and uncompromising bond of partnership existing between the Tinubu’s till date, which is a plus and not minus to a prominent leader of that caliber.

    “The solidarity and support shown to his father by Seyi Tinubu, and the reciprocal love by the father President Tinubu to his son, Seyi, should be source of inspiration and thing of emulation to leaders across the Federation, so long as it does not interfere with or have negative impact on business of governance.

    “Across the globe, great and successful leaders have been seen to showcase the strong bonding existing within their families by publicly presenting spouses and children at necessary occasions and ceremonies with their countries and even in their oversea trips. 

    “The case of Seyi Tinubu accompanying his father in some oversea trips is not isolated or strange, as we can draw endless lists of great and reputable world leaders like the Bush Family, Mandela Family, the Barak Obama Family, Prince Charles etc. who are severally seen in public and overseas trips with spouses and offspring. 

    “President Clinton visited Nigeria on an official state visit with his adult daughter, Chelsea, who was the FIRST person he introduced to then-President Obasanjo.

    “Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher took her son, Mark Thatcher, to overseas UK Business summits. Sir Mark Thatcher is a businessman, as is Seyi Tinubu. Also President Obasanjo similarly took his son, Gbenga, on a business summit while he was President. 

    “It then becomes worrisome to the Council why the case of Seyi Tinubu has been over sensationalized in the Nigerian media space,” the grpup said.

    The leadership of NCSCN explained that the trip to Qatar was publicly billed as a business summit for which Nigerian businesses were meant to collaborate with Qatari companies. 

     It appealed to all Nigerians to focus on crucial issues of national development and desist from trivial matters.

  • Nigeria’s cry for employment: FG urged to lift ban

    Nigeria’s cry for employment: FG urged to lift ban

    •  Joshua Oboh

    As Nigeria grapples with escalating unemployment rates, pressure mounts on the Federal Government to reconsider its ban on recruitment into the Federal Civil Service. This call to action, fueled by recent statistics highlighting a decline in labor force participation and a surge in unemployment, underscores the urgency of addressing the manpower shortage in key sectors.

    Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paints a sobering picture of Nigeria’s employment crisis, with the unemployment rate soaring to 5.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2023. The decline in labor force participation further underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to revitalize the workforce.

    In a bid to address this critical issue, the House of Representatives had called on the Federal Government to lift the ban on civil service recruitment. Representative Francis Waive (APC, Delta), leading the charge, emphasized the detrimental impact of the prolonged embargo on junior and middle-level cadres, resulting in a shortfall of essential personnel.

    Echoing concerns from within the civil service community, the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) has criticized the continued imposition of the recruitment ban as unconstitutional. 

    Mr. Gokz Adegoroye, Publicity Secretary to the forum said that the embargo placed on employment was not just an aberration, adding that the decision was against the constitutional right of citizens’ equal access to employment.

    “This is because the constitution says, it shall be the responsibility of the state to give equal access of employment to everybody.

    “Equal access to employment means intergenerational equity, it doesn’t say that because you employed one thousand last year, you will not employ for the next two years, that’s not equal licence.” he explained.

    The fallout from the recruitment ban has been significant, with reports of irregular recruitments, nepotism, and corruption tarnishing the integrity of the civil service. Instances of unauthorized appointments and nepotistic practices underscore the urgent need for transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.

    Read Also: Insecurity: FG to recruit more police, soldiers – Yar’Adua

    Despite that the Office of The Head of Civil Service of the Federation has reiterated that waivers are often given to Ministries, Departments and Agencies for certain critical vacant positions which must be filled, such recruitments are usually done backdoors and not open to the public.

    The repercussions of the employment embargo extend far beyond job seekers, casting a shadow over businesses and entrepreneurs striving to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive market. With recruitment frozen in the public sector and economic uncertainties deterring private sector expansion, businesses face dwindling demand, reduced consumer purchasing power, and constrained opportunities for growth. The stagnation of job creation stifles economic diversification and innovation, further hampering Nigeria’s ability to compete globally.

    The ban on civil service recruitment was reinforced under the Buhari led administration in March 2020. Former Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, attributed the embargo to COVID-19 pandemic and economic constraints, further underscoring the need for a strategic reassessment of the policy. 

    The specter of widespread unemployment looms large over Nigerian society, fueling social unrest, political discontent, and a sense of disillusionment with the status quo. Frustrated by the lack of economic opportunities, disenfranchised youth are vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups and criminal networks, posing a threat to stability and security. Moreover, the employment embargo exacerbates existing tensions and erodes public trust in government institutions, undermining the nation’s democratic foundations.

    In the face of this mounting crisis, President Tinubu need to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take decisive action to lift the employment embargo. As a leader committed to the welfare and prosperity of the nation, President Tinubu has the opportunity to chart a new course for Nigeria, one defined by inclusive growth, opportunity, and hope. 

    Nigeria’s employment embargo is a stain on the nation’s conscience, depriving its citizens of the opportunity to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.  Against the backdrop of a centralized governance structure and an ailing private sector grappling with infrastructural deficiencies and policy uncertainty, the imperative to lift the ban on civil service recruitment assumes paramount importance.

  • Ibadan High Chiefs pays homage to Olubadan designate

    Ibadan High Chiefs pays homage to Olubadan designate

    Barely 20 hours after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, High Chiefs in Ibadan land have visited the new Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    The Olubadan-in-Counciil on Friday, March 15, held a close door meeting with the Olubadan designate.

    The meeting comes on the heels of the passage of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday night at the age of 81.

    The High Chiefs meet at the Alalubosa residence of Oba Olakulehin, who is next in line to ascend the throne of Olubadan.

    Some members of Olubadan-in-council at the meeting include Otun of Olubadan and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Oba Adebayo Akande and Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

    Read Also: Olubadan’s legacies in Nigeria’s politics, development of Ibadan will remain indelible – Sunday Igboho

    Speaking after the meeting, former governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja stated that Ibadan already has Olubadan designate and there is no question about that.

    He said: “The Departed monarch (Oba Balogun) came from the Otun line, the next monarch will be from Balogun line, so, the head of Balogun line is the Balogun of Ibadanland, who has become the Olubadan designate.

    “We all know that Ibadan does things accordingly, if a king dies, we already know who is next, we refer to him as designate.

    “We are here to formalize what next after the burial rite of the deceased would have been completed, we also discussed how to give befitting burial to the deceased.

    “Since the deceased is a Muslim, he has to be buried in Islamic way, and the Islamic way is that he has to be buried today, so, it has been decided that he will be buried today at Aliwo, which is his ancenetral home by 4pm today.

    “There will be a lying-in-state at Mapo hall from 12pm to 1pm before they move to Aliwo for burial, after that, there will be prayer for the monarch

    “There is no date yet for the coronation of new Olubadan, but the date shall be announce as soon as the burial rite for the deceased is completed.”

  • We’ll harness experts on security, Int’l diplomacy to drive development — Shettima

    We’ll harness experts on security, Int’l diplomacy to drive development — Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will harness the expertise in security,  international diplomacy, among others  in the country to drive much-needed development.

    He said this when he received the board and management of Bruit Costaud, a government affairs outfit, strategic policy communications and advisory firm, at the Presidential Villa, during the week, in Abuja. 

     Shettima, who applauded the foresight of the managing partner of the firm and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noted that the assemblage of renowned experts across diverse fields at the firm was commendable.

    He said: “The calibre of people covering a wide spectrum of areas, including security, energy, international diplomacy, communications and others, is a testimony of the seriousness of the group.

    “I am also glad to know that our intellectuals and policy experts are still relevant in the scheme of things, contributing to the progress of our country. That is how it should be. The world is knowledge-driven; everything that we are doing today is guided by knowledge. That is why we have to engage groups like yours.”

    Read Also: Tinubu won pan-Nigerian mandate, says Shettima

    IMohammed introduced members of the team which was on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa. 

    He thanked the Vice President for the opportunity to share insights on the firm’s activities and its proposal for the present administration.

    He applauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing contemporary challenges, pledging the firm’s commitment to supporting the administration in succeeding in its task of transforming Nigeria.

    According to him: “We reaffirm our commitment to the advancement of our beloved country, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) and the well-being of its people. Together, we can overcome any challenge and realize the immense potential that Nigeria holds.

    “Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history, facing both challenges and opportunities that require astute policy guidance and strategic advocacy. We are confident that through the bold initiatives of Mr. President, we will surmount these challenges.”

    Mohammed assured that the firm will deploy resources within its areas of expertise to support the government in addressing challenges in the economy and related areas. 

    He said: “Your Excellency, our firm is dedicated to leveraging our expertise, experience, and extensive network to support government policies that promote economic prosperity, social equity, and sustainable development. As insiders with the knowledge and hands-on experience, we believe we can bring our experiences to bear to support the administration. 

    “We commend your leadership and vision in supporting the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to steer Nigeria towards the path of progress and prosperity. Your commitment to fostering innovation, empowering communities, and championing inclusive growth has not gone unnoticed.”

    Also present at the meeting were senior advisers at the firm; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Aisha Abubakar; a retired Diplomat, Amb. Tunde Ajisomo, and Engr Abdur Rasheed Omidiya, among others.

  • Ebonyi Commissioner urges youths to embrace estate management

    Ebonyi Commissioner urges youths to embrace estate management

    Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mathew Nwaobashi, has advised youths to go into estate management to earn a living. 

    He said such business would enhance their living condition. 

     Nwaobashi spoke in Abakaliki at the opening of an estate management firm, Success City Realty.

     It aims to become the most competent real estate product and service pro- vider in the state.

     The firm is also training young men and women in estate management. 

    Read Also: Reps seek public-private partnership in healthcare financing

     This, according to Kenneth Mbadiwe, the Chief Executive Officer, is to enable them become self-reliant and employers of labour after gaining knowledge from the firm.

     Nwaobashi said the Governor Francis Nwifuru administration, which is anchored on people’s charter of needs, will give Success City Realty and other firms an enabling environment to contribute to the development of Ebonyi State through estate business. 

    Mbadiwe said his mission was to build houses that would last, adding that his company would build the first solar-powered city estate in the state.

  • Ohanaeze Youths back Ajaokuta’ investigation

    Ohanaeze Youths back Ajaokuta’ investigation

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide have faulted the Ebira Area Traditional Rulers Council’s kick against the Senate investigative panel on Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe.

    National President of the Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike in a statement said the kick is in response to a letter written to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio by the Ebira Area Traditional Rulers Council.

    He said it would be recalled that the Senate had consequent upon a motion sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central), set up a committee to probe alleged shoddy dealings in the steel company and the Iron Ore mining company.

    Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire SAN (APC Ondo Central) is to be the chairman of the investigative panel, while Senator Kawu Suleiman (NNPP Kano South) is to be the deputy chairman.

    Nnabuike added, “Presenting the motion, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, said the companies were established in the late 70s by the Federal Government with a potential to put Nigeria on the path of technological and industrial advancement, and establish the country as one of the leading exporters of steel products in the world.

    “She noted that decades after their establishment, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and NIOMCO have remained inoperative and unable to produce steel despite seeming efforts by several administrations due to lack of earnest political will and bureaucratic corruption.

    Read Also: Traders lose millions as midnight fire guts timber market

    “However, the Ebira monarchs, who appear to be on a different page, have written a protest letter to the Senate expressing their stand against the resolutions of the Red Chamber.

    “They said the two companies should not be dragged into controversies, adding that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion called for caution.”

    He also stated, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was right on her motion over the state of affairs in Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, both in Ebira land.

    “I wonder whether the steel company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, now belonged to Ebira people, and by extension Kogi State, We must state clearly that the investigative panel as constituted by the Senate is very apt and long overdue.

    “It is curious that for years now, Ajaokuta Steel and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, which are national assets, have been left moribund, despite interventions by the federal government.

    “One cannot take one’s eyes away from the fact that it is a collective asset belonging to the Nigerian people, just like the oil industry and every other national economic asset. It does not belong to Ebira land and by extension Kogi State, so the traditional rulers erred by their opposition to the decision taken by the Senate.

    “The motion, sponsored by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which informed the Senate’s decision needs to be applauded and not vilified.

    “It is a step in the right direction to salvage what is left of those invaluable assets,” he said.

    He also stated, “It is clear that the enemies of the country have held the company down for years; they don’t want their age-long fraud to be exposed.

    “We are afraid that they could be deceiving the traditional rulers, who may have issued that protest letter out of mistake and for not having the right information.

    “What Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has actually done is in the best interest of not just the host community but the entire country and we are soli​dly behind her and the Senate.

    “The probe should be total and thorough; nobody should be spared; anyone standing on the way against the revitalising of that national asset should be exposed and those who may have committed any heist against the country via those companies should be made to pay back.

    “There is no doubt that if the companies resume operation, they would guarantee jobs to teeming Nigerian youths and contribute to the nation’s GDP.

    “This is why we are solidly behind Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the entire Senate on this,” Okwu declared.”

  • Traders lose millions as midnight fire guts timber market

    Traders lose millions as midnight fire guts timber market

    Traders of the popular timber line of Ehere Market located along the Aba-Ikot Ekpene road have been thrown into sadness as they count their losses in a midnight fire that gutted their shops, Monday night.

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti, who was in the market on Tuesday, March 12, for the on-spot assessment of the damage caused by the inferno stressed the need for markets in the state to be built in such a way as to make for ease of movement in the event of fire outbreaks.

    The governor who regretted that the way the market was built made it susceptible to fire outbreaks, directed the Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Dr. Eric Egwuibe, to immediately commence processes towards rebuilding the market.

    “What we will do is to assess the level of damage. We will also through the Mayor begin the process of rebuilding this place.

    “I think the way the market is, makes it susceptible to fire incident. We need to ensure there are fire extinguishers in all the shops around here.

    Read Also: Tinubu writes Reps, submits 2024 budget for FCTA

    “I am giving an instruction to the Mayor to assess the level of damage and begin the process of rebuilding, bring down all those ramshackle buildings and build proper shops for all of you.

    “We also want the shops to be properly built because the way it is, it is easy to conduct fire leading to other shops.

    “Even the way the entire place looks, it is not very decent and very inviting. So I will like you to trade in an environment that is conducive.”

    The governor who noted that on getting information about the disaster, he quickly mobilized men of the homeland security and fire service to put out the fire, thanked God that no life was lost in the inferno.

    He assured that fire extinguishers will be procured and placed strategically in the market to enable traders to tackle such outbreaks in the future.

    Governor Otti said his vision is to ensure that traders operate in a conducive environment fit for trading and assured that the government will assess the level of damage to support them to replace their lost goods.

    “The details of how it would be done would be worked out. One thing I can assure you is that if you do have a shop here, you will not lose your shop.

    “We also know that this damage would have cost a lot of loss to the owners, by the time we do the assessment, we see how we can support them.”

    Governor Otti also inspected an accident scene, on the same Ikot Ekpene Road, a short distance away from the market, towards the Aba Waterside, involving a trailer loaded with bags of cement.

    The accident which happened Monday night saw the trailer skidding off the main road and slamming into a business building.

    “No life was lost in the accident as the driver of the trailer and his conductor were pulled out of the wrecked vehicle.”

    The governor directed the Director General of Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Arch Uche Ukeje, who accompanied him on the visits to liaise with the police to ensure immediate evacuation of the damaged trailer.

  • NISafetyE applauds growth of female engineers in leadership positions 

    NISafetyE applauds growth of female engineers in leadership positions 

    The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), Oluseun Faluyi, has described the growth of female engineers in the organisation’s leadership positions as a reflection of gender equality.

    Faluyi spoke in Port Harcourt at the weekend during the  Investiture of Dr. Uloaku Okeke as the first female and third Rivers State chairperson of NISAFETYE.

    He said the presence of more women in leadership was to ensure that safety measures were inclusive and effective for all members of the society.

    He observed that out of the 11 chapters of the institution, Lagos, Delta, Imo, Enugu and Rivers were under the leadership of capable women engineers.

    He said: “The investiture of the new chairperson for our Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, Engr. Uloaku Okeke, holds particular significance, especially given the celebration of the International Women’s Day, where the world acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women across various spheres of life. 

    Read Also: Tinubu writes Reps, submits 2024 budget for FCTA

    “It is, indeed, fitting that our new chairperson is a woman, adding to the growing representation of women in leadership roles within our institution.I am proud to highlight that among the eleven chapters of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, five are now led by women.

    “This is a testament to the diversity and inclusivity that characterises the NISafetyE, the safety division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. The presence of women in leadership positions not only reflects our commitment to gender equality but also underscores the importance of having diverse perspectives in addressing safety challenges”.

    He said it was fitting that the group had  many women leaders because of the natural intersection of safety and gender inclusivity. 

    He said: “Safety and gender inclusivity share a significant intersection because, historically, women have often been more vulnerable when safety issues arise. Solutions to personal safety issues have tended to be seen more from the perspectives of men. 

    “Therefore, the presence and leadership of women in our organization is not only welcome but also essential in ensuring that safety measures are inclusive and effective for all members of society.”

    Faluyi said the organisation under his watch had a mission of fostering the growth of state chapters and enhancing engagement with safety stakeholders nationwide.

    He said his road map identified as IGNITE 2028 would create awareness on compliance with safety procedures across sectors.

    He said: “I also want to assure the Rivers State chapter of the full support of the national executive. Our institution has embarked on a strategic development plan we call IGNITE2028. 

    He said IGNITE stood for increasing Financial Resilience, Galvanizing Organizational Development, Nurturing Learning and Growth, Inspiring Stakeholder Engagement and Teamwork and Collaboration with Safety industry Stakeholders. 

    in her inaugural speech, the State Chairperson, Uloaku Okeke, noted that her executive members would align with the vision at the national level.

    She noted that her team would focus on developing engineers, who were concerned about safety in the design processes by asking the right questions.

    She said they would start creating  awareness within the institutions of higher learning around the state.

    She said: “In this regard we have takensteps by informing the Dean of the faculty of Engineering of both the University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University.

    “It is our hope that in the second quarter of 2024 we shall have an audience with the universities. As we are all fully aware Safety is the bedrock of engineering and in other to create this awareness with a clear visibility of purpose, we plan to be present during the engineering week of the above mentioned institutions”.

    The  Keynote Speaker, Mr. Kingsley Chukwujindu, in a lecture titled Competency Development: a Tool for Preventing Technological Incidents, said by investing in the continuous learning and development of personnel, organisations could mitigate risk, improve safety performance and safeguard their operations and the environment. 

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources in Abia State, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, who was  the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the event, charged the institution to be strategic keying into to the divestment process of multinationals to ensure observation of safety during the  decommissioning.

  • NNPP to Abiodun: invest in Ogun rather than fighting opposition

    NNPP to Abiodun: invest in Ogun rather than fighting opposition

    Babatunde Oke, the South West Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, to focus his efforts on initiatives that can foster growth and development within the state, rather than engage in conflicts with opposition parties.

    Oke emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution allows the presence of opposition parties and encourages constructive engagement among them.

    A statement by Oke alleged that it is absurd for a sitting governor to be spending heavily on the deployment of security agents against NNPP and its teeming members in the state.

    He said: “I personally went to the state command of the Police and the DSS to lodge complaints, made explanations and clarifications, all of which entered into the deaf ears of the security agents.

    “No soothsayer is needed to know that the security agents are acting the script. How can the DSS and the Police stop a national party like NNPP from holding its legitimate meetings? Where is our right of association and freedom of assembly?

    “The duty of the Police and the DSS is to provide adequate security for members of our great party before, during, and after its meetings.

    “Three different judgments from courts of competent jurisdictions affirmed the legitimacy of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) under the national leadership of Alhaji Abba Kawu Ali and Prince Ibrahim Adekunle as Ogun state chairman.

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    “A court order was issued last year stopping the recalcitrant group made up of the expelled NNPP members from parading themselves as members of the Party. A high court in Kano state has also issued Form 48 on the same set of individuals whom Governor Dapo Abiodun is using to cause disharmony in Ogun state NNPP.

    “All these facts were made available to both the Police and the DSS, but unfortunately, they declined the acknowledgment simply because the governor is involved.

    He added: “We are using this medium to reach out to the Nigeria President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call him to order. We in the same manner called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of DSS on the need to call both the Commissioner of Police, Ogun state command as well as the Director, DSS Ogun state command to order.

    “Their responsibility is to ensure adequate security for all in Ogun State, and not allow themselves to be manipulated.

    “New Nigeria People’s Party will not give in to any intimidation, oppression or humiliation from the governor who has a lot of urgent duties seeking his attention in the state as Governor.

    “Southwest NNPP is using this medium to tell the governor and the commissioner for justice, Ogun state to stay away from NNPP affairs completely.

    “The purported interference in the activities of NNPP and court case against the expelled Individuals from NNPP by the governor and commissioner for justice, Ogun state is nothing but misplaced priority, a ridiculous venture, and a waste of time and hard-earned money of Ogun state.”

  • Anambra ICT Agency Active 8HUB equips 50 journalists on AI

    Anambra ICT Agency Active 8HUB equips 50 journalists on AI

    No fewer than 50 media practitioners in Anambra State have undergone training on use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in carrying out their media engagements by the State ICT Agency in collaboration with Active8 HUB.

    The training, tagged, ‘AI in journalism workshop’ took the participants through emerging AI models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Bing AI, Microsoft Copilot, among others.

    Speaking during the training, Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata, said the training was targeted at revolutionising the digital landscape through enhancing the skills of journalists across the state.

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    He underscored the importance of exposing media practitioners to immersive exploration into the dynamics of artificial intelligence capable of empowering them with the latest tools and insights, essential for thriving in the evolving media industry.

    He said, “The importance of this workshop highlights the pivotal role in realising the visionary agenda of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for widespread technology integration.

    “With a focus on equipping journalists with AI-driven solutions, this training stands as a beacon of progress and opportunity in the digital age.

    “This training aims to revolutionise the digital landscape by enhancing the skills of journalists across Anambra State. The workshop is an immersive exploration into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism.