The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UNESCO

  • Over 102 journalists killed in 2016, says UNESCO

    Over 102 journalists killed in 2016, says UNESCO

    THE United Nations (UN) Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has decried the high number of journalists killed  last one year.

    According to the UN agency, 102 journalists were killed  in the course of duties in 2016.

    This came as the  Federal Government , on the  occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, yesterday,  restated its commitment to upholding the freedom of the press.

    May 3 was declared World Press Freedom Day by the UN in 1993 after a 1991 UN conference in Windhoek, Namibia, where African newspaper journalists presented a paper on press freedom principles.

    The paper is famously called the Windhoek Declaration.

    This year’s celebration theme is: “Critical minds for critical times: Media role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive society”.

    Irina Bokova, director-general of UNESCO,  in her statement, noted the contributions of journalists to the rule of law, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

    She, however, stated that murder remains the strongest form of censorship for the journalists.

    “UNESCO is leading this work across the world, starting by standing up for the safety of journalists.

    “Far too often, murder remains the most tragic form of censorship – 102 journalists paid the ultimate price in 2016.

    “This is unacceptable and weakens societies as a whole.

    Ms. Bokova asserted that the media should provide a platform for a multitude of voices and mobilise new forces for tolerance and dialogue, while it remains a credible source of information.

    Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement, refuted the recent survey by Reporters Without Borders which alleged that Nigeria’s press freedom rating has been on sustained decline since 2015.

    The minister said the report was  inaccurate.

    He said despite the inaccurate and fake news saturating the media space, the Federal Government has not put a single journalist behind bars as a result of his or her professional conduct.

    Mohammed said even though there were reports some states have been hard on some journalists and bloggers for alleged misconduct, it has not been the policy of this Federal Government to join issues with the media, because of its unflinching commitment to upholding the tenets of democracy, which include free press and freedom of speech.

    He said the recent incident involving the Punch Correspondent covering the State House was an aberration, adding that the speed with which the order barring the correspondent from the State House was reversed lent credence to the fact that the government was not out to muzzle the press.

    The minister noted that the accreditation of the Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Ubale Musa, which was withdrawn by the previous administration, was restored upon assumption of office by the Buhari Administration.

    He pledged the readiness of the administration to always  create a conducive environment for the media to thrive and to keep discharging  its constitutional mandate without hindrance.

  • Heritage site: we need FG, UNESCO’s intervention – Official

    Heritage site: we need FG, UNESCO’s intervention – Official

    Mr. Anthony Sham, the care taker of Sukur, a UNESCO’S World Heritage Site has expressed optimism of government and UNESCO’s intervention on the destroyed structures by activities insurgents.

    The Sukur Cultural landscape is located on the hill above the village of Sukur in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    It is situated in the Mandara mountains close to the boarder with neighbouring Cameroon.

    Sham spoke in a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    “A team from the Head Quarters came to the sites sometimes ago and took inventory of the damage done to the sites by members of the Boko Haram.

    “We are still expecting their intervention for the destroyed site; we have written to remind them; I don’t know their reasons for not responding.

    “Similarly, we made a presentation about the destroyed site to UNESCO in a programme in Tanzania last year.

    “They promised to send an active monitoring team to come and look at the level of damage at the site, but up till now, we have not see them,” he said.

    Sham explained that Sukur community members who earlier fled when the insurgents invaded the area and destroyed house have restored their houses.

    “They are now coming back to their houses, but the monumental structures are yet to be restored.”

    NAN reports that the Sukur community was invaded in late 2014 by the insurgents and destroyed structures at the site including houses belonging to the community members.

    NAN also reports that Sukur is a stone-age iron smelting community; the recent history is traced to the Dur Dynasty of the 17th century.

    The Dur established the region as a major supplier of raw material for iron manufacture to northeastern Nigeria; this was perpetuated to the first decade of the 20th century.

    Its UNESCO inscription as World Heritage Site was based on cultural heritage, material culture and the naturally-terraced fields.

    Sukur is the first African cultural landscape to receive heritage list inscription in 1999 at the 23rd Session of UNESCO (NAN)

  • 101 journalists killed in 2016 – UNESCO

    101 journalists killed in 2016 – UNESCO

    No fewer than 101 journalists were killed in 2016 while doing their jobs, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said on Tuesday.

    Frank La Rue, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, said the figure represented an equivalence of one journalist being killed every four days.

    “The profession of a journalist is not a safe one, and a press accreditation card or display of media equipment has often served as an extra reason to be targeted,” La Rue, said.

    The UN agency coordinates the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which aimed to aid media workers and journalists working in conflict and non-conflict situations.

    According to the figures, most of the lives were lost in the Arab States where the armed conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have claimed the largest share, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Each killing has been condemned by UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, who called on authorities to investigate the murders.

    La Rue said in addition to physical violence, journalists were also threatened through online hate speech and gender-based harassment.

    “When crimes against journalists, of any kind, remain unpunished, it implies that media can continuously be harassed and attacked.

    “Impunity slowly gags journalists and media, where fear of reprisal turns into self-censorship, depriving each and every one of us from vital information,” La Rue added.

    UNESCO is the UN agency tasked with the defence of press freedom.

  • UNESCO, FG to reconstruct North East education system

    The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Federal Government have concluded plans to reconstruct the educational system in the North East part of the country which have been destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents.

    The government and UNESCO gave the hint during a workshop organised for UNESCO line ministries and agencies on the follow up on Nigeria-UNESCO joint communique held on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The event was to map out strategies for the second phase of the Nigeria- UNESCO special plan of cooperation.

    The UNESCO Regional Director, Benoit Sossou, represented by Senior Education Specialist, Saidou Sireh Jallow, said the second phase of the cooperation would be broader than the first with focus on crucial areas especially the Lake Chad, reconstruction of the education system in the North East and strengthening the Science, Technology and Innovation system in Nigeria.

    He said: “The new phase of the special plan of cooperation will be comprehensive in terms of UNESCO’s areas of competence and include areas such as reconstruction of the education system in the North East as part of the Presidential Initiative on the North East; teacher education, technical and vocational education and training for youth entrepreneurship and adult and youth literacy.”

    Sossou assured of UNESCO’s readiness to support Nigeria in the implementation of the special plan of cooperation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, represented by the Deputy Director of Planning, Mrs. Gloria Adie-Ayabie, disclosed that past relationships with UNESCO within the last 57 years, have continued to yield numerous fruitful developmental projects and linkages.

     

  • UNESCO provides graduands with start-up kits

    UNESCO provides graduands with start-up kits

    United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) has provided skills acquisition graduands in Adamawa with start-up kits to enable them start their own businesses and earn a living.

    UNESCO’s Country Coordinator on Adult Education, Mrs Uchenna Odoche, made this known at the graduation of skills acquisition graduates in Yola on Thursday.

    Odoche advised the graduates to judiciously use the facilities to improve their living conditions.

    Speaking at the event, Mrs Charity Dubi, the Executive Director, Adamawa Agency for Mass Education, said that UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Commission for Mass Education, had trained 131 facilitators to give a new lease of life to adult and youth literacy in the state.

    Dubi said the objective was to assist in revitalising adult and youth literacy to improve and provide lifetime skills and work for unemployed adults and youths in the country.

    “UNESCO in collaboration with National Commission for Mass Education has trained 131 facilitators in the state to revitalise the dying adult and youth literacy.

    “And today, we are celebrating another graduation of 40 skills acquisition graduands, and issuing them start-up kits to go and start their businesses for their livelihoods.

    “They were trained by UNESCO,’’ Dubi said.

    She said the 40 graduates were selected from Fufore, Girei, Mayo-Belwa, and Mubi South Local Government Areas of the state.

    She said the graduates obtained quick-win training in identified marketable skills for three months.
    Responding on behalf of other graduates, Mrs Azumi Titus expressed appreciation to UNESCO and other relevant agencies for their support.

  • Buhari urges ‘rich countries’ intervention for Lake Chad

    Buhari urges ‘rich countries’ intervention for Lake Chad

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday charged the “rich countries” to save the Lake Chad from going into extinction due to adverse effects of climate change.

    The President made the appeal while receiving the Director-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, warned that the failure to regenerate the Lake Chad will lead to another round of migration by people living in the areas.

    The President, who led seven ministers to an interactive meeting with the UNESCO chief, said Nigeria and the other countries of the Lake Chad Basin lack the billions of dollars required to channel water from the Congo Basin into the lake to check its rapid depletion.

    He said: “Those living in the Lake Chad region have suffered untold hardship and displacement because of the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists.

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    ‘‘If there is no farming and fishing, they will dare the desert to migrate.

    “Unless the developed countries make concerted efforts to complete the feasibility study, mobilize resources and technology to start the water transfer from the Congo Basin, the Lake Chad will dry up.

    ‘‘The people will go somewhere and they will create problems for those countries.”

    He commended UNESCO’s support to Nigeria particularly on the ongoing rehabilitation work in the Northeast and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    He said the pathetic situation of IDPs require immediate and urgent response from international organisations such as UNSECO to provide infrastructure, health and education for the people in the area.

     

  • FG tasks UNESCO on teacher education

    FG tasks UNESCO on teacher education

    The Federal Government on Thursday called on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to include the development of teacher education among its programmes to be undertaken in the country.

    The Minister of Education,  Adamu Adamu, made the call in Abuja while receiving the UNESCO Director – General, Ms Irina Bokova, who is on a three day official visit to Nigeria.

    The minister, who appreciated the impact of UNESCO especially in the areas of mass literacy and vitalization of Nigerian youths, pledged the government’s commitment towards deepening the existing relationship with the organization in its areas of engagements.

    Adamu said: “We appreciate what UNESCO has been doing since you became director general. We are very happy with UNESCO and I will like to assure you of the commitment of the federal government.

    “We will like to appreciate what you have been doing especially in all the areas that you are engaged in vitalizing the youths, adult education and mass literacy.

    “The teacher development programme is particular to us because from the ministry here we now have an action plan. The teachers’ development is one of the strongest. So I hope the new engagement we are going to get with the UNESCO will include development of teacher education.”

  • UNESCO DG arrives Nigeria, meets Buhari

    UNESCO DG arrives Nigeria, meets Buhari

    The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova will begin an official visit to Nigeria on Wednesday.

    A statement issued by the UN National Information Officer, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, said Bokova hopes to strengthen UNESCO’s programmes in Nigeria.

    The UNESCO chief will also hold discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari during the visit.

    According to the statement, Bokova will discuss ways to strengthen UNESCO programmes in education, sciences, culture, communication and information and prevention of violent extremism.

    “She will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Education and Chairman, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO, Adamu Adamu and other ministers responsible for UNESCO’s areas of competence,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the UN information officer as saying in the statement.

    “The official visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation with UNESCO in a number of key priorities for the organisation and in relations to the AU Agenda 2063.

    “The visit is also to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening its action in support of societies and governments in Africa, a global priority for the organisation.

    “UNESCO is supporting the African States in their efforts to deepen stability, peace and prosperity, notably within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

     

  • Governors, UNESCO, others score The Nation high

    THE rollcall of those patting The Nation on the back for its contribution to print journalism increased yesterday with goodwill messages from local and international organisations, governors and businessmen, as well as professional bodies. They described the newspaper as a major player in the media industry and urged its management to build on the landmarks recorded in the past 10 years. Those who sent in goodwill messages yesterday include:

    Okezie Ikpeazu: It has been 10 years of robust journalism

    “The Nation newspaper has created its trailblazing footprints in mainstream and social media publication in Nigeria in the past 10 years of robust journalism.

    “The management and members of staff should not to relent in their drive to maintain their position as the widest circulating national newspaper in the country.

    “They should continue to provide balanced information in the reportage to the reading public and deepen existing partnership with our government by reporting more on the positive developments across the state.

    “The newspaper should also support our administration’s ‘Made in Aba’ campaign through focused feature stories and community reporting that will let the world know that Aba and Abia State are open for business in support of the local economy.”

    “The government and people of Abia State wish the newspaper many more years of celebration of journalistic excellence.”

     

    Abdulfatah Ahmed: It’s the voiceless’ authentic voice

    “The Nation newspaper has been consistent in standard and advocacy for the greater but deprived majority of Nigerians.

    “It has remained the authentic voice of the voiceless and an abode of versatile journalists contributing immensely to national discourse.  It has upped the ante in ensuring that our democratic practice grows in the face of numerous challenges.

    “I have observed in the past ten years that The Nation adheres strictly to basic principles of professionalism.

    “Congratulations to The Nation at 10.”

     

    Peter Obi: It’s 10 years of purposeful, focused journalism

    “It has been 10 years of purposeful and focused journalism.

    “When you juxtapose The Nation with 10 years, its achievements towered above an institution that was just ten years.

    “Those who work at The Nation are among the best in the industry. This can be verified by the number of awards the newspaper and its workers have garnered over the years.

    “While wishing the management and staff many more fruitful and happy years, they should keep the flag flying and remain consistent in the quality of its editorials, which always designed to offer direction to the country.

     

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa: The Nation has upheld journalism etiquettes

    “This is to felicitate with the entire management and staff of Vintage Press Nigeria Limited on your attainment of a decade in news publication.

    “It is gratifying to note that since you hit the newsstand 10 years ago, your media team has brought professionalism to the front burner with the upholding of journalism etiquettes.

    “I urge your team to keep up the principles of accuracy, speed and balancing in all sphere of reportage of events so that your peers in the publishing industry will emulate your footsteps.

    “While wishing the management and staff of the Vintage Press Limited many more useful years in the service of mankind, I wish you well in all your future endeavours.

    “Accept the assurances of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

    “Once again, congratulations and happy 10th anniversary in the service of the nation.”

     

    Uchechukwu Ogah: Vision, teamwork behind meteoric rise

    “It gives me great joy to felicitate with you, the Editorial Board, Management and Staff of Vintage Press Limited on the 10th Anniversary of The Nation newspaper.

    “Your 10th anniversary clearly demonstrates the fact with doggedness, forthrightness, dedication, vision, team work and focus, one can achieve his set objectives, given your meteoric rise to the top echelon of national newspaper in Nigeria. The quantum of your achievement also validates the saying that it is not how long have been in existence but how well that matters.

    “There is no denying the fact that The Nation has contributed so much in the shaping of national discourse. The newspaper has a cream of talented and well motivated writers that have positioned the newspaper to what it is today. The richness and objectivity fo your editorial contents is a delight to read. Needless to say that your daily circulation, even to the remotest areas is a very big plus for you.

    “It is my prayer that God will continue to guide you and take you to greater heights, while I challenge you to remain dispassionate in your report of issues that will continue to educate, inform and entertain your broad based readers”.

     

    Master Energy Group: The Nation has carved a niche

    “It is remarkable knowing that The Nation newspaper is 10 years.  More remarkable is the fact the newspaper has carved a name and niche for it self within the last decade of its existence. Your venture into the media industry has yielded immense benefit to the extent that The Nation has become a major player in the newspaper stable.

    “You have a rich blend of talented and experienced journalists who have newspape to a position of prominience in Nigeria’s media clime. There is no doubt that The Nation is easily counted among the national newspapers coupled with your practice of responsible journalism has won you numerous admirers, and make The Nation newspaper a must read.

    “We are very proud of your achievements in the last 10 years and we are happy to be associated with you. We wish you many more  profoud successes as you begin a new journey to greater years ahead”

    Emeka Ogah…Vice Preident, Masters Energy Group.

     

    Benoit Sossou: The Nation has  reshaped journalism

    “UNESCO appreciates the efforts of The Nation in reshaping the practice of journalism in the country.

    “The newspaper has contributed immensely to the development of the country through vibrant, fearless and objective reportage which has helped to build a solid reputation as a reliable partner of the United Nations (UN) in Nigeria.

    “The Nation has achieved a lot in providing information, education and entertainment which have helped in shaping the society.

    “There will be a stronger collaboration in future on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16 that focuses on the public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms between the media organisation and UNESCO.”

     

    Chief Oji Ngofa: It’s a daily menu to many Nigerians

    ”The newspaper has made tremendous impact. Its objectivity and fervent stand for the common good and progress of Nigeria has endeared it to me. For me, The Nation is my daily stable on political and economic events in Nigeria”

     

    Babatunde Odele: The Nation is balanced, unbiased

    “The Nation is a balanced newspaper disseminating unbiased, sound and investigative journalism in business, judiciary, health, political, entertainment, foreign and local news to esteemed Nigerian readers in the past 10 years.

    “Your newspaper since its inception had been a trail blazer in the print media, the voice of the oppressed in the united committee of nations.

    “Your reportage is unequal in news measure. Your editorial team is fantastic in journalism balance at the editorial level.

    “Please keep the news banner flying ahead of your competitors as you have just counted another 10 years of successful print journalism in Nigeria.”

    … Minister-in-Charge, C&S Salem Evangelical Church of Christ, Ilupeju, Lagos.

     

    Licensed Customs Agents: It’s a leader in analytical reportage

    “We join millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of this great country in congratulating The Nation newspaper on its 10th anniversary as a national tabloid.

    “Your incisive, investigative and analytical reportage are second to none. On daily basis, one is routinely fed with well written and researched information on national and international spheres by your  highly innovative and committed team.

    “One couldn’t have expected anything less from such an array of stars that are known for spectacular awards and distinctive recognitions in the journalism industry.

    “While looking forward to a more cordial and robust relationship with your esteemed organisation, kindly accept our sincere congratulations on this remarkable feat”.

    … Prince Olayiwola Shittu, National President, ANLCA.

     

    Rivers State APC: The Nation is bastion of democray struggle

    “The Nation has become the bastion of democratic sustenance in Nigeria.

    “Behold, I do feel, and I am sure many Nigerians will attest, that newspaper has made more impact within just 10 years than any known newspaper has done in Nigeria within same time frame. One can only wish the newspaper and those driving it well.”

    Chris Finebone

    … Rivers State APC spokesman.

  • UNESCO congratulates The Nation at 10

    UNESCO congratulates The Nation at 10

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation‎ (UNESCO) has congratulated the management and staff of the Nation Newspaper on the celebration of its 10th anniversary.

    In a letter signed by Benoit Sossou, Regional Director / Representative (a.i) of the organisation and addressed to the Managing Director of the organization, Mr. Victor Ifijeh, UNESCO appreciated the efforts of the media outfit in reshaping the practice of journalism in the country.

    According to Sossou, The Nation Newspaper has contributed immensely to the development of the country through vibrant, fearless and objective reportage which has help built a solid reputation as a reliable partner of the United Nations in Nigeria.

    The regional Director reiterated further that the Nation has achieved a lot in providing information, education and entertainment which have helped in shaping the society.

    He assured that there is going to be a stronger future collaboration on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16 that focuses on the public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms between the media organisation and UNESCO.