The Presidency has denied the allegation that the current administration is favouring the South West at the expense of other regions in terms of appointments in the security sector.

After the appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff, many persons, especially on Social Media, accused President Bola Tinubu of “Yorubanisation”, a term which losely interprets as favouring the Yoruba.

Oluyede was appointed to stand in for General Tahoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, who has been away from the country treating an undisclosed ailment.

Some Nigerian had argued that there were equally competent generals who could stand in for Lagbaja other than another person from the South West.

Apparently weighing into the conversation, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, shared a list of the heads of security agencies appointed by Tinubu.

According to the list, the North West has the highest appointees (eight), followed by the South West (five) and North Central (four).

North East has three appointees, according to the presidential aide’s list, while South South and South East have one each.

“Facts do not lie. Below we see laid bare the facts about the regional outlook of President Tinubu’s appointments within 20 security agencies. The label of him favouring Yorubas in the Security set up does not fit. Nigeria we hail thee!,” Dare captioned the post.

[DailyTrust]

Dangote Refinery on Saturday tagged as fake the allegation that it sells petrol between N1, 015 and N1, 028/litre.

Some oil marketers had reportedly on Friday said the price of petrol, produced by the Dangote Refinery stood between N1, 015 and N1, 028/litre.

They said it would be reasonable to import the product from the international market as the landing cost stood at N978.01/litre as of October 31, 2024.

Reacting to the development, Dangote Group on its X handle dismissed the allegation as ‘fake news’.

DAILY POST reported that the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, had claimed that the price of fuel from Dangote Refinery, as of last week, was higher than in other places.

Yakubu Suleiman, National Assistant Secretary of IPMAN stated this on Friday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

Suleiman said IPMAN members would go where the price is lower and where they get profit, adding that they have to pity Nigerians.

[DailyPost]

Antoine Semenyo and Evanlison scored as Bournemouth sealed their first-ever win against Manchester City at Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries, in good form after picking up four points from their last two games against Aston Villa and Arsenal, started quickly and full of positivity.

Ederson was forced into a double save after just two minutes as he denied Semenyo and Justin Kluivert.

With the tone set, Bournemouth continued to press high and they were rewarded in the ninth minute when Milos Kerkez’s cut-back from the byeline was turned in by Semenyo.

City failed to muster an attempt on target during a largely frustrating first half.

Bournemouth came out for the second period full of confidence and were close to doubling their lead in the first minute, but Ederson was sharply off his line to keep Evanlison’s effort out.

Evanlison made sure with his next opportunity, though, sliding to meet Kerkez’s low ball and nestling it into the bottom corner.

The hosts should have made it three moments later but Adam Smith, presented with an open goal, blazed over the bar after Marcus Tavernier’s shot came back off the post.

City finally registered an attempt on target in the 80th minute, albeit a tame one, with Erling Haaland struggling to get any power on his volley.

And two minutes later, Josko Gvardiol headed beyond a despairing Mark Travers to offer hope but the Premier League champions were unable to grab an equaliser.

The defeat means City slip to second after Liverpool came-from-behind to beat Brighton, while Bournemouth climb up to eighth.

[TheNation]

The Securities and Exchange Commission has postponed its Third Quarter Capital Market Committee meeting.

According to a statement by the SEC on Saturday, the meeting earlier fixed for November 14, 2024, was postponed to allow the commission to attend to urgent regulatory commitments.

The CMC is an industry-wide body comprising the SEC, capital market operators, trade groups, and other stakeholders.

It serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, facilitates the exchange of ideas, addresses key issues affecting market growth and organisation, and collaborates on shaping the market’s future.

The committee was established primarily as a means for stakeholders to exchange ideas and provide feedback to the SEC, aiding in the continuous improvement of market operations and regulatory frameworks.

The meeting draws CEOs from all registered capital market firms, including brokers/dealers, investment advisers, custodians, fund/portfolio managers, and more.

The statement read, “The Commission is constrained to postpone the forthcoming Capital Market Committee meeting to allow the Commission to attend to urgent regulatory commitments.

“We will communicate the new date in the coming days. We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused by the postponement.”

The CMC was primarily established to serve as a medium for the exchange of ideas among market stakeholders as well as an avenue for providing feedback to the SEC on how to continuously address challenges, improve market operations and enhance the regulatory framework.

It is an industry-wide committee comprising members of the SEC, representatives of capital market operators and trade groups and other stakeholders. The CMC meets every quarter.

[Punch]

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has declared that the 2027 election will be a decisive moment for the Nigerian populace, stating it will be a choice between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the citizens themselves.

He stated this on Saturday, during the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest zonal secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was named in honour of the late Soji Adagunodo, a former Southwest Chairman of the PDP.

Makinde criticised the APC’s governance, asserting that the party has failed to deliver on its promises.

“The APC has been at the helm of affairs in this country, and they have woefully failed us. The people of Nigeria must now decide whether to retain them in power or vote them out,” he stated.

Emphasising the urgency of the situation, he added, “Nigerians are suffering, and there must be an end to it. We need to unite and push for change.”

He stressed that the forthcoming election will not merely be a contest between the APC and the PDP, but rather a referendum on the APC’s governance, with the Nigerian populace at the center of this decision-making process.

In addressing the internal conflicts within the PDP, Makinde called on the party’s leadership to take decisive action, adding, “The enemies of the party are within, not the opposition parties,” urging members to work together to heal the rifts.

He insisted that the party must maintain its unity in the Southwest, saying, “We must not allow the ruling party to disrupt the peace we have worked hard to create.”

Regarding his potential presidential aspirations, Makinde remarked, “I am old enough to make my own decisions about contesting or not. The current realities in the country will guide my choices.”

His comments reflect a thoughtful consideration of the political landscape as the 2027 election approaches.

In a related development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke advocated deeper introspection within the PDP to find lasting solutions to its internal conflicts.

“We must engage in honest discussions and reflections to heal our party and move forward together,” he noted, emphasising the need for unity and collaboration among party members.

“Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one. It is time to build bridges, not walls, within our party.”

He further called for a commitment to the party’s foundational values, remarking, “We must remember why we are here, to serve the people and uphold democracy.”

While addressing the gathering, PDP’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum, extended his congratulations to all PDP governors for their commendable representation in their respective states, stating, “Our governors are the backbone of our party, showcasing the values we stand for across the nation.”

In his address of welcome, PDP zonal chairman Bar. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, represented by Zonal Secretary Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, acknowledged the significant efforts of party leaders and elders in restoring peace within the party.

“It is imperative that we channel our collective strength towards unseating the ruling party to ensure a better democracy for our people,” he urged.

In his remarks, one of the sons of the deceased, Soji Adagunodo Jr., expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed upon his father.

Adagunodo Jr. encouraged the PDP leadership to leverage this new space as a “solution house” for the party and the country, saying, “Let this edifice inspire us to seek real solutions for the myriad issues confronting our people and the nation.”

The commissioning event was attended by notable figures including state’s deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal; 2023 Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Chief Ladi Adebutu, Ondo State PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi and several other party officials, such as Zonal Organizing Secretary Hon. Benson Aruwa and Zonal Women Leader Chief Mrs. Bosede Adedibu.

Former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Samuel Ortom, along with PDP National Vice Chairman for the South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and former National Vice Chairman for the South, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, were also present, underscoring the PDP’s unity and strength in the Southwest region.

Notable senators and local representatives, including Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Gbenga Babalola, were also present to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the unity and strength of the PDP in the southwest region.

[Vanguard]

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says its operatives confiscated alleged pirated books valued at N23.1 million during raids on bookshops in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

Speaking during the operation, John Asein, NCC director general, said the exercise aims to eradicate pirated works nationwide and establish a robust copyright framework.

Asein, who was represented by Macfoy Akachukwu, deputy director of operations, said the commission targeted piracy in Uyo and surrounding areas via this enforcement effort.

NAN quoted the DG as identifying the raided bookshops as AB Achison, God’s Own, Academic Needs, Zion in Uyo and POP Bookshop in Abak, Akwa Ibom.

“The books seized during the raid to include: Basic Civic Education by Dr Merry Ukaegbu, Spectrum New Further Mathematics by T.R. Moses and Essential Christian Religious Study for Senior Secondary Schools by Orovwuje B.O and Okolie E.U.,” he said.

“Macmillan Brilliant English for Junior Secondary Schools by Wale Ossianwo, New General Basic Science for Junior Secondary Schools by S. Ajayi.

“Others books seized included: New Oxford Secondary English Course for Secondary Schools by Ayo Banjo and New Concept Mathematics for Senior Secondary Schools by H.N. Odogwu and others.

“The books seized were those in the stables of major publishers like Evans, UPL, Lantern, Longman, TONAD, Pearson among others.”

Asein said the commission will persist in combating piracy, empowering authors and the creative sector to boost Nigeria’s economic development.

“What we have done is part of the commission’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of authors and other genuine investors in the copyright book industry,” he said.

“It is our duty to ensure that authors get rewards for their creative work. I have under my watch, zero tolerance for piracy and infringement of Copyright Laws.”

The NCC DG said suspects would be prosecuted to deter others, adding that the commission needs public support with credible information to combat piracy nationwide.

[TheCable]

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe has chided politicians, who according to him, are using poor innocent children for their selfish political gains.

This is coming amid the outrage that greeted the arraignment of minors who were arrested in August this year for protesting against hunger.

DAILY POST reports that the protesters, described as minors, were arraigned and later granted N10 million bail each on Friday, while the matter was adjourned till January 2025.

In a post on his official Facebook page on Saturday, the APC chieftain blamed the development on politicians who instigated the violent protests.

He wrote, “It is evil and despicable to use other peoples Children to play politics.  Meanwhile your Children are studying in the best Universities across the world.

“Ok, you think you can destroy other peoples Children and your own will excel abi? Oga put on your thinking cap and learn. The law of Karma is still there oooo”.

[DailyPost]

I share some similarities with Comrade Jola Ogunlusi. Before 1996, we were both from the old Ondo state. I am from Idanre in Idanre local government of Ondo state, while he is from Esun Ekiti in Ikole local government Area of Ekiti state. Longevity runs in his family. His father died at the age of 131 while his grandmother died at the age of 122. His mother died at the age of 110. He is just 90.

He grew up with his grandmother Princess Oguntuka also from a royal family but married to Oba Adumure, Elesun of Esun-Ekiti.

At that time only two of his mother’s children survived, himself and Mrs Idowu Aruleba, mother of Gbenga Aruleba of African Independent Television (AIT). He was given many Abiku names which he jettisoned later and adopted Emmanuel Ajibola-Iya.

He attended different schools in Odo-Oke, Aiyedun and Esun-Ekiti and finally completed his standard six in 1953. There was no job for a year. He was going to the farm with his father.

But from 1955 to 1958, he was a teacher. His first salary was 48pounds per annum. It was later increased to 56pounds a year with arrears. From his salary, he bought a bicycle which he rode to school. It was a fine, well-decorated bicycle.

His preference was to study Medicine at the University. An incident motivated him. In 1955 when he was a teacher, they sent him to his only sister, Idowu, who was ill.

He returned home late in the day. They had already presumed she was dead. He went into the room, took her hand and noticed she was warm. He used his knowledge of first aid to remove the mucus that blocked her nostrils. Then she started breathing.

Comrade Ogunlusi worked in Iroyin Yoruba, Daily Sketch, Gbohun Gbohun Nigerian Tribune and New Nigerian. He worked with Lamp magazine and also wrote for the African Arik published by the University of California.

In 1977, he rose to be the National secretary of the NUJ.

In 1972, I joined the Nigerian Tribune as a reporter. We worked under our then Managing Director, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande (23 July 1929-11 February 2021), who was later elected governor of Lagos state in 1979.

 Those of us in the Tribune then were Mr. Osugbohun, Alfred Ilere, Soji Alakuro, Mufu Akinloye, Tope Orimoloye, Toye Akiyode (Agosco), Dan Ikuniaye, Bode Oyewole, Bayo Osiyemi, Folu Olamiti, Kayode Osifeso and others, while our news editor was Fola Oredoyin. Our Editor then was Ikhan Yakubu and our editor in chief was Mr. Kayode Bakare.

 Incidentally in 1975, I was elected the western state secretary of the NUJ. A plaque is at the press centre in Ibadan today to remind us all.

I was the last person to hold that post till Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states were created on February 13, 1976 by General Murtala Mohammed GCFR (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976). After the creation of states, there was pressure on us to sell the assets of the Western state NUJ including the present press club in Ibadan. We resisted the pressure. That is why the press centre still belong to the journalists today.

During that time, there were newspapers and there were newspapers. That was before THISDAY, DAILY TRUST, THE NATION, THE NATIONAL CONCORD, THE VANGUARD, THE PUNCH, THE SUN, DAILY TELEGRAPH, DAILY INDEPENDENT, PILOT, THE MATRIX, BUSINESS DAY, THE POINT, LEADERSHIP and other reigning newspapers of today, were established.

At that time, we had THE NIGERIAN STANDARD in Jos, THE CHRONICLE in Calabar, THE NIGERIAN TIDE in Port Harcourt, THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin city, THE DAILY SKETCH in Ibadan, THE NIGERIAN HERALD later in Ilorin, THE NEW NIGERIAN in Kaduna and the powerful DAILY TIMES in Lagos.

During this period, THE DAILY TIMES was the most circulated. There was a column in the New Nigerian then called CANDIDO. It was during this period that the celebrant of today worked in the New Nigerian. CANDIDO was a must read for decision makers in Nigeria.

To its credit, THE NEW NIGERIAN has produced outstanding journalists in this country. Among whom were Alhaji Mamma Daura, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, the present Monarch of Badagry, Oba Babatunde  Akran, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, Mr Mike Pearce, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, Owolabi Ilori, Nat Balogun, Alaja Browne, Yakubu Mohammed, Nkem Agetua, Yinka Guedon, Clement Eluaka, Mr Tayo Kehinde, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, Chief Olugbayo Ogunleye, Mr. Gboyega Amoboye alias THE GOVERNOR, who is today the Chairman of Lagos wing of Veteran Journalists, Alhaji Turi Mohammed, Mr. Nvendaga Jibo, Mr. Stephen Bamigbele, Mr. Ndanusa Alao, Clem Baiye, Dan Agbese, Abba Dabo, James Jukwe, Moses Olorode, Alaye Gbenoba, Clement Agba, Buka Zarma, Buki Wilson, Adebola Idowu, Yinka Dagunduro, Sehinde Dagunduroro, Biola Ajoni, Victor Awogu, Otunba Segun Runsewe, Dayo Onibile, Fola Asiru and so many of them.

To count on positive things that newspapers have done for this country is like counting on the number of times the rain has fallen in a year. Let me refer to one, that still affect us today.

In January 1970, the DAILY TIMES published an editorial pleading that Nigeria must adopt left hand drive policy.

On January 30 of that year, the then head of state, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR (89), inaugurated a commission, to deal with the issue. The commission was headed by the then Chief Executive of The Daily Times, Alhaji Babatunde Jose (13 December 1925- 2 August 2008).

In March 1972, the then Minister of Works and Housing, whose Ministry was in charge of Transportation, Alhaji Femi Okunnu announced that with effect from Sunday, April 2, 1972, Nigeria would operate left hand policy. The policy is still operating till today unlike what operates in some Commonwealth countries like United Kingdom, Kenya, Australia, Uganda and South Africa.

I have spoken from the viewpoint of a newspaper man. I hope outstanding radio and television journalists like Mr. Gbenga Onayiga, Bayo Awosemo, Sola Atere, Bayo Adewusi, Vera Ifudu, Emman Okondo, Bisi Olatilo, Adebayo Bodunrin, Bola Oyeladun, Frank Olize, John Momoh, Nduka Obaigbena, Jimi Disu, Jones Usen, Chris Anyanwu, Jumoke Susan Fajana(now based in London), Yori Folarin, Mac Amarere, Lekan Alabi, Abike Dabiri, Bankole Laotan, Blossom Ubani, Augusta Maduegbuna, Seun Okibaloye, Stella Din Jacob, Ladi Lawal and so many others who are either here or here in spirit or have departed, will pardon me.

A journalist is a person who gathers information in the form of text, audio or pictures, process it into a newsworthy form and disseminates it to the public. 

Journalists can be broadcast, print, advertising or public relations personnel. Depending on the form of journalism, “journalist” may also describe various categories of people by the roles they play in the process. These includes reporters, correspondents, citizen journalist, editors, editorial writers, columnists and photojournalists.

A reporter is a type of journalist who researches, writes and reports on information in order to present using sources. This may entail conducting interviews, information-gathering and/or writing articles. Reporters may split their time between working in a newsroom, from home or outside to witness events or interviewing people. Reporters may be assigned a specific beat (area of coverage).

I see journalism as a way to learn more every day and try to work on my ignorance and understand the difference ways of life and how people live. Curiosity motivates every journalist. If you want to know the impact of a journalist just stay a day without listening to the news both in the radio, television or newspapers. It’s as if you are in a prison yard.

Our job is a noble profession. After waking up every morning, checking on his health and offering his prayers, the next thing an average journalist does is to listen to the news or read the papers. It is a very interesting routine.

Journalists always strive to be fair, accurate, and complete.

Fair means being fair to the evidence. A good rule of thumb is the more evidence you have, the less balance you need.

Accurate means verifying all the information in the story and being transparent about what you know, how you know it and what you don’t know. It also means remembering that journalistic truth is provisional. Like scientific truth, it changes over time as more evidence becomes available.

Complete means learning as much about the story through as wide an array of sources as possible so you can include a range of relevant and diverse points of view.

In the civil service if you reach the age of sixty or put in thirty-five years of service, you are to retire. And when you retire in the service you will collect your gratuity and continue to live on your pension. But in our profession, we do not retire. There is no such thing as a former journalist. There is no age limit to the practice of journalism.

The body that invited us to this lecture is called LEAGUE OF VETERAN JOURNALISTS. League means an association of persons or group united by common interests or goals. It could also mean fellowship or solidarity while a veteran means a person who has had long experience in a particular field or job. It is not a league of retired journalists.

The topic given to me is to speak on LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT FOR JOURNALISTS. I have been ruminating on the subject. And I doubt whether journalists really retire. I think the topic should have been LIFE WHEN JOURNALISTS STOP GOING TO OFFICES.

I remember a refrain that says OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY SIMPLY FADE AWAY. It originates from a stanza from the soldiers’ folklore song Old Soldiers Never Die. In the United States, the phrase was used by General Douglas MacArthur in his April 19, 1951 farewell address to the U.S. Congress (which has become known as the “Old Soldiers Never Die” speech).

Journalists are like old soldiers. They don’t really retire they just fade away when the time comes. They are active till the end if their health can sustain them. If journalists retire why should Chief Olusegun Osoba at 85, the twice elected governor of Ogun state be reporting till today. If journalists retire why should veterans like Chief Tola Adeniyi, Sam Omatseye, Dan Agbese, Dele Sobowale, Lanre Idowu, Reuben Abati, Magnus Ibe, Bunmi Sofola, Dupe Ajayi, Medline Tador, Comfort Obi, Tunde Fagbenle, Azuibike Ishiekwene, Kayode Komolafe, Yakubu Mohammed, Ray Ekpu, Soji Akinrinade, Lade Bonuola, Bayo Osiyemi, Ayo Akinkuotu, Dare Babarinsa, Dayo Sobowale, Martins Oloja, Muyiwa Adetiba and many others still be writing columns. The truth is that journalists have an active mind. They may not be rich but they perform essential services to the world.

An average journalist has a little knowledge of everything. Although his services may not be appreciated but he or she takes satisfaction in rendering services to the world. I am proud to be a journalist.

But when we stop going to offices, we still take part in communal services to the society either in the church, mosque, communities where we live or in society generally. Some write books and hardly can you find a journalist that does not read books.

In the last two decades, technology has sparked seismic shifts in journalism. Three developments stand out: the internet, mobile devices and social media. Together, they have changed the accessibility, creation and delivery of journalism. Today, almost every adult in Nigeria connects to the internet and social media through a digital service. Their extensive use makes it easy to forget that these technologies are relatively new to our daily lives.

The old journalism that we grew up with is more or less dead, thanks to advancements in technology, a new branch has emerged—digital journalism.

New organisations now use multiple media platforms to publish content online, including: websites and blogs, mobile apps, podcasts, data analysis and visualisations, photos and videos, social media, augmented reality and interactive web experiences.

Digital media has created exciting opportunities for journalists to produce and share their stories.

In Nigeria today, social media has become a powerful source of digital news. It cannot be ignored.

The widespread consumption of social media means journalists need the skills to: connect with audiences on the most popular platforms; report in real-time on the various social platforms–this involves critical and creative thinking about the most appropriate media for each platform and build a personal brand on social media.

With this development, an active journalist must adapt to this new technology and it is impossible to retire as a journalist. Journalism is a developing profession. The public’s growing preference for digital media means that digital journalism skills are now imperative. Journalists must be able to strategically use digital storytelling tools to connect with audiences on various platforms. This means thinking critically and creatively about the best forms of media to serve the target audience.

Since most Journalists can’t take part in the only lucrative business in the country now—Party Politics—they should exploit the opportunities offered by digital journalism. The opportunities are very wide. As a matter of fact, some journalists have seized on the opportunities, some of them are now bloggers and they do it from the comfort of their homes. Life itself is a continuity. You cannot withdraw from life as long as your health can still sustain you.

I can tell you blogging it’s a rewarding way to hone your writing skills, explore new ideas and build an online presence that revolves around your passions and expertise. You’ll get the chance to inspire, educate, and entertain your readers—and as your blog grows, you can even start making money and turn it into a full-time job or use it to start a business.

In other words, blogging is the first step toward finally pursuing your dream job or favorite hobby, so you really can’t go wrong. While starting a blog might seem daunting, I’m going to walk you through every step to make it as smooth and successful as possible. The process is actually quite easy, and you’ll have your blog up and running, as well as your first blog post written, before you know it. When the journalist was regularly going to the office in his prime time, the family was the victim for lack of time, care and neglect. Now that the journalist no longer go to the office, he or she must find time for his or her family—the kids and the grandchildren.

As we all know, the family is the most important thing in this world. Family is important because if offers emotional support, nurtures a feeling of belonging , encourages educational growth, and fosters cognitive development. A family meets diverse needs throughout the various phases of life, from infancy through old age. A good family is a source of emotional support and unconditional love. Families shape an individual’s identity and belonging from old age. As social creatures, belonging to a group is important for our self-concept. Families provide a sense of social identity, a sense of self, and a feeling that we belong to something larger than ourselves.

Families instill values, beliefs, and norms in children that support a peaceful, well-functioning society. They teach kids fundamental social skills like language, customs, roles, and norms. They also shape children’s prosocial behaviors like cooperation, respect, and contribution to the community. Well-socialised children grow into productive adult citizens. I don’t think there is a better alternative than a good family. No matter the power, money and fame, there is no better prize than the family. Family adds value to life.