The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has held its Congress with far-reaching resolutions on issues affecting the media, the union, and the general public.

The Congress, which took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the NUJ FCT Secretariat, Abuja, also featured a valedictory session in honour of the late Comrade Stella Okoh-Esene, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter. The session was well attended by journalists from various chapels across the territory.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Comrade Odigie Ehidiamen Kelvin, Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, the Council paid glowing tribute to the late Okoh-Esene, describing her as a fearless and principled journalist who dedicated her career to promoting the welfare and advancement of women in journalism. Members observed a minute of silence in her honour and pledged to uphold the values she represented — integrity, fairness, and professionalism.

On environmental issues, the Council expressed deep concern over the poor waste management at Jabi Park Junction and its surrounding areas. It noted that despite a formal letter previously sent to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), no meaningful action had been taken to address the unsanitary conditions. The Council urged the AEPB to urgently clear the waste, establish effective disposal mechanisms, and sustain cleanliness in the area to avert potential health risks.

The Union also condemned the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over the ongoing decommissioning of certain categories of electricity meters without prior notice to consumers. It decried reports that residents were being compelled to pay exorbitant amounts for meter replacement, describing the practice as exploitative. The Council called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to investigate the development and compel the AEDC to halt actions that impose undue financial burdens on residents.

The Congress concluded by commending members for their continued dedication to ethical journalism and union solidarity, urging them to remain steadfast in upholding truth, fairness, and professionalism in their reportage.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has described corps members and interns as key drivers of technological innovation in Nigeria, urging them to transform their creative ideas into viable tech startups.

Inuwa made the call at the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event featured presentations of technology-driven projects developed by corps members and interns under NITDA’s internal innovation programme aimed at solving real-life problems and enhancing public service delivery.

Sharing his personal experience, the DG narrated how his own journey into technology began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year over two decades ago.

“I had an opportunity to build a website for the place I served, and that opened doors for me,” he said. “Before I finished my service, a company offered me a contract worth ₦1.5 million to develop another website. Since then, I have remained committed to creating value through technology.”

Inuwa disclosed that over 550 corps members currently serve in NITDA, many of whom face challenges securing employment after their service year. To tackle this, the agency, he said, provides platforms that enable them to acquire digital skills, refine their ideas, and build startups before completing their service.

“We know it’s not easy to get jobs after NYSC,” he noted. “So, we are creating opportunities for you to build your own startups while you are here. You don’t have to wait until after your service year — you can start testing your ideas right now.”

Commending participants for their innovative ideas — which included smart performance tracking systems, digital branding tools, knowledge management platforms, job placement systems, and certificate verification solutions — Inuwa encouraged them to continue building solutions that will shape Nigeria’s digital future.

In his remarks, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the Innovation Challenge as more than a competition, calling it a “movement” that would redefine innovation within NITDA and across the public sector.

“What we are witnessing today is not just a programme but a movement,” Eniola said. “The innovations developed here will not only transform NITDA but the entire public service.”

He explained that the initiative was born out of the DG’s vision to institutionalise innovation through a structured approach, leading to the creation of the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF)— a blueprint for harnessing creativity and enhancing public sector efficiency.

“Innovation is not about competition; it’s about collaboration,” he added. “Everyone who took part in this challenge has helped to build the foundation of something much bigger.”

Under the framework, staff, corps members, and interns were encouraged to identify and propose solutions to real challenges within NITDA’s operations and Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The maiden edition of the Challenge attracted 35 submissions from various departments, with 13 priority challenges selected. Twenty-four teams participated in workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitching events, out of which 23 teams successfully completed their projects addressing 10 key internal issues.

Ten finalist teams presented their innovations before the NITDA Innovation Council, with six emerging as winners.

The winners include:

1. Team X (COPA) – 1st Place
2. Team Sentinel (Smart ID) – 2nd Place
3. Smart Track Innovators – 3rd Place
4. Team Trivergent – 4th Place
5. Team TechLogs (SafeCheck) – 5th Place
6. Team Big Tech (Digital Brainbox) and Team SRAPture – tied for 6th Place.

The NITDA Innovation Challenge forms part of the agency’s broader strategy to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving within the public sector in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Through such initiatives, NITDA aims to position itself as a model for innovation-driven governance and a launchpad for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on Thursday honoured for his administration’s commitment to free education and the growth of the state’s education sector.

At a high-profile event held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Governor Diri received the Platinum Education Ambassador Award bestowed by the Independent Newspapers.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Gentle Emelah, and his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the event was in commemoration of 70 years of Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Nigeria and as part of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

Three of Nigeria’s foremost political leaders and icons of free education – Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (represented by his wife, Prof. Uche Azikiwe), and Sir Ahmadu Bello – were also honoured posthumously.

Other awardees were Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the governors of Lagos (Babajide Sanwo-Olu), Ekiti (Biodun Oyebanji), Ogun (Dapo Abiodun), and Kano (Abba Yusuf).

Also, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Usman Ododo (Kogi) and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) were honoured.

Speaking through Dr Emelah, the Education Commissioner, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, saying it was gratifying that the government’s effort to reposition the education sector was bearing fruit.

“Not only have we begun to see the positive outcomes of our administration’s reforms in our state’s education sector, but we have also been attracting encouraging recognition and accolades.

“The idea of celebrating education ambassadors resonates well, and I commend the organisers.

“Education remains the bedrock of societal development. As a priority, our administration places a high premium on initiatives that advance our state’s progress educationally.

“At the secondary school level, we have introduced science and technical education to turn the emphasis away from certificate education that encourages job seekers to become creators and innovators.

“The recent high performance of our students in national examinations is an affirmation that our efforts are yielding the right results. Our state’s performance ranking has equally moved to the top five bracket in recent examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).”

He assured that his administration will sustain the positive trend in the sector

…says service to humanity must reflect care, accessibility, and compassion

In a strong demonstration of community partnership and citizen-focused policing, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, psc(+), has flagged off a comprehensive Police Medical Outreach to commemorate the 2025 Police Customer Service Week.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, ASP Halima Mohammed, the initiative, held at the Zone 7 Headquarters, was designed to promote wellness among police personnel, their families, and residents of neighbouring communities. It provided free medical consultations, blood pressure and sugar checks, vital sign assessments, health education, and other essential services to hundreds of beneficiaries.

Speaking during the event, AIG Olaiya reaffirmed that genuine policing extends beyond enforcing laws to demonstrating compassion and care for humanity. “Service to humanity must reflect care, accessibility, and compassion,” he stated, adding that customer service in policing entails “listening, responding, and prioritising the health and well-being of both officers and the public they serve.”

He highlighted that the outreach aimed to:

Improve access to basic health screenings

Promote early detection of health risks

Support officer wellness and operational readiness

Strengthen police–community trust through direct engagement

Medical professionals, volunteers, and partner organisations participated actively in the outreach, which many attendees described as impactful and timely.

AIG Olaiya commended the collaborative efforts of the medical team and partner agencies, reiterating that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, remains committed to citizen-oriented and customer-focused service delivery anchored on empathy, respect, and public confidence.

He further urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police by reporting crimes and providing credible information, assuring that criminal elements and their collaborators will find no haven within the FCT and Niger State, which fall under his supervision.

AIG Olaiya reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, upholding justice, and serving with integrity.

… Say Late Ex-Governor Embodied Federalism, Resource Control, Justice for the Niger Delta

Prominent Niger Delta leaders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, have described the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as a symbol of true federalism, justice, resource control, and environmental rights.

According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, they made the remarks on Friday during the 10th Memorial Anniversary of the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, held in Yenagoa, with the theme: “The Niger Delta Voice Through Nigeria’s Soul: Federalism, Resource Control and the Contemporary Nigerian State in the DSP Alamieyeseigha Legacies.”

Governor Diri, in his address, said Nigeria’s progress depends on practising true federalism, where sub-national governments enjoy constitutional autonomy. He decried the current system, which he described as an aberration, where resources of the federating units are centrally controlled.

“If we want this country to develop, we cannot use resources from one region to feed another while depriving the area that produces them. That is not federalism,” Diri stated.

The Bayelsa Governor also faulted the Land Use Act, saying it has robbed the Niger Delta people of their natural wealth, and called for its review. He urged unity among the Niger Delta people, warning against allowing party politics or personal interests to derail their collective struggle for justice and development.

“Alamieyeseigha’s advocacy was not just for the Niger Delta but for the progress of Nigeria. We must continue the struggle intellectually and diplomatically,” he added.

In his remarks, former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori described the late Alamieyeseigha as a fearless defender of his people, comparing his sacrifice to that of global freedom icons.

“Like Martin Luther King, the bullet that took Alamieyeseigha was fabricated and delivered by the state. But his ideas and struggle for justice will never die,” Ibori said.

He commended Governor Diri for sustaining Alamieyeseigha’s vision through the annual memorial event, which he said keeps alive the ideals of the Ijaw struggle.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Ibaba S. Ibaba noted that Alamieyeseigha’s emergence as Bayelsa governor was a defining moment in the Niger Delta’s pursuit of equity and self-determination. He said the late leader elevated the region’s cause to the centre of national discourse, insisting that for the Niger Delta, federalism is only meaningful when it ensures control over resources for development and dignity.

The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr Reuben Abati, with participants including Annkio Briggs, Elder Timi Ogoriba, and Prof. Steve Azaiki.

Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, Amb. Boladei Igali, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and several top government officials.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that stakeholders’ engagement is fundamental to the development of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Rivers State Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, highlighted the importance of reputation management and the critical role NIPR plays in maintaining a positive national image.

He emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure projects meet people’s needs and that government initiatives succeed, highlighting this approach as a key component of the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

According to Ogbuku, the theme of the NIPR Week, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagement And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy,” aligns with the Commission’s goal of building public trust through transparent and collaborative engagement.

Ogbuku stated: “We realise that it is crucial to build trust with all partners to get their buy-in and win their confidence. In this respect, we have established processes to ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place.

“We are working with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, which has reviewed our processes to strengthen our corporate governance system. We now have a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency, backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals.”

The NDDC boss noted that the emphasis on collaboration was in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes carrying stakeholders along in the development process.

He remarked: “Through engagement, the NDDC aims to foster partnerships to leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges, and avoid working at cross-purposes.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Nigerian Institute Of Public Relations (NIPR), Rev. Francis Asuk, said that strategic communication was central to peacebuilding and governance.

He declared: “The time has come for our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to engage professional public relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues. The expertise of PR professionals in stakeholder mapping, perception management, conflict resolution, and narrative framing can make a crucial difference in restoring confidence, bridging divides, and shaping a more stable and progressive Rivers State.”

He regretted that public trust is eroding across Nigeria and indeed the world. He stated: “Economic challenges, misinformation, and institutional fatigue have tested the resilience of governments, businesses, and communities alike. In such a time, the role of the public relations professional becomes indispensable to rebuild confidence, restore truth, and facilitate transparent engagement that drives collective progress.”