Nation
ActionAid Urges Journalists To Report Security Issues Accurately
ActionAid has called on journalists to report security issues accurately to avoid spurring hatred that can result to violence around the country.
Director, Organisational Effectiveness, ActionAid, Funmilayo Oyefusi made the call at a two-day Media Masterclass on Policy Engagement for Preventing Violent Extremism during and post-COVID-19 in Kogi and Nasarawa states, in Akwanga.
The event was organised by ActionAid Nigeria with the support from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (CCERF) to train journalists on reporting issues in the crisis period.
Oyefusi also urged journalists to utilise the opportunity of the training to equip themselves for better reportage, especially as it relate to violent extremism.
She further called on media practitioners to hold duty bearers or leaders at all levels accountable in ensuring they curbed violence extremism.
She said the training was orgnised to hold the duty bearers accountable in the implementation of budget as a way of preventing violence extremism in the society.
According to her, ActionAid is collaborating with the media to project various intervention programmes being carried out by the organisation.
A facilitator, Dr Terfa Abraham, a Research Fellow and Economist at National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), urged the media to be accurate in their reporting to promote peace.
Abraham, who spoke on “An Assessment of Public Spending in the Prevention of Violent Extremism in Kogi and Nasarawa states’’, charged journalists to bring to the front burner issues capable of helping the leaders to do more on developmental projects.
“Our reporting must be inclusive, natural and event based. Reporting on budget specific issues that will douse the effect of violent extremism should always be our focus.
“It is observed that despite years of direct spending in security sector, the number of insecurity and violent extremism cases have remained high.
“There is therefore the need to take a look at grounds upon which violent extremism is grown and enlighten the government on ways to help curb the problems associated with violent extremism.”
Abraham also urged the media to always engage with the government on providing developmental projects in the country that would prevent spike in violent extremism by the youths.
The Dean, School of Information and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna Prof. Nicholas Iwokwagh, said the media must serve their audiences with the right message capable of solidifying the country.
Iwokwagh spoke on “Media Organising and Policy Engagement Strategies to Prevent Violent Extremism’’.
He said the media served as an agenda for the society because the media was capable of bringing about the change the society desired for transformation.
He said the media had the ability to prevent violence extremism through partnership with government to influence policy priorities.
Iwokwagh charged the media to stimulate engagement with the political class and the citizens to design an agenda for preventing violence extremism.
The Project Coordinator on System and Structures Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE II), Mr Anicetus Atakpu , appealed to journalists to desist from fueling crisis through their write-ups.
“Journalists have a big role in ensuring that conflicts are not fueled. This is because violence is fueled by ideology.
“As journalists, we need to guide our space when it comes to violent extremism. We must ensure that conflicts do not reflect in our stories.
“Our role as journalists will either mar or make conflict situations but we must do away with reporting single story but ensure our reports are balanced to manage conflicts in the country,” he said.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
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