Rivers

IPC Tasks Journalists On Conflict-Sensitive Reporting

Published

3 years ago

March 17, 2023

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Nigeria, has challenged Journalists and media organisations to uphold the tenets of professionalism in reporting elections in order to maintain peace and social order before, during and after the elections.
The call became imperative following the monitoring and reporting of trends in the coverage of the 2023 electoral process.
Executive Director, IPC, Lanre Arogundade, made the call at the One-Day Media Stakeholders Roundtable On The Monitoring and Reporting Of The Coverage Of The 2023 Electoral Process, organised by the IPC in Partnership with the European Union- Support To Democratic Governance In Nigeria, Phase11(EU-SDGN 11), in Portharcourt, recently.
In his presentation titled, ‘The Imperatives on the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage in Reporting the 2023 Electoral Process’, Arogundade noted that one of the challenges faced by Journalists was the attempt to inject their personal views and emotions in their reportage.
He urged Journalists to strive for factual, rather than opinionated reporting, particularly in election matters.
According to him, the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage described Journalists as the ‘Key Purveyor of Information on the Electoral Processes’, adding that this makes it imperative for them to adopt best professional and ethical standards, and imbibe the principles of Conflict-Sensitive Journalism in the reporting of the general elections.
He said: “To this end, all Journalists and other media professionals on election duty should report only factual electoral information in a fair and balanced manner, report the views of candidates and political parties directly and in their own words, while exercising necessary professional discretion rather than as they are interpreted by others and also refrain from disseminating misinformation and disinformation”.
While presenting the earlier launched IPC Safety and Professional Advisory for Journalists, Arogundade noted that the centre was concerned about the safety of accredited journalists and other media professionals essentially on frontline duty during elections.
He revealed that the Advisory tasked the government, particularly the law enforcement agencies and political parties, to take as priority the protection of journalists and provision of enabling environment for them to perform their onerous responsibility.
“We particularly call on all law enforcement agencies that will be on election duty and subsequently, to refrain from threatening, molesting, arresting or detaining any of the 10,000 journalists who have been duly accredited by the INEC to cover the elections”, he said.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Communication Officer, IPC, Ms. Olutoyin Ayoade, observed that there were remarkable cases of reports that were conflict-insensitive and capable of inciting violence in the Nigeria society.
“The investigation also revealed that while most of the analysed reports met the required standards of sensitivity in reporting, a few did not meet the expectations. These reports were therefore adjudged insensitive”, she said.
Ayoade stated that the roundtable was in pursuant to the aims and objectives of Component 4: Support to Media of EU-SDGN 11 Project implemented by the Lead Partner, IPC, and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS).
She said the programme was to further enhance the Nigerian Media roles in promoting democratic governance through fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of electoral processes and elections in Nigeria.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu & King Onunwor

Rivers

Microbiologists Inaugurates New Exco, Chart New Course In Dev

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) has strengthened its regional footprint with the inauguration of the executive members of its South-South Zonal Chapter, tasking them with championing the pivotal role of microbiologists in national development.

At a virtual inaugural meeting held recently, the National President of NSM, Prof. S. A. Ado, formally ushered in the new leadership team, describing the chapter’s take-off as both strategic and long overdue for a region of immense ecological and economic importance.

The newly appointed executives are Prof. Nedie P. Akani, who is the Zonal Coordinator (Rivers State University); Dr. Anwuli U. Osadebe, Zonal Secretary (University of Port Harcourt); Dr. Tonye Sampson, Treasurer/Financial Secretary (Rivers State University); and Prof. Elijah Ohimain, Public Relations Officer (Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State).

In his welcome remarks, Ado congratulated the team and pledged the full backing of the National Executive Council (NEC), commending the swift coordination that culminated in the chapter’s inauguration.

He urged the executives to prioritise unity and professional mobilisation across the vast South-South region, noting that effective organisation would be critical to achieving impact.

Echoing this position, the National Secretary, Prof. Sunday Awe, and the National Business Manager, Prof. C. J. Ogugbue, reaffirmed NEC’s support and underscored the weight of responsibility before the new zonal leadership.

They acknowledged the geographic spread and diversity of the zone, but expressed confidence in the capacity of the Coordinator to provide purposeful leadership.

Ogugbue, in particular, highlighted the multidisciplinary scope of microbiology and its growing relevance in pollution control, environmental remediation, biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, coastal ecosystem protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy.

He stressed that the South-South Chapter must serve as a hub of scientific leadership, given the region’s environmental sensitivities and economic assets.

In her inaugural address, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Nedie Patience Akani, described the formal launch of the chapter as “a dream come true” for microbiologists in the region who had long anticipated a structured platform for collaboration and professional advancement.

Akani said the new executive was fully aware of its mandate and committed to repositioning microbiology as a driver of innovation and problem-solving in the South-South.

According to her, the Chapter will focus on mobilising practitioners to register with the society and participate actively in its programmes, ensuring timely payment of dues, organising annual symposia and workshops, appointing state representatives, and maintaining regular reporting to the NEC.

She emphasised that beyond administrative coordination, the executive would work to amplify the voice of microbiologists in addressing regional challenges, particularly in environmental management and sustainable development.

“We are committed to serving the society and advancing microbiology in the South-South zone,” she said, and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for its trust and for enabling the inauguration to hold virtually.

With the new executive now in place, stakeholders say the South-South Zonal Chapter is poised to galvanise professionals across the region and deepen the impact of microbiological research and practice in shaping public health, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Rivers

IAUE VC Warns Against High Price In Textbook Sales

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, has directed students to report any lecturer who sells textbooks above ?5,000 to the institution’s Quality Assurance Department.

This, he said, is part of decisive steps to protect students from exploitation and uphold ethical standards on campus.

Onuchuku made made this known following students’ growing lamentation over the high cost of textbooks in the Campus recently.

The VC warned that compelling students to purchase textbooks at inflated prices is not the policy of the university and will not be condoned under any circumstance.

He stressed that while academic authorship is encouraged, monetising compulsory materials beyond the approved ?5,000 benchmark undermines access to education.

According to him, any lecturer found violating the directive should be promptly reported for investigation and appropriate sanctions.

He assured students that management remains committed to creating a fair academic environment where learning is not hindered by undue financial pressure.

The IAUE helmsman described the directive as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the academic system and strengthening institutional accountability.

He reiterated that the Quality Assurance Department has been empowered to handle such complaints with confidentiality and diligence.

Professor Onuchuku has consistently championed discipline, transparency and integrity since assuming leadership of the university.

His administration has repeatedly cautioned staff against academic fraud, sharp practices and conduct capable of tarnishing the institution’s image.

Under his stewardship, the university secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mount fourteen new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, significantly expanding its academic frontiers and reinforcing its relevance in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In a bid to promote academic excellence, the Vice Chancellor also introduced incentives targeted at high-performing students, including free internet access for those with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and above.

The initiative, according to a statement from the Public Relations Unit of the university, is designed to strengthen research culture and reward diligence.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Hon Worlu Expresses Concern Over Tragic Incidents In PHALGA … Assures On Safety, Security

Published

3 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Gift Worlu, has expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of lives in parts of the LGA.

A statement the Chairman personally signed, weekend, said the incidents occurred in Rumuokpoku, Rumuola and at the Rumuokwurusi Oil Mill Market, causing apprehension among residents.

The OBALGA Council boss described the development as regrettable and assured residents that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

He disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents, with efforts ongoing to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Chairman urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that there is no cause for panic.

He called for sustained collaboration between security agencies and community leaders to curb the negative trend and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Dr. Worlu commended security operatives and community stakeholders for their swift response and commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to safeguarding lives and property across the LGA.

The Chairman encouraged residents of Obio/Akpor to continue with their lawful businesses without fear, and assured that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate events, and also prayed for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the bereaved families during this difficult period.

By: King Onunwor