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Expose Plight Of Armed Conflict’s Victims – Don
Journalists have been challenged to devote attention to reporting the multifaceted humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, including insurgency, militancy, cult-related violence, among others, and the critical issues affecting their innocent victims through cutting-edge investigative journalism than dwelling on sensational human interest stories.
Visiting Professor of Journalism, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Ibanga Isine, who gave the charge in a lead lecture as a resource person at a two-day training opportunity for journalists organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in Abuja, recently, said in focusing attention “In reporting of armed conflicts and the plight of victims of extreme violence, you help them regain their lives and dignity, and not condemn them to a confined life of stigmatization and trauma”.
Isine explained that a well-executed investigative report on the plight of victims of armed conflicts and unmitigated violence would expose the behaviour exhibited by the belligerent parties to the conflict, and elicit empathy for the innocent victims.
“Reporting on the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts and other situations of violence as well as understanding the protection that the victims are entitled to under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as Refugee Rights Law, can help in reducing the sufferings of majority of innocent victims”, he said.
The resource person noted that the training was vital because it aims at building the capacity of journalists on how best humanitarian, violence and armed conflict reporting can be done without inflicting more injury, scandal and stigmatization on the affected victims, including first aid treatment of affected victims at the scenes of emergency and violence.
“Protection of victims of armed conflicts involves all activities aimed at ensuring full respect for the rights of individuals and people in accordance with the letter and spirit of the relevant laws such as the IHL, and the refuge law,” Isine added.
The professor, who is also an Editor at the Premium Times Newspaper, stressed that “what journalists can do is to create awareness, foster respect for the rights and dignity of victims of armed conflicts, strive to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices, and avoid portraying victims of armed conflicts in stories as helpless, by painting undignified pictures of gory situations.”
In her remarks, Communications Coordinator, ICRC, Abuja, Aleksandra Matijevic Mosimann said the ICRC has concentrated efforts on providing desperately needed care and support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) across areas affected by armed conflict and violence in Nigeria, by assisting the IDPs in camps as well as those staying with host communities, while also leveraging on international humanitarian law to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and internal violence.
“We speak with all parties to the conflict striving to make them understand and respect the rights of people affected by armed conflict and violence. We also support the training efforts of arms carriers to increase respect of international humanitarian law or other fundamental rules protecting persons in situations of violence,” Mosimann further stated.
In his presentation, Head, Communications, NRCS, Nwakpa Okorie Nwakpa, said “In responding to the consequences of armed violence, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and the ICRC collaborate to provide basic household necessities such as cooking utensils, hygiene items, shelter materials, foods, clothing, beddings and mosquito nets to IDPs, while providing first aid to victims at scenes of conflict or accidents.
He added that vulnerable members of communities affected by armed conflict or violence have also benefited from agricultural implements, seedlings, fertilisers, among others, adding that since 1988, the NRCS and the ICRC have been working to help communities prepare for emergencies.
The Tide learnt that the NRCS has 300 staff in Nigeria and over 800,000 volunteers in offices spread across the country, while ICRC has around 500 staff, including delegates, and operates from nine permanent offices in Abuja, Biu, Jos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Yola, Maiduguri, Mubi and Damaturu and two temporary offices in Monguno and Damboa.
Some 24 journalists drawn from the North, Middle Belt and South participated in the two-day training programme held November 22-23, 2016.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol