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Why Meta Can’t Share Data With Security Operatives -Official

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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Thread and WhatsApp, has said it cannot share user data with law enforcement agents due to its privacy policy.
The Head of Safety Africa, Middle and Turkey at Meta, Sylvia Musalagani, spoke on Tuesday in Lagos during an interactive session at an online safety workshop.
The workshop was organised for civil society organisations and government sexual assault referral centres.
The workshop, titled, ‘Advancing Women and Children’s Safety Online in Nigeria: Image-based Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response’, was organised by a digital safety, rights and society advocacy group, TechSocietal, in partnership with Meta and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its Digital Access Programme in Nigeria.
During discussions on the collaboration of owners of social media platforms with Nigerian law enforcement agencies on data sharing of arrested cybercriminals to ensure prosecution and justice, the Meta representative said the privacy laws of the company prevented it from sharing user data with third parties.
She said, “We are not allowed to share user data. We cannot even share it with law enforcement agents. We are governed by privacy laws that we have to respect. I understand the importance of sharing the data with law enforcement but we have to understand from the other side of things. This is an area where we have to strike a balance when we talk about freedom of expression, safety, and privacy on the Internet.”
She also stressed the need for safety for women and children online, adding that a lot of non-consensual sharing of intimate images mostly affected women.
On Meta’s policies, tools and technologies used to ensure safety for vulnerable groups online, Musalagani stated that platforms such as MyDigitalWorld, and Parents Education Hub, among others, were used to create safety awareness and crime prevention.
She noted that accounts that posted content shared with malicious intent on Meta platforms, were brought down.
Musalagani further stated that Meta was fighting online crimes with policies, sophisticated detection technology and AI, as well as working with centres for missing children and law enforcement agencies.
The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Adedayo Thomas, expressed worry over the low digital literacy that pertained to online safety in sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the participants, the Coordinator of the Ekiti State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, also known as Moremi Clinic, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, noted that the provisions in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act had not been fully tested to bring succour to violated women and children.
She urged advocates for women and children to test the provisions of the acts to bring results.
But the Executive Director of Tech Societal, Temitope Ogundipe, stated that the non-adoption of the VAPP and CRA in some states posed a challenge to the increased successes of the act.
Ogundipe further decried the increasing vulnerability of children and adolescents to online risks due to the widespread use of the internet and digital technologies.
She added, “In Nigeria, a recent report by the Nigeria Communications Commission (2020) revealed that a staggering 90% of 4-16-year-olds in Nigeria have been exposed to cyber risks. Furthermore, women and girls in Nigeria are disproportionately affected by online violence and abuse, including non-consensual image-based sexual abuse, rape threats, cyberstalking, and doxxing. Perpetrators hide behind screens and anonymous profiles, evading accountability and consequences.”

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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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

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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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.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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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

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