United States President, Joe Biden has thrown his weight to a peaceful and transparent general elections in Nigeria.

Speaking after the presidential candidates signed peace accord on Tuesday, February 22, 2023 towards peaceful election, President Biden said, “I commend yesterday’s peace accord in Nigeria, signed by the political parties and candidates running in Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25. By signing this pledge, the parties and candidates have committed to accept the results of the election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, and to support a peaceful transition of power.

He declared that elections are a fundamental part of a functioning democracy, and all Nigerians deserve this chance to choose their future — freely and fairly. “While the United States does not support any single candidate or party, we strongly support a peaceful and transparent process that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.

On election day, I encourage all Nigerians — no matter their religion, region, or ethnicity —to exercise this fundamental freedom and make their voices heard — including young voters, many of whom may be heading to the ballot box for the first time,,” he said.

He stated that the United States stands with the Nigerian people as they chart a path toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future. “I appreciate President Buhari’s firm commitment that the will of the people will be respected. And in the coming days, I encourage voters to remain peaceful and patient as their ballots are tallied, and urge the political parties and candidates to live up to their pledge.”

By sdnonline

The University of Lagos Alumni Association has elected new National Executive Committee that would steer the leadership of the association for the next two years. At a keenly contested election, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, FNSE was elected as President (Worldwide) of the Association.

The e-voting took place on Sunday, December 18, 2022, same day with the association’s 2021 Annual General Meeting, (AGM21), which held in Ikeja, Lagos.

Presenting the results of the election, the Chairman, Electoral Committee, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole said that the electronic voting system was adopted in order to ensure that eligible voters who could not participate in a physical voting exercise were not disenfranchised.

Dr. Olawale-Cole who is also a past President of the Association expressed delight that election was free and fair, noting that the exercise was devoid of any complaint.

The newly elected National Executive Committee also include: Dr. Bala Yesufu, 1st National Vice President, Lady Azuka Azinge, 2nd National Vice President, Chief Adebisi Ogundipe, National Secretary and Mr. Otobong Matthew, Assistant National Secretary.

Others are: Mrs. Funmi Falobi, National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Francis Shonubi, National Social Secretary, Barrister Soni Oghenegare Bobi, National Legal Adviser, Mr. Rasul Taiwo, National Financial Secretary, Mr..Harris Alade, Treasurer and Mr. Owoeye Abayomi, National Internal Auditor. The Ex-Officio are: Prof. Khalid Adekoya, Mr. Lekan Ajisafe, Hon. Olumide Akinola and Dr. Abdul Gbadamosi.

In his inaugural speech President, Worldwide, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE, assured that the new National Executive Committee under his leadership would build on the solid foundation laid by the predecessors and work assiduously to retain members confidence and support.

“We will remain your servant by serving with loyalty, dedication and humility to the highest level of integrity. We will defend the Constitution, Ethos and Ethics of the association. By so doing,u we will build an enduring legacy, with the help and collaboration of all critical stakeholders. In this regard, we will strive to continue with the execution of all projectsu conceived by the previous administration,” he said.

He declared that the vision of the University combines the best of undergraduate education with a strong compliment of distinguished graduate programmes aimed at meeting strategic, national and global needs. “We must assist the university authority to build on this clear and rich history to make UNILAG serve as a national and global model. This vision is not that of an isolated ivory tower, but rather of an institution that is fully engaged with innovative ideas as well as the forces and vicissitudes of a highly globalised world”, he added.

While commending the indelible contributions of the immediate past administration led by Dr. John Momoh, OON, he commended him and other past Presidents, officers and elders of the Association for the attainment of the lofty heights which the University of Lagos Alumni Association has been raised to. Oyedele said the Alumni Association must assist the University Administration by serving as the bridge builder between town and gown.

“As I receive the mantle of leadership of UNILAG Alumni worldwide, the vision of its founders challenge me to work together with my fellow alumni in strictly adherence to its motto: ‘In Deed and in Truth.”

‘On behalf of my colleagues, in whom you have reposed your collective trust, I pledge that our administration shall focus on our people and the Institution. We shall operate an open door policy with a seamless information flow aimed at ensuring robust and constant engagement with all our stakeholders. He further pledged that the new Administration shall continue in the tradition of transparency and accountability laid by its predecessors.

“While assuring that the administration will be focused on its set goals and objectives he promised to provide a conducive atmosphere for reconciliation, healing and unity so that together the aims and objectives of the Association can be achieved.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, the immediate past President, Dr. John Momoh read out the strides attained by his administration.

While admonishing members to hold fast those values that would never go out of fashion – integrity, character, foresight, competence and dedication; Momoh charged the new national executive to lift the bar beyond wildest dreams.

By sdnonline

In order to reduce the spate of sexual violence against girls in the society, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) has trained adolescent girls on ways to defend themselves from such.

The training which took place at Ikorodu area of Lagos State had in attendance, 30 adolescents. The programme was with support from Canada, Women’s Rights and Health Project, and Actionaid.

Speaking at the programme, the facilitator, Mrs. Elizabeth Samuel declared that self defense is the act of defending oneself from getting harm which include fighting back, boxing and karate. Or anything we do, say or believe that keeps one safe.

In keeping safe, she enjoined the participants to report to elderly person or authority that someome.is bothering them.

“You can say or yell leave me alone; tell a teacher or report to an elderly or authority when someone is bothering you,” she said.

She identified five person weapons that every individual possesses which include the spirit, mind, eyes, voice and body (SMEVG).

While explaining the types of assault to include verbal, intimidation and physical assault; she however informed that to defend themselves, the girls must know the stages of fighting stance.

“When you stand normally, being pushed is inevitable but to defend oneself, you must stand in the fighting stance which prevents you from falling and getting hurt,” she stressed.

While demonstrating the fighting stance, she urged the participants in the use of their voice.
“Finally, you are going to yell ‘No’ in a real life situation and when you say ‘No’ it should be firm and not squeaky from the throat,” she advised.

By sdnonline

The University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) will hold its annual Dinner and Awards night on December 3, 2022

The venue of the event is De Rembrandt Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

This year, new categories of awards have been introduced to appreciate illustrious members – individuals and sets – who have contributed immensely to the development of the department and the growth of the association.

The new categories include Grand Star Award, for that individual who has stood out over time in contributing to the development of the department.

Close Knit Award is for the set or class that has a close-knit association. Members look out for each other, building a family bond and connection, donating to support our Alma Mater.

There will also be special recognition awards for 10 veterans.

Regular categories of award include: Broadcast Journalist of the year, Public Relations Professional of the year, Advertising Professional of the year, Print Journalist of the year, Online Professional of the year, Lecturer of the year, UMCAAite of the year and Most Participatory set of the year.

According to Pastor Eniola Mayowa, Chairman, Award Sub-Committee, the 2021 dinner and awards was big and loud but this year’s would be bigger and better.

Addressing the alumni, she said: “You have seen the sights and sounds of 2021 dinner and awards, 2022 edition promises to be bigger and better. You will have to do the nominations. And it is more awards and recognitions. It is a beautiful way to end the year.”

Elder Tunde Awobiyi, Chairman of the Dinner and Awards Committee stated that the 2022 dinner and awards will be bigger and colourful, an unforgettable event that reunites old folks. “This year dinner will be different and special because it will be 3-in-1 event: the dinner proper, swearing in of the new exco and awards for deserving UMCAAites,” he said.

Established in 1966, the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos is one of the oldest in the country. It boasts of many of Nigeria’s finest journalists, educators, administrators and leading media professionals who dot the nation’s communication and media industry.

By sdnonline

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on governments at all levels to fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety of journalists by investigating all attacks against media practitioners as well as prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of such attacks.

The organisation said this would send a strong signal to those who attack journalists that they can no longer do so with impunity while also giving the media the confidence to carry out their functions without fear.

MRA made the call at a press conference organised to commemorate the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists and the 10-year anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which was endorsed by the UN Chief Executives Board, the highest-level coordination mechanism in the UN system.

In his address, MRA’s Programme Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, reminded the government that the security of citizens is one of its primary functions and urged the Federal Government to develop and adopt robust mechanisms to protect journalists and ensure their safety and security.

Attacks against Journalists

Noting that 10 years after the UN came out with the Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, Nigeria has not taken any concrete action to stem the spate of attacks against journalists and the media in the country, he said “the increasing level of attacks against media practitioners and organisations in the country was shocking and ought to be a source of concern for everyone.

” MRA has recorded and documented dozens, even hundreds, of attacks against journalists over the years and is yet to hear of any instance where a journalist has been killed in Nigeria and a serious investigation was conducted and the perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.”

He challenged the government to cite any attack on journalists or the media that it has seriously investigated and share with the public the outcome of any such investigation, including details of those arrested and prosecuted for the offence.

Since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999 to date, MRA has collated and documented cases of 19 journalists killed and in none of these killings has the Federal Government investigated, arrested, prosecuted or brought any of the perpetrators to justice.

“In the last one year alone, MRA collated and documented over 47 incidents of attacks against journalists, media workers and media houses, and in the course of their work, journalists are arrested and detained, assaulted and beaten, abducted, have their equipment and gadgets confiscated and, in some cases, destroyed, have their operations disrupted among other form of attacks,” he said.

Police brutality against Journalists

Longe noted that MRA’s records showed that men of the Nigerian Police are the major perpetrators of the attacks against journalists as the organisation had documented over 15 of such incidents in which they were the perpetrators, with armed hoodlums and political thugs coming a close second.

He said it was ironic that the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement and security agents that Nigerians should be relying on to protect journalists and the media from attacks by political thugs and other bad actors are themselves the worst culprits.

He expressed concern that the Police are also being frequently used to harass and intimidate journalists and other media workers by the rich and powerful who are uncomfortable with the media beaming the searchlight on them and their activities.

He noted that in the last six months, MRA has recorded at least six such incidents where journalists were accused of criminal defamation, cyberstalking or such other offence by the law enforcement agencies acting on the biddings of politicians.

Reminding the government that the world is moving away from criminalising expression and as such journalists should not be arrested, detained or charged to court over stories and reports that they have published, he noted that the Police continue to use the provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 to charge journalists and other Nigerians with cyberstalking despite the fact that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has declared the provision to be a violation of the right to freedom of expression.

Longe described the continued use of the provision of the Cybercrimes Act to harass journalists and other citizens as a brazen disregard for the decision of the ECOWAS Court, a violation of Nigeria’s treaty obligations and an unjustifiable disrespect for the court.

He therefore called on members of the public to take an interest in the safety of journalists and do everything within their power to help protect them and take action to ensure that those who attack them are brought to justice.