General
FG Vows to Give Priority to Local PR Consultants
By Dipo Olowookere
As a way of developing the capacity, skills and the expertise of indigenous public relations consultants in Nigeria, the Federal Government has promised to henceforth give them priority.
Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, made this pledge last Friday when President of Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PR-CAN), Mr John Ehiguese, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja.
Mr Mohammed noted that a policy would soon be adopted by the government to give the right of first refusal to indigenous consultants in its projects.
According to him, even when a foreign consultant is coming into the country, the company must involve indigenous consultants.
He recalled that “at the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, it was hotly debated that in all forms of consultancy we should as a matter of policy insist that no consultant should come without his own Nigerian partner. That way we believe that it will make it easier for us to develop the capacity, skills and the expertise of our home-grown consultants.”
He said when enacted, the policy will not only give impetus to job creation but it will also assist in the development of the capacity of the indigenous consultants.
“When you involve your own consultants in your projects, you are not just taking expert advice, you are also employing people who have already bought into the project and who appreciate the fact that the success of that project is the success of the country.
“We believe in skills and technology transfer but if you don’t give your people a chance, who is going to give them a chance? People argue that the Nigerian consultants don’t have the requisite experience. Even if that is the case, how will they get it if you continue every time to shun them and you prefer foreign consultants? These foreign consultants got to where they got to because they were given the opportunity from their country,” the Minister said.
He said once the policy is active, government ministries and agencies will begin to involve consultants like PR-CAN in their programmes.
Mr Mohammed said even in the development of the “Change Begins With Me” Campaign, indigenous consultants also made their contributions to the project and he expressed the willingness to continue to engage them in the national re-orientation campaign.
In his remarks, the President of PR-CAN, Mr John Ehiguese, sought to make available the skills and expertise of the association to support the government’s policy communication programmes.
“Honourable Minister, the overriding reason for our seeking this audience with you today is to share some of our thoughts and ideas with you on how we, as professionals in the area of strategic communications can, with your assistance, contribute our quota to supporting the numerous policy communication programmes and campaigns which you superintend by virtue of your office,” he said.
He expressed the optimism that the numerous challenges confronting the government can be effectively tackled through effective and proper communication.
Mr Ehiguese expressed the association’s appreciation to the Minister for “the great job you are doing in trying to bring about genuine change in our country, as well as to market the government’s policies and programmes.”
He also extended an invitation to the Minister to serve as Guest Speaker in the 2017 PR-CAN Gold Medal Lecture coming up in Abuja, an invitation which the Minister has accepted.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
For its unwavering commitment to operational excellence and resilience in the face of industry-wide challenges, a leading publication in the energy, oil and gas sector, Energy Times, has named Egbin Power Plc the winner of the Electricity Generation Company of the Year award.
The largest privately-owned thermal power generation company in Nigeria thanked the organisers for the honour, noting that recognition in Nigeria’s power industry is earned through consistent performance rather than visibility.
The energy firm emphasised that despite persistent structural constraints within the sector, its responsibility remains clear in delivering reliable megawatts to the national grid.
The Energy Times Awards took place recently in Ikeja, Lagos, with key stakeholders across the energy value chain in attendance to celebrate excellence and innovation within the industry.
Energy Times, in its citation, commended Egbin Power for its notable improvements in average hourly power generation in 2025, achieved despite industry-wide challenges.
It noted that the organisation sustained commendable output through enhanced operational efficiency, proactive asset management, and a firm commitment to national grid stability, further cementing its strategic importance in Nigeria’s power sector.
While receiving the accolade, Egbin Power said it has made “a deliberate choice to be reliable, disciplined, and performance-driven.”
“This recognition reflects the resilience of our people, the strength of our operations, and our unwavering commitment to powering Nigeria sustainably,” the company said in a statement.
It further highlighted that the award is rooted in measurable outcomes, while acknowledging that much work remains to be done in strengthening the sector.
Egbin Power also reiterated that sustainable power extends beyond generation, stressing the need for an efficient end-to-end electricity value chain where every megawatt generated translates into value delivered and revenue recovered, affirming its commitment to leading industry conversations and setting performance benchmarks through example.
Speaking on the recognition, the chief executive of Egbin Power Plc, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, dedicated the award to the company’s workforce.
“All the credit for this recognition goes to the team, whose dedication, discipline, and determination continue to translate into outstanding results,” he said.
He also acknowledged the board’s unwavering support, noting that strong alignment between governance and management has been critical in consistently raising performance standards.
Mr Bounour further highlighted the role of Sahara Group in driving innovation and sustainability across the business. According to him, the organisation remains focused on creating value for its stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to national development.
“We are not just generating power, we are powering the future. Technology will remain at the heart of this transformation, while sustainability and affordability are not ambitions, they are our standard,” he added.
Sahara Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Sahara Group (Egbin Power’s parent company), was also named the Social Impact Company of the Year for its significant contributions to sustainable development and socio-economic progress in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and across Africa.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The deadline for submission of entries for the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to Saturday, April 25.
A statement from the organisers disclosed that applications remain open via the School of Media and Communication website: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng.
The programme is open to media practitioners and digital content creators working across print, electronic, digital, and social media. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development.
The extension provides additional opportunity for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the highly competitive, fully funded programme, which continues to shape the future of storytelling and media innovation in Africa.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants commencing the programme in May 2026.
The programme will admit an expanded group of 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions. This increase reflects MTN Nigeria’s 25-year milestone and reinforces its sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
As MTN Nigeria marks 25 years of connecting people, the Media Innovation Programme represents a parallel investment in the storytellers shaping how that connection is understood, experienced, and amplified across society. It underscores a deliberate effort to support a vibrant, independent, and forward-looking media industry evolving alongside the digital economy.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), the six-month certificate programme has grown into one of Africa’s most impactful media capacity-building platforms. It equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to lead and innovate within a rapidly changing media and technology landscape.
The programme features academic sessions at PAU, complemented by industry engagements and an international study visit. The international component in South Africa includes sessions at the University of Johannesburg, alongside engagements with leaders across media, business, and policy.
Since its inception, the programme has built a strong alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with participants going on to occupy key roles, launch new platforms, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senate has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to carry out a comprehensive operational and logistical audit following recent attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, Borno State.
The resolution, passed during plenary on Wednesday, mandates an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the assaults, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and adherence to rules of engagement.
The lawmakers also called on the Armed Forces to address any gaps identified in the course of the audit.
The Senate also urged the military to investigate allegations of civilian harm during operations, with a view to ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences.
These decisions followed a motion raised by Mr Tahir Monguno, a Senator representing Borno North, on the urgent need to curb attacks on military formations by Boko Haram insurgents.
Presenting the motion, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of several personnel, including Brigadier General Oseni Braimoh, Colonel Mohammed Isya, Captain A.M. Esmat, Lieutenant Kelvin Festus, and 13 other soldiers.
Mr Monguno noted that repeated attacks on Monguno, described as a strategic garrison town, and Benisheikh, a key location along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, indicate a deliberate effort by insurgents to weaken military operations and disrupt vital humanitarian and commercial routes.
Lawmakers acknowledged the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign, highlighting the loss of personnel in the latest attacks.
They warned that the resurgence of violence against both military installations and civilian communities threatens national security, food systems, and ongoing efforts to resettle internally displaced persons in Borno State.
The Senate underscored the importance of protecting civilians, noting that it remains a fundamental obligation under both national and international humanitarian law and is critical to maintaining public trust.
As part of its resolutions, the chamber condemned the continued attacks by Boko Haram and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen military personnel and affected civilians.
It also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen compliance with rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, including enhanced training on civilian protection.
Other lawmakers like Mr Abdul Ningi called for the suspension of political activities in Benue, Niger, and Sokoto, among other North East states, until the security situation improves.
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