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Outcries as NBC Suspends Operating Licence of AIT, RayPower FM

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The operating licence of DAAR Communications Plc, operators of African Independent Television (AIT), RayPower FM and Faaji FM, has been suspended by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Director General of the media watchdog in Nigeria, Mr Isa’aq Modibbo, said at a briefing in Abuja on Thursday that the suspension was till further notice.

He accused the broadcast platforms of going against the broadcasting codes of the NBC and that owners of the stations failed to make corrections even when they were warned several times in the past.

However, the decision of the NBC to shut down AIT and RayPower FM has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some see it as long overdue, others view it as an attempt to gag the media, especially those critical of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in a statement demanded immediate revocation of the suspension order of the licenses of DAAR Communication Plc.

In a statement signed by its President, Mrs Funke Egbemode, and General Secretary, Mrs Mary Atolagbe, the Guild described the action of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as a “case of Executive highhandedness,” adding “it paints our dear country in the darkest tar of dictatorship,” adding that the suspension order “runs contrary to the ideals of free speech and the fine tenets of press freedom.”

“The Fourth Estate of the Realm remains the watchdog of society and any attempt to gag it in any guise is an affront on democracy and the people. The NBC must and should rescind this ignoble and despicable decision.

“The Guild strongly believes the NBC action is a draconian form of regulation, being out of tune with democratic principles.

“The Guild is concerned about the violation of the constitutional rights of DAAR Communications and the absence of media freedom, independence and the stifling of operations of media outfits which are performing their roles as the watchdog of the Nigerian society.

“The NGE condemns in strong terms the barbaric crackdown on the broadcast outfit and demands the immediate cessation of this atrocious repression and excessive show of power by the NBC, whose duty is to regulate and not kill the media.

“Muzzling the media and throwing thousands of Nigerians into the already saturated labor market should not be the trophy for good corporate governance of a regulator; it is something to be ashamed of and NBC should be ashamed at its action in a fledgling democracy in the 21st Century.

“The Guild is strongly of the opinion that the NBC, in exercising its regulatory powers, should concentrate on implementing policies that will position Nigeria’s broadcasting to compete in the global spheres, rather than engage in witch-hunting and unnecessary show of excessive force,” the statement said.

While appealing to President Buhari to use his good offices to call NBC to order, the Guild expressed its solidarity with the AIT/Raypower family, urging the staff and management to remain calm as the Guild liaises with and other media professionals as well as well meaning Nigerians to get justice.

A Senator in the immediate past 8th National Assembly, Mr Shehu Sani, said, “The suspension of @AIT_Online is an utterly condemnable act.The suspension is politically motivated.Its an act of ingratitude & treachery to strangulate the very media outlet that has played a pivotal role in the struggle for the restoration and defense of democracy.”

A former Minister of Aviation and former presidential media aide, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, while reacting to the issue, said, “AIT shut down! I warned Nigerians in 2015 and I was maligned and hated for it. I warned Nigerians in 2019 and I was ignored, despised and ostracised for it. Even now Nigerians still don’t know the nature of the monster that plagues and afflicts them. The worst is yet to come.”

Mr Reno Omokri, a former media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, said, “First they came for the Legislature (@BukolaSaraki), we did nothing. Next they came for the Judiciary (CJN Walter Onnoghen), we said nothing. Now, they have come for the Press (@AIT_Online). Will you still do NOTHING? Please RETWEET to reject #ReturnToDictatorshipInNigeria.”

Also, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce said, “I stand for #PressFreedom. If the press isn’t free, it means Government therefore possesses more power over her citizens than it needs to have. #AITUnderSiege.”

However, Ms Lauretta Onochie, a social media aide to the President Buhari, has hailed the decision of the NBC to shut down AIT and RayPower, saying, “Nigerians must begin to speak up against those who break our laws. We must insist that enforcement agencies ensure consequences are meted out to those who are accustomed to impunity. Thats d way forward. Kudos NBC!”

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Oyo Rehabilitates Agbowo Road, Three Others

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Agbowo road Ibadan

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Four major roads are being rehabilitated by the Oyo State government to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility.

The chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Mr Busoye Ogunlade, in a statement in Ibadan last Friday, said the roads should be completed in less than eight weeks.

The roads include Bashorun Oluwo-nla road, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji road.

“Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repairs on other roads will commence soon,” Mr Ogunlade said, advising commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.

The OYSROMA chief said the ongoing rehabilitation was based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads, noting that the move is in line with the commitment of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized Engineers, through direct labour to these sites,” he said, adding that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the agency has gone across all zones and picked critical roads that need rehabilitation across the state.

“This is borne out of the complaints we received during zonal town hall meetings from residents of the state. Our Engineers have swung into action and have taken measurements of critical roads,” he said.

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UNILAG Honours AXA Mansard Chairman Kola Adesina With Doctoral Degree

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kola adesina unilag

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The chairman of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr Kola Adesina, has been bestowed with an honourary doctorate degree by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The prestigious higher institution of learning said the degree was given to the prominent Nigerian businessman because of his exceptional contributions as a “globally renowned entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning academia, finance, trade, diplomacy, and the energy sector.”

The conferment ceremony at UNILAG’s main auditorium last week was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, including academia, finance, and industry, who gathered to honour Mr Adesina’s remarkable achievements and contributions.

The chief executive of AXA Mansard, Mr Kunle Ahmed, lauded Mr Adesina’s virtues and emphasised that the honorary degree is a testament to his exemplary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Mr Adesina’s visionary approach has been pivotal in driving our company’s success and positively influencing our ambition to transition from a payer to a partner.

“We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” Mr Ahmed remarked.

Also, the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, congratulated her chairman on the recognition, noting that it underscores Mr Adesina’s significant impact in Nigeria and Africa’s growth and development.

“As a business, we have greatly benefited from Mr Adesina’s vast expertise and wealth of experience. His outstanding leadership and dedication to our nation’s progress are truly remarkable.

“We are immensely proud to be associated with him and celebrate this milestone. We believe this honour will inspire Mr Adesina to continue being a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape,” she stated.

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20,000 Nigerian Armed Forces Personnel to Receive Consumer Credit

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Nigerian Armed Forces

By Adedapo Adesanya

As part of initiatives to celebrate the just concluded Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (Credicorp) has kicked off a consumer credit fund for personnel of the armed forces in a partnership with Fewchore Finance.

The scheme aims to benefit 20,000 armed forces personnel in its first phase.

This fund – kicking off with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day – advances President Bola Tinubu’s vision to extend consumer credit access to over 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030.

This demonstrates a specific commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian soldiers who protect and serve the nation.

Via affordable consumer credit, members of the Armed Forces can now acquire life-enhancing household assets and meet immediate financial challenges – and at even better terms for locally manufactured goods.

According to a press release, the programme aims to ease their financial burden, boost morale, and enhance the well-being of their families, most of whom they leave for the battlegrounds.

President Tinubu has long championed the welfare of uniformed personnel, and this initiative reflects his commitment to creating meaningful support systems.

“This programme shows Mr. President’s commitment to supporting those who protect and serve our nation,” said Mr Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of Credicorp. “By making credit accessible to armed forces personnel, we not only honor their service but also advance the President’s goal of using consumer credit for much better lives.”

On his part, the chief executive of Fewchore Finance, Mr Sunkanmi Balogun, added, “We are proud to support the courageous men and women of the armed forces. At Fewchore Finance, we have a long-standing relationship with the Armes Forces and remain committed to creating solutions that address real needs.”

The initiative, starting with a first phase targeting 20,000 beneficiaries, will involve all branches of the armed forces.

Phased implementation will ensure equitable access, coordinated with the respective Accounts and Budget departments of the forces.

The programme launched at the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day carries deep symbolic meaning, showcasing the nation’s gratitude and dedication to the brave men and women who protect its peace and security.

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