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FG urges online publishers to tackle peddlers of fake news

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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris (3rd Left) President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku (1st Left) President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Ms Maureen Chigbo (2nd left) former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (4th left) and the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Ndace (5th left) at the public presentation of “Nigeria Media Renaissance – Perspectives on Online Publishing”, organised by GOCOP in Abuja on Tuesday.
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The Federal Government has called on the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to expose and checkmate the activities of peddlers of fake news in the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call during his remarks at the book launch and fundraiser for GOCOP Media Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

The 11-chapter book, “Nigeria Media Renaissance, GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing”, was collectively written by some members of the Guild.

According to Idris, one of the major challenges of present time, and one that is very relevant to online publishing, is the alarming spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

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He explained that these are not harmless errors, adding that they were threats to public peace, national security, and democratic governance.

“We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in a matter of minutes.

“I am aware that most peddlers of fake news are not members of GOCOP, but it is an additional responsibility on GOCOP to call them out and say, ‘these are not our members’.

“It is not just enough to say they are not our members and therefore everything goes. I think we have to shape the way online platforms operate in Nigeria.

“To address this, the Federal Government has made significant progress toward the take-off of the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute here in Abuja by November 2025.

“Moreso, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press, that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism, truth, fairness, and accountability.

“We want to work with you to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action,” Idris said.

The minister noted that the digital and online media had a critical role to play in nurturing democracy, describing them as “the gatekeepers of information”.

He emphasised that online media shaped public discourse, influence perceptions, expose wrongs and hold leaders accountable.

“But above all, you have a responsibility to promote truth and to be partners in nation-building.

“It is in this context that I welcome the idea of a Media Renaissance; a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values that underpin journalism in the digital age.

“A renaissance, meaning rebirth, critically suggests innovation, grounded in reflection. It is not just about doing new things — it is about doing things better,” Idris said.

Also speaking, the President of GOCOP, Ms Maureen Chigbo, said the event was an opportunity to explain who and what GOCOP was to the world.

“GOCOP is a 120-member group, made up of professional journalists, who have worked in the traditional media, both broadcast and print before transitioning to business owners in the online media community.

“We are determined to entrench professionalism, fight fake news and sanitise the online media space.

“It is à truism that small and profitable businesses are the engine of growth of any economy. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to support our businesses to grow and serve the country better,” Chigbo said.

Meanwhile, the reviewers of the book, Dr Ike Neliaku, President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, said the 11-chapter book brought out seven core elements.

“They include, evidence-based hideographic of online publishing in Nigeria; it underscores the pioneering efforts of online journalists; it provides and chronicles the development of online journalism.

“Also, it provides insight account of how high power politicking, that characterises public institutions and tends to undermine their independence and autonomy.

“It highlights the far reaching implications of political interference on the activities of public institutions in Nigeria.

“It also provides a clear understanding of what online publishing is and enable readers to understand its distinction with social media platforms and underscores the quality of publishers involve in online publishing,” he said.

Those present at the occasion include the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace and many others.

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AFRAA welcomes Enugu Air, strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation growth

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Enugu Air
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The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as Member, extending the Association’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market and reaffirming AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.

This was announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, making Enugu Air the 50th Member of the association, joining the AFRAA airline fraternity, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.

Speaking on the occasion, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.

“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.

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“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”

Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.

“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.

“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Tolu stated.

Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.

The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.

As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

As part of its growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.

Meanwhile, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.

The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where African airlines become key players and drivers of African economic development.

AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators.

The association’s members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.

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Aiyedatiwa appoints 1,004 aides, picks commissioner, three advisers

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Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a fresh round of appointments involving a commissioner, three Special Advisers and 1,000 other aides.

The appointments comprise 90 Senior Special Assistants and 910 Special Assistants, with the governor saying the move is intended to reinforce his administration and improve its reach across the state.

Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, from Akoko North-West Local Government Area, has been nominated as Commissioner for Special Duties. Her nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.

The governor also appointed Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment, Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, and Mr Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport.

Among those named as Senior Special Assistants are Erelu Toyin Ogungbure, Women Mobilisation (South); Bidemi Obayangbon, Forestry; Gboluge Olufunmi Alex, Community Engagement (South); Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Community Engagement (Central); and Obayan Theophilus Ayodeji, Community Engagement (North).

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Others include Kelvin Solomon, Students Affairs; Adeolu Iwakun, Volunteer Services; Samson Job Bazuaye, Oil and Gas; Fade Ojamomi, Youth Empowerment and Job Creation; Sam Adepoju, Public Engagement; and Alhaji Samad Orijeminiyi, Scholarship.

Also appointed are Victor Omodara, Grassroots Mobilisation; Abayomi Adefolalu, Photography; and Alhaji Abdukadiri Adenoyi, Prince Nzuoma Egbulefu and Alhaji Garba Goni, all for Non-Indigenes.

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40 feared dead as boat capsizes in Sokoto

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41 feared dead in Zamfara boat accident
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About 40 people are suspected to have lost their lives after a boat carrying farmers to their rice farms capsized in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred while the victims were crossing a stream to access their farms.

Most of those on board were reportedly children aged between 10 and 15 years.

An eyewitness said more than 70 people were on the boat when it capsized shortly after taking off.

The village head was among those on board but he was reportedly rescued.

“So far, we have recovered about 40 bodies, while six people, including the village head, were rescued,” a local journalist who was at the scene, Sharhabilu Yahuza Kiliya, told our reporter.

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According to him, the victims comprised farm owners and labourers who had been engaged to harvest rice.

“The canoe capsized shortly after take-off. Rescue operations are still ongoing, with local divers searching for those still missing and recovering bodies,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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