Personality in Focus
Campaigning Against Fake News is Major Way of Supporting Govt – Kawugana
…calls on media to sensitize Nigerians to be productive citizens
The Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment, Brigadier General Sale Kawugana has said that fake news is the major source of insecurity in the country and the citizens are the major victims.
Gen. Kawugana stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) led by its President, Mr. Samson Oki and other Executive members.
He expressed joy and satisfaction with the visit especially at a time the country is going through enormous security hiatus coupled with the need to give balanced reportage of events as it happened without biase or sentiment.
The Commander noted that as an Army, they are always ready to discharge its responsibilities adding that there are some people with different mindset whose motives are inimical to the peace and progress of the country.
“I am excited to receive you today and most importantly, your visit is timely due to the security situation of the country. As the fourth estate of the realm, I want to solicit for more supports in covering so many areas especially regulating the relationship between journalists and the society; giving clear and unbiased reportage and setting agenda for the society.
“I appreciate your support and solicits for more from you ranging from rededicating yourself to sensitizing Nigerians to be productive with a view to giving positive reorientation that would make responsible citizens.
“As journalists, I urge you to help in exposing illegal online outlets that generate and spread fake news,” he emphasized.
While tasking members of the Association further, the Commander averred that “In your capacity of advising the government and the governed, also support the government to campaign against fake news as fake News is a major source of insecurity and the governed is the victim,” he reiterated.
Appreciating the contribution of the media to nation building, Brig Gen Kawugana promised to “build robust as well as sustain Civil-Military relationships; work with the grassroots as intelligence comes from the society.
“One of my cardinal agenda is to release hotlines for people to call and report what’s happening in their domain and the army would investigate and take action accordingly. Nigerian Army has proven to be the pride of the nation, because government comes and go, but the Army remains the government of the people.
“Where there are negative things, check on us for clarification. We would be responsible partners in progress. At this point, collaboration is not optional but a necessity. Nigerian Army and the press must work together for the benefit of our country,” Brig Gen Kawugana emphasized.
On his part, the President of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Mr Samson Oki observed that as security news publishers, there is the need to collaborate with the brigade considering its strategic position at managing security architecture in Lagos State.
He observed that as reputable online publishers, emphasis is placed on standards, balanced and credible reportage of events as it happens rather than engaging in sensationalism or cooked up stories that are not factual or without sources.
“We assure you that we would always do comprehensive reports of your activities and other military activities. We are conscious of balanced reports hence we seek for your mutual cooperation to have access to confirm developing stories. We are grateful for the kind of cooperation our members have had from the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Kolawole Bello.
Oki, however, cautioned the youths to respect constituted authorities considering that what played out during the #EndSARS protest that was hijacked by hoodlums and inflicted the state and other parts of the country with huge destruction of both private and government properties was an unfortunate development in our history as a nation.
Similarly, NAOSNP President used the opportunity to call on his colleagues in the media to shun and refrain from sensational stories that could heat up the polity especially at this time Nigerian military is battling with terrorist sects, bandits, Kidnappers and other Organised Crimes.
While commending the Nigerian Army for dismantling, overwhelming the terrorists despite their ferociousiness, a member of the Advisory Board of NAOSNP, Okosun Dennis emphasized the need to support the Army vigorously to conquer every enemy that has stood against the peace of the nation.
Reiterating that there has never been a time in history apart from the years of Nigerian Civil War that the Nigerian Army was stressed beyond its elasticity, adding that the dexterity and commitments of officers and men, collectively has galvanised to the enduring peace we are still enjoying as a people.
Principal Staff officers of the Command present during the visit were the Chief of Staff, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Colonel I.O Amah, the Intelligence Officer, Major A.A Akinola, the Assitant Director Army Public Relations, (ADAPR), Major Kolawole Bello, the Operations Officer, Major T. Emuren and the Provost, Captain A Lawal
On the part of NAOSNP were the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Theresa Moses, Eric Elezuo, Mrs Olushola Okunlade and Mr Friday Etim.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
