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.
By NOMA
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has celebrated Mr. Olakunle Aderinokun on his 55th birthday, describing him as a distinguished strategic communications expert and media professional whose nearly three-decade career continues to shape Nigeria’s communications and business landscape.
In a statement by Theresa Moses, Chairperson, NOMA highlighted Aderinokun’s current role as Head, Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings Plc, where he leads group-wide media strategy, executive communications, crisis management, and corporate reputation positioning across local and international markets.
The Alliance noted that his ability to align corporate narratives with business strategy, stakeholder expectations, and regulatory realities has strengthened institutional credibility and public trust.
Aderinokun’s career reflects a unique blend of journalism, financial services, and corporate leadership. He spent 24 years at THISDAY Newspapers, rising to the position of Group Business Editor and Associate Editor, where he played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s business journalism ecosystem. He later served as Editor, Business at ARISE News Channel, further consolidating his reputation for editorial excellence and impactful storytelling.
Throughout his journalism career, he covered critical sectors including banking, capital markets, energy, aviation, and macroeconomics, engaging directly with top policymakers, regulators, and corporate leaders. His extensive international exposure includes participation in global platforms such as the IMF-World Bank Meetings, African Development Bank Meetings, TICAD in Japan, the Nigeria-China Business Forum, Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, and Vaasa Energy Week in Finland.
Beyond journalism, Aderinokun brings strong financial and investment expertise, having worked with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Wall Street Trust Company (now WSTC Financial Services), where he handled equity analysis, market research, and investment advisory. This foundation, NOMA noted, has enabled him to effectively bridge financial performance with strategic communication outcomes.
An entrepreneur, he founded Pure Synergy Ltd in 2013, a firm focused on reputation management and strategic communications, and later served as CEO of Excite Enterprise Ltd, an online business solutions platform.
In the public sector space, Aderinokun served as Media Adviser to Senator Tokunbo Abiru in 2020, where he led media strategy and publicity for the Lagos East Senatorial campaign, contributing to its successful outcome.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Pure and Applied) from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from the University of Lagos, complemented by executive education at Lagos Business School and professional training with the World Bank Institute, NIPR, and Standard Bank Group, South Africa. He also holds multiple professional certifications across public relations, banking, marketing, and digital communications.
NOMA described him as a quintessential, multifaceted professional whose career embodies excellence, innovation, and leadership.
“Olakunle Aderinokun represents the very best of strategic communication and media practice in Nigeria. His journey is not only inspiring but also instructive for the next generation of professionals navigating the evolving media and corporate landscape,” the statement read.
As he marks his 55th birthday, NOMA commended his enduring contributions and wished him continued success, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his visionary leadership and reform-driven approach to policing in Nigeria.
In his birthday remarks, Dr. Ogunsan described the IGP as a “distinguished officer whose career has consistently reflected professionalism, courage, and a deep commitment to public safety.”
He noted that since assuming office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police early this Year 2026, Disu has demonstrated a clear resolve to reposition the Nigeria Police Force towards greater efficiency and public trust.
Dr. Ogunsan particularly praised the IGP’s emphasis on intelligence-led policing, a strategy aimed at enhancing proactive crime detection and prevention, as well as his push for the integration of digital tools and forensic capabilities into police operations. These reforms, he said, signal a shift towards modern, accountable, and citizen-focused policing.
He further highlighted Disu’s decisive steps to strengthen the state policing agenda and officers’ welfare. He praised him for the effective policing model through the restructuring and reduction of tactical units, a move designed to address concerns over excesses while redeploying personnel to police divisions for improved community-level security.
The LSSTF boss also acknowledged the IGP’s consistent advocacy for discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the Force, noting that such values are critical to restoring public confidence and enhancing institutional credibility.
Reflecting on his track record, Dr. Ogunsan recalled Disu’s impactful leadership roles across key commands, including the Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory Commands, where he contributed significantly to crime control and intelligence-driven operations.
His tenure as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos is a testament to his operational excellence and urban crime management.
Ogunsan wished the IGP good health, wisdom, and continued success in his efforts to build a more secure Nigeria. “On this special occasion, we celebrate not only a remarkable leader but a reformer whose vision continues to inspire confidence in the security architecture of our nation,” Ogunsan said.
Terrorists in northeast Nigeria killed a brigadier general in an assault on a military base, a local government chairman told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.
Africa’s most populous country has been fighting a terrorist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province.
In an overnight attack, unidentified terrorists killed at least 18 soldiers and torched vehicles at a base in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Borno state capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.
Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.
His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November. He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.
“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.
The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without giving a toll.
The army and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
– Rising terrorist violence –
Researchers have warned of an uptick of violence since 2025.
Borno capital Maiduguri has seen two suicide bombings since December — the type of bloody, urban attacks reminiscent of the insurgency’s peak a decade ago.
On Wednesday, the US State Department said in a notice it was authorising “non-emergency US government employees” to leave Abuja “due to the deteriorating security situation”.
While the insurgency is concentrated in the northeastern countryside, terrorists from Nigeria and the neighbouring Sahel have made inroads western Nigeria, where organised crime gangs known as “bandits” have been raiding villages and extorting farmers and artisanal miners for years.
Gunmen killed at least 90 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, according to an AFP tally of tolls given by local and humanitarian sources.
Among the attacks was an assault in Kebbi state that police blamed a local terrorist group known as Mahmuda, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
Kebbi sits on Nigeria’s border with Benin and Niger and since 2025 has been targeted by a rising number of terrorist attacks.
Conflict monitor ACLED says there has been a surge in violence in the area carried out by militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
In nearby Kwara state, in October, fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM claimed an attack after years of researchers warning that the terrorist conflict ravaging the Sahel risked spreading south towards coastal West African states.
In December, the United States, with Nigerian assistance, bombed northwest Sokoto state, targeting Islamic State Sahel Province fighters usually found in neighbouring Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.
AFP
