The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria, has announced a Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The one-day conference is in collaboration with the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

The programme, themed: “Responsible Media, Drug-Free Nigeria: The Journalist’s Role in Prevention and Advocacy,” will hold on Thursday, 25th June, 2026, at 10:00 am, at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

The initiative is designed to equip journalists, editors, publishers, bloggers, broadcasters, and digital media practitioners with the knowledge and practical tools needed to report accurately, ethically, and responsibly on drug abuse, substance use disorders, mental health, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies.

The programme aligns with the global objectives of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, to strengthen action and cooperation toward achieving a world free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

According to the organisers, substance abuse remains one of the most pressing public health and social challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly among young people. The media, therefore, has a critical responsibility to inform, educate, shape public attitudes, challenge harmful narratives, and amplify evidence-based prevention efforts.

The capacity-building programme will feature presentations by experts in substance use prevention, mental health, public health advocacy, law enforcement, and journalism. Participants will engage in discussions on responsible reporting, fact-based storytelling, stigma reduction, prevention communication, and strategic advocacy aimed at supporting national and community-level responses to drug abuse.

NOMA Chairperson, Theresa Moses, stated that journalists occupy a unique position in influencing public perception and promoting positive behavioural change.

“The media is more than a channel for information; it is a powerful force for education, advocacy, and social transformation. Through responsible reporting and strategic storytelling, journalists can help prevent substance abuse, support recovery efforts, and contribute meaningfully to building safer and healthier communities,” she said.

She further noted that as gatekeepers of information and shapers of public discourse, media professionals have a responsibility to ensure that reporting on drug-related issues is accurate, balanced, evidence-based, and free from stigma, while highlighting prevention, treatment, and recovery pathways.

The event is expected to bring together journalists, media executives, government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, youth advocates, researchers, students of mass communication, and other stakeholders committed to advancing a drug-free Nigeria.

For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.

Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132, 08165322757 or 09034242439
Email:nomamedia25@gmail.com

A Retired Major-General and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, is dead.

According to the Katsina state government, Abubakar died in bandits’ captivity.

The retired major-general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.

On June 6, a video showing Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and livestock surfaced online.

A statement on Saturday by Nasiru Mu’azu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said Abubakar died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement reads.

“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.

“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.

“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”

The Katsina government added that it remains committed to working with the federal government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.

“We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”

By Henry Ukazu

Dear Destiny Friends,

The power in a name, or inspiration and influence they come with, when properly triggered and applied, cannot be overestimated. Influence and name are powerful, and run pari passu. This is because in the journey of life, there are certain heights one can’t attain even with their resources. And that’s where ‘names’ and influence come in.

One might have all the grades, skills, and knowledge, but getting an opportunity might be difficult. Imagine having a good grade in school, but can’t find a commensurate job. As a matter of fact, someone with less qualification and experience might get the job simply because a man of influence endorsed their candidacy.  That’s why the saying; ‘a good name is better than riches’ is tantamount to a man with access to power is more influential than a man with knowledge but no access.

For one to succeed in our contemporary society, they need a helper who could either be a mentor, benefactor, an inspiration, or someone with influence, or all in one. All these refer to one thing – name. Names are powerful and open doors. A name can serve as an inspiration which can open doors of opportunity for anyone. I remember the day one of my mentors said to me that for his name to be on my resumè, I must earn it. That’s how powerful names can be.

To further buttress how powerful a name can be, let’s consider the following – In 2018, as a budding author, I reached out to one of my mentors, Chief Dele Momodu to give me a column to write in his online newspaper which is considered one of the biggest, if not the biggest online newspaper in Nigeria. He graciously agreed, advising me to be consistent.

Guess what, since that date, I haven’t missed a week. One may be wondering how I have been consistent,; well the answer is not far fetched, I couldn’t imagine failing Chief Dele Momodu. I couldn’t imagine producing articles that are below standard. In all sincerity, assuming someone else without a big name gave me the opportunity, maybe, I wouldn’t have taken it very seriously like I did for Chief Dele Momodu. This goes to tell you names are powerful.

Can you imagine working for the President of the United States of America or Elon Musk? One will almost be perfect. The same energy and detailed attention one pays to President Trump or Elon Musk will be different if given an opportunity to work for an elected council man or a businessman. This is because one would not like to risk a lifetime opportunity to serve with a man of influence.

The importance of inspiration in the life of a progressive man cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs inspiration. Inspiration can come from various angles. It can be from a benefactor, mentor, teacher, parent, friend, a Minister of the gospel, or even one’s child.

Let me share a personal experience I had with another of my mentors – Dr. Joe Abah. In 2025, he organized #fitseptember physical exercise where he advised his followers to do a 30 push for the month of September. Again, in January, he organized #fitjanuary and I actively participated in it, and since then I haven’t missed one single day without exercising for at least ten minutes. Why is this analysis important? The name Dr. Joe Abah is a household name in Nigeria social-political space. Assuming it was a regular person who made the announcement on X, the comment wouldn’t have attracted the kind of attention that made it go viral.

Furthermore, it is worthy of note that there are five kinds of authority when it comes to principle of power in a name. They are; Revealed knowledge, empirical knowledge, rational knowledge, intuitive knowledge and authoritative knowledge. The focus here is on authoritative knowledge.

One may be wondering what authoritative knowledge is. This is a kind of knowledge reserved for those who have expertise on a particular issue or subject matter expert. When such a person speaks, their words are like law.

Let’s talk about men of influence. Men of influence are priceless. According to Apostle Joshua Selman, there are four kinds of destiny helpers: Divine Connectors, Men of Influence, Gifted People, and Burden Bearers. For the sake of this article, I will focus on men of influence. These are gatekeepers, mentors, or established experts with high credibility. Their endorsement or advocacy can override limitations, grant you access to closed doors, and elevate your trajectory.

In summary, honor men, but fear God because men are vessels God uses to bless people and humanity.

Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator.  He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design  and Unleash Your Destiny .  He can be reached via info@gloemi.com