Connect with us

News

Guild of Editors urges Senate to discontinue Nigerian Press Council Bill

Published

on

The Standing Committee, Nigerian Guild of Editor have risen from their meeting in Lagos after assessing the state of the Nation.

In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the Committee took particular note of the Nigerian Press Council Act 1992 (Repeal and Enactment Bill 2018) which is currently before the Senate and has passed second reading.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors vehemently condemns the bill which seeks to criminalise journalists and journalism practice, takes away the power of the law courts and usurps the constitutional duties of academic institutions and regulatory agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Guild, according to the communiqué signed by Funke Egbemode, President and Victoria Ibanga, General Secretary, observes that those behind this bill have been unrelenting in their quest to cage the media under different guises, as the bill has come up under different administrations since 1961. This bill bears a semblance of the obnoxious Decree 4 of 1984 and Decree 43 of 1993.

“The Guild is piqued that the Senate could bring such a bill to the fore in spite of a subsisting court case on the same subject without minding that it is subjudice.

“The Guild frowns at the attempt by the promoters of the bill to arrogate to the council the powers to decide which training institutions and professional qualifications attained there from, should be acceptable for journalism practice in Nigeria. This clearly abrogates the mandates of relevant accrediting bodies.

“The Guild wonders why the sponsors of this bill are fixated on muzzling the press using draconian laws which are clearly targeted at making the watchdog toothless. Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, are clear on the role of the media.

“The Guild perceives this bill as provocative, primitive, anti-people and anti-press freedom at a time when advocacy for free press is gaining stridency across the world.

“It is noteworthy that there is nothing in this bill that shows how the council intends to create an enabling environment for the media to thrive as it is the case in other sectors of the economy.

“This is particularly galling at a time the media industry is in dire straits.

“The sponsors of this bill are clearly undemocratic and appear to suffer illusion of grandeur. They seemed to be totally oblivious of the fact that the media houses are businesses set up with investments apart from being the fourth estate of the realm.

“The Guild condemns the bill in its entirety and will never nominate any of its members to serve in a council that seeks to cage the media, destroy the profession and criminalise journalists.

“Indeed, it is the opinion of the Guild that this bill should be consigned to the dustbin where it rightly belongs”, the communiqué said.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Continue Reading

News

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Arrive Nigeria Today, May 10th

Published

on

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex came into Nigeria for a private visit following an invitation by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, said the founder of Invictus Games will spend three days in Nigeria and would interact with wounded soldiers and their families.

He said the visit scheduled from 10th to 13th May 2024 would help wounded soldiers in their recovery efforts.

Marquis said: “Because we realised that 80 per cent of our soldiers have been involved in this recovery programme, they are getting better.

“Their outlook on life is positive. You know, when you are engaged in, you experience a permanent disability, you know, issues, it affects your mental health and also your outlook on life.”

Prince Harry and Meghan who are already in Nigeria, First made a visit to children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria.

Here are pictures.

Prince Harry and Meghan at Light Academy In abuja

Continue Reading

News

RIMA Foundation Clocks 20 Years

…as the founder, Dr. Oyedokun clocks 50!

Published

on

Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun of RIMA Foundation
Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun

RIMA Foundation is set to mark two decades of promoting access to information, raising public consciousness on the need for proper management and security of records and information, and encourages the overall development of the information management community for the benefit of humanity and the industry.

Today, virtually all organizations, regardless of size, possess and manage a legacy of records and information, accumulate a rapidly growing store of records/information, and anticipate a future that is mostly, but not entirely, electronic. 

It’s estimated that more than 90% of the records/information being created today are electronic. 

Coupled with the overwhelming growth of electronic messages – most notably e-mail and instant messaging – the management of records/information has become a critical business and social issue. 

How that information is managed has significant business, legal, and technology ramifications. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what medium is used to create, deliver, or store records/information when determining if content is a record and should be managed accordingly. 

Now, individuals and organizations also produce a vast range of important records/information – such as letters, reports, emails, marketing materials, studies, engineering drawings, handwritten consultation notes, and committee minutes – all of which constitutes an organization’s memory of its processes and procedures, and its knowledgebase of its expertise, experience, and specializations.

For this reason, Records and Information Management Awareness Foundation (RIMA Foundation), was established as a brainchild of Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun, the founder / chairman – Board of Directors at The International University of Information Management [IUIM], who is also celebrating his 50th birthday.

RIMA foundation’s drive is to bring together knowledge and create awareness about information management and security to improve the information management/security awareness globally thereby promoting transparency and accountability in both public and private organisations. 

“For many organizations and individuals, records/information will continue to be important for as far ahead as they can see even though they will rely increasingly on knowledge management technology”, Dr. Oyedokun said.

RIMA Awards now International Management Merit [IDMM] Awards 

The Foundation has also set up plans to appreciate the data​ & information management community through the International Management Merit [IDMM] Awards. 

Coincidentally, Dr Ayodeji Oyewole Oyedokun will be marking his 50th birthday – it is a double celebration for him!

Formerly known as the RIMA Awards, this esteemed event celebrates excellence and innovation in Data, Information, Content, Archives, Records, Document Management & Security.

Since its inception in 2005, the RIMA Awards have been the beacon of recognition, highlighting outstanding efforts in promoting proper management and security of records and information. 

As the largest event of its kind in Africa, these awards symbolize excellence and innovation in the IM, IT, and business world.

“By recognizing these efforts, we aim to emphasize the importance of effective records and information management systems, which are crucial for improved decision-making, operational efficiency, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements”, he said.

Continue Reading

News

Ekiti Students Caught On Camera Bullying A Fellow Student, Have Been Expelled

Published

on

The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) has expelled two of its students filmed assaulting a female colleague.

A video recently went viral on social media of a student hitting her fellow student with a stick that was handed to her by another student. The bully had kept insinuating that she would draw blood from her victim.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Temitope Akinbisoye, in a statement released, said the students caught in the video were summoned on Monday, May 6 and were meted the appropriate punishment for their actions

”In accordance with our institution’s policies and extant regulations, the students who were captured in the viral video appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee at its emergency meeting held on Monday, May 6, 2024, for interrogations and appropriate recommendations, the report of which has been submitted to the University authorities.

The University authorities condemn in strong terms, any form of violence or misconduct in our University or by any of our constituents. Such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the values we uphold and the standards of respect and dignity that we expect from all members of our University.

Miss Opemiposi Precious BOLAJI with Matriculation No. 10232, a 100L Mass Communication student who was beating her colleague with a stick and threatening to inflict bodily harm on her for allegedly destroying her 3-year old love affair with her boyfriend was found guilty of misconduct and flagrant breach of her matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect.

Miss Genesis OSARO, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10257, who provided the stick with which Gloria AJAYI was beaten, was found guilty of misconduct (as an accomplice) and flagrant breach of her Matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect.

Miss Gloria AJAYI, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10295, who was seen being beaten in the viral video but did not retaliate or engage in fisticuffs with her tormentors, was EXONERATED.“

Continue Reading

Trending