NBC suspension of radio, TV stations’ shutdown order a vindication, wise decision
Media Justice Nigeria (MJN) is excited that after the hues and cries by it and other stakeholders in the media ecosystem, the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) saw reason not to continue in its punitive action of shutting down 53 indebted radio and TV stations across the country, including popular ones like Raypower 100FM, AIT, Silverbird TV and Rhythm FM and others.
Media Justice Nigeria had argued that the NBC’s decision was neither in the best interest of the broadcast industry nor that of Nigeria and her democracy, particularly coming close to an election period. We also argued that the information blackout the shutdown order would generate was counterproductive in a season of high insecurity as Nigeria is currently experiencing. MJN also stated that the dire economic situation that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has plunged the country has direct effect on the inability of these stations to meet up their financial obligations to the NBC, and that allowing them to harvest advertorials that would certainly acrue from the coming election campaigns was a possible window the NBC should explore and not total shutdown that suggest political undertone.
MJN therefore commends the NBC and diverse stakeholders like the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and other well meaning Nigerians that prevailed on the NBC and its Director General, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, to do what is right. However, what MJN finds curious is why the NBC singled out DAAR Communications Ltd (operator of Raypower 100Fm and AIT) and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for commendation in Ilelah’s statement suspending the shutdown order that says: “We specifically thank DAAR Communications Ltd and Silverbird TV/Rhythm FM for their responses.”
It is on record that these two electronics media organisations are owned by opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, a party opposed to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), Malam Ilelah’s employer. While MJN will not push the seeming political motive inherent in Malam Ilelah’s subtle admission any further, MJN wishes to urge the NBC and other media regulators to provide a level-playing field for all media players across board, whether those sympathetic to the APC or those sympathetic to the opposition parties, and not engage in what might hint of a witch-hunt as political campaign season opens next month.
It bears emphasizing again that media is a necessary handmaiden of a virile democracy. Any action that smacks of inhibiting the constitutional powers of the media to discharge its duties to the electorate effectively and efficiently is a clear negation of democratic ideals and the rights of not only the media but the entire citizenry that the media serves, as the citizens deserve the right to be informed at all times. MJN expects and urges the NBC and other regulators in the media ecosystem to exercise restraint in the discharge of their statutory duties to the media industry and its practitioners. That is the minimum condition that will enable MJN to provide regulators needed encouragement and support in carrying out their functions.
About Media Justice Nigeria
Media Justice Nigeria is a pro-media NGO with the clear mandate of protecting the rights of journalists, media practitioners and media establishments in Nigeria. This includes those in print, electronics and social media. It offers protection for the right of media practitioners (journalists) to freely practise their trade without molestation, violation or undue interference from whatever source, whether governmental or individuals. It provides access to justice for media practitioners whose rights are being violated. It is also the mandate of Media Justice Nigeria to educate the public on the important roles the media play and how the work of journalists helps to shape the democratic process and principles and good governance in Nigeria and across the world.
Dr. Abigail Adesina Olagbaye, CEO Desigo Tourism Development and Facility Management Company Ltd and founder, Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, a seasoned tourism practitioner with 23 years of experience (out of which 21 years have been in Tourism), has announced her candidacy for President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), the oldest and premier tourism trade Association in Nigeria.
With a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainable growth, Dr. Olagbaye is poised to transform Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
” Her vision is to re-position ATPN as the leading voice for Nigeria’s tourism development,” Dr. Olagbaye stated. “I’m committed to empowering our members with the training, resources, and networking opportunities they need to excel in their careers and elevate industry standards.”
Dr. Olagbaye’s campaign focuses on five key objectives:
– Strengthening Industry Partnerships: Fostering collaborations and alliances that drive growth and development.
– Capacity Building: Providing training, resources and opportunities to enhance professionalism.
– Advocacy: Amplifying the voice of tourism practitioners in Nigeria and beyond.
– Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems both domestically and internationally.
– Improved Member Benefits: Enhancing the overall experience for ATPN members.
Additional initiatives to consider include:
– Faith-based International Conference Tourism: Tapping into the MICE potential of faith-based tourism.
– Medical Tourism: Promoting Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence.
– Sports Tourism: Leveraging sports to drive tourism growth.
– Language Training: Enhancing language skills to improve tourist experiences.
– Youth Tourism: creating opportunities for youths to be actively engaged in Tourism leveraging their potentials, talents and energies and enabling them to benefit from the socio-economic opportunities that tourism offers.
– Agro Tourism: Develop agro-tourism as a sub-sector of Tourism through partnerships and collaboration with the ministry of agriculture to ensure regulatory support, international organisations for cross pollination of ideas and knowledge transfer and capacity building, encourage our members to organise more farm stays, rural tours, food tourism events for more authentic experiences. Advocate for infrastructural development for rural roads and other amenities. Collaborate with locals for sustainability and inclusion.
To further enhance Nigeria’s tourism industry, Dr. Olagbaye plans to create robust social media platforms for the association. This will enable people at home and abroad to access tourism companies in Nigeria with international standard websites and social media focusing on major sites.Social media being an essential tool for promoting tourism.
As the pioneer of initiatives like Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and Africa Tourism Day, a nouveaux initiative in Africa which she started in 2020 in collaboration with the African Tourism Board, now in its 5th edition, Dr. Olagbaye has demonstrated her passion for sustainable tourism practices and her ability to drive meaningful change. “I invite fellow tourism practitioners to join me in transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape,” she concluded.
In a move that underscores her commitment to excellence, Sade Balogun, the mastermind behind Redbrick Homes International Limited and Amen City Ltd, has introduced TIARA Estates and Amen Estate Phase 3, expanding the renowned Amen City in a big way!
Situated in the picturesque Ibeju-Lekki area, Amen City has become synonymous with luxury and elegance. The launch of TIARA and TIARA 2.0 by Amen City Ltd soon after Amen Estate Phase 3 is set to elevate this community to new heights.
With its refined homes and superior amenities, the TIARA series embodies royalty and opulence. Amen Phase 3 enhances the living experience with modern architecture and top-tier facilities.
A nearby hospital at Amen Estate Phase 2 offers swift healthcare access, contributing to residents’ peace of mind. This proximity to medical facilities is especially important in emergencies, ensuring that help is always close by.
A large supermarket within the estate provides convenience for everyday shopping, eliminating the need for long trips to distant markets. The presence of excellent schools nearby ensures quality education for children, making it an ideal location for families. The coastal road that reduces travel time to Victoria Island to under 40 minutes makes Amen City a practical choice for professionals who need to commute to the city.
The estate 24-hour light supply from a dedicated turbine engine ensures uninterrupted power, which is a significant benefit for those seeking reliable energy solutions.
Sade Balogun’s innovative vision has transformed Amen City into a model of luxury living and community development. This expansion marks another milestone in her illustrious career, reinforcing Amen City’s status as a premier investment destination. With her ability to foresee market trends and deliver projects that exceed expectations, Sade Balogun continues to set new standards in Nigerian real estate.
In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.
Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.
This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?
At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.
The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.
She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.
Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.
Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.